WASHINGTON, DC - That’s a wrap on the 2024 Consumer Connection Conference! The Foundation for Fresh Produce (FFP) recently took to Phoenix, Arizona, to celebrate consumers and the fifth anniversary of the impactful Have A Plant® movement.

“We must continue to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health,” Foundation for Fresh Produce Chair Alex DiNovo, President and Chief Operating Officer at DNO Produce, said as he kicked off the anticipated event. “We must continue to speak to the versatility, flavor, and variety that produce possesses. We must continue to advocate for policies that promote access to fruits and vegetables in under-served communities. And most importantly, we must lead by example and show the world what is possible when we prioritize our health and well-being.”

The conference amplified fresh produce with inspirational education sessions, receptions, and the event’s signature one-on-one meetings—which allow produce marketers and industry leaders to meet with the influencers, VIP retail dietitians, foodservice tastemakers, and nutrition, lifestyle, and agricultural communicators in attendance.

During the event, Lauren M. Scott, Executive Director of the Foundation for Fresh Produce, also led attendees on a deep dive on leveraging consumer behaviors gleaned from a combination of census and sales data with regional data.

“This event is amazing at bringing all the people together talking about business and really putting the consumer at the heart, which is what we need to do if we want to change the trajectory of human health and increase consumption of fruits and vegetables," said Scott.

According to a press release, keynote speaker Jimmy Yeary, a Grammy-award-winning singer/songwriter, took a moment to take attendees on a storytelling journey. He discussed how each person’s life experiences and details can be used to craft impactful stories to drive connection.

“This event is unique because it lends an opportunity to not only discuss consumer trends and behaviors with each other, but also to reach them in real-time with hacks and ideas coming straight from the attendee experience,” added Katie Calligaro, Director of Marketing and Communications for The Foundation for Fresh Produce. “It is designed to unify messaging and is the place to be for any marketer or anyone talking directly to consumers across various points of influence.”

If you missed this produce extravaganza, there are more insights to be gleaned from International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference in Monterey, California, and Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia.

As always, keep clicking on ANUK for more event updates!