Thahn the Fruit Nerd! Is social media the new shop front?
It's time to level up our produce game!
There are few things more disappointing than biting into a floury apply, or cutting open a bruised avocado... if only we knew what mango to choose based on skin spots, or how to best store pears so they ripen perfectly.
That, friends, is the mission of our next guest, Thanh ‘The Fruit Nerd’ Truong.
He's put a modern spin on the traditional fruiterer, using his growing social media profile to share entertaining tips on choosing, storing and prepping fruit and vegetables. Thahn wants consumers to have the best possible eating experience without playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with their food.
“You do have agency and power to select good and not as good fruit and veg,” he says.
“Within the shelf life you could be choosing a six or nine out of ten fruit and veg and I want to give people the knowledge to pick a better fruit and veg.”
Thanh understands that an elevated flavour experience is not only good for us; it benefits the whole horticulture supply chain, leading to a healthier population and planet.
His knack for storytelling and passion for enjoying fresh produce is absolutely infectious. Join Oli at the dawn wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Melbourne to discover how this second-generation fruiterer operates.
Modern fruiterer re-connect consumers with fresh produce through social media
“Those nostalgic childhood memories of fruit and veg is extremely emotional and emotion is really important in storytelling” - Thanh
Takeaways
As we've commodified fruit and vegetables we've lost the experience of the fruiterer
Social media is an effective way to reinvigorate the storytelling behind fruit and vegetables
Equipping shoppers with knowledge gives them agency to choose their fruit better, store it better and have the best possible eating experience
Consumers have lost connection with their food and the horticulture industry could do more to educate the public
'Braver' storytelling through social media, or even gaming platforms, could foster deeper connections between consumers and farming and claw back social license
Incremental change in consumer eating habits will lead to a healthier population and planet
Learn more about The Fruit Nerd, follow his wholesome content on Instagram, or listen to his chat with Oli at the dawn markets in Epping, Victoria below.
