Produce 101 track offers comprehensive orientation to fresh produce supply chain

(United Fresh Produce Association)

The United Fresh Produce Association’s 25-session Reimagine Conversations virtual event offers education and networking opportunities across five topical tracks throughout the month of June.

The Produce 101 Track, sponsored by Dole, features five sessions that will provide an informative journey of the produce supply chain, from grower to retail and foodservice, according to United Fresh. Participants can gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectivity and challenges the produce supply chain faces in delivering great-tasting, safe fresh produce to consumers around the world, according to United.

The sessions are led by members of United Fresh’s market segment boards.

Produce 101 – Orientation to the Fresh Produce Supply Chain sessions:

  •  Understanding the Modern Grower-Shipper Business Model: June 1, 2-3 p.m. Eastern. The session features leading grower-shippers on their approaches to strategic planning, production, innovation and sales with the goal of driving the best products into the fresh produce supply chain, according to United Fresh.

Moderator: Paul Lightfoot, president of BrightFarms 
Speakers: Jacquie Ediger, executive vice president of Pro Citrus Network; and Joe Barsi, president of California Giant Berry Farms

 

  • The Future of Produce Wholesaling and Distribution: June 7, 11 a.m. to noon Eastern. The session looks at the changing role of wholesalers and distributors in the produce supply chain. Participants will learn the critical function of these businesses in bridging the supply chain between grower-shippers and retail and foodservice operators, and advancing the opportunities for growing consumption, according to United Fresh.

Moderator: Tom Brugato, president of Pacific Coast Fruit Co.
Speakers: Elaine Bellin, president and CEO of Paragon Foods; Stefanie Katzman, executive vice president of S. Katzman Produce; and Tyler Neu, director of business development for Russ Davis Wholesale

 

  •  Fresh-Cut Produce: Driving Innovation and Adding Value: June 14, 11 a.m. to noon Eastern. Participants in this session will consider how fresh-cut processors are adding value and convenience to consumers’ fresh produce experience and how they drive innovation in delivering great-tasting fresh produce to consumers, according to United Fresh.

Moderator: Raina Nelson, executive vice president of business development for Renaissance Food Group
Speakers: Mason Arnold, veggie nerd for Cece’s Veggie Co.; and Ernst van Eeghen, vice president of business development for Church Brothers Farms

 

  • Understanding Retail Market Drivers (Sponsored by Stemilt Growers LLC): June 21, 11 a.m. to noon Eastern. Retailers are experiencing more changes in shopper behavior than ever before, and participants at this session will hear from key retail leaders about the factors they consider when developing pricing strategies, private-label decisions, sourcing, variety and more to meet the needs of their unique shopper demographic, according to United Fresh.

Moderator: Rich Gonzales, vice president of global produce sourcing for Walmart
Speaker: Jeff Vocatura, produce sales manager for Big Y Foods

 

  • The Foodservice Landscape: Bringing Produce to the Table: June 28, 11 a.m. to noon Eastern. Foodservice and culinary set trends in motion for consumer consumption, and participants in this session will learn the role of produce in the foodservice landscape, from menu innovation to sourcing to presentation, according to United Fresh.

Moderator: Greg Corsaro, president of FreshEdge
Speakers:
James Loffredo, director of marketing for Loffredo Fresh Foods; and Becky Unwer, food safety and quality assurance for Chipotle

 

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