Jimmy Bassetti and Bret Erickson Share a Sneak Peek of What’s to Come for Viva Fresh 2016



Jimmy Bassetti and Bret Erickson Share a Sneak Peek of What’s to Come for Viva Fresh 2016



MISSION, TX - In case you didn’t already have enough reasons to sign up for the 2nd annual Viva Fresh Produce Expo, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has just announced the prolific Dr. Drew Ramsey as keynote speaker for the event.

Bret Erickson, CEO, TIPA“We know that there is a direct correlation between what we eat and how it affects our body, but we don’t often think about how our diet impacts the brain and contributes to such things as mood disorders,” said Bret Erickson, CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, as he talks about his excitement for Dr. Ramsey’s personal passion for agriculture and fresh foods. “As a psychiatrist, Dr. Ramsey provides an interesting perspective on the psychological benefits of healthy eating and the inclusion of more fruits and vegetables in our daily diets.”  

Jimmy Bassetti, Partner/Owner of J&D Produce

“Creating an ongoing dialogue on the health and nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables is a key component to the Viva Fresh Expo,” explains Jimmy Bassetti, President of J&D Produce and Chairman of the Viva Fresh Expo steering committee in a press release. “As both a farmer and the founder of National Kale Day, Dr. Ramsey is passionate about produce and brings a unique perspective to this dialogue that goes beyond that of only medical jargon.”   

The sold-out show at Viva Fresh Produce Expo 2015

Taking place at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas on March 31- April 2, 2016, the 2016 Expo has invited board-certified psychiatrist, author of 50 Shades of Kale, and farmer, Dr. Ramsey to share his findings about the powerful connection of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and how they can change how we feel. As a leading proponent of dietary change to balance moods, sharpen brain function, and improve mental health and an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, his clinical work focuses on the treatment of depression and anxiety. 

JW Marriott Hill County Resort in San Antonio, Texas

Dr. Ramsey’s keynote address will discuss not just combatting traditional ailments like diabetes and heart disease, but how food affects mood disorders including depression, according to a press release.  His speech will identify how individuals can be their best selves by simply changing how they eat to change how they feel with the power of brain food.

Dr. Drew Ramsey, Keynote Speaker at the Viva Fresh Produce Expo

Dr. Ramsey’s bestseller, 50 Shades of Kale, has been a powerful tool in making kale more accessible to thousands, not to mention the Doctor’s co-founding of National Kale Day. In his first book, The Happiness Diet: A Nutritional Prescription for a Sharp Brain, Balanced Mood and Lean, Energized Body, Ramsey explored the impacts of modern diets on brain health and also recently completed his pending book, Eat Complete, in which he highlights the 21 nutrients that fuel brainpower, boost weight loss, and transform your health.

The keynote session is scheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas.  For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.vivafreshexpo.com.

Viva Fresh Produce Expo



Companies in this Story


Texas International Produce Association

The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) was created in 1942 by a group of industry leaders who shared a vision…