Ahead of Viva Fresh 2026, the Texas International Produce Association announced Hunter Pinke will serve as the 2026 keynote speaker. Pinke will share a message of resilience, adaptability and perspective to the Tex-Mex produce community.
Viva Fresh is set for April 16-18 in San Antonio.
TIPA says this “No Bad Days” outlook will resonate with Viva Fresh attendees as the fresh produce industry is shaped by weather, markets, labor challenges and constant change. Pinke’s keynote will focus on how leaders respond when plans shift and why mindset matters as much as strategy. His philosophy will offer a practical framework for navigating uncertainty while staying focused on purpose and progress.
“Hunter’s message resonates deeply with agriculture,” says Dante Galeazzi, TIPA president and CEO. “Our industry understands long days, unpredictability and the need to pivot when conditions change. Hunter doesn’t just inspire; he gives audiences a way to reframe challenges and move forward with resolve.”
TIPA says Pinke’s keynote will set the tone for an event built on regional leadership, cross-border collaboration and the relationships that keep the Tex-Mex produce corridor moving. Because fresh produce is a high-pressure, perishable business, where timing is tight, conditions change fast and decisions carry real consequences, his “No Bad Days” mindset mirrors the resilience it takes to deliver product from field to market every day, the organization adds.
TIPA says Pinke’s session will offer a practical perspective and actionable takeaways teams can apply immediately to navigate uncertainty and lead with clarity.
Born and raised in rural North Dakota, Pinke faced a life-altering spinal cord injury at age 22 that forced him to redefine success and leadership. A former Division I football captain and collegiate wheelchair basketball team leader, Pinke shares how to adapt when circumstances change and how to lead through adversity.
Now active in construction and family farming, Pinke speaks across North America about resilience, perspective and building momentum in hard seasons — lessons TIPA says translate powerfully to today’s produce industry.
