WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is gearing up for its highly anticipated Retail Conference and Golf Tournament, an exclusive event bringing together top retailers, suppliers, and industry leaders for two days of exclusive market insights and relationship-building. With key retail decision-makers, influential speakers, and leading buyers in attendance, this event is a must-attend for those looking to strengthen partnerships and drive business growth in the fresh produce industry. The event highlights participation from major buyers, including Albertsons, BJ’s Wholesale, Meijer, Sprouts and Walmart, showcasing the diversity and scale of this year’s attending retailers.

“This conference provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with retail leaders who are shaping the future of fresh produce,” said Joe Watson, IFPA’s VP of Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale Membership, in a recent press release. “Retailers, suppliers, and industry experts will come together to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies that impact the entire supply chain.”

New in 2025, The Retail Conference and Golf Tournament will feature Kevin Coupe, renowned author of Retail Rules! and owner of Morningnewsbeat.com, as the Conference Emcee. Coupe will be hosting a lineup of industry experts—who will share insights into consumer trends, retail innovation, and category growth. Key sessions include:

State of Retail in Produce

• Speaker: Joe Watson, Vice President of Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale, International Fresh Produce Association
• About: Joe and Emcee, Kevin Coupe, will discuss the current state of retail and its implications for the fresh produce industry. This session will explore key trends shaping the market, including evolving consumer purchasing habits and shifting supplier dynamics. Gain valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges retailers are currently facing and learn how these factors are influencing the future of retail and produce.

100 Days In: How the New Administration is Impacting the Produce Industry

• Moderator: Rebeckah Adcock, Vice President, U.S. Government Relations, International Fresh Produce Association
• Panelists
  • Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO, Texas International Produce Association
  • Stefanie Katzman, CEO, S. Katzman Produce
• About: With the first 100 days of the new administration behind us, key policy shifts are beginning to impact the produce industry. Join industry leaders as they discuss how these changes have affected them and their businesses from an industry perspective. Gain insights into what retailers and suppliers can expect in the months ahead.

Unlocking Produce Growth

• Speaker: Jonna Parker, Vice President/Team Lead, Circana - Fresh Foods Group
• About: Leverage the power of Circana’s retail sales and consumer behavior data to uncover the key drivers of produce sales. After what has been a banner year for produce in 2024, this session will analyze the current U.S. retail and consumer landscape, highlight growth opportunities across fresh produce categories, and explore emerging trends in shopper preferences. Gain actionable insights into how to sustain momentum in a post-2024 market and identify strategies for continued growth and success in the produce department.

“This event is where meaningful business partnerships are created and nurtured,” said Manuel Michel, Columbia Avocado Board’s Managing Director. “Having the opportunity to connect directly with retailers in both formal and informal settings allows us to better understand their needs and work together to bring high-quality fresh produce to consumers.”

While the 2025 Golf Tournament has already sold out again this year, there are plenty of opportunities for networking and collaboration with retail produce industry leaders over the course of two days in Dallas.

With a highly engaged drive-in audience and a lineup of top industry players, IFPA’s Retail Conference and Golf Tournament is set to be an impactful event for retailers, suppliers, and industry professionals alike.

For more information or to register, visit: https://www.freshproduce.com/events/the-retail-conference.