The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) announced the educational sessions at the upcoming Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) on November 7-9, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona at the JW Marriott Starr Pass. These sessions will dive into topics impacting the produce industry today, and provide insights for suppliers, retailers, and foodservice buyers.
Friday will kick off with the Women's Breakfast, featuring a panel discussion of women leaders in the produce industry sharing their insights about the industry. The Women's Breakfast will set the stage for a day of discussions about how the industry continues evolving and changing.
These educational sessions will dive into topics impacting the produce industry today.
The day continues with additional informative topics, including:
Meeting New Demographic Changes: What Retail Needs from Suppliers: As consumer demands evolve, retailers and foodservice buyers are adjusting their product mix to cater to new preferences and trends. This session will explore:
- Retail needs from suppliers: Understanding what retailers require to address changing consumer demands.
- Timing for specialty varieties: Determining the optimal moment for suppliers to introduce new specialty varieties.
Experts will share strategies to help suppliers align with emerging consumer preferences.
Handling Regional Challenges Across Western North America: The produce supply chain faces numerous challenges across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including trade issues, elections, labor shortages, water scarcity, weather conditions, and emerging growing challenges. This session will cover:
- Adapting to trade issues: Navigating the complexities of international trade and its impact on the produce industry.
- Labor and water management: Addressing labor shortages and water management in agriculture.
- Weather and growing challenges: Strategies for overcoming weather-related disruptions and emerging growing challenges.
Industry experts will discuss how buyers and sellers can adapt to these regional challenges, ensuring a resilient and sustainable supply chain.
The FPAA will announce speakers as the event gets closer.
A look at one of last year's SWIPE panels.
The Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) is an event for professionals in the produce industry, offering opportunities for networking, education, and business growth.
"Attendance at last year's 1st annual Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) was astounding. For the second year, SWIPE will take place in the town that I call home, Tucson, Arizona, set in the beautiful Tucson Mountains at JW Starr Pass Resort & Spa. This will be an intimate setting where growers and shippers will have the opportunity to connect with fresh produce buyers. The year's event will begin on Thursday with a round of golf on the beautiful Star Pass golf course," said Craig Slate of Sunfed.
For more information:
Lance Jungmeyer
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
[email protected]
Allison Moore
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
[email protected]
www.freshfrommexico.com
www.swipeexpo.com