GRAPEVINE, TX - As we move through the remainder of 2020, we have much to appreciate and look forward to. With the 2021 Viva Fresh Produce Expo already galvanizing industry friends as we look to the new year, The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) is planning and strategizing the best ways to wow attendees and execute a hybrid experience—both digitally and in-person.

Slated for March 26-27 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, the show will also become more exclusive than previous years as TIPA limits the number of attendees per company, as part of the new safety protocols. So, the time to register is now. Click here for all the details!

The hybrid event will present both in-person and virtual components that offer innovative solutions as well as the traditional trade show, golf tournament, and reception—all tailored to the safety protocols required and expected during this time. Those virtual elements that both those attending and those joining from home will be available to engage in include the Clean Eating Challenge which kicked off October 1, as well as In Bloom and Aggies-for-Fresh, among others. Check out more in those elements here!

But, enough from me! Let’s hear from some of our industry friends about why Viva Fresh is the place to be.

Joseph Bunting, Produce Business Director, United Supermarkets

“We are looking forward to the Viva Fresh Expo in 2021. The virtual shows have been great, but there is still nothing like meeting partners and future partners face to face. This show offers so many opportunities to strengthen current relationships and build new ones as well. The team also does a great job of keeping up with the latest trends and looking ahead at future possibilities. The new location in Grapevine, Texas, will make the show more convenient to attend as well. I can't wait to see what the 2021 Viva Fresh show has to offer this year!”

Craig Slate, President and CEO, SunFed and TIPA Chairman

“Viva Fresh has been such a great event since its inception. At the heart of the event every year, is a focus on innovation and health. March 2021 will be no different. I’m anxious to hear from the Clean Eating Challenge volunteers and can’t wait to meet the next group taking the 2021 challenge. These folks are all so inspiring and show how more fresh produce in your diet can deliver some amazing health results. And, what better place than Dallas and the Gaylord Resort to bring the industry together and kickoff Spring 2021? I can’t wait!!”

Tommy Wilkins, Director of Sales and Business Development, Grow Farms, Texas and TIPA Board Member

“What we grow is good medicine, and so promoting fresh produce— especially during this time—is essential in the trade and to the consumer. For the 2021 show, we are utilizing a Retail and Foodservice Advisory Board to develop an event that meets their needs. Sprinkle in a little Texas hospitality and you get Viva Fresh. For more than forty-five years I have had the privilege of making a living in the fresh produce industry. This show brings together the formula that has molded my success by bringing the supply-side and the buy-side together.

Spotlighting the Texas-Mexico corridor has been one of the great goals of my life and I am proud to have served on the Steering Committee since day one and working diligently as the Chair of sponsorships. We look forward to a safe and much-needed show in Dallas!”

Brent Erenwert, CEO, Brothers Produce Houston/Houston Cold Storage

“The Viva Fresh Expo is the picture-perfect experience of what a trade show should be like, from the exhibitor to the end-user. I am looking forward to the 2021 show. I was very disappointed to not be able to attend the Viva Show last year as it’s the only trade show I attend!”

A huge thank you to TIPA and Viva Fresh for their ongoing efforts to elevate the produce industry and bring value to the produce aisle every day!

Viva Fresh Expo