MONTEREY, CA - Industry leaders from across the organic sector are readying to gather with open ears at the upcoming fifth annual Organic Produce Summit (OPS) on September 15–16 in Monterey, California. It has recently been announced that Jim Donald, Albertsons Company’s Co-Chairman, will be a featured keynote speaker, during which he will join retail industry veteran Kevin Coupe for an engaging conversation about the future of the food industry and the role organics will play within it.

“As we move forward, the food industry will be a place where survival of the fittest—the most innovative, relevant, resonant, and customer-centric retailers—will be the law of the land,” Donald said. “Businesses can use their own cultures to establish leadership and create an organic and authentic ‘climate of caring’ for both employees and shoppers that can transcend even the toughest logistical, infrastructural, technological, and competitive challenges."

During the “The Next 18 Months: Navigating a Competitive, Consumer-Driven Landscape,” Donald will discuss the future of food retailing as the country rebounds from challenges caused by COVID-19, according to a press release. Donald is offering OPS attendees the opportunity to to be a part of the conversation by sending in questions for his presentation.

In March 2018, Donald joined Albertsons as President and Chief Operating Officer, and currently holds the positions of Co-Chairman of the Board of Albertsons Companies. He has held several other leadership positions, including CEO of Starbucks, Haggen, and Extended Stay Hotels, receiving recognition as one of the “Top 25 CEOs in the World” by Best Practices Institute.

“Jim is one of the most dynamic and progressive leaders in the world of retail and can share how evolving customer behavior is challenging retailers to remain relevant and resonant to them,” Coupe said, who is the Founder of Morning News Beat and an experienced retail vet. “The changing retail landscape from brick-and-mortar to omnichannel retailing—and the practical implications for organic fresh produce—is top of mind for everyone. To openly discuss the operational and cultural imperatives that retailers and suppliers need to embrace, and how they can be best communicated both internally and externally will benefit all OPS attendees. This is a can’t miss keynote presentation!”

In addition to multiple talented keynote speakers, the fifth annual OPS event will feature a trade show floor exhibition that will showcase over 160 of North America’s organic fresh produce growers, shippers, and processors exhibiting their products to hundreds of retailers and buyers.

General registration for OPS 2021 is available online, in addition to the schedule, sponsors, and a complete list of exhibiting companies.

Keep an eye out for ANUK as we bring you the latest news in the fresh produce industry.

Organic Produce Summit Albertsons Companies