WASHINGTON, DC - As advocates of the industry, trade associations serve as some of the leading torchbearers. United Fresh LIVE! is one way that these leaders have continued to spark change throughout stay-at-home orders, featuring a major online expo scheduled throughout the week of June 15-19. The chief staff and elected officers of five leading produce associations—United Fresh, Western Growers, Produce Marketing Association (PMA), Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), and Freshfel Europe—will join together in the closing session of United Fresh LIVE! with the likes of H-E-B and Baldor members to share their vision for the future in rebuilding the global produce industry.

Alongside United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel and Chairman Michael Muzyk, Baldor Specialty Foods, will be Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia and Chairman Ryan Talley, Talley Farms; PMA CEO Cathy Burns and Chairman Joe Don Zetzsche, H-E-B; CPMA President Ron Lemaire and Chairman Davis Yung, Fresh Direct Produce Ltd; and Freshfel Europe Chairman Stephan Weist, REWE Group, and General Delegate Philippe Binard.

“With Western Growers leaders participating online at 9:00 a.m. in California, and Freshfel leaders participating at 6:00 p.m. in Europe, we’ll be hosting a global discussion like never before,” said Stenzel. “I’m particularly grateful to my colleagues Dave Puglia, Cathy Burns, Ron Lemaire, and Philippe Binard in having their elected leaders join with Michael and me for this discussion.”

According to a press release, the Closing LIVE! General Session will take place at 12:00 p.m. EST on Friday, June 19, with participants spanning the globe.

The Closing Session will wrap up a week of the fresh produce industry’s first-ever virtual event experience. It also will be the fifth of five LIVE! General Sessions offered throughout the week. United Fresh LIVE! will open Monday, June 15, at 12:00 p.m. EST with the Opening LIVE! General Session also hosted by Michael Muzyk and Tom Stenzel.

“I’m delighted that our colleagues representing members across the global produce supply chain will join with us for this discussion,” said Muzyk. “The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the industry around the world, and this is an opportunity to begin plotting a future course together to rebuild what has been lost, and move forward to greater heights.”

Tuesday, June 16, will feature the Women In Produce LIVE! General Session where this year’s honoree, Sarah Frey, President and CEO of Certified Women-Owned Business Frey Farms and Founder of Tsamma™ Watermelon Juice and Sarah’s Home Grown, will share her career story.

Wednesday, June 17, will feature the Organic LIVE! General Session where Tonya Antle, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the Organic Produce Network, will host a panel of top industry leaders addressing the future of organics in a post-coronavirus environment.

Thursday, June 18, will be the Retail-Foodservice LIVE! General Session featuring this year’s 25 Retail Produce Manager Award winners and the nine Produce Excellence in Foodservice award-winning chefs and operators.

Don’t forget to register for this can’t-miss event, friends!

United Fresh