On July 13, a successful second annual Organic Produce Summit was held in Monterey, CA on July 13. At the sold-out exhibition, 120 producers of organic fruits and vegetables showed their products to about 950 attendees. More than 30 companies are on the waiting list for a future exhibition spot.
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Millennials drive organic category
What drives the success of this event? “The success of the category mirrors the success of this show,” said Matt Mandel with SunFed. According to Matt Seeley with the Organic Produce Summit, the huge interest is driven by the fact that organics is a $14 billion industry that is just coming into its own. “We see nothing but opportunities ahead,” he added. Retailers are looking for consistent and high-quality supplies of organic produce and this show gives them an opportunity to meet with suppliers. “The dynamics of how people purchase food are also changing. Millennials are more conscious about the food they eat and really drive this category,” Seeley said.
A few exhibitors at the show grow organic produce only, but for most, organic is an extension of their conventional lines of product. On display were traditional organic produce items, but also some niche products like organic coconuts, papayas, juice and microgreens. The company Back to the Roots is the winner of the Organic Innovation showcase with its product that is ready to grow at home. Back to the Roots aims to connect people back to where food comes from.
West Coast is mecca of organic category
Exhibitors used words like ‘outstanding’, ‘excellent’ and ‘fantastic’ to summarize the show. Friday morning, Seeley woke up to a lot of congrats. “I am thrilled with the response we received from sponsors, exhibitors and retailers,” he mentioned. “People loved the intimacy and energy the event created.” Organizing this show in California makes sense to many. “The West Coast with California in particular is the mecca of the organic category,” commented Mayra Velazquez de León with Organics Unlimited.
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