In this episode of Grounded, host Lauren Mitchell brings together voices from across the produce supply chain to pull back the curtain on how sourcing really works—from forecasting and contracts to weather risk, communication, and collaboration. The conversation highlights the complexity behind everyday items like lettuce and broccoli and what national brands need to understand about volatility, planning, and partnership.
Stephanie Fyle is the President of Fresh Alliance, Ava Walker is a Contract Coordinator at Fresh Alliance, and Thomas Wheelus is the Director of Food Service at Tanimura & An Growers, bringing the grower, procurement, and contracting perspectives together at one table.

🔑5 Key Takeaways

Clear communication and accurate forecasting are the foundation of successful sourcing. Growers rely heavily on customer projections to plan planting cycles that can range from 65 to 80 days, making early and accurate volume planning essential.
Contracts help stabilize pricing—but they also share risk. Fixed-price contracts with escalation clauses allow restaurants to forecast menu pricing while protecting growers when weather or yield disruptions drive costs higher.
Weather and supply chain volatility require constant coordination and contingency planning. Growers use diversified growing regions and nursery strategies to buy time and maintain supply when fields are impacted by rain or other disruptions.
Strong partnerships are built on transparency and solutions—not just information. Procurement teams aim to communicate industry challenges quickly, but they prioritize bringing actionable alternatives to clients whenever possible.
Technology and traceability will shape the future of sourcing. From automation to full supply chain visibility, the industry is moving toward greater transparency, faster communication, and more collaborative decision-making.

Connect with the Guests

Stephanie Fyle — President, Fresh Alliance
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-williams-fyle-889134104/
- Website: https://www.freshalliance.com/
Ava Walker Davis — Contract Coordinator, Fresh Alliance
- Website: https://www.freshalliance.com/
Thomas Wheelus — Director of Food Service, Tanimura & Antle
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-wheelus-70863a51/
- Website: https://www.taproduce.com/

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Inside the Produce Pipeline: Planning for the Unpredictable Episode #56