AUSTIN, TX - The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) announced that it will be hosting the inaugural VIVA Fresh Conference and Expo this coming March. Under a “Gateway to the Americas” theme, fresh produce from the Southwestern United States and Mexico will be front and center throughout the event.

“We’re incredibly excited to debut this new international conference that will showcase the high quality, variety, and availability of fresh produce from Texas, the Southwestern US and Mexico,” commented TIPA President & CEO, Bret Erickson.

“Imported products continue to grow in volume and distribution,” elaborated TIPA Chairman Dante Galeazzi of Crescent Fruit & Vegetable and the Expo Committee Chair. “We believe that the topics and opportunities we will provide at Viva Fresh as it relates to the growth and expansion of produce from Mexico, transportation issues and upcoming trade regulations specifically for this region will make this conference unique to other trade shows and create the international draw that is missing from the ‘regional’ shows available today.”

Attendees of the VIVA Fresh Expo will have the opportunity to network with fellow growers and retailers on both sides of the border, go on virtual tours of farms and facilities in Texas and Mexico, and learn about merchandizing trends and nutrition during a supermarket dietician symposium. Most of all, TIPA hopes that the conference will help to foster stronger trade connections between the United States and Mexico.

“Connecting buyers with Southwestern US and Mexican producers is a key objective of VIVA Fresh,” Erickson said. “The conference committees will be working directly with retailers and foodservice companies, who are invited to attend for free, to ensure greater participation.”

According to a press release, the VIVA Fresh Conference and Expo will be held from March 26th-28th, 2015 at the Hilton Austin in Austin, Texas. Those interested in learning more can visit the VIVA Fresh Expo website which will launch this August.

TIPA