Just about everyone who’s anyone in the produce industry will be on hand for the International Fresh Produce Association’s annual Global Produce and Floral Show in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 14-16. Here’s a look at some of the products many of them will be touting — and why they think the show is a must-attend event.
Bland Farms
Staffers at Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms talk to customers year-round, but the IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show, which the company has attended for more than 40 years (including events hosted by IFPA’s legacy organizations), gives them a chance to go beyond the day-to-day routine and ask questions like, “What are you seeing? What do you need? What can we be doing better?” says Sloan Lott, director of sales.
The show provides direct access to the people behind the product, he says, adding, “With our sweet onion program, we grow, pack and store the crop ourselves, so if a buyer wants to talk sizing, quality, timing or shelf life, we can have a very specific conversation about it.”
The show also gives Lott a chance to look beyond the next order and talk about an entire program, he says.
“We can sit down with a retailer and map it out: how long they want to stay in Vidalias, when we transition them into Peru, what their volume needs look like and how we can support that transition from a merchandising and marketing standpoint,” Lott says.
Crunch Time Apple Growers
Much of the business conducted throughout the year by Newark, N.Y.-based Crunch Time Apple Growers is done digitally, says Jessica Wells, executive director. That’s one reason she looks forward to the IFPA show.
“There’s no substitute for in-person conversations and hands-on product experiences,” she says. “IFPA provides one of the best opportunities each year to connect face-to-face with retail partners, sales organizations and prospective customers from across the produce industry.”
The Crunch Time booth will focus on SnapDragon apples this year.
“Because IFPA takes place early in the season, we’re excited to showcase this year’s crop and give attendees an opportunity to experience firsthand the crunch, juiciness and flavor that set SnapDragon apart,” Wells says.
IFPA offers more than just opportunities for industry interactions, she adds.
“Between the show floor, the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast, the 5K and the many informal conversations that happen throughout the week, there’s an energy to the event that’s hard to replicate,” Wells says. “It leaves you excited about the industry.”
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has been participating in the IFPA show for more than 40 years, but Susie McKinley, director of the FDACS Division of Marketing and Development, is particularly excited about the show this year since it will take place in Florida.
“Having IFPA hosted in Orlando creates a valuable sales opportunity for Florida growers,” McKinley says. “When the show is held in Florida, interest from our members and retail partners increases, and it gives Florida growers a stronger platform to promote their products to domestic and international buyers all in one place.”
FDACS will promote a variety of Florida-grown fruits and vegetables by featuring more than 30 Florida producers as part of the Fresh From Florida pavilion, she says.
Attendees also will be able to meet Florida state chef and culinary ambassador Justin Timineri, who will be highlighting Florida products and offering samples at the FDACS booth, No. 919.
G&R Farms
IFPA is about relationships, and that appeals to G&R Farms, says CEO Blake Dasher.
Connecting with customers, meeting new buyers and sharing what makes the company and its year-round sweet onion programs special and unique are reasons the company attends the show.
“There’s tremendous value in bringing so much of the produce industry together,” Dasher says. “Buyers can connect directly with growers, discover new products and innovations and have valuable face-to-face conversations all in one place.”
G&R Farms has attended the show for many decades, and this year it plans to showcase its year-round sweet onion programs, including premium Peruvian sweet onions, flexible packaging options and G&R Farms’ exclusive Vintage Vidalia offering.
“G&R Farms does not measure success simply by selling onions,” Dasher says. “It’s earning our customers’ trust, caring for the land that sustains us and giving back to the communities we call home.”
Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee
For the Parma, Idaho-based Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee, the Global Produce and Floral Show is an opportunity to represent the Northwest growing region and connect buyers directly with the organization’s onion shippers, says Cali Hipp, executive director.
“Attendees can learn about our yellow, red and white Spanish sweet onions, meet the people behind our industry and understand the quality and consistency our shippers provide,” Hipp says.
This year, the organization plans to showcase what it means to be Valley Verified, she says, “and how generations of experience, ideal growing conditions and a commitment to quality have made our region a trusted source for onions.”
The Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee values the face-to-face conversations at IFPA and the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, make new connections and hear directly from buyers about what they need from our industry, Hipp says.
“We continue to participate because it brings together key members of the fresh produce industry in one place,” she adds.
Mastronardi Produce
Mastronardi Produce, Kingsville, Ontario, has attended the IFPA show for 25 years for two main reasons, says Peppe Bonfiglio, vice president of sales.
“It’s still the best place to have real conversations and put new products into the hands of the people who matter most,” he says.
This year, the company will showcase its Sunset Angel Sweet tomatoes and Pop Its cucumbers in a new oval container, which is perfect for snacking on the go, he says.
“The Sunset Tomato Branch will make its show floor debut in the award-winning triangle packaging, and Global Produce & Floral Show attendees will get the first look at the new 18-ounce format,” he adds.
The most recent addition to the Sunset organics lineup — organic Sugar Bombs and Bombs Squad — also will be on display.
Bonfiglio encourages industry members to follow Mastronardi Produce on LinkedIn prior to the show.
“This year I’m hosting a new pre-show video series you won’t want to miss,” he says.
National Mango Board
The IFPA show has become an important event on the Orlando-based National Mango Board’s annual calendar, says Lavanya Setia, director of marketing.
“We attend in full force because of the tremendous opportunity to connect with our industry partners,” she says.
The show brings together many of the key players in the produce industry and gives the board an opportunity to meet with retailers, buyers, suppliers and other partners, strengthen relationships, share insights and better understand the opportunities and challenges facing the mango category, Setia says.
“This year, we will focus on listening and connecting — meeting with our industry partners, understanding their needs and identifying opportunities to work together to grow mango consumption,” she adds.
Setia emphasizes that the National Mango Board is more than a marketing organization.
“We work across marketing, nutrition, research and industry relations to increase mango consumption and support the entire mango industry,” she says.
Naturipe
At this year’s IFPA show, Naturipe will focus on its premium lineup, which features Mighty Blues, Mighty Reds and Sweet Selections, which are getting a fresh look with new packaging, says Jim Roberts, president.
“We’re also very excited to showcase our snacking portfolio, including Berry Buddies and SnackBites,” he says.
SnackBites debuted at IFPA last year, and a lot has happened since then, Roberts says.
“It’s been amazing to see the products expand into more retailers and reach more consumers through convenience shopping,” he says. “We’re looking forward to showing attendees how we are able to reach more shoppers by offering products that are healthy and convenient.”
The IFPA show gives Naturipe an opportunity to show how the company is innovating behind the scenes, he adds.
“It’s the largest show of the year for our industry, so it’s a great opportunity to connect with retailers and industry partners, hear what they’re looking for and what they’re hearing from shoppers and talk about how we can continue pushing the category forward,” Roberts says.
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture views the IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show as an excellent opportunity to showcase its Jersey Fresh quality grading and marketing brand, says Joe Atchison III, assistant secretary.
“Growers in the Garden State can enroll in the Jersey Fresh program and use the brand on their packaging and at retail locations,” he says. “The brand indicates that fresh fruits and vegetables meet or exceed USDA No. 1 or better standards.”
New Jersey Department of Agriculture has attended the show for more than 30 years.
“The IFPA show allows attendees to see a comprehensive gathering of produce and related industry exhibitors from around the world,” Atchison says. “They can compare and contrast and develop relationships with potential vendors.”
Atchison and Christine Fries, coordinator of agricultural marketing, will staff booth No. 1065 and help promote the more than 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown in the Garden State, he says.
Red Sun Farms
Kingsville-based Red Sun Farms plans to “create an experience” at the IFPA show this year.
“Attendees can expect innovation, emerging varietal trends and opportunities to taste and experience what’s next from our team,” says Harold Paivarinta, senior vice president sales and business development.
Highlights will include Sweetpops tomatoes, a signature favorite known for their distinctive sweetness and unique crunch, Paivarinta says. “We’ll also feature Empress Limited Edition Tomatoes, which continue to generate excitement, along with the relaunch of our Chef’s Collection.”
Red Sun Farms has exhibited at the IFPA show since 2010. The show has evolved over the years alongside the produce industry, he says, and it continues to be a must-attend event.
“You have growers, retailers and suppliers all coming together with different perspectives but a shared interest in the future and growth of fresh produce,” Paivarinta says. “Some of the most valuable conversations happen unexpectedly, sparked by an idea or observation from the show.”
Spice World
The entire sales team from Orlando-based Spice World will be at the IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show, says Mike Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing.
“The GPFS is a valuable opportunity for buyers and attendees to connect in person with the people behind the products they rely on,” he says. “It brings together a broad cross-section of the produce industry and gives attendees a change to discover new products, exchange ideas and learn more about the latest trends in the category.”
Earlier this year, Spice World relaunched and unified its three seasoning blends and Italian pesto under a single umbrella, he says. All four will be featured at the show: Garlic & Ginger Fusion, Chili Onion Crunch, Italian Pesto and Italian Herb & Garlic.
“We’ll feature delicious and fresh sample recipes with the seasoning blends at our booth and will also highlight Spice World’s fresh shallots and garlic products,” he adds.
Village Fresh
Fort Worth, Texas-based Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown will celebrate 30 years exhibiting at the IFPA Global Produce and Floral show in 2026.
“The show has evolved tremendously, but its value remains in the relationships, conversations and new ideas it brings together,” says Krysten DeGiglio, chief revenue officer.
Village Fresh will showcase its new Texas-grown season, including Sinfully Sweet Campari, Juicy Beefsteak, Delectable TOV, Savory Roma, Big Bend Beefs, Exquisite Heirloom, Heavenly Villagio Marzano, Scrumptious Mini Cucumbers and Luscious Seedless Long English Cucumbers at booth No. 3470.
“For buyers, it’s an efficient opportunity to connect, discover and, most importantly, taste the products,” says Richie Keirouz, senior vice president of sales.
The show also will mark 15 years of Heavenly Villagio Marzano, which was introduced in 2011.
“It’s an opportunity to bring our history, products, people and what’s next together in one place,” says Gisela Saenz, senior director of marketing. “We look forward to welcoming customers and partners in Orlando.”
Volm Cos. Inc.
Marsha Pozza, director of Marketing for Antigo, Wis.-based Volm Cos. Inc., views the IFPA show as “a feast for the senses.”
“I get to see the most beautiful and unique produce and floral displays all under one roof,” she says. “I smell the culinary concoctions throughout the entire hall. You hear the mariachi band perform their best tunes while you sample all the tasty treats you can possibly consume.”
In 2026, the 39th year Volm Cos. will attend the show, the firm will display packaging products that include eco-friendly options, Pozza says.
“We’ll feature and demonstrate two automation solutions, the Volmpack WiC-P 100 Case/Carton Packer and the Flikweert Vision QualityGrader 150,” she says. “With display-ready trays, cartons and RPCs, a growing trend in retail settings, the WiC-P was designed to automatically fill these cases with common wicketed-style produce bags, reducing manual labor.”
The QualityGrader was designed with the same goal in mind and to increase production speeds, she adds.
The Wonderful Company
The Wonderful Company has a packed agenda for the IFPA show.
The Los Angeles-based company will offer tastings of a new item to be announced on Sept. 29, display its limited-edition packaging and POS featuring NFL star quarterback Josh Allen, showcase its upcoming POS displays for the holidays and celebrate its just-announced roster of NIL college athlete partners, says Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios.
The Wonderful Company will once again showcase its family of brands, which includes Wonderful Pistachios, POM Wonderful, Wonderful Halos and Wonderful Seedless Lemons while previewing upcoming initiatives across the portfolio, Salsa says.
The Wonderful Company has had a presence at the IFPA show for more than 20 years.
“We exhibit at IFPA because it provides a valuable opportunity to connect face-to-face with customers, foster strategic partnerships, build awareness for our brands, launch new products and explore the latest innovations and emerging trends shaping the produce industry,” Salsa says.
Yo Quiero
Rhome, Texas-based Yo Quiero has been exhibiting at the IFPA show since 2008, says Tara Murray, vice president of marketing.
“We continue to come back because it gives us a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with so many of the people who help shape the fresh foods category,” she says.
The show is about relationships and innovation, which is a good fit for Yo Quiero, since the company goes beyond simply creating another dip flavor, she says.
“We’re always thinking about how consumers are actually eating and how we can make fresh foods more convenient, flavorful and versatile throughout the day,” Murray says.
The company puts a lot of emphasis on creating experiences around the brand, she adds.
“Last year, for example, we hosted retail dietitians at the show and received an incredible response, with several telling us it was a highlight of their IFPA experience,” Murray says. “We’re excited to continue building those kinds of meaningful connections this year.”
