GOPEX 2023: Reaching the Conscious Consumer

The Packer’s sixth annual Global Organic Produce Expo is set to take place Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

This year, GOPEX is expanding beyond organics to embrace a more inclusive theme: Reaching the Conscious Consumer.

Register now to attend Global Organic Produce Expo 2023.

“Increasingly, consumers make purchasing decisions they believe will improve their health and the health of the planet — while also having a positive social, environmental and economic impact,” said Matt Morgan, executive vice president of produce, Farm Journal and The Packer. “GOPEX 2023 is an opportunity to explore how the industry can better engage with these powerful consumers and ultimately drive fresh produce sales at retail.”

In addition to a trade show, networking opportunities and educational sessions, GOPEX 2023 will also include a keynote presentation from Paul Rice, founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA, who will speak about The Rise of the Conscious Consumer: Emerging Opportunities for the Produce Industry. 

Read related: Fair trade visionary Paul Rice headlines GOPEX 2023 conference

GOPEX 2023 features a robust educational agenda that kicks off on Jan. 31. From food as medicine to the convergence of indoor agriculture and organics to imported fruits and vegetables grown by socially and environmentally responsible companies to the power of social media, GOPEX 2023 has gathered the organic, social and environmental leaders who are moving fresh fruit and vegetables forward.

“One of the things I've really appreciated about the GOPEX events that I've attended in the past is that there is a very solid balance — there's really great educational sessions and there is the trade show aspect, which has always been one of the primary focuses and takeaways,” said Chris Miller, produce director for the Rockville, Md.-based MOM’s Organic Market.

Read related: What to do and see at GOPEX ’23

Miller says he looks forward to attending GOPEX again this year, where he also plans to take advantage of the event’s social gatherings, including the yacht tour and opening night concert, both on Jan. 30.

“It's a great event to bring people together who are organically minded,” said Chris Veillon, chief marketing officer for Pure Flavor, Ontario, Canada. “But for us, as a vertically integrated grower-marketer, it's [about] being in the room with people who are looking for products that we grow in market. To be in a very close-knit environment over a three-day period is a great opportunity to foster and build great relationships.”

Read related: Industry perspectives: Hear what excites three GOPEX participants about the 2023 event