SAN DIEGO, CA - United Fresh Produce Association provides the opportunity for produce professionals from all sectors of the industry to collaborate on educating incoming individuals. The association hosts a yearly Convention and Expo and recently announced the Committee co-chairs that will serve at the event in June of 2020.

“We’re grateful to have such a strong team to lead our 2020 Convention Committee,” said President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “Each individual brings a unique value and energy to the committee, whether as a produce buyer, grower-shipper, or equipment and service provider. Their leadership, and the expertise of the entire committee, are sure to make our 2020 show a great opportunity for industry growth and success.”

The Committee includes 30 members representing an international mix of wholesale, retail and foodservice buyers, grower-shippers, fresh-cut processors, and service providers across the industry. As announced in a press release, the committee co-chairs will consist of Paul Kneeland, Executive Director, Fresh Foods & Floral at Gelson's Markets; Abby Prior, Vice President of Marketing at BrightFarms; Matt Roy, Senior Director of Produce at US Foods; and Ben Zamore, Director of International Sales and Service at Atlas Pacific Engineering Company.

The co-chairs each gave statements in the press release:

“I’m excited to see the United Fresh Convention come to San Diego,” said Kneeland. “This is a great convention city, with all hotels close to the convention center overlooking the beautiful San Diego waterfront. This is an ideal setting for the strong education and business-to-business networking that we’ve come to expect from the United Fresh show.”

“BrightFarms is a relatively new player on the produce scene but our rapid growth reflects the excitement about how controlled-environment growing can meet the demand for local produce, sustainability, and consumer value,” Prior said. “Our sector has become a major part of the United Fresh show attracting new retail customers, but also allowing us to find new indoor technologies to help grow our businesses.”

“My excitement about United Fresh 2020 is twofold,” said Roy. “I participated in the first Partner X-Change B2B matchmaking event last year, and found great value in meeting with new companies that I might be able to do business with. And as a graduate of the United Fresh Leadership Program, I can’t wait to celebrate the program’s 25^th anniversary in San Diego together with more than 250 fellow alumni who are now leading their companies, associations, and commodity groups across the industry.”

“One of the unique values of the United Fresh show is its focus on innovative new technology, equipment, and services for the industry in the FreshTEC section of the show, as well as the FutureTEC pavilion highlighting start-up companies,” said Zamore. “As a supplier to the fresh processing sector, I’m committed to growing this part of the show to serve our customers throughout the produce supply chain.”

Stenzel further noted that exhibit renewals have surpassed 80 percent, with over a dozen new exhibitors already signed up. Exhibiting companies are encouraged to budget for the 2020 Convention sooner rather than later, as spaces are filling up quickly.

“Many of the enhancements from the 2019 show that surprised attendees and allowed for innovative new networking and business opportunities will continue in 2020, including the Produce X-Change B2B matchmaking program, the United Fresh ‘late-night’ Party at the San Diego House of Blues, and our annual Opening Party aboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier that promises a memorable kick-off to the 2020 show,” Stenzel added.

AndNowUKnow is rearing up for this exciting event next year, and we hope you are too. Continue checking our pulse for more.

United Fresh