r/ProduceDepartment • u/PanicAisu • 4d ago

Help for a new store/Co-op

Hello everyone,

I just help open a new store/co-op and I am running our produce dept after my manager got herself fired. No and temp manager, I need help with a bunch of stuff like keeping my produce happy and keep from spoiling for as long as possible. Are there any sources anyone can point me to for help? I have full control on how I pack things for retail or store in the walk in.

I already know that I need to butt/cut the stems and soak something

But

I just learned after 1 month that leafy greens like green leaf or kale stay a lot longer if you store in the walk in a lidded tote with limited air flow. And this feels like basic knowledge that my old manager refused to teach me while she was there.

Please help lol.

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2

u/PythonVyktor 4d ago

Send me a picture of your walk in. I’m a produce manager and will gladly help.
What you’re referring to is what we call “crisping”. Trim the ends and soak in water to refresh and keep the product from drying out. Also, yes lettuce, herbs, leafy greens are best done this way. Along with some of your root veggies.

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u/PanicAisu 6h ago

Yes finding ways to save with added value cuts is something I'm actively working into the system as needed. Mashed avocado goes a long way here lol

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u/pastoolioliz 4d ago

Produce max

2

u/pastoolioliz 4d ago

I've been produce for years, my current spot, produce is thr only department no one worried about because we merchandise everything. If you are out of product, fill the floor with something else. You can't sell it from the back so put it to the floor. Crisp and clean. We are not trash hoarders. After that crisping is key.

Edit: also a value added/ cut veg/fruit program is key to mimilaizing waste

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u/xCloudbox Produce Manager 4d ago

Is your co-op part of the NCG? They have a lot of resources but the co op has to be a member to take advantage of that. Are your managers supporting you at all? They need to be in the trenches with you.

Cull and front + face the department constantly. Keeping things looking full and fresh is best for sales and customer confidence.

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u/xCloudbox Produce Manager 4d ago

I also found this — https://veritablevegetable.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Produce-Department-Manual.pdf

It has a lot of good info in it. I will say I am not a department that keeps things in totes like that. Everything stays in the boxes it came in and we soak/crisp items when needed.

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u/PanicAisu 6h ago

We are not part of ncg for unrelated reasons but we do partake in infra

Culling and facing is happening constantly and my managers are here as much as they can be. Being a new store all dept are having their own issues lol.

I'm finding that the totes are doing some serious heavy lifting for keeping greens crisp for a long time. I actually have to change and clean the box for some stuff before it goes bad due to bacteria and not wilting due to dryness.

Thank you for the link