Jan 11, 2018

Fifth event added to United Fresh show lineup

Registration has opened for United Fresh 2018, which will be held June 25-27 in the South Hall of McCormick Place, Chicago. This year, a fifth event – the SmartFood Expo – expands the show floor opportunities co-located with United FreshTEC Expo, United FreshMKT Expo, the Global Cold Chain Expo and the International Floriculture Expo. The show is expected to attract 10,000 attendees and more than 700 exhibitors.

“We’re excited to welcome attendees and exhibitors to experience all five targeted expos & conferences this June in Chicago,” said United Fresh president and CEO Tom Stenzel. “Our expanded formats will allow industry decision-makers to discover a total store solution driven by consumers’ desire for more healthy and better-for-you food options as well the technologies and solutions that support a safe, efficient perishable supply chain. By bringing in these partners, we help the fresh produce industry grow in consumer and retail impact, direct sales and consumption, and of course, profitability.”

United Fresh attendees can experience a half-day education on Monday, June 25 where one badge allows access to all education taking place concurrently, including the United FreshMKT, United FreshTEC, Global Cold Chain, SmartFood and the International Floriculture education conferences. As part of the conference agenda, attendees also will interact with companies participating in the Snack Break, showcasing on-trend products to meet today’s consumer lifestyles. Attendees also will get a glimpse at what’s next in the University Showcase where leading educational institutions are bringing new concepts and ideas to life. Finally, conclude the day by catching up with friends and peers during the official 2018 Opening Party kick-off event at Chicago’s Field Museum.

United Fresh will continue to offer two industry events in the General Session Breakfasts held on Tuesday and Wednesday morning prior to each expo day. The Opening General Session Breakfast will focus on the industry trends and how they can be used to propel business forward. The following day, the Retail-Foodservice Breakfast will honor the top 25 produce managers on the front lines and chefs excelling in implementing fresh produce strategies in the kitchen.

Food safety remains a top priority on and off the trade show floor. This year, attendees can participate in the Listeria Learning Lab – a hands-on educational workshop connecting industry peers with the products and service that support their listeria efforts.

The biggest “supermarket” buyer in town – school foodservice directors – will have a chance to dive into the challenges and opportunities they face on a daily basis to provide healthier and fresh options to students at the School Foodservice Forum. Attendees will discover new products available and clever marketing campaigns created by fresh produce brands to attract young eaters.

United FreshTEC and United FreshMKT will continue to address the innovative solutions in the industry in response to the challenges faced throughout the supply chain. United FreshTEC will showcase the latest developments in technology, robotics and other supply chain solutions while United FreshMKT will highlight the marketing and product development trends that have consumers adding fresh fruit and vegetables to their carts in grocery stores across the country.

The new SmartFood Expo is the only B2B event focused entirely on better-for-you nutrition across all food and beverage categories, United said. SmartFood product categories are expected to include allergy-free grocery products, gluten-free products, plant-based foods, specialty/gourmet products and more.

Global Cold Chain Expo, now in its third year, provides tech solutions to ensure quality control throughout the cold chain from field to table. Attendees will experience and find innovation throughout the full supply chain, ensuring improved cold chain services and food safety and quality maintenance and accountability.

Early bird rates for 2018 are available through May 15. For more information, visit the show website.