A Premier Event for Networking, Innovation, and Exploring the Latest in the Produce Industry

Produce professionals from across the industry will gather in New York City from December 10 to 12 for the annual New York Produce Show and Conference, an event designed to foster connections, cultivate new partnerships, and showcase industry innovations.

Hosted at multiple venues, including the Sheraton New York Times Square and the Javits Center, the three-day gathering aims to bring together buyers, sellers, educators, and innovators in one of the nation’s most influential produce markets.

This year’s installment is expected to draw more than 4,000 attendees, with 40 percent representing buyers. The centerpiece of the event will be the one-day trade show on December 11 at the Javits Center, where more than 400 companies will be presented on equal footing thanks to uniform booth sizes.

Exhibitors of all scales will have a chance to connect with decision-makers, highlight their latest products, and gain visibility in one of the world’s premier commercial hubs for fresh produce.

The Sheraton New York Times Square (left) and the Javits Center (right)

The New York Produce Show and Conference will introduce several new elements this year, including the Mexico Pavilion. This specialized section will shine a spotlight on leading brands from Mexico, reinforcing their well-earned reputations for quality and reliability.

The addition exemplifies the show’s focus on building a buyer-focused environment and offering greater opportunities for producers to strengthen their market presence.

A variety of culinary demonstrations will also run throughout the day on December 11, emphasizing the gastronomic potential of fresh produce and inspiring attendees to reimagine how fruits and vegetables fit into modern menus.

Beyond the central trade show, attendees can take part in three co-located conferences designed to deepen their understanding of the produce landscape.

On December 10, the Foundational Excellence program, led by Cornell University professors, aims to equip executives with fewer than five years in produce with critical insights into market trends and strategic thinking.

Meanwhile, the Global Trade Symposium will present key updates on importing and exporting, providing actionable knowledge for businesses navigating the intricate logistics of the Northeast corridor.

Then, on December 12, the Ideation Fresh Foodservice Forum will highlight the role of produce in elevating menus, enhancing culinary experiences, and ultimately increasing profitability in foodservice operations.

This year’s Connect With Fresh Consumer Media initiative will feature celebrated nutritionist and author Marion Nestle as the keynote speaker on Wednesday afternoon.

The gathering’s educational sessions, keynote addresses, and micro-sessions are designed to help attendees stay competitive, meet evolving consumer demands, and keep pace with the industry’s changing business environment.

Following the trade show, participants will have the opportunity to engage with the region’s vibrant marketplace through guided tours, each designed to illuminate distinct facets of the produce supply chain.

On December 12, several tours will depart for iconic locations, ranging from urban culinary hubs to state-of-the-art distribution centers.

Manhattan-bound participants can look forward to stops at Eataly and multiple supermarkets, including Brooklyn Fare, Wegman’s Astor Place, and a new Morton Williams store.

A Philadelphia Tour will take attendees to the Reading Terminal Market, aglow with holiday décor, and then to the Philadelphia Wholesale Market, a technologically advanced, fully enclosed, and refrigerated trading space that houses 18 independent produce businesses.

The New Jersey Tour will center on distribution and retail experiences, offering visits to supermarkets like Shop Rite and A.J. Seabra, as well as a Food Bazaar in North Bergen.

A notable highlight will be the chance to tour Exp Group’s historic headquarters and distribution center, witnessing firsthand how tropical fruits and vegetables move seamlessly from ripening rooms to delivery trucks.

Another route heads to Brooklyn’s emerging food scene, featuring a brand-new Foodtown in Williamsburg and a Food Bazaar in Red Hook with striking views of the Statue of Liberty.

Visitors will also see 3 Guys From Brooklyn, known for over half a century of community-focused, high-quality produce.

Another popular option is a visit to Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, known as the largest food distribution center in the world, serving a staggering 22 million people throughout the greater metropolitan region.

With its array of educational programs, fresh opportunities for international collaboration, and behind-the-scenes tours of the region’s dynamic produce infrastructure, the 2024 New York Produce Show and Conference promises to be a deeply influential gathering for all involved.