At the end of this month, the Sustainable Produce Summit and West Coast Produce Expo will take place in Palm Desert, Calif., for an event jam-packed with educational and networking opportunities.
Jennifer Strailey, the editorial director of produce for The Packer and Produce Market Guide; Brock Nemecek, marketing manager for fresh produce for Farm Journal; and Heather Sterrett, director of events with Farm Journal, share a programming sneak peek during this episode of the “Tip of the Iceberg.”
Strailey said education sessions at the Sustainable Produce Summit include a breakdown of The Packer’s annual Sustainability Insights survey to share the perceptions and sustainable practices of growers, consumers and retailers.
A panel on the role of seed cultivation, fruit breeding and genetics in the sustainability of the food supply promises to be another fascinating discussion, Strailey said. Another discussion will center around biodiversity and the future of a sustainable food supply. A session on the Ethical Charter Implementation Program will help attendees understand best practices and opportunities for continuous improvement.
“[The Ethical Charter Implementation Program] is a collaboration among retailers, buyers, growers, shippers and implementing organizations to recognize and strengthen engagement around labor practices in the fresh produce industry,” Strailey said.
Sustainable Produce Summit will also explore best practices for communicating sustainability initiatives through marketing messaging. Nemecek and Tamara Muruetagoiena, vice president of sustainability with the International Fresh Produce Association, will lead the discussion.
“We’ve got a lot of a lot of things to talk about specifically around how to communicate effectively about sustainability initiatives,” Nemecek said.
“We’re also going to be touching on how fresh produce can control our own narrative about sustainability and put forth a cohesive message about our efforts.”
Sterrett said another highlight will be the Shots in the Night crossover event with the Sustainable Produce Summit and the West Coast Produce Expo.
“It’s a fun outdoor golf entertainment venue with laser putting and a cool driving range experience,” she said. It’s an opportunity to get out of the hotel for a while, network and meet some new people.
West Coast Produce Expo is filled with more opportunities to make connections.
“One of the best things about West Coast Produce Expo is the networking and the connections that are made, and we help facilitate some of those,” said Nemecek. “It’s a great way to meet new buyers, meet new suppliers and form connections that can be expanded on even after the event.”
Another programming event not to miss is a Kentucky Derby-themed opening reception with delicious food and drinks.
“We’re going to encourage [attendees to wear their] hats and all the fun things that come with the Kentucky Derby,” said Sterrett.
Educational session highlights for the West Coast Produce Expo include a labor and talent panel, a retailer panel and a session featuring Circana’s Jonna Parker, who will share the latest consumer and sales trends and how they spell opportunity for the future of fresh produce.
The education sessions will culminate with keynote speaker and bestselling author Erik Wahl.
“His core messaging emphasizes why disruption is the new normal,” Strailey said.
For more information on Sustainable Produce Summit and West Coast Produce Expo, visit WestCoastProduceExpo.com and SustainableProduceSummit.com.
