IFPA's first Global Produce and Floral Show will be 'a celebration,' says CEO
The International Fresh Produce Association’s Oct. 27-29 Global Produce and Floral Show will be a celebration, said Cathy Burns, CEO of IFPA, in an Aug. 24 news briefing.
The event will be the IFPA's first global conference since it was officially formed on Jan. 1 of this year through the merger of the former United Fresh Produce Association and former Produce Marketing Association. The event follows IFPA's heavily attended Foodservice Conference, held in July.
Highlights of the upcoming Global Produce and Floral Show will include:
- A general session presentation from renowned restaurateur and chef José Andrés;
- A retail tour;
- An education festival;
- A tech pavilion;
- A business solution expo;
- A communications conclave;
- A women’s breakfast, featuring actress Laura Linney as the keynote; and
- A CEO panel session.
Check out the full agenda page for more details.
“I'm really excited about the Global Produce and Floral Show this year, as this is where our volunteer leaders come together for the first time each year to set the agenda for their work,” said Laura Himes, senior merchandising director at Walmart and IFPA’s 2023 board of director chair-elect, at the briefing.
Read related: PBH connects produce industry with retail dietitians and foodservice leaders at IFPA's Global Produce and Floral Show
The conference will focus on three main objectives, said Burns. “One, it will be the largest gathering of the year for the global produce and floral supply chain to connect and ultimately do business. Our goal is to grow our member’s prosperity,” she said. “Secondly, there will be world-class experts and insights to guide our industry as we take the lead into the future.” And, thirdly, it will be a celebration, she added.
During the briefing, Burns specifically pointed to the education festival portion of the event, set for Oct. 27, which will feature “fast-paced live speakers, self-guided information, casual conversations, food and more," according to IFPA's Global Produce and Floral Show webpage.
“Please throw out your ideas of the age-old workshop,” Burns said.
Read related: Kroger, Chef José Andrés and many others provided perspective on hunger, nutrition and health at national convening
Also on Oct. 27, IFPA is hosting a communications conclave, by invitation only, which will be a luncheon featuring senior executives, public relations and communications industry professionals.
“We think there's an opportunity to add a message that is industry-centric,” said Bruce Taylor, CEO of Taylor farms, in the briefing.
Andrés' general session presentation, set for Friday, Oct. 28, will highlight the ability to change the world through the power of food, according to IFPA.
Read related: G&R Farms helps Jose Andres feed Ukrainian refugees, urges produce industry to join fight
The following awards will also be presented at the event: Retail Produce Manager Award, Floral Marketer of the Year Award, Frieda Caplan Women’s Catalyst Award, Retail Merchant Innovation Award and Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award.
