Latest News From GOPEX

Slideshow: How produce suppliers and merchandisers can improve store sales
Slideshow: How produce suppliers and merchandisers can improve store sales

There’s the artistry of produce merchandising, and then there’s everything else.

What’s next for grocery, shopping and how organics fit in
What’s next for grocery, shopping and how organics fit in

Shoppers are making decisions based on what they read rather than what they can touch, said Ray Connelly, vice president of supplier strategy at Los Gatos, Calif.-based Procurant.

Packaging innovation is a shared goal
Packaging innovation is a shared goal

Progress in packaging innovation takes teamwork and plenty of options to pursue.

SLIDESHOW: These companies and people were at GOPEX '22 in Florida
SLIDESHOW: These companies and people were at GOPEX '22 in Florida

These are just a few of the companies and people chatting with those who attended GOPEX '22, plus some beautiful scenes.

Delivering on what the consumer wants key focus of GOPEX panel
Delivering on what the consumer wants key focus of GOPEX panel

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - While growth in organic produce has been steadily climbing for decades, panelists at The Packer's 2022 Global Organic Produce Expo said that progress can’t be taken for granted. 

Organic marketers seek to keep in-step with shifting consumer attitudes
Organic marketers seek to keep in-step with shifting consumer attitudes

Organic produce may practically sell itself, but well-targeted marketing to consumers can amplify sales.

At this GOPEX session, health, flavor and fun meet in the middle
At this GOPEX session, health, flavor and fun meet in the middle

Consumers want more of everything: More functional health benefits and more flavor explosions on their tongues.

GOPEX Showcase: Organic Citrus Continues Year-Over-Year Growth
GOPEX Showcase: Organic Citrus Continues Year-Over-Year Growth

Sunkist Growers has debuted new organic packaging to support the increased demand for organic citrus at retail.

Well•Pict Berries to exhibit at GOPEX
Well•Pict Berries to exhibit at GOPEX

The Well•Pict tradeshow crew is heading to Hollywood, Fla., for the Global Organic Produce Expo, going on Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Watercooler Chat: New editors, GOPEX and retail shortages
Watercooler Chat: New editors, GOPEX and retail shortages

In this video, we chat with two new editors, Melissa Treolo and Ed Boling, and we cover the Global Organic Produce Expo (GOPEX) and retail shortages.

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast — New editors, GOPEX, retail shortages
Tip of the Iceberg Podcast — New editors, GOPEX, retail shortages

Listen to Episode 69, featuring two new editors at The Packer and PMG, discussion about the coming GOPEX show in Florida and retail shortages.

What to expect at Global Organic Produce Expo
What to expect at Global Organic Produce Expo

Panel discussions, one-on-one networking and a performance by 80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack will be just some of the highlights of GOPEX, going on Jan. 31 – Feb. 2.

How marketing is leading the charge of organics growth
How marketing is leading the charge of organics growth

Organic is the fastest growing segment in fresh produce and innovative marketing strategies are major contributors to this success.

GOPEX Showcase: Paul Eastman of House Foods America on organics
GOPEX Showcase: Paul Eastman of House Foods America on organics

House Foods’ goal for 2022 is to rebalance its business between grocery and retail outlets and foodservice and industrial clients, said Paul Eastman of House Foods America at GOPEX Golf

GOPEX Showcase: Wish Farms Pink-a-Boo Pineberries
GOPEX Showcase: Wish Farms Pink-a-Boo Pineberries

Morgan Falcon, marketing for Plant City, Fla.-based Wish Farms, showcased the company’s Pink-a-Boo Pineberries at The Packer’s GOPEX Golf event in August.

GOPEX Showcase: Domex Superfresh Growers organic packaging
GOPEX Showcase: Domex Superfresh Growers organic packaging

Brena Mengarelli and Catherine Gipe-Stewart of Domex Superfresh Growers were on hand Aug. 6 to talk to attendees of The Packer’s Global Organic Produce Expo Golf Tournament.

GOPEX showcase: Ecoripe Tropicals organic coconuts and ginger
GOPEX showcase: Ecoripe Tropicals organic coconuts and ginger

Miami-based Ecoripe Tropicals showcased its conventional and organic coconuts and ginger during GOPEX Golf.

See what buyers are saying about Global Organic Produce Expo
See what buyers are saying about Global Organic Produce Expo

Buyers from across the US attended Global Organic Produce Expo Aug 5-6 at the TPC Sawgrass Golf Course in Ponte Verde, Flor. Take a look at what some of them are saying about this unique industry event. 

What we learned at Global Organic Produce Expo
What we learned at Global Organic Produce Expo

The Global Organic Produce Expo golf tournament offered insights into how major produce companies weathered the pandemic of 2020, what's new and exciting in 2021 and what's ahead for 2022.

What to expect at GOPEX Golf
What to expect at GOPEX Golf

The Packer’s highly anticipated Global Organic Produce Expo (GOPEX) golf and networking event is right around the corner.  

Teeing up connections: Interview with Dan Davis of Starr Ranch Growers
Teeing up connections: Interview with Dan Davis of Starr Ranch Growers

Dan Davis, director of business development at Starr Ranch Growers, has a few tips and tricks to successfully navigate an expo.

Teeing up connections: Interview with Paul Newstead of Domex Superfresh Growers
Teeing up connections: Interview with Paul Newstead of Domex Superfresh Growers

Paul Newstead, director of business development for Domex Superfresh Growers, has a few tips and tricks to successfully navigate an expo.

5 things you may not know about 2021 GOPEX Golf
5 things you may not know about 2021 GOPEX Golf

Though the event is hosted at a golf course, scratch and non-golfers alike will enjoy networking in a casual, fun atmosphere with additional activities that don’t require plaid pants and a sweater vest.

The Packer Sets Global Organic Produce Expo at TPC Sawgrass in August
The Packer Sets Global Organic Produce Expo at TPC Sawgrass in August

This in-person networking opportunity is scheduled Aug. 5-6, 2021, at the renowned TPC Sawgrass Golf Course and Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.  

Megan DeBates, vice president of legislative affairs of the Organic Trade Association, and Ben Diesl, vice president of quality assurance at Grimmway Farms and association board member, both shared Jan. 28 at the virtual Global Organic Produce Expo.
What organic advocates are pushing for in Biden’s first 100 days

On President Joe Biden’s first day on the job, he signed an executive order for the U.S. to rejoin the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Clockwise from top left: Tom Karst, Ashley Nickle, Amy Sowder, Chris Koger
Packer Insight — FDA investigation, Hunts Point strike, GOPEX

Get a quick rundown of the produce industry news of the week from editor-in-chief Tom Karst, news editor Chris Koger, Northeast editor Amy Sowder and retail editor Ashley Nickle in this latest episode of Packer Insight.

Jennifer Tucker of the USDA's National Organic Program gives an update with a visual presentation at the virtual Global Organic Produce Expo Jan. 28.
Keeping organic integrity throughout supply chain in U.S. and abroad

Non-farm businesses may be required to get organic certification in the near future — especially operations that import or export organic produce.

Wholesum offers deep dive on tomato trends at GOPEX
Wholesum offers deep dive on tomato trends at GOPEX

An in-depth case study on organic tomatoes was presented at the Global Organic Produce Expo by Wholesum’s Joanna Jaramillo.

Barsi, Posner, Brookes and Ford spoke Jan. 27 at the Global Organic Produce Expo.
GOPEX panel covers growth areas for organic, imports

Four industry members discussed organic programs, the effect of the pandemic, marketing opportunities, the tensions of the triple-bottom-line business model and more in a Global Organic Produce Expo session Jan. 27.

Trends still pointing up for organics 
Trends still pointing up for organics 

The trend arrow is still pointing way up for organic produce, speakers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Organic Trade Association said at The Packer’s 2021 Global Organic Produce Expo.

Fumasi looks at changing outlook for organic fruits and vegetables

Opportunities still outweigh challenges for organic produce growers and marketers, Roland Fumasi said at The Packer’s 2021 Global Organic Produce Expo.

Legislative opportunities for organic produce will be the topic of this session at GOPEX.
GOPEX session to focus on policy priorities for organic produce

The Organic Trade Association’s Megan DeBates and Grimmway’s Ben Diesl will discuss policy issues relevant to produce Jan. 28 at the Global Organic Produce Expo.

Register for GOPEX and tune in at 3:15 p.m. CST on Jan. 27 to watch the panel with this group.
Panel discussion at GOPEX to focus on organic imports

Industry members who source various organic fresh produce from around the world will talk opportunities and challenges for imported organic produce during a panel discussion Jan. 27 at the Global Organic Produce Expo.

Fun Fact Q&A: Jeff Huckaby of Grimmway Farms
Fun Fact Q&A: Jeff Huckaby of Grimmway Farms

Don't miss our Packer exclusive Fun Fact Q&A sessions with key industry leaders. Like this one from Jeff Huckaby, president of Grimmway Farms.

GOPEX offers in-depth look at organic numbers, trends

A deep dive into organic fruit and vegetable numbers and trends is on tap for The Packer’s online Global Organic Produce Expo, set for Jan. 25-28.

Fun Fact Q&A: Joe Barsi, California Giant Berry Farms
Fun Fact Q&A: Joe Barsi, California Giant Berry Farms

Don't miss our Packer exclusive Fun Fact Q&A sessions with key industry leaders. Like this one from Joe Barsi, president, California Giant Berry Farms.

Fun Fact Q&A: Chris Ford, Viva Tierra Organic
Fun Fact Q&A: Chris Ford, Viva Tierra Organic

Don't miss our Packer exclusive Fun Fact Q&A sessions with key industry leaders. Like this one from Chris Ford, business development and marketing manager, Viva Tierra Organic.

Fun Fact Q&A: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator of USDA National Organic Program
Fun Fact Q&A: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator of USDA National Organic Program

Don't miss our Packer exclusive Fun Fact Q&A sessions with key industry leaders. Like this one from Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator of USDA National Organic Program.

Jeff Huckaby (left) and Andy Thulin
GOPEX keynote to focus on organic produce research

Grimmway’s Jeff Huckaby and Cal Poly’s Andy Thulin will discuss organic produce research at an education session Jan. 27 during the 2021 Global Organic Produce Expo.

Left to right: Todd Linskey, Dorn Cox and Erin Silva
Growers can use technology to alleviate climate change effects

By working together with the latest tools, researchers believe growers can help manage some of the effects of climate change and perhaps someday get paid for their efforts.

 Angela Williams, sales director for onion marketer Owyhee Produce, Nyssa, Ore., and Blake Branen, director of marketing for the company, at the 2020 Global Organic Produce Expo
GOPEX 2020: Products from the expo

Exhibitors at The Packer's Global Organic Produce Expo had plenty to talk, including new products.

GOPEX delivers energy, insight into organic produce
GOPEX delivers energy, insight into organic produce

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — The Packer’s third annual Global Organic Produce Expo brought in more buyers and exhibitors than previous years and garnered many positive reviews.

GOPEX retail panel takes global look at organic produce
GOPEX retail panel takes global look at organic produce

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Interest in organic produce is on the rise in Asia and the Middle East, while growth in North America is leveling out, according to a panel that convened Jan. 10 at the Global Organic Produce Expo.

Cost still key hurdle for more sustainable packaging, panel says
Cost still key hurdle for more sustainable packaging, panel says

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Cost remains a key obstacle to the proliferation of more environmentally friendly packaging in produce, according to industry members who spoke on a panel Jan. 10 at the Global Organic Produce Expo.

​​​​​​​Walmart talks packaging, plastics on GOPEX panel
​​​​​​​Walmart talks packaging, plastics on GOPEX panel

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Walmart has been working with individual suppliers to reduce plastic in produce departments as consumer interest in sustainability increases.

Angela Jagiello, director of education and insights for the Organic Trade Association, speaks Jan. 10 at the Global Organic Produce Expo about OTA's “toolkit” that will help determine which messages work best in marketing organic produce.
Organic messaging research finds winning themes

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Finding messages that will motivate “light” organic consumers to eat more is the goal of new consumer research by the Organic Trade Association.

Jennifer Tucker, deputy administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program, speaks Jan. 10 at The Packer’s Global Organic Produce Expo.
USDA to propose 'game-changing' organic rule soon

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Significant new regulations are coming soon for the National Organic Program.

Nathalie Marin-Gest to lead produce, floral at Fair Trade USA

Fair Trade USA, which certifies fair trade products marketed in North America, has promoted Nathalie Marin-Gest as head of Fresh Goods, overseeing produce, floral and seafood.

FiveStar Gourmet features organic salads, snacks at GOPEX

FiveStar Gourmet Foods, Ontario, Calif., is showcasing its latest organic products at The Packer’s Global Organic Produce Expo (GOPEX).

Well-Pict organic berry program available year-round

Well-Pict Berries, Watsonville, Calif., offers organic strawberries year-round, and the upcoming Florida season is off to a good start.