Other Events

Healthy living, healthy crowds marked the 2022 Viva Fresh Expo

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:26:57 GMT

GRAPEVINE, TEXAS — A few cowboy hats bobbed among the sea of more than 2,200 people at the 2022 Viva Fresh Expo, hosted by the Texas International Produce Association at the Gaylord Texan Resort just outside Dallas.

Like many major organizations did with their industry events, the association canceled its 2020 conference and trade show. Viva Fresh was one of the first shows to re-emerge in 2021, in a scaled down version.

But Viva Fresh was back full force in 2022, and bigger than ever — an attribute often touted in this large state. There were also 200 exhibitors and almost 400 retail, foodservice and wholesale buyers in attendance, said Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the association. There were four sold-out hotels, two sold-out golf tournaments, one sold-out wine tour and four jam-packed receptions.

“A record for us. Feels great!” Galeazzi in the last couple hours of the April 21-23 show. “Seriously though, we were extremely pleased with the attendance and participation throughout the show. Participants had a level of excitement from start to finish, all three days.”

While Texas-based professionals comprised a big chunk of attendees, companies and organizations from across the country sent representatives.

“We’re coming into Texas on the retail side and want to increase distribution here,” said Ross Johnson of Idaho Potato Commission, one exhibitor on the trade show floor.

(Farm Journal)

At the keynote luncheon, Farm Journal’s The Packer and PMG presented the 2022 Healthy Living Award to John Toner, vice president of political affairs at the International Fresh Produce Association, for his influence in improving the health of the industry and its individuals, in his work and by his personal example.

A past featured participant and current mentor to new participants in the Viva Clean Eating Challenge, Toner’s ongoing journey to change his lifestyle in eating, drinking and exercise resulted in about 180 pounds lost and many positive habits and tools gained.

More than numbers, Toner won for his transparency and vulnerability as he continues to share his struggles and achievements, making him relatable and able to help others improve their health and better practice what the fresh produce industry preaches.

“My new mantra in life is happy, healthy and honest,” Toner said in his acceptance speech, read by Tommy Wilkins of Grow Farm Texas in his absence. “I believe with those core values, anything is possible.”

Clean Eating Challenge featured participant Beth Keeton of Elephant House Public Relations won the grand prize in the live drawing: Her choice of a one-year subscription to a meal delivery service or a fitness club of her choice.

Galeazzi said the association made a point to include as much fresh produce as possible into the menus throughout the show. The April 22 breakfast included a kiwi coconut smoothie as well as a ginger, golden beet and orange smoothie. At the keynote lunch, guests enjoyed seared citrus grouper with creamed leeks and poblano sauce, flanked by butternut squash and sweet potato mash, plus glazed beta sweet maroon carrots and fennel.

Viva Fresh’s Women In Bloom event was sold out and packed, and the welcome reception the evening before the trade show extended an hour and half past its cutoff time.

Breaking records is also often on the mind of the expo’s keynote speaker, David McGillivray, race director of the Boston Marathon. McGillivray has run 161 marathons, the race of 26.2 miles.

McGillivray has run coast to coast in the U.S., completed multiple Iron Man competitions, and he runs his age in distance at each birthday — so when he turned 60, he ran 60 miles.

(Farm Journal)

He raises money and puts on races for the Jimmy Fund to help children with cancer, ran blindfolded to help people with blindness and started the Walpole Prison Running Club.

McGillivray also launched a business of organizing race events.

“It’s all about raising self-confidence and self-esteem in 10s of thousands of others,” he said.

As a child, McGillivray didn’t make the cut in sports teams. He recalled his short stature as an insecurity and turned to running as an outlet and way to make his grandfather proud.

“There’s only one way in my world that you can fail. And that’s when you don’t even try. It’s all a learning experience,” he said.

McGillivray recalled the trauma of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three people and injured hundreds of others. We all have struggles, whether the challenges are as traumatic as returning to a race where you feared for your life, working in an unpredictable produce industry or worrying about your family’s future if your health fails, he said.

Despite being fit, McGillivray has had multiple surgeries for severe coronary artery disease. Eating healthier has helped drastically, but he still has genetics to keep in mind.

Five days before the Viva Fresh Expo, McGillivray ran his 50th consecutive Boston Marathon.

“Honestly, I think all of you people are doing God’s work,” McGillivray said. “I made mistakes, and it almost cost me my life. But I learned. I changed my diet. I changed everything. I’ve run nine marathons since my open-heart surgery. I’m not only fit, but I’m also healthy. And that’s what you people instill in all of us.”

Slideshow: See IFPA's Retail Conference golfers out on the green

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:26:37 GMT

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Let the games begin: Produce industry professionals participate in the golf outing at the June 9-10 International Fresh Produce Association’s Retail Conference.

There were 120 golfers on the green and simulated driving range and 270 registered attendees, said Amy Drum, events manager.

Check back with us on ProduceMarketGuide.com for more on-scene coverage of IFPA’s Retail Conference.

And check our Instagram Stories at @ProduceMktGuide .

(Photos: Courtesy of International Fresh Produce Association)

Indie grocers to close NGA Show at Wakefern’s Brooklyn Bowl party

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:30:34 GMT

The National Grocers Association and Clarion Events released the full lineup of special events for the Feb. 26-28 NGA Show at Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas, according to a news release.

An “American Ninja Warrior” co-host will emcee the Best Bagger Competition, for one thing. And Wakefern Food Corp. is sponsoring the closing party at Brooklyn Bowl for another.

This year’s lineup has new experience-enhancing events alongside returning favorites, all designed to spark creativity, foster networking and showcase the innovation happening in independent retail grocery today.

The national trade association represents the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector comprises about 1.2% of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes.

NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers in every congressional district nationwide, as well as state grocers associations, manufacturers and service suppliers. Full details about the education program, exhibits, special events, networking and registration are at thengashow.com .

In addition to a full schedule of education, an expansive exhibit hall, food offerings on the show floor and more, the three-day event lineup includes:

Sunday, Feb. 26

Snack and see: Creative Choice campaigns: All show attendees are invited to snack and celebrate as leaders review the winning entries from the 2023 Creative Choice Awards. The competition honors the best marketing and merchandising campaigns in the grocery industry. This creative session provides actionable ideas for innovative programs back home.

Opening social: Join the industry at the kickoff to The NGA Show. Retailers, wholesalers, speakers, media, guests and exhibitors will meet new colleagues and reconnect with friends.

Keynote address: Attendees will be inspired by Erik Weihenmayer who, having lost his vision at 14, became the first person with blindness in history to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 2001. He will share his powerful message about harnessing the power of adversity as fuel for greatness.

WGA networking reception: Open to all women show participants, this is a new opportunity for women leaders to connect, establish new relationships and share experiences.

Monday, Feb. 27

Booth crawl happy hour: End the first day of exhibits with the show’s happy hour, another new event. Stop by designated booths on the show floor for beer, wine and snacks — a fun way to end a day of education, discovery and connections.

Best Bagger Competition: The annual showdown features a head-to-head, bracket-style competition of the best grocery baggers from across the country competing for the title, bragging rights and a $10,000 grand prize. The return of emcee Akbar Gbajabiamila — former professional football player, commentator and co-host of the “American Ninja Warrior” television series — can heighten the energy and excitement during this event. New this year: It’s located right off the exhibit floor.

IGA awards ceremony: By invitation. The Independent Grocers Alliance will honor the best of the best at their dinner and awards, which will include member awards ranging from IGA Retailer of the Year from the U.S. and global countries to Red Oval partner and wholesaler awards.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

Closing celebration: Sponsored by Wakefern, the party starts at The Linq Promenade after the conclusion of the Student Case Study Competition on Tuesday. Attendees are invited to Brooklyn Bowl for food, drinks, fun, live performances and bowling. Mix and mingle with peers in a fun and informal setting and share a final connection at The NGA Show.

SpartanNash to gather indie grocers at annual Food Solutions Expo

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 20:46:37 GMT

Food solutions company SpartanNash plans to host its largest event in company history, for more than 2,000 independent grocers, vendors and SpartanNash associates.

The gathering will be July 26-27 at the SpartanNash Food Solutions Expo in Grand Rapids, Mich., according to a news release.

The theme is “Playing to Win + 10 Together.” The idea is that winning requires a team-sport mentality, and the “10 Together” part of the event logo celebrates the last 10 years of SpartanNash since the merger of Spartan Stores and Nash Finch in 2013.

Attendees will get several firsthand peeks, including the latest advancements in the company’s supply chain and merchandising transformations, as well as enhanced customer-service solutions and OwnBrands offerings.

“Our expo brings together top vendor partners and thousands of customers and associates from across the country for an annual exchange of best practices, innovative thinking and food solutions,” SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam said in the release. “It’s our responsibility to help our independent customers grow by facilitating these relationships, sharing success strategies and continuing to invest in their business with initiatives like our merchandising transformation.”

Recent SpartanNash acquisition

Earlier in 2023, SpartanNash acquired Great Lakes Foods , an independent grocery wholesaler. That deal added many independent retail customers to the roster, as well as a 300,000-square-foot distribution center in Menominee, Mich.

That center will serve more efficiently SpartanNash’s existing and new customers across the Midwest and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Explaining SpartanNash

SpartanNash is a publicly traded company (Nasdaq: SPTN) that operates two complementary business segments: food wholesale and grocery retail. Its global supply chain network serves wholesale customers that include independent and chain grocers, national retail brands, e-commerce platforms, and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges. The company distributes products for every aisle in the grocery store, from fresh produce to household goods to its OwnBrands, which includes the Our Family portfolio of products.

Related: SpartanNash to use Afresh artificial intelligence for 10 Family Fare supermarkets

On the retail side, SpartanNash operates 144 brick-and-mortar grocery stores, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets and D&W Fresh Market, in addition to dozens of pharmacies and fuel centers. Leveraging insights and solutions across its segments, SpartanNash offers a full suite of support services for independent grocers.

SpartanNash offers several kinds of business solutions, including a coordinated program for marketing; merchandising expertise; pharmacy; asset protection; financial and retail technology support; and award-winning OwnBrands products.

Because SpartanNash also operates its own retail stores, it is qualified to provide industry insights to grow independent retail businesses, the company said. Through partnering with the company, customers have access to the tools, insights and technologies available to big retail chains.

The SpartanNash Food Solutions Expo is a private event at DeVos Place Convention Center. For more information, SpartanNash customers and vendors can visit here .