International Pineapple Organization
Global Pineapple Conference a platform for all industry members
Explaining the background to both the IPO and the conference, Executive Director, Will Cavan says, "IPO is the brainchild of Max Komjathy, who was formerly Chiquita's pineapple hand."
Max approached Will, who was already the Executive Director of the International Mango Organization, and asked him to set up something similar for the pineapple industry internationally.
The IPO was launched in April 2012, and has taken around a year to get off the ground.
"A year on," Will explains, "The IPO launched a LinkedIn group in order to gauge interest in a formal association. Within two weeks 27 members had expressed interest in the concept of the International Pineapple Organization.
"The IPO is a global umbrella set up to address critical issues and seek solutions for the pineapple industry. The global pineapple conference is set up as a focus for all members to participate in and share experiences and provide a platform for solutions to industry issues."
Will has set out the agenda for the forthcoming conference, with details as follows:
Supply:
This will address global production on a country by country basis. The moderator for this sector will be Dr. Reinhard of the International Society of Horticultural Scientists, based on his 40 years of experience in the industry.
Demand:
A look at the fresh and value added pineapple market. Allan Acosta of Ready Pac and Paul Romero of Chestnut Hill Farms have agreed to moderate this discussion.
Transportation:
The industry has expressed concerns over delays in clearing cargo at major USA ports and this matter is one which will be discussed. Large shipping companies have expressed interest in participation.
Technology and sustainability:
Box companies, fertiliser companies and food safety certification companies have expressed interest.
Social Responsibility:
Un Tech Para mi Pais, amongst others, have expressed interest in challenging the pineapple industry to cooperate with social responsibility projects, such as housing and medical attention for workers in the pineapple industry.
Will has also announced the details of speakers confirmed so far. "We have a firm commitment from ISHS and CADEXO has offered the Costa Rican Minister of Agriculture. The final list will be released by July 2nd."
He says the even will be attended by a cross section of industry representatives.
"There will be pineapple leaders from the academic, grower, exporter, scientific, importer, distributor, retailer, transportation and technology segments from around the world."
He points out that, thanks to substantial logistical and financial support from CADEXO, costs have been kept to a minimum and tickets are priced at $150 US per person.
For more information:
International Pineapple Organization
Will Cavan
[email protected]
or
Max Komjathy
[email protected]
