Nov 29, 2024

IFPA’s “Force for Fresh” Atlanta global produce show

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) recently concluded its annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia, after what’s being described as a transformative three days for fresh produce and floral.

The Oct. 17-19 event amassed over 3,000 buyers and attendees from more than 70 countries on one of the largest floors in a decade, according to a news release.

“The Global Show is one of the greatest good-for-my-soul moments of the year,”  Cathy Burns, IFPA’s CEO, said in the release. “This year delivered. There was an incredible mix of innovation and energy that carried through the entire program as the global industry came together once again to celebrate our positive impact on people, plates and the planet.”

Burns kicked off the event with her State of the Industry presentation on the morning of Oct. 17. In the fast-paced presentation, she covered the upcoming trends in innovation, climate and sustainability, and industry advocacy wins. Specifically, Burns announced that IFPA has been granted observer status to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and recapped the WIC win earlier this year.

The IFPA Board of Directors 2024 and 2025 chairs also addressed the crowds. 2024 chair, John Anderson of Oppy shared industry successes over the past year, including the introduction of the Fight for Fresh campaign, a model for future campaigns to reach policy and lawmakers across the world. 2025 chair Tammy DeBoer of Harris Teeter also introduced the 2025-2027 IFPA strategic plan and how it will advance the industry and position us for the future.

Attendees also heard from leaders like the founder of Netflix, Marc Randolph; the founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, Reshma Saujani; CEO of Kroger, Rodney McMullen; Bulwark Contributor and political expert, A.B. Stoddard, and countless other industry experts who also spoke during the Education Festival.

In addition to the education sessions that provide insights and predictions to build businesses and increase consumption, the expo provided two full days of networking with over 1100 exhibitors from 32 countries.  There were more than 130 companies exhibiting for the first time at the show and more than 210 Fresh Ideas Showcases for new and innovative products, according to the release.

The show floor was one of the biggest floors in years at 331,000 square feet, with only the 2018 show in Orlando surpassing this year’s floor.

On the final day of the show, IFPA announced winners of the coveted expo awards. Here is a summary of the winners:

• Best First-Time Exhibitor: Little Leaf Farms
• Best Island Booth in Produce: Alpine Fresh/Hippie Organics
• Best Inline Booth in Produce: 80 Acres Farm

From the more than 210 Fresh Ideas Showcase Participants:
• Best Sustainable Packaging: Bolthouse Fresh Foods’ Home Compostable Bag
• Best Product Promo: Pure Flavor, Amora Mini Melons

“The IFPA team greatly appreciated the investment of our guests, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteer leaders, and partners in Atlanta,” Burns said in the release.

Photo on top: This year’s IFPA Global Produce Show in Atlanta drew large crowds of buyers, sellers, growers, allied industry members and others.