State of the Industry address to offer glimpse into the future of produce

The highly anticipated State of the Industry address is just around the corner.

The presentation from International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns previews the worlds of technology and innovation, sustainability and advocacy, talent attraction and workforce development, consumer trends and tomorrow’s priorities, according to a news release. The event is scheduled for 8:20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, Calif.

Outgoing IFPA Chair Laura Himes of Walmart will offer her thoughts on the past year before introducing Burns and the presentation, the release said. Only global show attendees with an all-access pass can attend this general session. 

“This is a high point of the IFPA year,” Burns said in the release. “We gather input from diverse sources to understand what will influence — even shock — the produce and floral industries so our members can prepare to take advantage of or protect against those forces.” 

Focusing on the future of produce

A hallmark of the global show, prior State of the Industry predictions have become today’s reality, the release said. Burns called attention to three, noting potential implications for members: 

• Sustainability: In 2018, the State of the Industry noted consumers were focused on packaging, waste and energy, while growers and suppliers were talking about water and soil health, an apparent disconnect, according to the release. Fast forward to 2022 when IFPA research indicated consumers’ top sustainability issues were water conservation, energy efficiency, recyclable packaging, zero waste, and healthy soils — a much stronger alignment. Burns said in the release that businesses should consider what consumers are thinking about this year, and how that would affect their sustainability storytelling.  
• Agtech: In 2019, the State of the Industry called attention to agtech innovation, including regenerative agriculture. In 2022, IFPA launched its Fresh Fields Catalyst technology accelerator, designed to bring the best tech in the world to the industry. The Fresh Field Catalyst remains on exhibit this year at the tech-focused Innovation Hub at the expo, featuring solution providers for robotics, sustainability, precision technologies, data intelligence and management (including software and info systems), food safety, labeling and packaging, transportation, traceability, and more, the release said. Burns noted that companies must look for solutions that will make their business more efficient and more profitable.  
• Workforce: In 2019, Global Show attendees learned that 9 of 10 employees were willing to earn less money if they could do more meaningful work. In a post-pandemic 2022, Burns noted that employers must create moments that matter — connecting to the company’s mission, vision and its people. She noted in 2019 that 70% of employees said a strong sustainability plan would affect their decision to stay with an employer, the release said. In 2022, she explained 72% of college seniors strongly expect or require employers to be committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in their hiring practices. These themes continue to resonate, she said, and members who want to be or remain an employer of choice must incorporate them.  

“When I look at last year’s themes,” Burns said in the release, “I think about where we are only a year later.” 

• Sustainability — from regenerative ag to carbon to climate — continues to generate attention from consumers, the industry and regulators. “Expect to see new resources for members on these topics in Anaheim," she said.
• Food as medicine — food pharmacy (moving from “pharm” to farm) — especially produce prescriptions, precision nutrition and healthy food bundling. “We had just come off the White House nutrition conference, where several of IFPA’s policy recommendations were incorporated in the Biden Administration’s strategies. Today the media is full of stories about produce prescriptions, personalized nutrition for consumers, and more,” Burns said in the release. 
• Food and emotional connections — the deeply personal, the joy of fresh, the powerful connective tissue in community. "Our members hold the joy of fresh in their hands, and I am inspired by how they spread that joy through their products, services and stories. From the deliciousness of fresh produce to the sensory delights of floral, they are maximizing the consumer experience.” 

 Visit The Global Produce & Floral Show webpage to register or for more information.

More on these topics: Industry news | International Fresh Produce Association | Technology | Sustainability