AVENTURA, Fla. — From the hottest tickets in produce including dragon fruit and exotic mushrooms to superfoods and food safety, GOPEX 2025 showcased trends, tools and solutions with retailers in mind. Held at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort, Jan. 13-14, the event brought together decision-makers from across the fresh produce supply chain.
First-time GOPEX exhibitor El Dragon Farm shared its story of dragon fruit farming, sustainability and environmental responsibility. The family-owned Ecuadorian business is dedicated to growing, packing and exporting organic dragon fruit, said Johanna Ibujés.
“Our farm operates 15 hectares of white-flesh and red-flesh dragon fruit under a semi-intensive system with 6,000 plants per hectare — a significant increase compared to traditional methods,” she said.
Ibujés said the company embraces regenerative agriculture with the aim of protecting the soil and taking care of the planet.
“Our deep respect for nature inspires our farming practices,” she said. “We are committed to regenerative agriculture, which allows us to produce quality fruit while protecting biodiversity, restoring soil health and contributing to a healthier planet. For us, being organic is more than a certification — it is a commitment to the well-being of our customers, team and environment.”
El Dragon Farm’s high-density, regenerative farming allows it to produce more dragon fruit using less water and fewer resources to grow a consistent supply of fruit year-round, Ibujés said.
“We are a company with a purpose to show its possible to change the world by growing plants in a better way,” she said.
For Nashville, N.C.-based Nash Produce, 2024 was a challenging year weatherwise.
“The first part of the growing season was dry and the second part was wet, with two hurricanes — including Hurricane Helene, which dropped 15 inches of rain in North Carolina,” said Robin Narron.
Due to the wild weather, the sweetpotato crop this year is 30% smaller than last year, Narron added.
“It’s a tight crop, but we want to reassure retailers that we are here to take care of them and meet their needs to get through the year together,” she said.
Narron said demand for superfoods like sweetpotatoes picks up after the first of the year with consumers seeking a healthy start to the new year. She also sees sweetpotato sales spike at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
“Exotic mushroom sales are booming,” said Kristyn Lawson at the Caputo & Guest booth. The company featured its newest item: Lion’s Mane Steak Medallions. The mushrooms are ready to put in the skillet or on the grill.
“Lion’s mane mushroom sales are up 85% over last year,” said Jim Garsow.
Caputo & Guest recently conducted a consumer survey revealed shoppers need help finding mushrooms in the store and that they also want to know how to use them.
With these consumers in mind, Caputo & Guest offers QR codes on its packaging that link to recipes.
While its 4-ounce mushroom packs are popular with consumers, Garsow said its 8-ounce packages of Chef’s Mix mushrooms are popular with restaurants. The line includes the Prime Steakhouse Mix, a combination of royal trumpet, maitake and pearl oyster mushrooms.
Caputo & Guest mushrooms have a 21-day shelf life and some last longer, said Garsow of the company’s 100% U.S.-grown mushrooms.
The FSMA 204 countdown is on. Will you be ready?
“For the first time, retailers will need to keep track of food safety records,” said Todd Baggett of Redline Solutions.
Baggett has published a 100-page e-book that he says breaks down everything retailers need to know about produce traceability in an easily digestible format.
From foodborne illness outbreaks to FSMA 204, the book — “Produce Traceability Integrity” — aims to help the industry close the gaps for a safer supply chain.
Your next read:
- Seen and heard at GOPEX 2025 — Part 1
- Seen and heard at GOPEX 2025 — Part 2
- Seen and heard at GOPEX 2025 — Part 3
- Seen and heard at GOPEX 2025 — Part 4
- Seen and heard at GOPEX 2025 — Part 5
- Seen and heard at GOPEX 2025 — Part 6
- Consumers want value, health benefits when shopping
- How retailers are driving organic produce and sustainability
