CHICAGO, IL - The Windy City continued to live up to its name, as thousands of the produce industry's finest blew into Chicago for the exciting whirlwind that was the United Fresh 2016 conference. Whether you missed a moment of this year’s events or want to relive them in all their glory, AndNowUKnow has your highlight reel right here. 

“We are very pleased with the innovations showcased at this year’s United Fresh Convention & Expo,” United Fresh President Tom Stenzel, told AndNowUKnow, adding ”examples were all over the show floor representing advances in food safety, convenience-focused products and new varieties that represent the industry’s drive for taste and quality to satisfy consumer demands."  

Stenzel also shared, "The new partnership with the Global Cold Chain Exposition provided a full supply chain value for attendees. We have received tremendous feedback from exhibitors who are generating excitement for the 2017 Show!” 

After a Monday night spent in the innovative energy-packed Opening Reception at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, Tuesday morning brought an eye-opening General Session address by President and Chief Operating Officer for H-E-B, Craig Boyan. Boyan spoke on how the industry can deal with a declining consumer income. With the rise of globalization and increased use of technology, consumers are feeling lighter pockets in recent years. Boyan argued, “We think it is possible that we are in a flat-to-declining industry for the next 30 years,” citing increased efforts in food safety, health and wellness, and investments into your own employees as ways to move forward in the new economy. 

Another major highlight of the show for me personally was the announcement of the Reception Honoring Women in Produce. This year’s honoree joining the ranks of an astounding cast of some of the most influential women in the industry was Julie Krivanek, President of Krivanek Consulting Inc., who fit right in amongst them. One particularly poignant moment from the reception for myself was when California Avocado Commission’s Vice President of Marketing, Jan DeLyser, asked attendees to raise their hands if they had either worked with or been mentored by Krivanek over the course of her last 21 years in the produce industry—nearly the whole room had a hand up. 

"To be recognized by ones peers for service to the industry is the highest honor,” Krivanek shared with our team. “I started my produce career with United Fresh and never looked back. The business relationships - networks - and friendships from that first day have been invaluable." 

Wednesday morning saw Kevin Brown, President and CEO of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc.® (LEYE), as the keynote speaker for the General Session Breakfast. Brown, who runs more than 100 restaurants with 51 different concepts ranging from fast casual to fine dining nationwide, spoke on produce’s growing role in the foodservice industry.

The early morning gathering also saw David Offerdahl, Director of Ag Engineering, at Taylor Farms, win the 2016 FreshTech Achievement Award, honoring his career in innovating and adapting mechanical harvesting to better serve our industry. 

Offerdahl wasn’t the day’s only award recipient either—bring on the long-awaited 2016 Produce Innovation Awards Winners! Out of the five categories, the following products took home the gold: 

Best New Vegetable Product:

• Dole Fresh Vegetables; Dole Chef’s Choice Caesar Salad Kit

Best New Fruit Product:

• Mucci Farms; Smuccies Sweet Strawberries

Best New Packaging:

• Maglio Companies/The Fresh Group LTD; readyripe™ lite watermelon pouch

Best New Packing/Processing Equipment:

• PerfoTec BV; Internet Fresh-Cut Flowers Flowpack for Home Delivery 

Best New Food Safety Solution:

• NatureSeal, Inc.; NatureSeal First Step+ 10

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“This year’s Produce Innovation Awards had a record-breaking number of innovative competitors,” said United Fresh Produce Association Vice President of Convention and Industry Relations John Toner, in a statement. “The exceptional creativity of these five winners helped them stand out at United Fresh 2016, the home of fresh produce innovation.” 

AndNowUKnow had one winner of its own this week as well. For those of you who played our booth contest on Tuesday, find out who ended up being the savviest later this week!

Overall, United Fresh 2016 looked to be an amazing success for all branches of the industry, and I am grateful to have been able to be a part of the flavors, the innovations, and of course, the fun. Stay tuned for even more coverage of the events to come!

United Fresh