The produce industry is set to shine this year with a number of trade shows designed to highlight the freshest trends, innovations, and networking opportunities in fruits, vegetables, and more.

These are pivotal for growers, retailers, distributors, and more, eager to explore the latest in sustainable practices, packaging solutions, and global market trends.

They offer a dynamic opportunity for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and discover new products and technologies aimed at enhancing the supply chain from farm to table.

Whether you’re looking to expand your network, uncover new business opportunities, or simply stay abreast of the latest produce industry trends, this year’s lineup of produce trade shows is where you’ll want to be.

1. The Global Produce & Floral Show

The Global Produce & Floral Show is a premier event that brings together the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain.

Scheduled for October 17-19, 2024, in Atlanta, GA, this event is a significant opportunity for industry professionals to make lasting connections, reconnect with peers, and explore business-building speakers and the best expo in produce and floral.

It’s highlighted as a “can’t miss event” that delivers unmatched connections, offering more opportunities to see buyers in one show than anywhere else, build new relationships, and gain unmatched visibility for products and services.

Source: IFPA’s The Global Produce & Floral Show

The show is designed to customize attendees’ experiences, allowing them to meet buyers and suppliers that make a difference to their business.

It showcases technology, innovation, products, and services that advance businesses and solve problems.

Attendees can glimpse the future, crystallize opportunities and solutions on the show floor, and gain insights from high-caliber, wide-ranging speakers, peers, and industry changemakers.

For those interested in exhibiting, the event provides a platform for unmatched exposure to a global audience of buyers and suppliers in the produce and floral industries.

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) organizes the event, and for more detailed information on exhibiting or attending, contacting the IFPA directly is recommended.

2. Southern Exposure

The Southern Exposure Produce Trade Show, organized by the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC), is a premier event designed to foster growth and support within the produce industry, particularly in the Southeastern United States.

Founded in 1999, the SEPC aims to provide valuable support for produce farmers, suppliers, buyers, and consumers.

The trade show is an exclusive, members-only event that brings together industry professionals to showcase the latest products, services, and innovations in the produce sector.

It offers various registration types, including exhibitor, group, general attendee, and complimentary passes for retail, foodservice, wholesale, press, charitable organizations, industry trade associations, and VIPs.

Exhibitor spaces are highly sought after, with booth spaces for pretty much every year being sold out, indicating the event’s popularity and importance within the industry.

Source: SEPC’s Southern Exposure 2023 Show Photo Gallery

Registration fees vary, with exhibitor packages starting at $2,995, which includes booth space and associate registrations, while general attendee registration is priced at $1,200.

Complimentary passes are available for certain categories, subject to approval and meeting specific criteria.

The trade show provides a unique opportunity for networking, learning, and business development, catering to a wide range of participants from growers, shippers, packers, and processors to equipment suppliers and logistics companies.

It also offers logistical support for attendees, including air travel or travel mileage reimbursement and lodging arrangements, emphasizing the council’s commitment to facilitating participation and engagement at the event.

3. The New York Produce Show & Conference

The New York Produce Show and Conference is a premier event in the produce industry, set to take place from December 10-12, 2024, with the trade show specifically on December 11.

This four-day event is hosted in North America’s largest produce buying center, offering an unparalleled opportunity for networking, education, and showcasing innovations within the produce sector.

The event is held at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, a luxury hotel located in the heart of Manhattan, providing attendees with easy access to the city’s top attractions and amenities.

Organized by the Eastern Produce Council and Produce Business Magazine, the New York Produce Show and Conference brings together industry leaders, including buyers, suppliers, and experts, to share insights, explore new products, and foster business relationships.

Source: New York Produce Show & Conference 2023

The event features a comprehensive agenda that includes conferences, industry tours, and a trade show, making it a world-class event in a world-class city.

The show is celebrated for its ability to connect participants with a wide range of stakeholders from the produce industry, offering unmatched opportunities for knowledge exchange, relationship building, and commerce.

It’s an essential event for anyone involved in the produce industry, providing a platform to gain visibility for products and services, meet with potential buyers and suppliers, and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the market.

4. Organic Produce Summit

The Organic Produce Summit, set for July 10-11, 2024, in Monterey, California, stands as a premier event in the organic produce industry.

This summit is designed to showcase the latest trends, innovations, and leaders in organic produce.

It serves as a vibrant platform for exhibitors to display their products and for attendees to engage in presentations that delve into the heart of the organic produce sector.

At the heart of the Organic Produce Summit is the opportunity for networking among industry professionals.

It brings together a diverse group of participants, including growers, shippers, retailers, and technology providers, all united by their interest in organic produce.

The event is characterized by its dynamic atmosphere, where ideas are exchanged, and partnerships are formed, driving the organic produce industry forward.

Source: Organic Produce Summit

The summit is not just about exhibition and networking; it’s also an educational experience.

Through a series of presentations, industry leaders share insights on market trends, consumer behavior, and sustainable practices.

These sessions are invaluable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the organic sector and explore innovative approaches to challenges facing the industry.

In essence, the Organic Produce Summit is a celebration of the organic produce community.

It’s a place where the latest advancements are highlighted, and the future of the industry is discussed.

For anyone involved in the organic produce market, from farm to table, this summit is an essential event for staying connected, informed, and ahead in the field.

5. Viva Fresh Expo

The Viva Fresh Expo, hosted by the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), is set to take place at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas, from April 11-13, 2024.

This event was created to address the industry’s need for better opportunities to create meaningful networking opportunities that highlight products and build relationships.

It’s recognized for providing a valuable experience through networking and education, focusing on the produce grown in the Southwestern United States and Mexico.

Source: Viva Fresh Expo

The expo is described as an intimate and affordable regional tradeshow, replacing the former Texas Produce Convention.

It emphasizes the “Gateway to the Americas,” showcasing the vibrant produce sector of the region.

The event is heavily focused on networking and education, featuring virtual field tours, insights into supermarket dietitian trends, merchandising trends, and discussions on the issues and opportunities with trade between Mexico and the U.S.

For qualified retail and foodservice attendees, the Viva Fresh Expo offers a limited amount of hotel accommodations and flights, underlining the event’s commitment to facilitating industry connections.

The expo is praised for its balanced mix of business and leisure, providing a platform for attendees to engage with valued friends, customers, and potential new suppliers in a conducive environment.

The Viva Fresh Expo is celebrated as the #1 trending regional trade show, with testimonials highlighting its effectiveness in fostering new business relationships and its comparison to larger industry events for its intimate setting and focused opportunities.

6. Southern Innovations

Southern Innovations, hosted by the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC), is a premier event designed to support the growth and development of produce farmers, suppliers, buyers, and consumers in the Southeast.

The event features a variety of registration categories tailored to different participants within the industry, including exhibitors, general attendees, spouses, and complimentary passes for specific industry segments such as retail, foodservice, wholesale, jobbers, receivers, press, industry trade associations, and VIPs.

Exhibitors are provided with a booth space and the opportunity to purchase additional passes for booth associates.

Source: SEPC’s Southern Innovations

General attendees include a broad range of industry professionals such as growers, shippers, packers, brokers, processors, equipment suppliers, and those involved in transportation and logistics.

Spouse registrations offer access to select event activities, with certain restrictions on expo floor access.

Complimentary passes are available for professionals in the retail, foodservice, wholesale, jobber, and receiver categories, subject to specific conditions.

These passes often include benefits such as complimentary air travel and lodging, depending on the attendee’s qualifications and the event’s policies.

Southern Innovations focuses on networking and education, providing a platform for attendees to connect with industry peers, share insights, and explore new opportunities.

The event showcases the latest trends and innovations within the produce industry, making it an essential gathering for those looking to stay informed and competitive in the sector.

Please note that Southern Innovations is an SEPC members-only event, and registration requires approval based on the criteria outlined for each participant category.

The event is designed to foster meaningful connections and promote the growth of the produce industry in the Southeast and beyond.

7. Fruit Logistica

Fruit Logistica is scheduled for February 5-7, 2025.

This event is a leading global trade fair for the fresh produce industry, bringing together businesses from across the entire spectrum of the fresh fruit and vegetable sector.

From global players to small and medium-sized companies and organizations from all over the world, Fruit Logistica covers every segment of the fresh produce business, offering a complete overview of the latest innovations, products, and services at every link in the international supply chain.

Source: Fruit Logistica

It thus offers excellent networking and contact opportunities to the key decision-makers in every sector of the industry.

From the exhibition floor to a wide range of events, including the Innovation Award, Startup Day, and various forums and stages focusing on topics such as technology, logistics, and sustainability, Fruit Logistica provides a comprehensive look into the future of the global fresh produce sector.

Attendees and exhibitors have the opportunity to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, and build new connections, making it an essential event for professionals in the industry seeking to grow their business and stay ahead of market trends.

8. CPMA Convention & Trade Show

The CPMA Convention & Trade Show 2024 is set to take place in Vancouver, offering attendees a comprehensive program that includes a trade show, meal functions, social events, educational opportunities, and more.

The event will feature keynote speaker Cassie Campbell-Pascall, an author and former Captain of the Canadian Women’s Hockey team, who will speak on Wednesday, April 24, at 8:00 a.m.

This convention provides a perfect environment for reconnecting with past clients or developing new business relationships through its social events. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for those looking to engage with the produce industry in Canada.

Source: Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA)

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) hosts this event, and it’s a significant occasion for members from the West Coast and beyond to gather, share insights, and explore the latest trends and innovations in the produce market.

The CPMA is based in Ottawa, Ontario, and serves as a key player in the Canadian produce sector, facilitating trade and connections across the industry.

Attendees can look forward to discovering Vancouver, participating in the International Sustainability Summit, and exploring over 600 booths representing more than 270 companies at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

The event promises to be a comprehensive showcase of the latest products, services, and technologies in the produce industry, making it an essential event for professionals in the field.

9. West Coast Produce Expo

Source: West Coast Produce Expo

The West Coast Produce Expo 2024 is set to take place at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California, from May 30 to June 1, 2024.

This premier event in the produce industry is known for its domestic networking opportunities, attracting national buyers from top retail, wholesale, and foodservice companies.

The Expo boasts an impressive three-to-one buyer to supplier ratio, with 90% of the buyers having the authority to recommend or make final purchasing decisions.

Source: West Coast Produce Expo

Attendees can look forward to a comprehensive and exciting agenda that includes farm and field tours, popular golf and pickleball tournaments, high-profile keynote and session speakers, a bustling exhibit floor, and themed receptions.

The event is a unique opportunity for exhibitors and attendees to connect with the movers and shakers from throughout the fresh produce supply chain, blending business with pleasure in a dynamic setting.

With its focus on education, the Expo provides valuable insights through its various seminars and workshops, aimed at addressing current challenges and opportunities within the industry.

This event is an essential gathering for anyone looking to stay ahead in the competitive landscape of the produce market, offering unparalleled access to new products, services, and networking opportunities that can spur growth and foster long-term business relationships.

10. Natural Products Expo West

Natural Products Expo West 2024 is set to take place from March 12-16, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA.

This event is renowned for being the largest gathering of natural, organic, and conscious products, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to discover the next big sellers in the industry.

The expo includes buyer-only hours, educational events, and a trade show spread across several days and locations within the convention center.

The 2024 edition introduces new features such as Buyer-Only Hours on Wednesday, March 13, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, aimed at providing exclusive access to attendees.

The trade show itself will be held in the ACC Level 3 & North Halls from March 13-15 and in the ACC Halls A-E & Arena from March 14-16.

Natural Products Expo West is celebrated for empowering growth, innovation, and success within the consumer packaged goods and retail ecosystems.

Highlights include the annual Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace and the all-new Mindful Beverage Pavilion.

This event is a pivotal platform for networking, trend tracking, and discovering new products and ideas, making it a must-attend for anyone involved in the natural products industry.

Attendees can look forward to trying the latest offerings from beloved brands and discovering new ones, all while gaining insights and inspiration to fuel their future endeavors in the natural and organic sectors.

12. Global Organic Produce Expo

GOPEX (Global Organic Produce Expo) 2024 has concluded, but the event is already gearing up for its next iteration, scheduled for January 13-15, 2025, at the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort and Spa in Aventura, FL.

This expo is a significant meeting point for the fresh produce industry and conscious consumerism, highlighting the growing demand for organic products.

The event offers a platform for industry professionals to explore the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in the organic produce market.

Attendees have the opportunity to engage with speakers, participate in a comprehensive agenda tailored to the organic produce industry, and network with peers.

The expo floor provides a showcase for exhibitors to present their latest products and services, facilitating connections between suppliers and buyers focused on organic produce.

For those interested in participating in GOPEX 2025, information regarding sponsor packages, the expo floor plan, and space applications is already available.

Reflecting on the success of the previous events, including the 2024 edition, GOPEX continues to be an essential event for professionals in the organic produce sector, offering insights, networking opportunities, and a glimpse into the future of the industry.

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