Reducing Waste.
Creating Change.

At Planet Harvest, we bring unmatched expertise to the complexities of the fresh produce supply chain. Our team is made up of seasoned leaders who have spent decades immersed in every facet of the food industry, from procurement and perishables, marketing to operations and strategic partnerships. Together, we’ve led national food relief efforts, fueled category growth for farmers and retailers, and built supply chain programs that stand up to the toughest conditions.

This experience forms the foundation of how we operate today: as problem-solvers, connectors, and market makers for fresh produce across all grades, from premium to perfectly imperfect.

Leadership

Melissa Melshenker Ackerman

CEO & Co-Founder of Planet Harvest

Melissa Melshenker Ackerman is the former President of Produce Alliance, one of the country’s largest produce management, procurement, and consulting companies. During her time in this role, she spearheaded the company’s work as a contractor for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, which delivered fresh food to hungry families across the nation—and helped farmers maintain their operations—during the pandemic. Her experience leading this important initiative inspired her to start Planet Harvest with a simple goal: to optimize the fresh produce supply chain and increase consumption of fresh produce.

Ivanka Trump

Entrepreneur & Co-Founder of Planet Harvest

Ivanka Trump is an entrepreneur and former senior White House advisor.  She created and spearheaded the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program during the pandemic, which delivered more than 175 million boxes of fresh food to families in need while supporting struggling farmers across the country. That experience sparked a deep passion for supporting America’s small farmers and feeding families in need. Since leaving government, she has continued to champion emergency feeding efforts—from Maui to Fort Myers to North Carolina—and to promote private sector solutions that improve food access and support farmers. She co-founded Planet Harvest alongside Melissa to reimagine how the whole harvest, including surplus produce, moves from farm to table—building a smarter, more sustainable food system that reduces waste, support farmers, and nourish families.

In the News

  • Exclusive: Ivanka Trump business focuses on fresh produce

    Axios

    Article

  • Over 36 billion pounds of good produce is wasted every year: A ‘whole harvest’ solution can help

    Fortune Magazine

    Article

  • Combating food waste in America: Chobani teams up with Ivanka Trump's Planet Harvest

    CNBC

    Watch