Episode 394: Dr. Shehbaz Singh
May 20, 2026
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Summary:
In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Dr. Shehbaz Singh, Founder of Fresh Life Extension, for a deep dive into the science and strategy behind extending the “fresh life” of fruits and vegetables. With over 20 years of experience in food science and produce innovation, Shehbaz shares how his work is helping reduce food waste, improve supply chain efficiency, and increase fresh produce consumption.
Dr. Shehbaz explains the difference between shelf life and “fresh life,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality, taste, and usability for consumers. The conversation explores the persistent 30–40% food waste challenge, the role of packaging and technology in mitigating shrink, and how consumer behaviors-like bulk shopping-impact freshness at home. Lori and Shehbaz also discuss sustainability misconceptions, particularly around plastics, and the need for greater education across the industry.
Takeaways:
- 30–40% of fresh produce is wasted, and this number has remained largely unchanged for decades
- “Fresh life” focuses on quality and consumer experience, not just how long a product lasts
- Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a key innovation helping extend freshness across many products
- Retail shrink ranges from 3–7%, with some items like berries reaching up to 14%
- North American consumers require longer-lasting produce due to bulk purchasing habits
- Most food waste occurs at the household level due to overbuying and busy lifestyles
- Packaging, including plastics, plays a critical role in preserving freshness and reducing waste
- Innovation opportunities exist across the supply chain, especially in transportation and retail environments
- Education is essential to helping consumers and future industry leaders better understand agriculture and food systems
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Shehbaz Singh
02:00 – Defining “Fresh Life” vs. Shelf Life
05:00 – The Food Waste Challenge in Fresh Produce
09:00 – Why Fresh Life Extension Matters Across the Supply Chain
12:00 – Packaging Innovations & Product Development
17:00 – Consumer Behavior & Retail Impact
21:00 – Sustainability & Packaging Misconceptions
25:00 – Educating the Next Generation in Agriculture
29:00 – Retail Shrink & Financial Impact
33:00 – Food Waste at the Consumer Level
36:00 – Future Innovations in Produce
40:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks
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