Boosting consumption aim of Consumer Connection Conference

The Consumer Connection Conference, a key driver in the Foundation for Fresh Produce's efforts to boost fruit and vegetable consumption, will bring together leaders in produce, nutrition and lifestyle from April 29 to May 1 in Phoenix.

To bring greater energy to efforts to build fruit and vegetable consumption, the The International Fresh Produce Association says its Foundation for Fresh Produce merged with the Produce For Better Health Foundation in January 2023. 

“Words are inspirational; actions make a difference,”foundation board member Bil Goldfield, director of global communications and marketing for Dole, said in a news release. “Everyone benefits from greater produce consumption — the health of consumers and the health of our industry. That’s why I attend this conference — to learn and to act on our mission.” 

The conference is a key part of the FFP’s portfolio designed to boost the appeal of and access to fruits and vegetables, according to the release. The event brings together the industry and the people consumers turn to for diet, nutrition, and lifestyle advice: retail dietitians, foodservice leaders, and nutrition, lifestyle and agricultural communicators, the release said.

“It’s so important for our industry to connect with and learn from these influencers,” Lauren M. Scott, executive director for the Foundation for Fresh Produce and chief strategy officer for IFPA, said in the release. “And it’s equally important for them to hear from us. We all have the same goal — greater produce consumption that yields greater quality of life. What makes this conference unique is the tie-in to the influencer network — influencers from the retail, foodservice, and online communities. This is where all the points of influence come together to bring the foundation’s mission to life — growing a healthier world.” 

The release said the event will feature:

• Extensive networking with dietitians, tastemakers and communicators.
• Science-based insights into consumer behavior.
• Exploration of new products and new ways to use fruits and vegetables.

“We are thrilled to see so many people already registered for this limited-attendance event,” Scott said. “That shows me that our members and our industry are equally committed to acting on our collective mission to grow a healthier world.”