Panel discussion at GOPEX to focus on organic imports

Editor’s note: The Packer’s Global Organic Produce Expo has two parts this year: GOPEX Home, an online experience focused on education and perspective from industry leaders, and GOPEX Go, an in-person, COVID-conscious event scheduled for August. Register here.

Industry members who source various organic fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world will talk about opportunities and challenges for imported organic produce during a panel discussion Jan. 27 at the Global Organic Produce Expo.

Topics will include what marketing and storytelling opportunities exist around imported organic produce in particular; what it looks like to balance social and environmental responsibility and economic sustainability in a business model; what retailers want from their organic programs; opportunities ahead for the segment; and more.

Participating in the conversation will be:

• David Posner, founder, Santa Cruz, Calif.-based Awe Sum Organic
• Chris Ford, business development and marketing manager, Mount Vernon, Wash.-based Viva Tierra Organic
• Joe Barsi, president of Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms
• Aaron Brookes, director of sales and marketing, Santa Cruz, Calif.-based Jacob Farms del Cabo

The panel focused on imported organic produce is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. CST on Jan. 27. Following that discussion will be a networking session to allow attendees to continue the conversation about challenges and opportunities ahead for this segment of the category.