The supply chain of the floral and produce industry came together on May 22-23, at The Mexico Conference 2024 in Guadalajara.
An audience of over 460 agribusiness leaders attended the event, including attendees from Mexico, Central America, the U.S., and Canada. IFPA expressed its appreciation to each participant who made it possible to reunite for this major event in Mexico.
"This was a highly successful event that brought together the most important players in the Mexican produce industry, all in one place," said Jose Ferrer, Sr. director of produce sourcing at Walmart, and member of IFPA's Mexican Council. "The primary objectives of this event were to foster business development, provide value information for associates, and create the right environment for discussion on key topics for the produce industry."
The educational sessions delved into industry challenges at the event.
This year, the event's design facilitated connection and business with a format that included:
- Learning: The educational sessions delved into industry challenges, the market state in Mexico, new developments in food safety policies and product training programs, climate change and water scarcity, consumer trends, and the future and challenges that will shape the Mexican labor force over the next decade.
- Product and Service Exhibition: Thanks to all the exhibitors who framed the space, filling it with color, flavor, and business opportunities.
- Connection: The conference brought together and reconnected the entire industry, greeting old and new friends.
A highlight was the Business Roundtables dynamic, which was very successful in connecting producers with buyers and resulted in over 250 effective business meetings.
"The Mexico Conference is a unique event in Mexico's horticultural sector where the main industry players in North America intersect: the Producer, what the farmer needs to produce food (Supplier), and who buys this food, the Retailer. IFPA ensures effectiveness in this intersection with tools like business roundtables, among others, where all participants win," said Georgius Gotsis, CEO, Veggies From Mexico.
The Business Roundtables connected producers with buyers and resulted in over 250 effective business meetings.
"The Mexico Conference was an excellent opportunity to learn more about Mexico's floral and produce industry. The event provided a vibrant atmosphere for connecting with industry leaders and decision-makers, deepening my understanding of the dynamics and key players of the Mexican produce industry," said Ron Lemaire, president, Canadian Produce Marketing Association.
"This was another year of being sponsors of The Mexico Conference event and each year is a great experience to be present at the most relevant event in the fresh produce industry and to connect with market leaders in a space designed for doing business," said Raúl López, VP, AgTools, Member of the Mexican Council of IFPA.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the date for The Mexico Conference 2025.
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/