The organizers of the 2018 Viva Fresh Produce Expo have lined up a diverse range of topics for the event’s educational sessions.
The Viva Fresh Education Committee put together the program to bring members up to speed on trends affecting the produce industry, especially in the Tex-Mex region, according to a news release.
“We’re excited about the diverse range of topics as well as the quality of our speakers,” education committee chair Melinda Goodman said in the release. “Our main focus is to bring in the right thought leaders to address the challenges facing our industry and provide insight on how attendees can best position themselves for lasting success.”
The education sessions are set for April 6 at the San Antonio event and include the following topics:
- Mergers & Acquisitions: The Game-Changing Lottery of Private Equity and Big Business Dollars: This panel discussion will explore the benefits, implications and processes involved with mergers and acquisitions, along with the role private equity firms can play. Panelists include Jay Pack, former owner and CEO of Standard Fruit & Vegetable Co. Inc.; Joel Montminy, founder and CEO of CREO | Montminy & Co.; and Ferrell Daste, president of Agriglobe Capital LLC.
- How Amazon and Technology are Fueling a New Food Retailing Paradigm: In the wake of Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market last year, Tom Edwards, chief digital and innovation office at Epsilon, will discuss how Amazon and emerging technologies will shape the future of fresh produce retail and consumption.
- Can You Say Inocuidad? Examining Food Safety Initiatives in Mexico: food safety consultant Luis Alberto Cruz García will discuss the importance of understanding food safety regulations and how they are implemented across borders.
- The Multi-Generation Marketplace: How it’s Changing the Face of Produce Consumption: Phil Gwoke, generational expert and consultant at Bridgeworks, will speak at the keynote luncheon on consumer perceptions and motivations that differ from generation to generation.
Get more information about the event and the educational program at www.vivafreshexpo.org.
