The Produce Plus Podcast

Hort Connections debrief, exhibitor highlights, and MOYA finalists on successful fresh produce marketing

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:28:49 GMT

In this episode of the Produce Plus Podcast, host Bree Caggiati is joined by Produce Plus editor Liam O'Callaghan as they debrief on Australasia's leading horticulture event Hort Connections.

Bree and Liam unpack their highlights from the four-day event held in Adelaide from 1-4 June at the Adelaide Convention Centre including conversations with exhibitors Fresh Markets Australia, Detpak and Viscount. They report on the growing number of innovations across technology, packaging and marketing rising to meet industry challenges including increasing input costs, labour shortages and declining consumption.

The episode also includes a segment on marketing featuring MOYA finalists Tom Millis of Flavorite Group, Belinda Van Shaik of Hort Innovation (speaking on behalf of Holly Jackson) and Cynthia Tago from Nutrano Produce Group. They share the highlights from their successful campaigns and offer insights into what works for fresh produce marketing.

Stay tuned for more Hort Connections coverage in the coming weeks.

More info…

For the best listening experience on the go, download the Produce Plus App on the App Store or Google Play.

Alternatively, search for ‘The Produce Plus Podcast’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a show, and follow us on LinkedIn.

For sponsorship or advertising opportunities, contact kate@fruitnet.com

Or if your business has an idea for a future episode, email us at podcasts@fruitnet.com, or send us a message on LinkedIn. We’d love to hear from you!

The Produce Plus Podcast is produced and presented by Bree Caggiati. Artwork by Qiong Wu for Fruitnet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reflecting on 14 years of Australia's avocado industry with outgoing AAL CEO John Tyas

Fri, 29 May 2026 01:46:15 GMT

In this episode of the Produce Plus Podcast, host Bree Caggiati is joined by outgoing Avocados Australia (AAL) CEO John Tyas. Following his recent retirement announcement, John reflects on his 14 years in leadership noting the changes he’s observed in the industry particularly the recent push into exports and where he sees the industry heading in the future.

Also in the episode, Produce Plus editor Liam O’Callaghan talks to dietitian and CEO of Foodwatch, Jemma O’Hanlon, ahead of Hort Connections where she’ll be speaking about the use of traditional and social media in driving consumer behaviour.

More info…

For the best listening experience on the go, download the Produce Plus App on the App Store or Google Play.

Alternatively, search for ‘The Produce Plus Podcast’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a show, and follow us on LinkedIn.

For sponsorship or advertising opportunities, contact kate@fruitnet.com

Or if your business has an idea for a future episode, email us at podcasts@fruitnet.com, or send us a message on LinkedIn. We’d love to hear from you!

The Produce Plus Podcast is produced and presented by Bree Caggiati. Artwork by Qiong Wu for Fruitnet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh Produce India recap, the latest in automation and an exclusive interview with Melbourne Markets new CEO

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:24:26 GMT

In this episode of The Produce Plus Podcast, host Bree Caggiati is joined by the editor of Produce Plus magazine Liam O’Callaghan as well as the managing director of Fruitnet Asia, John Hey. Following a successful Fresh Produce India event, they discuss the growing opportunities for Australian and New Zealand fresh produce brands in the India market highlighting new trade agreements and shifting consumer preferences towards premium health-focused categories.

Liam leads a segment on automation ahead of this year's Hort Connections where he speaks with exhibitors Agco and John Deere on the latest developments in the space.

Bree speaks with the new CEO for Melbourne Markets Authority, Rob Clayton, on the importance of building relationships within the fresh produce industry and why the organisation chose not to go ahead with its Super Saturdays concept following its three month trial.

More info…

For the best listening experience on the go, download the Produce Plus App on the App Store or Google Play.

Alternatively, search for ‘The Produce Plus Podcast’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a show, and follow us on LinkedIn.

For sponsorship or advertising opportunities, contact kate@fruitnet.com

Or if your business has an idea for a future episode, email us at podcasts@fruitnet.com, or send us a message on LinkedIn. We’d love to hear from you!

The Produce Plus Podcast is produced and presented by Bree Caggiati. Artwork by Qiong Wu for Fruitnet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rising input costs, New Zealand exports kick off and Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake on the marketer's new strategy

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:17:22 GMT

For the first episode of The Produce Plus Podcast, host Bree Caggiati is joined by editor of Produce Plus Magazine Liam O'Callaghan to discuss the ongoing fuel and fertiliser shortages affecting Australian growers, early season outlooks for key New Zealand categories and some of the dynamic launch campaigns from major New Zealand apple brands.

After attending the Zespri Momentum conference, Liam unpacks some of the key takeaways from the kiwifruit marketer's new 2035 strategy. Plus, an exclusive interview with Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake.

More info…

For the best listening experience on the go, download the Produce Plus App on the App Store or Google Play.

Alternatively, search for ‘The Produce Plus Podcast’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a show, and follow us on LinkedIn.

For sponsorship or advertising opportunities, contact kate@fruitnet.com

Or if your business has an idea for a future episode, email us at podcasts@fruitnet.com, or send us a message on LinkedIn. We’d love to hear from you!

The Produce Plus Podcast is produced and presented by Bree Caggiati. Artwork by Qiong Wu for Fruitnet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming Soon: The Produce Plus Podcast

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:09:20 GMT

Every episode of The Produce Plus Podcast brings you insider analysis, news and views on all the top issues for the Australia and New Zealand fresh produce industry. Each episode, host Bree Caggiati is joined by one of her Produce Plus colleagues for a topical, lively conversation about the big stories affecting the business and long-term trends. Plus, exclusive interviews with high profile guest and on the ground reporting from Fruitnet’s team of journalists.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.