MONTEREY, CA - I think we can all agree, organic has ceased to be a buzzword and is now a movement. While July may seem far off, for those in the produce industry—time flies, and in a hop, skip, and jump, the month will be upon us. With the warmth of July comes the coveted Organic Produce Summit (OPS) on July 10th and 11th, now in its fourth year in Monterey, California.

For those who have not yet had the amazing opportunity to attend, or for those looking for a few words from fellow attendees, in this feature, we bring you some insights from the industry about a show not to be missed, and one to be rivaled! And you are in luck, registration is still open!

Mark Munger, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, 4Earth Farms

“4Earth Farms has been exhibiting at the Organic Produce Summit since year one. The OPS has consistently delivered the highest ROI of any other event that we exhibit at, or attend. The level and quality of the buyers who attend, combined with our ability to focus on one exciting and growing segment of our industry, creates a dynamic and valuable experience.”

Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing, California Giant Berry Farms

“We really enjoy the organic show for many reasons! Primarily, it is great to get a large cross-section of the industry together, all focused on one emerging growth area of produce. It’s an opportunity to share new products, but also attend relevant breakout sessions and learning together how organic is growing in popularity with consumers across the U.S. Bottom line, the show continues to be a high energy event.”

Gina Pettit, Director of Sales and Marketing, Country Sweet Produce and Bako Sweet®

“The Organic Produce Show in Monterey is a great show where companies have the opportunity to interface with customers and fellow suppliers to focus on organic produce. The intimate setting gives each exhibitor the chance to equally showcase their items and talk organics with key decision makers. Organic produce is growing in a big way. Health and wellness is a primary focus nationwide and organic produce is at the forefront of this movement.”

Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing, California Avocado Commission

“The engagement of participants attending the Organic Produce Summit is a testimony to the value the produce industry places on organics. The opportunity to connect with industry leaders and key decisionmakers in an educational and energy-charged event that keeps us coming back for more!”

Caitlin Tierney, Senior Produce Buyer, 99 Cents Only Stores

“Being in the sector of ‘discount retailer,’ not many organic growers or providers even think to quote a company such as 99 Cents Only Stores. The OPS gives me the opportunity to voice how important organics are to our customers and highlight the value that 99 Cents Only gives to growers with our differentiating spec and volume. Everyone is always amazed to hear that almost 20 percent of produce 99 Cents Only sells is organic, and is a segment that continues to have double-digit growth for us. Clearly organics, when priced right, is always preferred no matter what demographic, age, or income. I’ll be the first to say years ago when consolidating eight organic items onto one pallet in California and shipping it to Michigan, I stated to myself ‘this will never last.’ Boy was I wrong and proud of it!”

Greg Corrigan, Senior Director of Produce and Floral, Raley’s

“The Organic Produce Summit is one of my favorite shows of the year and it is an amazing opportunity for our team to see what is at the forefront of the sector as well as the initiatives and programs that are taking place to elevate all-things organic. Organics are an important piece of our business and an area which continues to grow. Just in the handful of years that OPS has offered this incredibly organized event, we have seen an impact in organic and I look forward to seeing what is current, new, and what is to come.”

Rod Braga, President and CEO, Braga Fresh Family Farms and Josie’s Organics

“The Organic Produce Summit is something we look forward to being a part of every year. We feel that it's essential to sponsor and support OPS especially since the two-day event is right in our backyard. This show is a must for our whole sales team. It gives them a chance to meet with people that they talk to every day. Having the opportunity to host the farm tour is one of our favorite things to do. Our customers have the chance to come out to the farm for a fun and educational tour that allows them to experience organic farming, first hand. They get to see what it takes to get premium organic produce to the store shelves and gain a better understanding of the growing, harvesting, and packing process and learn about some of the challenges that some organic farmers may face. I truly believe that choosing organic is a movement. Consumers are more health conscious about the foods they eat and the environment. I think we’ll continue to see increasing demand and growth, especially in the value-added category.”

Thank you to our friends who continue to share their insights and words with the industry and stay tuned for even more from the produce passionate as we move toward OPS 2019!

Organic Produce Summit