More than 1,500 participants traveled to California’s coastal town of Monterey last week to attend the 3rd annual Organic Produce Summit.
On Wednesday, July 11 the summit kicked off with field tours that gave retailers and other interested attendees an opportunity to tour produce fields, talk with growers and get a better feel for how much effort is involved in producing healthy and safe fruits and vegetables. The day concluded with a very well attended opening reception at the Monterey Convention Center. Lots of people, great food, live music and a good atmosphere made for a very successful first day.
Smiling exhibitors
The morning of the second day was filled with educational sessions and a retailer roundtable. Following a full morning program, lunch was provided in a beautiful outdoor setting at Custom House Plaza. The sold-out exhibition in the afternoon was the icing on the cake. A total of 130 exhibitors proudly showed their organic produce items during a 4.5-hour trade show. Exhibitors couldn’t stop smiling and raving about the exceptional turnout and the attention they received from buyers.
“Such a great atmosphere and we feel the high level of energy from retailers,” said Aaron DeHerrera with Rainier Fruit. “I love the entire event,” added Stephanie Cutaia with EarthFresh. “The organization does a great job in keeping the whole group of attendees together for a few days. This makes for an intimate networking event.”
Increase in attendance
Smaller produce shows are rapidly gaining ground and this year, the Organic Produce Summit saw a 30 percent increase in attendance compared to last year. “The smaller venue helps in having meaningful conversations with buyers and makes it a more relaxed event,” said George Harter with CMI Orchards. “In just three years, this event has become a staple of the industry,” added Brian Vertrees with Naturipe Farms.
Block your calendars for July 10 and 11, 2019 when the Organic Produce Summit will again be held at the Monterey Convention Center.