The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is gearing up for its Retail Conference and Golf Tournament. This event brings together retailers, suppliers, and industry leaders for two days of market insights and relationship-building. The event highlights participation from major buyers, including Albertsons, BJ's Wholesale, Meijer, Sprouts, and Walmart, showcasing the diversity and scale of this year's attending retailers.
"Retailers, suppliers, and industry experts will discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies that impact the entire supply chain," said Joe Watson, IFPA's VP of retail, foodservice & wholesale membership.
New in 2025, The Retail Conference and Golf Tournament will feature Kevin Coupe, author of Retail Rules! and owner of Morningnewsbeat.com, as the Conference emcee. Coupe will host a lineup of industry experts who will share insights into consumer trends, retail innovation, and category growth.
© IFPAL-R: Joe Watson, Kevin Coupe
Key sessions include:
- State of Retail in Produce: Watson and Coupe will discuss the current state of retail and its implications for the fresh produce industry. This session will explore trends shaping the market, including evolving consumer purchasing habits and shifting supplier dynamics.
© IFPAL-R: Rebeckah Adcock, Dante Galeazzi, Stefanie Katzman
- 100 Days In: How the New Administration is Impacting the Produce Industry: Rebeckah Adcock, vice president, U.S. government relations, International Fresh Produce Association, will moderate a panel discussion between Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO, Texas International Produce Association, and Stefanie Katzman, CEO, S. Katzman Produce. With the first 100 days of the new administration behind the country, key policy shifts are beginning to impact the produce industry. These leaders will discuss how these changes have affected them and their businesses from an industry perspective.
© IFPAJonna Parker
- Unlocking Produce Growth: Jonna Parker, vice president/team lead, Circana - Fresh Foods Group will leverage the power of Circana's retail sales and consumer behavior data to uncover the key drivers of produce sales. After what has been a banner year for produce in 2024, this session will analyze the current U.S. retail and consumer landscape, highlight growth opportunities across fresh produce categories, and explore emerging trends in shopper preferences.
"This event is where business partnerships are created and nurtured," said Manuel Michel, Columbia Avocado Board's managing director. "Having the opportunity to connect directly with retailers in formal and informal settings allows us to better understand their needs and work to bring high-quality fresh produce to consumers."
While the 2025 Golf Tournament has already sold out again this year, there are opportunities for networking and collaboration with retail produce industry leaders over the two days in Dallas.
With a highly engaged drive-in audience and a lineup of industry players, this conference is set to be an impactful event for retailers, suppliers, and industry professionals alike.
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
ASempowski@freshproduce.com
https://www.freshproduce.com/events/the-retail-conference