The International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show has come to an end after three days devoted to fresh produce and floral.
“The Global Show brought out the best in worldwide fresh fruit, vegetable and flower innovations this year,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns.
“United by our bold beliefs and relentless advocacy, we are driving innovation, efficiency and positive change for our members and industry. Together, we are building a brighter, healthier future – proving that our products matter to the world. This year’s show was an incredible three days of connections, insights and community.”
Burns delivered her annual State of the Industry presentation, focusing largely on how the organization has delivered on the promise to “Fight for Fresh” which was made from last year’s stage.
Burns also shared some major announcements from the stage, including the debut of the IFPA Global Intelligence Engine. The proprietary data-powered engine is a tool for IFPA members that offers real-time point-of-sale insights, as well as important export and production data and consumer trends for fruits, vegetables and floral products. The engine provides answers, visualizations and recommendations at decision-making speed. The IFPA team provided demonstrations on the Expo floor to showcase the new tool.
Another key announcement was the launch of the the development of a Global Sustainability Framework for Produce and Floral, which started at the show in a joint planning session between IFPA leaders and representatives from the Consumer Goods Forum.
Highlights included general sessions featuring insights and inspiration from leaders and adventurers alike and more non-traditional education sessions during the Education Festival, along with the highly attended hot topics covered during the Food Safety and Tech Xchange in the Innovation Hub during Expo hours.
The show attracted attendees from more than 50 countries and a record number of more than 3,500 buyers engaged with 1,100 exhibiting companies on the show floor. This year’s show had the largest representative of global retailers ever, which included international representatives from some of the largest retailers and many buyers from Asia and Latin America.
The event continued to break records at The Foundation for Fresh Produce’s 5K, which surpassed last year’s mark of 830 runners who got their steps in on Friday morning.
On the final day of the show, IFPA announced winners of the Expo Awards:
- Best First-Time Exhibitor: Plant Grow Harvest
- Best Island Booth in Business Solutions: IFCO Systems
- Best Inline Booth in Business Solutions: 48Forty
- Best Island Booth in Produce: Fowler Packing | Peelz Citrus
- Best Inline Booth in Produce: BrightFresh Micro Greens
- Best Island Booth in Complementary Items: Offshoot Brands
- Best Inline Booth in Complementary Items: Joolies Superfruit
- Best Island Booth in Floral: Del Alma
- Best Inline Booth in Floral: Kendall Farms
From the Fresh Ideas Showcase participants:
- Best Sustainable Packaging: Dutchess Bouquets – IntegraVASE
- Best Product Promo: Dole – Colada Royale
[RELATED: Retail Trends Reshaping Produce Ahead Of IFPA Show]
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest, diverse international association serving the fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. IFPA represents member companies from small family businesses to large international corporations throughout the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.