Which fruit or vegetable could be the next big produce superstar? (NPR+)
Summary
Hosts Kenny Malone and Dan Pasman explore produce innovation with Cornell economist Miguel Gomez, discussing why tomatoes and avocados offer growth potential while apples are saturated. They analyze successful branding like Cotton Candy grapes and debate the next big category, with Gomez favoring avocados and the hosts picking mangoes. The conversation also covers why bland items like celery struggle to attract premium branding despite genetic variety.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Scarlet Sunrise tomatoes and innovation
Interview with economist Miguel Gomez on produce trends
Defining 'heirloom' labels and marketing claims
The success story of Cotton Candy grapes
Why bananas are difficult to innovate
Avocado varieties and the 'Slim Kato' failure
Mangoes: Potential for innovation and cultural demand
Why heirloom celery hasn't caught on
Consumer perception and commodity vegetables
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