ANAHEIM, CALIF. — Some parties you only hear about the next day. Others you wish you’d been invited to. Last night’s Boots & Banter Reception at The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon was very much the latter with cowboy hats, high spirits and a guest list tighter than a well-pulled lasso.
Fresh Gourmet Co., NatureSweet, Local Bounti and Litehouse co-hosted a country-western themed night of fun to kick off the start of the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show.
“It’s an absolutely electric networking opportunity,” says Darryl Bollack with Mariani Nut Co.
The idea of bringing the industry together ahead of the event is a special opportunity, says Baltazar Garcia, vice president of sales with Local Bounti.
“There’s nothing more meaningful than having our industry family gathered in one place before the days ahead,” he says.
The night kicked off with electric slide line dancing lessons. Then, Brad and The Killin’ Time Band took the stage. But the real star of the event was the conversations and connections, says Joe Bowers of Peri & Sons.
“It’s great that companies put on an event that brings so many retail customers under one roof where they can come together and collaborate and at the same time relax and have fun,” he says.
Bowers says with the produce industry being built on relationships, the casual and relaxed atmosphere of Boots & Banter helps forge business connections.
Alexis Barrett, vice president of sales in national accounts for Local Bounti, says that’s exactly what Boots & Banter is built for.
“This is exactly the kind of gathering the produce industry thrives on — great conversations, real relationship-building and time with our amazing customers,” she says.
“This has been a nice way to kick off what is sure to be an eventful week,” Kim Chackal of Equifruit says. “We needed country music and colorful produce to get us to the finish line.”
Bartenders served up specialty cocktails with a western flair. But Stan Edwards of John Greene Logistics Company says Boots & Banter was a chance to stir up connections across the industry.
“It’s been a great time,” he says. “It’s great to see so many knowledgeable people and lots of good networking with good drinks and great friends.”
Samantha McCaul, senior marketing manager with Sugar Foods, says the goal of the Boots & Banter Reception was to capture the spirit and connection that make the industry unique.
“We hope that this becomes the event everyone marks on their calendar year after year,” she says.
Barry Bounds, vice president of retail business development for Sugar Foods, says the event served as a meaningful way to recognize the company’s retail partners.
“We’re especially excited to welcome our retail partners for an evening that’s all about celebrating relationships and saying thanks to those who help move our industry forward,” he says.
Jenny Halpin, senior manager of corporate external communications for Naturesweet, agrees, noting: “Our industry runs on relationships, and Boots & Banter is a chance to celebrate the people behind the produce. It’s our way of thanking partners and reconnecting with friends from across the country — all with a little extra flair.”
Kristine Gatlin of Litehouse says she wants to use the Boots & Banter Reception as a springboard to keep the momentum going at the show.
“Let the fun and great conversations continue at IFPA tomorrow,” she says.
