WASHINGTON, DC - Cheers to another successful industry event! Members across the world of produce are reflecting on the insights gleaned at the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) The Mexico Conference 2024 in Guadalajara this past May.

Jose Ferrer, Sr., Director of Produce Sourcing at Walmart, and member of IFPA’s Mexican Council, shared that the conference was "A highly successful event that brought together the most important players in the Mexican produce industry, all in one place. The primary objectives of this event were to foster business development, provide value information for associates, and create the right environment for discussion on key topics for the produce industry."

The event brought together over 460 agribusiness leaders, including attendees from Mexico, Central America, the U.S., and Canada. IFPA expressed its appreciation to each participant who made it possible to reunite for this event, including sponsors, exhibitors, producers, buyers, exporters, importers, distributors, service providers, media allies, and the industry at large.

“The Mexico Conference is a unique event in Mexico's horticultural sector where the main industry players in North America intersect: the Producer, what the farmer needs to produce food (Supplier), and who buys this food, the Retailer,” shared Veggies From Mexico CEO Georgius Gotsis. “IFPA ensures effectiveness in this intersection with tools like business roundtables, among others, where all participants win.”

As a press release shared, this year’s conference format included:

• Learning: Educational sessions delved into industry challenges, the market state in Mexico, new developments in food safety policies and product training programs, climate change and water scarcity, consumer trends, and the future and challenges that will shape the Mexican labor force over the next decade
• Product and Service Exhibition: Thanks to all the exhibitors who framed the space, filling it with color, flavor, and business opportunities, growing toward a healthier and more sustainable world
• Connection: The Mexico Conference is about creating an ideal environment to stay updated in the industry and find new growth opportunities

Another key element was the Business Roundtables dynamic, which was very successful in connecting producers with buyers and resulted in over 250 effective business meetings.

“The Mexico Conference was an excellent opportunity to learn more about Mexico's floral and produce industry,” added Ron Lemaire, President, Canadian Produce Marketing Association. 
“The event provided a vibrant atmosphere for connecting with industry leaders and decision-makers, deepening my understanding of the dynamics and key players of the Mexican produce industry.”

For more insights and testimonials from attendees, click here. As we await the announcement of the dates for The Mexico Conference 2025, ANUK will be here with more industry updates.