On today’s special report, Sarah Hoxie is joined by Mike O’Brien, Vice President of Produce for Schnucks, to talk about industry. Thirty-nine years ago Mr. O’Brien entered the Schnucks family as a bagger and over the course of time, moved through the Schnucks management process. In 2000, he became a division manager and then transitioned into produce. For Mike O’Brien, there is one word that defines his relationship to the produce the company buys and sells, and that is quality. Great taste and great quality are the building blocks for the produce foundation. Mr. O’Brien also noted that one of the key aspects of the company’s success is the partnerships that Schnucks have with their produce suppliers. The unique partnership does not end at the distribution house door, but continues to the produce team where suppliers and Schnucks team members collaborate to create the best methods for marketing, informing, and educating the process.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> With the coming year’s successes, also come the challenges as Mike O’Brien acknowledges. One of those significant challenges is food safety. With a growing concern by consumers to know that produce they are buying is safe, the company is answering in stride. By telling the company’s story of their own food safety issues and concerns, Schnucks can promote their values and products and increase consumer confidence. The 2011 PMA Fresh Summit also provided the perfect atmosphere for renewing supplier relationships, acquiring new and innovative ideas and product possibilities and experiencing all facets of the produce industry. When asked what his idea of the perfect day was, Mike O’Brien took the opportunity to relish in his guitar and harmonica playing talents.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">www.schnucks.com<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
