MONTEREY, CA - From seasoned attendees to first-time visitors, the 2025 Organic Produce Summit (OPS) promised an experience unlike any other for all who came out to Monterey, California. 

With over 1,800 people exploring 204 exhibiting companies—not to mention a sold-out hosted buyer program capped at 210—it is safe to say that OPS maintains its standing as a can’t-miss event in the organic space. 

“The Organic Produce Summit consistently stands out as a premier event that highlights the groundbreaking innovation and dynamic progress within the organic sector. It has been a distinct honor to serve as the Chairman of the OPS Ambassadors over the past four years and to witness firsthand the summit’s continued growth and expansion—not only in size and attendance but also in the depth of its programming, the strength of its industry partnerships, and its ability to reach and engage a broader, more diverse audience. OPS remains a vital platform for driving collaboration, education, and forward-thinking innovation in the world of organics,” Natalie Machado, Director of Marketing, National, for FreshSource, reflected from the show floor. 

Walking the aisles of the main hall and upstairs, conversations constantly bubbled while a mix of badge colors across booths promised strong buy- and supply-side conversations happening across a brand new show floor approach. 

Juggling industry discussions and networking opportunities, the event got off to a strong start with its Wednesday evening Opening Reception, held outdoors amid the beautiful Monterey weather.

For the early risers, Informa Markets offered simultaneous presentations leading up to its State of Organic Produce, hosted for the first time in the historic Golden State Theater. 

Already we were overflowing with wisdom from panels like The Pros and Cons of Private Label and Branded Organic Produce and Merchandising Magic: The Power of Wow on Operations, Profitability, and Customer Engagement with experienced names including Vic Savanello, Vice President of Merchandising and Business Development at Katzman Distribution; Frances Dillard, Chief Communications Officer at Driscoll’s; Heather Fuller, Vice President of Sales at Braga Fresh Family Farms; Andy Smith, Senior Director of Produce and Floral Merchandising at SpartanNash; Dennis Payne, Director of Merchandising, Produce and Floral at The Fresh Market; Jeff Fairchild, Buyer for Organically Grown Company; Jonathan Steffy, Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Produce, and more. 

Balancing data and experience, Meagan Nelson, Vice President of Retail and Distributor Growth at SPINS, and Jeff Huckaby, Chief Executive Officer of Grimmway Produce Group, discussed untapped sales opportunities, shifting supply economics, and emerging technologies while looking to the future of organic potential. The latter was a perfect segue to keynote speaker Timothy Childs, Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Nutri8, and his insights into the strategic role of artificial intelligence in driving growth. 

The finale of the morning was the much anticipated Retail Roundtable, moderated by FreshSource President Scot Olson, who interviewed a versatile retail landscape in Faith Garrard, Executive Director of Fresh and Alcohol for Raley’s; Reyna Graves, Director of Merchandising, National Produce at Sprouts Farmers Market; and Joshua Crone, Retail Programming Senior Manager for Produce for National Co+op Grocers. Together, they each reflected on the fast-changing environment of economics, consumer demands, and what suppliers should know from each of these particular retail styles. While there were moments of laughter, there were also key insights and acknowledgment of the importance of all sides of ensuring fresh organic supply for consumers—a key balance found throughout the packed OPS agenda. 

From a 7:00 a.m. breakfast stretching to booths breaking down at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 10, OPS ensured that every moment presented an organic opportunity for its sponsors and guests. 

As we all make our way back home in time for a weekend of reflection, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the developments sure to follow from this dynamic event.