BERLIN - International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) convened almost 150 leaders from 27 countries at the Executive Leadership Summit in Berlin last week. The C-Suite meetup, held in conjunction with the Fruit Logistica event, brings together global industry leaders to discuss leading business challenges and opportunities.

“We have been bringing together leaders at the Executive Leadership Summit for the past few years and I’m always impressed and appreciative by how generous our leaders are with their insights and engagement,” said Chief Membership Officer, Miriam Wolk. “The industry is facing many changing headwinds and tailwinds and there are few events where executives have the opportunity to discuss and share ideas about these critical issues in such a candid and collaborative way. I look forward to our next Executive Leadership Summit taking place in Sydney, Australia in the next few months.”

The agenda for this years’ session included an update on IFPA’s Strategic Plan process; a discussion on strengthening supplier-buyer relationships to meet evolving sustainability standards. According to a press release, this session featured panelists from the Consumer Goods Forum, Albertsons, Naturipe and the International Seed Federation. Attendees then took a deep dive into fruit, vegetable and floral economics from Rabobank expert, Cindy Van Rijswick; and an advocacy in action panel followed by a collaborative discussion with those in attendance on amplifying industry voices.

The Advocacy in Action panel featured IFPA Board Members Steve Alaerts, partner and director of foodcareplus logistics nv; Jan Doldersum, manager chain & retail at Rijk Zwaan Distribution B.V; and Maria Wieloch, head of category management and business development, fruit, vegetables and flowers at ICA Sverige AB.

"One of the highlights of events like the ELS is the ability to hear directly from our many industry executives who are facing and solving some of our industry's greatest challenges," said Jessica Keller. "I appreciate Steve, Jan, and Maria sharing their insights, it was clear in the discussion that followed that our industry not only has the ideas that can help our industry thrive but the obvious passion to ensure consumers can continue to rely on our industry for safe, delicious, sustainable, nourishing food."

IFPA shared a takeaways document that explored some of the trends and highlights from the interactive session which can be found on IFPA’s website and social channels.