International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) wrapped its annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia after three days of fresh produce and floral. The event amassed over 3,000 buyers and attendees from over 70 countries on one of the largest floors in a decade.
"This year delivered," said IFPA CEO, Cathy Burns. "There was an incredible mix of innovation and energy that carried through the entire program as the global industry came together once again."
IFPA CEO Cathy Burns.
Burns started the event with her State of the Industry presentation on Thursday morning where 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. The 2025 Chair, Tammy DeBoer of Harris Teeter also introduced the 2025-2027 IFPA Strategic Plan.
Attendees also heard from leaders like Netflix founder 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 other experts who also spoke during the Education Festival.
Over 130 companies exhibited for the first time at the show.
In addition to the education sessions, the Expo provided two days of networking with over 1100 exhibitors from 32 countries. Over 130 companies exhibited for the first time at the show and there were more than 210 Fresh Ideas Showcases for new and innovative products.
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. More than 830 runners got their steps in at the Foundation for Fresh Produce 5k as well, which was a record number of runners for a Foundation event.
On the final day of the show, IFPA announced the winners of the Expo Awards.
- Best First-Time Exhibitor: Little Leaf Farms
- Best Island Booth in Business Solutions: MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
- Best Inline Booth in Business Solutions: Sollum Technologies
- Best Island Booth in Produce: Alpine Fresh/Hippie Organics
- Best Inline Booth in Produce: 80 Acres Farm
- Best Island Booth in Complementary Items: Litehouse Inc.
- Best Inline Booth in Complementary Items: Sun Lovin Foods
- Best Island Booth in Floral: Galleria Farms
- Best Inline Booth in Floral: Dutchess Bouquets
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
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/