WASHINGTON DC & NEWARK, DE - The Global Produce & Floral Show is coming up! If you don’t already have October 19 circled on your calendar, now is your reminder to tune into the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) event as Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns presents the highly anticipated annual State of the Industry (SOI) presentation.

Cathy Burns, Chief Executive Officer, International Fresh Produce Association“This is a high point of the IFPA year,” Burns said of the SOI presentation. “We gather input from diverse sources to understand what will influence—even shock—the produce and floral industries, so our members can prepare to take advantage of or protect against those forces.”

Prior SOIs have laid out cutting-edge themes that are coming to fruition today. This year’s report previews the worlds of technology and innovation, sustainability and advocacy, talent attraction and workforce development, consumer trends, and tomorrow’s priorities.

As outgoing IFPA Chair, Laura Himes of Walmart will offer her thoughts on the past year before introducing Burns and the SOI. Only global show attendees with an all-access pass can attend this general session on Thursday, October 19, at 8:20 a.m.

International Fresh Produce Association Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns will deliver the highly anticipated annual State of the Industry presentation on October 19 at the Global Produce & Floral Show

As noted in the release, Burns called attention to three topics, noting potential implications for members:

• Sustainability
• Ag Tech
• The Workforce

“When I look at last year’s themes,” she said, “I think about where we are only a year later.”

The release continued, noting three areas of concern from Burns:

• Sustainability: “Expect to see new resources for members on these topics in Anaheim”
• Food as medicine: “We had just come off the White House nutrition conference, where several of IFPA’s policy recommendations were incorporated in the Biden Administration’s strategies. Today, the media is full of stories about produce prescriptions, personalized nutrition for consumers, and more”
• Food and emotional connections: “Our members hold the joy of fresh in their hands, and I am inspired by how they spread that joy through their products, services, and stories. From the deliciousness of fresh produce to the sensory delights of floral, they are maximizing the consumer experience”

For more information, click here. Or, visit here to register and learn more about the Global Produce & Floral Show.

International Fresh Produce Association