September/October 2024 - 4

EDITOR'S LETTER MEL INDA WALDROP
Vol. 10, No. 5
Automation advances
altering landscape
of processing
Artificial intelligence continues to change the
way the world does business, and the produce
processing sector is no exception.
This issue takes a deep dive into emerging
Melinda Waldrop
Managing Editor
technologies that affect facility operations and
data management, as well as a look at everevolving
labor needs as automation increases.
On page 6, find out what Produce Processing's
latest labor survey reveals about the industry's
workforce needs and challenges - including
its use of the H-2A visa program, subject of a
recent court ruling that drew widespread reaction (page 24).
We've shared news of IoT innovator Wiliot and its game-changing
Visibility Platform in previous pages. In this issue, learn about
the industry disruptor's latest cutting-edge salvo to simplify data
management, and find out how a face familiar to the food industry
is helping guide the company's ultimate goal of making the nation's
food supply easier to trace and safer for consumers. Our update
begins on page 8.
On page 12, learn how both changing regulations and consumer
demand are driving advances in packaging sustainability.
Beginning on page 18, learn how AI advances from trusted
equipment manufacturer TOMRA Food are helping a California
cherry packer refine its sorting processes while reducing facility
waste. And on page 16, take advantage of advice from an industry
expert on best practices for labor recruitment and retention.
We hope the information in this issue provides useful insights about
how AI-powered advances can make human efforts more efficient and
give consumers more confidence in the country's food supply chain.
Office 616-887-9008
Editorial
Managing Editor Melinda Waldrop, 616-520-2158
mwaldrop@greatamericanpublish.com
Editorial Director Debbie Eisele, 616-520-2160
deisele@greatamericanpublish.com
Advertising Sales
Associate Publisher Andrea Schafer, 616-520-2139
prosales@produceprocessing.net
Account Specialist Kim Meyers, 616-520-2137
kmeyers@greatamericanpublish.com
Production
Associate Amanda Mackey, 616-520-2157
Creative Director amackey@greatamericanpublish.com
Creative Director Allison McKenzie, 616-520-2142
amckenzie@greatamericanpublish.com
Circulation
Circulation Becky Stovall, 616-520-2138
circulation@produceprocessing.net
Corporate
CEO & Publisher Matt McCallum, 616-520-2133
publisher@produceprocessing.net
COO & CMO Kim Baker, 616-520-2135
kbaker@greatamericanpublish.com
CFO Deb Carnes, 616-520-2169
dcarnes@greatamericanpublish.com
Editorial Advisory Board
Adrienne Seiling, American Frozen Food Institute
Rudi Groppe, Heinzen Manufacturing International
Lou Cooperhouse, Rutgers Food Innovation Center
Sherrie Rosenblatt, Can Manufacturers Institute
Leonard Batti, Taylor Farms, Salinas, California
ISSN 2375-3447
Editorial and advertising offices at Great American Media Services,
a division of Great American Publishing, P.O. Box 128, Sparta, MI 49345
Phone: 616-887-9008
Printed six times a year in the U.S.A. Copyright 2024.
Produce Processing is $25 per year and $55 for three years if residing in the U.S.;
$56 (U.S.) per year Canada; and $100 (U.S.) per year other foreign countries.
Digital subscription: $9.95 per year. Single copy and back issues: $6.
The opinions and views expressed by authors, contributors and advertisers in
Produce Processing do not necessarily reflect those of the editors and publisher.
Appearance in Produce Processing does not constitute endorsement by Great
American Media Services or Produce Processing of the advertiser, its products,
or services. Great American Media Services and Produce Processing accepts
no responsibility of liability for the validity or accuracy of information supplied
by contributors, vendors, advertisers, or advertising agencies. Great American
Media Services and Produce Processing do not make any claims or guarantees
as to the accuracy or validity of information supplied by contributors, vendors,
advertisers or advertising agencies.
Email me at:
mwaldrop@greatamericanpublish.com
For subscription information, visit our website at www.produceprocessing.net.
Permission is granted for reprinting material, except for commercial or
advertising purposes, providing Produce Processing is given full credit.
POSTMASTER:
Please send address changes and corrections to
Great American Publishing, PO Box 318, Lincolnshire IL 60069
A division of Great American Publishing
44 SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2 0 24
http://www.produceprocessing.net
September/October 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September/October 2024
