The fresh produce industry is at a crossroads in 2025, shaped by normalized, higher inflation rates and the ever-increasing volatility of climate changes. These forces are driving consolidation across supply chains, exposing inefficiencies in traditional quality control (QC) practices, and creating an urgent need for innovation.
To thrive in this environment, businesses must embrace digitization and automation as the foundation for creating more efficient, sustainable, and profitable operations. This is where I see the greatest opportunity for organizations ready to adapt.
Consolidation Is Reshaping the Industry
Supply chains are consolidating to manage rising costs and diversify increasing risks of climate challenges, but this often exacerbates QC inefficiencies. Many companies are still relying on manual inspections, in-house tools, and disconnected systems that can’t meet today’s demands for consistency and accuracy. Moreover, Grocery Retailers are increasingly requiring “QC at the source” to enhance the consistency of their produce supply and reduce their safety stock, yet many businesses underestimate the true cost of inconsistent practices. Waste, shrink, and rejections don’t just impact the bottom line—they erode supplier relationships and brand reputation.
The Need for a Unified Approach to Quality
I’ve seen firsthand how fragmented QC processes create unnecessary bottlenecks. Many organizations are working with “Frankenstein systems”—manual methods and outdated tools stitched together to try to meet modern demands. What’s needed is a unified, scalable approach to QC that brings clarity, consistency, and collaboration across the supply chain.
At Clarifresh, we’re leading this transformation. Our platform offers an end-to-end solution that standardizes QC processes across growers, packers, distributors, and retailers. With real-time data sharing and advanced computer vision technology, we deliver a single source of truth for quality management, eliminating inefficiencies and driving measurable results.
Efficiency and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand
The push for efficiency isn’t just about cutting costs. It’s also about sustainability. Every rejection represents not only a financial loss but also contributes to the industry’s waste footprint. By automating inspections and ensuring consistent quality, businesses can drastically reduce food waste while enhancing their reputation with sustainability-conscious consumers. I believe this dual focus on efficiency and sustainability will define the industry’s leaders in 2025.
The Hidden Costs of Inefficient QC
What many don’t realize is how much inefficient QC processes are truly costing them. From excessive labor hours to outdated systems and unnecessary rejections, the financial impact is huge, even at small rejection rates. Addressing these inefficiencies isn’t something that businesses can afford to put off anymore.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The challenges the industry will face in 2025 are significant, but so are the opportunities. Companies that act decisively to modernize their QC processes will not only improve profitability but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability and operational excellence.
I’m confident that by adopting smarter, more unified solutions, businesses can thrive in this dynamic landscape. At Clarifresh, we’re committed to helping organizations make that leap. Let’s transform your operations and set the foundation for long-term success.
Elad Mardix
CEO & Co-Founder at Clarifresh
Meet us at Fruit Logisticia, Hall 3.1 Stand C-35, and let’s discuss in person how we can help.