An unmatched opportunity for produce professionals to connect, learn, and celebrate at IFPA’s 2025 Retail Conference and Golf Tournament

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) will host the Retail Conference and Golf Tournament from April 30 to May 1, 2025, creating a prime setting for industry leaders to collaborate, learn, and celebrate fresh produce retail excellence.

Taking place in Washington, DC, the gathering seeks to unite retailers, suppliers, and other key players in an immersive event that focuses on consumer insights, cost-reduction strategies, and quality improvements in produce.

Building on the success of past years, the upcoming conference promises to deliver forward-looking discussions, unparalleled networking opportunities, and a spirited golf tournament that encourages relationship-building in a relaxed environment.

Although the tournament itself highlights the competitive spirit, the event offers far more than a day on the golf course.

Participants will gain exclusive access to expert-led sessions that dive into evolving consumer trends, vital industry policies, and the driving forces behind projected sales in 2025.

This emphasis on education is underscored by four distinct sessions, each designed to shed light on how businesses across the supply chain can adapt to stay relevant.

Attendees will also discover effective methods to cut costs, enhance produce freshness, and respond to the shifting demands of a consumer base increasingly focused on healthy choices.

One of the major draws of the conference is the opportunity to meet top retail buyers.

Over 60 buyers are scheduled to attend, representing a powerful platform for forging new connections.

The industry’s most influential decision-makers will be on-hand, offering participants a chance to strike up partnerships and gather immediate feedback from those most invested in produce retail.

Conference organizers note that 28 U.S. states and Canada will be represented, ensuring that attendees benefit from an array of perspectives and business practices.

This broad geographic reach illustrates the event’s national appeal and sets the stage for a conversation that goes well beyond regional concerns.

Showcasing the fruit of these collective efforts is the announcement of 20 Retail Produce Manager Award Winners, a highlight intended to celebrate excellence and dedication within the retail sector.

These exemplary professionals stand out for their creativity, commitment to fresh produce, and innovative marketing approaches.

By spotlighting their accomplishments, the IFPA hopes to motivate others to explore new ways to captivate consumers, reinforce brand loyalty, and drive growth in retail produce departments.

A further testament to the event’s significance is the strong industry support reflected by 25+ conference and media sponsors.

These sponsoring organizations, keen on elevating produce retail, value the unique platform the IFPA provides and recognize the importance of fostering growth for suppliers, grocers, and everyone in between.

With over 300 expected attendees, the conference aims to bring together the diverse segments of the produce world in an environment that encourages collaboration, product education, and entrepreneurial innovation.

“The Retail Conference and Golf Tournament is more than a networking event; it’s a dynamic forum where the industry’s brightest minds come together to drive meaningful change.”

Joe Watson, IFPA’s Vice President of Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale

This direct statement underscores the event’s overarching goals: to cultivate an atmosphere where new ideas flourish, industry standards are refined, and influential relationships are formed.

Beyond the fairways, participants will find strategic insights that can be directly applied to their business models, boosting operational efficiency and furthering the shared mission of bringing high-quality produce to consumers.

Throughout both days of the conference, attendees will have a chance to experience a robust lineup of educational presentations.

Experts will delve into the implications of emerging consumer patterns and help decision-makers stay abreast of market fluctuations.

Additionally, panel discussions and interactive workshops will promote dialogue around pressing topics, such as supply chain efficiency and emerging technologies.

By gathering practical tips, established best practices, and forward-looking perspectives, participants can depart the event with a stronger sense of direction and renewed focus on competitive advantages.

While the formal agenda is devoted to advancing industry knowledge, casual interactions on the golf course and in networking receptions often spark some of the most meaningful exchanges.

Ideas hashed out in a friendly, low-pressure setting can lead to fruitful collaborations down the road, contributing to the conference’s reputation as a prime environment for building lasting professional relationships.

From forging alliances to celebrating achievements, the Retail Conference and Golf Tournament encapsulates a spirit of unity, with each element contributing to the overall objective of driving the fresh produce industry forward.