The Global Produce & Floral Show: the ultimate ‘shop talk’

I was pensively arranging a few books on my desk when Russ T. Blade hopped down from one of the shelves. “Rusty,” as regular readers know, is the imaginary, miniature produce manager who occasionally appears to talk shop.

Rusty: What are you down in the dumps about? Your football team having trouble finding the end zone?

Me: Huh? Oh yeah, that’s certainly happening, all right. But no, I was just thinking about the inaugural Global Produce & Floral show. It’s being held Oct. 27-29 in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. And no, I’m not going.

Rusty: I went to a similar show many years ago when it was in town. Lots of area produce managers got a pass. Pretty awesome experience.

Me: I was a regular attendee at the annual event for many years. It never ceases to amaze me just how big our industry is, and how much it’s changed over the years. It’s a show to behold, all right. So many familiar produce suppliers, and many new faces every year, too. I always enjoyed the camaraderie, and the opportunity to reconnect with suppliers and competitors, and catch up with old friends. I’d describe the Global Produce & Floral Show as the “Disneyland of fresh produce.”

Rusty: I imagine those connections have faded some, considering the pandemic’s effect the past couple of years.

Me: Not only that, but my attendance at the big retail produce show before was spotty at best. Which is all right. These days, I have less reason to go. But I still get excited at the prospect of it all. Imagine, fresh produce on stage for all to see. The show is held in October — good timing for a trade event, as most produce operations at home are at a seasonal lull.

Related: Produce and the all-important ‘swing’ shift

Rusty: I can relate. Postsummer volume, preholiday time and all that jazz. No wonder corporate emails slow down so much then.

Me: Bet you wish the Global Produce & Floral Show was held every month, ha! I do encourage the younger folks I know to attend, every year if possible.

Rusty: Does the show change that much, from one year to the next?

Me: Not so much in general appearance, but there’s all sorts of things happening behind the scenes: insightful conferences and outstanding speakers. New products, trend changes, the latest fixtures, customer preferences scrutinized, packaging changes and technology — always changing. If you blink, you’ll miss important nuances happening.

Rusty: And … you can’t keep abreast just by reading or talking to industry people about changes?

Me: Sure, you can, to a degree. But if you’re an industry leader starting out, or somewhere in-between, it’s vital to get to know people. Ours always has been and continues to be a business of relationships first. You don’t cement these ties unless you’re physically in front of the produce heavyweights.

Rusty: I just remember seeing all the cool produce items and soaking it all in.

Me: That’s also what it’s about. Meeting new friends, searching for a new product line. Even if it’s just arranging for some test stores to see how that new product line performs.

Rusty: I volunteer. That’s me. I’m open for business.

Me: And that’s the spirit everyone in our industry looks for. I hope you get to attend at least. One more Global Produce & Floral Show before you hang up your apron and knife sheath.

Rusty: Same to you, old friend.