Organic Produce Network and United Fresh Produce Association Team Up to Host Organic General Session
WASHINGTON, DC - Our industry is forward-thinking, which accounts for our knack to pivot whenever necessary. As we’ve bore the weight of the coronavirus and the challenges it has presented, we’ve learned that our strength truly lies in each other. Taking this to heart, both the United Fresh Produce Association and Organic Produce Network (OPN) have announced they are co-hosting an Organic General Session on Wednesday, June 17 at 12:00 noon EDT during United Fresh LIVE!
“Organic produce sits squarely in the sweet spot for evolving consumer value drivers: health and wellness, safety, social impact, experience, and transparency,” said OPN Co-Founder and Executive Vice President Tonya Antle in a recent press release. “We look forward to the opportunity to explore the future of organic growth during United Fresh LIVE!”
The Organic General Session will be led by Antle, and will feature top industry leaders addressing the future of organics in a post-coronavirus environment.
A recent report by OPN explained that organic produce sales were up 22 percent for the month of March, compared to just 1.8 percent in January and February, outpacing the growth in sales of conventionally-grown produce. Additionally, organic produce volume surged 25.8 percent in March, versus 4.1 percent in January/February. Total March 2020 organic fresh produce sales topped $546.8 million, while in the first quarter organic fresh produce sales topped $1.58 billion.
“We’re pleased to collaborate with the Organic Produce Network for this dynamic general session,” said Tom Stenzel, President and CEO of United Fresh. “As shown in our FreshFacts on Retail® reports, organic sales have been growing consistently. Organic fresh produce continues to capture consumer interest and it’s important that we explore the opportunities for further growth in a post-pandemic world.”
United Fresh LIVE! is a one-of-a-kind event that will bring both the buy- and supply-sides together to discuss new ways of doing business, as well as exploring innovations that will drive our industry to future successes.
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest on the future of organics.