MONTEREY, CA - When I started working for AndNowUKnow nearly eight years ago, many companies still spoke in generalities about organic and conventional. In other words, they were all just collected into an update about blueberries or specialty tomatoes. Nowadays, the terms are far from grouped together. Organic is a stand-alone driver at retail and foodservice, and for a good number of companies, what may have been a supplemental segment of a larger program is now a staple—let’s say, organic as a movement.

With the Organic Produce Summit just months away, slated for July 10th and 11th at the Monterey Conference Center, it is never too early to start planning for the opportunities and highlights that are sure to define the event. At the very least, we hope to pique your interest as much as ours already is. And as you can see here, that of a few others as well.

Check out what some of our friends in the industry had to say about the value of the event and the excitement that is already brewing.

Frank Padilla, Vice President and General Merchandise Manager for Produce and Meat, Costco

“Costco looks forward to networking and connecting with the 148 organic growers, shippers, and processors at the Organic Produce Summit 2019,” Frank shares with me. “We look forward to the educational sessions where we will learn about consumer purchasing trends, International trends in organics, and how to tackle food waste. The Summit will help us to continue to secure a steady supply of organic produce in order to meet the needs of our members.”

Chris Miller, Regional Coordinator of Produce, Meat, Bulk Seafood, Cheese, MOM's Organic Market

"As a retailer chain that only sells Certified Organic Produce, the OPS is a great opportunity to touch base with the key organic players in the vendor community that we currently work with and to make new contacts. It is the perfect sized show to get enough personal time with anyone I am looking to chat with. In the past, this show has been a great way to find new vendors that may not have made it to the East Coast yet. I am looking forward to taking part in the field tours this year as an opportunity to learn about innovation at the farm level."

Scott Mabs, Chief Executive Officer, Homegrown Organic Farms

“We are looking forward to the July event once again as it addresses an important area of industry growth and fills a significant need for a dedicated show in the organic produce industry. The high-quality and intimate event brings together the best of the organic produce industry buyers and suppliers.”

Cherie France, Marketing Manager, Homegrown Organic Farms

“This year, we hope to build upon our current retail relationships and also create new ones. We are thankful for Matt, Tonya, and Susan’s leadership and how they’ve guided the show into the success it is today.”

John Savidan, Senior Director of Produce and Floral, Gelson’s Markets

“I am really hoping to discover new items that scream innovation. We at Gelson’s pride ourselves in being the industry leader when it comes to selling the highest quality items available within the market place, and organic is no exception. We have a strong reputation for being the so-called “incubator” for new high-quality products that other markets cannot touch. Having this wonderful characteristic helps us build our business in areas that others simply cannot. This is a great show for gaining new contacts, but I really enjoy seeing our current partners, and nurturing these relationships that have helped build the foundation for the future.”

While July may seem a season away, you do not need me to remind you that time has a mind of its own in our industry—and it flies. See you all in July!

Organic Produce Summit