Fresh Produce Association of the Americas Celebrates Annual Fresh Produce Convention and Golf Tournament Under New Name and Location; Lance Jungmeyer Details
NOGALES, AZ - Shouts of “fore” and fist pumps in victory will soon punch the air as the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) announces its annual golf tournament. This year, the association will be bringing forth its 54th Annual Fresh Produce Convention and Golf Tournament under a new location and a new name: the Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE).
“The SWIPE event is a great way to showcase our members and to bring together buyers, sellers, and growers in a beautiful location,” said Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA President. “Much like [how] our members and their grower partners maximize the ideal climate and natural diversity of growing regions across Mexico, having our event in Southern Arizona allows us to maximize the richness and diversity of our industry and our ability to enjoy the ideal climate and amazing scenery in Tucson.”
SWIPE will be held at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort from November 2–4, 2023, at Old Pueblo in Tucson, Arizona. The signature event provides an opportunity for buyers, growers, distributors, and allied industry partners to meet and network. This year, noted the release, attendees will be able to purchase expo booths for the produce expo to be held along with the educational sessions, networking events, awards reception, and multiple outdoor activities that take advantage of the ample sunshine and ideal temperatures of Southern Arizona in the fall.
Coinciding with the Expo will be a culinary showcase on November 3, which will celebrate fresh produce and dazzle the senses via exhibits, foodservice, and retail. Buyers and other industry members have the chance to meet the entire fresh produce supply chain of the Southwest, make lasting connections, and reconnect with peers.
Two separate networking events will also take place. There will be a reception for VIPs and sponsors, and the opening Fiesta & Networking Event will allow attendees to meet with buyers, growers, distributors, and industry partners on November 2. On November 3, there will be a Sabino Canyon Tour to begin the day followed by the educational sessions and concluding with the industry celebration.
This year’s educational sessions will focus on the intersection of issues and opportunities for retail and foodservice buyers in selling Mexican fresh fruits and vegetables. Speakers will be announced in the coming months.
An awards reception and industry celebration will also take place, featuring great food and live entertainment. This event includes an award presentation for the FPAA’s 2023 “Pillar of the Industry” recipient.
FPAA will also be offering a health reception. Activities under consideration include a tennis tournament, cycling, corn hole, pickleball, indoor putt-putt, plus an exciting local retail tour.
Great excitement is to be had come next year! Stay tuned as ANUK rolls out the latest updates in our industry.
