Grocery transformation first topic for IFPA Retail Conference

The food retail business is changing fast amid disruptions — both challenging and promising. How do produce’s unique strengths fit into all of the change?

That’s the topic of the first education session at International Fresh Produce Association’s June 7-8 Retail Conference in Oak Brook, Ill., in the Chicago area, according to a news release.

The conference will tackle top retail industry issues, foster strong business relationships in an intimate setting and enhance networking through a golf tournament. 

“We know that produce retailers and their suppliers face stiff headwinds, and this conference connects them to the people and insights they need to thrive in the current business climate,” Joe Watson, vice president of retail, foodservice, and wholesale membership, said in the release.

Related: Retailers share at 2022 IFPA Retail Conference

“What stands out to me is the close-knit setting of this event. Because we cap attendance, everyone has the opportunity for real conversation around the most pressing issues our industry faces," Watson said. "Buyers from chains like Albertsons, Walmart, Costco, SpartanNash, Tops and more join their perspectives with those of leading suppliers.” 

The International Fresh Produce Association’s key retail-focused event will address: 

• Transformative Changes in Food and Beverage Retail and What They Mean for Produce: Consumer behavior adviser firm Circana’s fresh foods expert, Jonna Parker, will address produce’s unique strengths at retail despite disruptive challenges and how retailers can expand the success of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Food as Medicine and Produce Prescriptions: What's It Mean for the Produce Department? Last fall’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health created a pathway for expansion of food as medicine programs, including insurer-paid produce prescriptions, which could put millions — if not billions — of dollars toward produce to be redeemed at retail. IFPA's Mollie Van Lieu will moderate a discussion around what is happening at retail and where it needs to go.
• Food Safety and Modernization Act 204 for Retail. FDA released the FSMA 204 Final Rule, establishing additional recordkeeping requirements for those who manufacture, process, pack or hold certain foods. IFPA's Ed Treacy will review the rule and what this means to attendees.
• Retail Relationships: Building Your Business Through Powerful Partnerships. True partnerships are critical to driving any business and weathering the choppy waters of uncertainty. Retail veterans will reveal what a real and relevant partnership looks and feels like in the current business environment. Attendees will take away tips to transcend challenges and drive positive sales momentum. 

 See the full schedule here.  

In addition to the main education sessions, participants will have networking opportunities during the one-day conference and a golf tournament the day before. 

“Not only are we attentive to the issues of the day,” Watson said in the release, “but we also take time to enjoy each other’s company and even play a little golf — where each foursome has a buyer. Business and golf, what a match! Because this event did sell out last year, I’d encourage anyone interested in attending to register as soon as possible so they aren’t left out this year.”