AUSTIN, TX - Where can you find the world’s best barbecue, the live music capital of the world, and a huge lineup of powerhouse retailers? The answer is at the Viva Fresh Produce Expo in Austin, Texas!

With retail players like Wal-Mart, Kroger, and H-E-B already committed for the March 26 through March 28 dates, the Viva Fresh Produce Expo is a 2015 must. And luckily for you, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) is offering complimentary registration for retail and foodservice attendees, along with complimentary travel fees for buyers.

Additional retail companies include Albertsons, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods, Loblaws, Meijer, Trade Joe’s, AWG, Walgreens, Brookshire, United Supermarkets, Rouses, Metro Canada, and C&S Wholesalers. Foodservice companies like US Foods, Sysco, Pro Act, Ben E. Keith, Firehouse Subs of America, Performance Foodservice, Markon Cooperative and Labatt Food Service will also be in attendance.

“This regional expo extends across international boundaries, connecting retailer and foodservice attendees with suppliers from Texas, the Southwest region, and Mexico in an intimate setting,” Jimmy Bassetti, President of J&D Produce and Chair of the Retailer/Foodservice Outreach Committee, commented. “With our goal to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, there will be a focus on health and wellness, making our VIVA Fresh Expo unique, resulting in an overwhelming, positive response.”

Trust me when I say this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on. You’ll take virtual field tours at farms and facilities in Texas and Mexico as well as discuss the U.S./Mexico Border, emerging trends and products, the importance of supermarket dietitians, and new technology, all while enjoying foodie themed events and receptions. Texas is proving to be an ideal gateway to growing operations and supply channels throughout Mexico and beyond. With the growth of produce hubs in McAllen and Pharr, this show is promising to be a valuable experience to anyone in attendance.

The virtual tours Viva Fresh is showcasing will be shown from the comfort of a conference room, and will be a unique experience and a first for a regional expo. The purpose of the tours is to not only separate Viva Fresh from other regional expos, but to have the ability to transport retail and foodservice attendees to the prime growing areas without the inconvenience, cost, and time to bus them several hours away.  A key goal for the tours is to create an interactive, authentic experience in which the audience will be both educated and engaged.

“The response from retail and foodservice buyers and directors has absolutely exceeded our every expectation,” Bret Erickson, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, said. “It’s clear that VIVA Fresh is going to successfully fill a very unique niche in connecting produce buyers and sellers in what is arguably one of the hottest produce corridors in North America.”

The opportunities Austin and Viva Fresh are offering here are definitely must-sees. These tickets are selling out fast! The last day to register is February 20th, 2015. Don’t be the only one to miss it!

For more information, log onto www.vivafreshexpo.com.

Viva Fresh Produce Expo

TIPA