Planet Money · Podcast summary
Branded fruit: How produce got “Honeycrisp-ified"
In this episode of Planet Money, Kenny Malone and Dan Pashman explore the "Honeycrispification" of the produce aisle, investigating how new laws and changing consumer demands have led to a proliferation of branded, superstar fruits and vegetables.
Listen on the show ↗The digest
Kenny Malone and Dan Pashman of Planet Money delve into the fascinating transformation of the produce aisle, where generic fruits and vegetables are increasingly being replaced by branded, "superstar" varieties. This shift, dubbed the "Honeycrispification," is driven by a complex interplay of legal changes, agricultural innovation, and evolving consumer preferences.
The Rise of Superstar Produce
Malone kicks off the episode by observing the changing landscape of the grocery store produce section. "The produce aisle, it is changing," he notes, pointing to the prevalence of branded fruits and vegetables like Honeycrisp apples, Cotton Candy grapes, and Cuties mandarin oranges. These items stand out, cost more, and often boast trademarks and patented protections. To understand this phenomenon, Malone and Pashman embark on a journey to Trenton, New Jersey, to visit Rutgers University's experimental farm.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 5-minute article, 9 more sections, and every new episode from Planet Money and the creators you follow.
- The Original New Jersey Tomato
- A New Tomato on the Block: The Scarlet Sunrise
- The Genesis of the Scarlet Sunrise: Breeding for Success
- The Long Road to Perfection: Twelve Generations of Breeding
- The Business of Branding: From Farm to Market
- Escaping the Commodity Trap: The Power of Differentiation
- Consumer Demand and Market Saturation
- A Game-Changing Discovery: The Compact Tomato Plant
- The Future of Food: Innovation and Choice
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