September/October 2020 - 6

THE PROCESS
ZEKE JENNINGS
Dealing with
a pandemic
Six months into an unpredictable pandemic,
Zeke Jennings
Managing Editor
we've started to see some predictability when
it comes to food markets. Most notably, as long
as there are gathering restrictions in place -
likely until a vaccine is available - foodservice
sales will be below average and retail sales are
going to be elevated.
In the U.S., the National Restaurant Association
reported that roughly 100,000 restaurants -
about one-sixth - have been closed long-term,
if not permanently. In the U.S., the industry is
on pace to lose $240 billion by the end of 2020.
Not surprisingly, the industry of frozen french fries - a staple
in foodservice - has been hit hard. A study ordered by the
Washington State Potato Commission showed the state's potato
industry has taken a $1 billion hit, including more than $700
million to processors.
On the retail side, year-over-year frozen produce sales were up
nearly 27% through Aug. 30, according to IRI data. Shelf-stable
produce was up 23% during the same time period. Fresh produce
sales were up a more modest 11%.
In terms of food production, just doing business has had its
challenges.
Numerous food production facilities have had COVID outbreaks,
leading to short-term closures. Meat facilities have received
more attention, but produce facilities have not escaped. Even
if food producers have been able to avoid COVID outbreaks,
there have been additional costs with personal protection
equipment, sanitation supplies and personnel increases to adhere
to governmental regulations.
There is a larger picture, of course - community health - and
we all have a part to do. But for any business, whether food
production or otherwise, the act of doing business is a necessity.
If you can't do business, then you won't have a business.
For produce processors, that includes continuing to better
facilities, equipment, improving efficiency and food safety
practices. We've tried to do our part to help you by providing
stories and information that will keep your business at its best.
Thanks for reading!
Office 616-887-9008
Managing Editor Zeke Jennings, 616-520-2159
zjennings@greatamericanpublish.com
Integrated Marketing Andrea Schafer, 616-520-2139
Consultant prosales@produceprocessing.net
Editorial Director Tim Hodson, 616-520-2161
thodson@greatamericanpublish.com
Creative Director Kristina Howell, 616-520-2168
khowell@greatamericanpublish.com
Multimedia Designer Greg Ryan, 616-520-2145
proproduction@produceprocessing.net
Production Assistant Samantha Orsi, 616-520-2148
sorsi@greatamericanpublish.com
Custom Marketing Jess Schmidt, 616-520-2141
Manager jschmidt@greatamericanpublish.com
Circulation Becky Stovall, 616-520-2138
circulation@produceprocessing.net
Billing Accounts Receivable, 616-520-2136
accounting@produceprocessing.net
Contributing Editors Gary Pullano, 616-520-2144
Stephen Kloosterman, 616-520-2152
COO & CMO Kimberly Baker, 616-520-2135
kbaker@greatamericanpublish.com
CFO & Director of Deb Carnes, 616-520-2169
Human Resources dcarnes@greatamericanpublish.com
Vice President/ Gerry Bodgdon, 616-520-2150
Group Publisher gbogdon@greatamericanpublish.com
CEO Matt McCallum, 616-520-2133
publisher@produceprocessing.net
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 Fax: 616-887-2666
Printed six times a year in the U.S.A. Copyright 2020
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 Zeke:
zjennings@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:
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Great American Publishing, PO Box 318, Lincolnshire IL 60069
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September/October 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September/October 2020
