The Global Produce & Floral Show 

The annual Global Produce & Floral Show promises to offer an immersive experience where stakeholders on either side of the booth can recharge and collaborate, sharing strategies and ideas on the best ways to move their categories and the overall produce and floral segments forward. 

Organized by the International Fresh Produce Association, the show is slotted for Oct. 16-18 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the Global Show.

“One of the greatest things about this show is that it always feels like ‘shopping for retailers,’” said Mike Roberts, VP of Produce for Harps Food Stores. “There’s such a wide variety of innovation under one roof that I know something will grab my attention once I’m there. It’s a great chance to explore what’s trending and see ideas come to life on the floor.”

The show provides a backdrop for innovators and decision-makers to build on existing partnerships and develop new ones while gaining access to consumers’ expectations and cutting-edge trends. These meetings allow for retailers and suppliers to strategize how to outpace trends while reflecting consumers’ demands all while influencing the direction and evolution of the produce and floral segments. 

“The Global Produce & Floral Show is where the worldwide fresh produce and floral community comes together to shape the future of fresh,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “Innovation and connection. Opportunities and possibilities. Bold insights and ideas. This is the one event that brings it all—from cutting-edge innovations and solutions, new strategic partnerships or leading trends in fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants—together for every segment of the global supply chain.” 

Committee members take pride in reuniting each component of the industry while supporting their networking and business objectives. 

“Each year, The Global Show is intentionally designed to adapt to the industry’s needs, ensuring more value for our members and the entire fresh produce and floral sector,” said Jim Mastromichalis, Global Show Committee Co-Chair and Manager of Produce Merchandising for Harris Teeter. “From any corner of the world and every link in the supply chain, the Global Show empowers attendees with insights, products and connections to move their businesses forward.” 

“As a retailer, the Global Produce & Floral Show is an opportunity to engage with potential and existing partners, and to gain insights that help shape our strategy for the year ahead,” said Yan Branco, IFPA Retail Council Chair and Head of Produce Sourcing Innovation & CEA Development for Sobeys. “The energy on the Expo floor is unmatched, it’s where true innovation meets real solutions. Whether you’re looking to solve today’s challenges or get inspired for what’s next, this show delivers.”

The NFRA Convention 

The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association’s (NFRA) highly anticipated NFRA Convention, taking place at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, FL from Oct. 18-21, is considered the premier business event for the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. This year’s event is drawing in more than 1,700 attendees who will engage in more than 6,500-plus business meetings during the course of the three-day convention. 

Attendees are doing their due diligence to arrive at the convention to actively participate in business meetings and connect with like-minded manufacturers who are also committed to driving category growth. “The convention’s ability to bring together the right people, ideas and opportunities, while providing valuable industry perspectives, makes it an essential event for our business,” said Brad Mullinax, Vice President of Fresh Merchandising for Southeastern Grocers.

“A key goal of the convention is to deepen existing relationships, discuss objectives and priorities, while establishing new industry connections,” said Kimberly Dale, Senior Director of Dairy and Frozen at Giant Eagle.

“During the NFRA Convention, we look forward to strengthening partner relationships and building new ones while we connect with industry leaders to discuss the trends and opportunities shaping the future,” Mullinax said. “We are also eager to learn about new innovations in the grocery space and gain insights into new ways to continue advancing our sustainability efforts. Ultimately, our goal is to leave with stronger connections and actionable strategies that will support our long-term growth.”

Attendees expect conversations to hit key priorities for consumers. “We anticipate discussions around evolving shopper behavior in convenience and grocery, the growing role of frozen meals and desserts in seasonal merchandising and innovation in health & wellness within refrigerated categories. Sustainability and supply chain resiliency are also likely to be recurring themes,” said Stephanie Grant, Merchandising Category Manager for Houchens Food Group.

“With so many important conversations happening in a condensed time frame, preparation is critical,” Mullinax said. “Our team enters each meeting with a clear agenda and well-defined objectives, which helps keep discussions focused and productive. With this approach, we are able to leave with tangible action items that align with our strategic priorities.”

This year’s show is already proving to outperform last year’s convention which was hailed for setting “new benchmarks for industry engagement and business opportunity,” according to the NFRA. 

“We set a new record for participation at this key industry event, including attendance from more than 100 organizations that sent representatives for the first time,” said President and CEO Tricia Greyshock. “The high level of engagement we observed demonstrates the continued value our members, and the industry at large, place on in-person collaboration.”