Second educational session at Organic Produce Summit 2019 announced

The second of two educational sessions related to the growth of organic production and retail sales from an international perspective has been announced for the upcoming Organic Produce Summit, this July in Monterey, California.

The two sessions will explore how international organic growers and distributors are impacting the multi-billion-dollar organic fresh produce industry – and examine retail and sales trends of organics across the globe. The newly announced session, “International Insights and Trends on Organic Produce,” will feature an overview of the global organic marketplace from leaders of international organizations discussing the opportunities for selling more organic fresh produce throughout the world.

The panelists for the session include Fernando Roja, Produce Buyer, Price Smart; Mimmo Franzone, Director of Produce, Longo Brothers; Chris Ford, Organics Category Manager, Oppy; and Nick Kukulan, President of Paramount Export. The session will be moderated by Gina Garven, Vice President Commercial Development and Analytics, Robinson Fresh.

“Consumer behaviors toward organic fresh produce are showing and their spending is following…global organic food & drink sales broke $100 billion dollars for the first time in 2018,” Garven said. “The panel discussion will explore what the key drivers are behind this fantastic global growth and dig deeper into what retailers are doing to support consumer demand for organics.”

The first session “International Organic Produce Supply” will feature members of global organic grower/shipper organizations discussing the opportunities and challenges faced in the growing and marketing of organic fresh produce products.

The panelists for the first session include: Ignacio Donoso, Director of New Business Development and Offshore Offices, Verifrut; Kiko Claros, CEO, Eurofresh; and Marcos Echenique Walker, Marketing Director, for Copefrut. The session will be moderated by Jose Rossignoli, Director of Global Sourcing, Robinson Fresh.

Clockwise from top-left: Gina Garvan, Fernando Roja, Chris Ford, Mimmo Franzone, and Nick Kukulan 

The announcement of the educational sessions focused on the international marketplace is part of an educational program at OPS 2019. Considered one of the most anticipated events at OPS 2019, the Retailer Roundtable will feature panelists Don Barnett, Chief Operating Officer for Sun Basket; Greg Corrigan, Senior Director of Produce and Floral for Raley’s; and Vic Savanello, Vice President of Produce for The Fresh Market. Tonya Antle, Co-founder of the Organic Produce Network (OPN) will serve as moderator.

In addition, two keynote presentations featuring organic consumer activist Robyn O’Brien and award-winning chef and author Dan Barber, as well as a series of four other educational sessions focusing on a variety of topics and subject matter related to the multi-billion-dollar organic fresh produce industry are on tap for OPS attendees.

Other educational sessions at OPS 2019 will include:

• Organic Sales and Consumer Purchasing Analysis
• What Lies Ahead for Wholesalers of Organic Produce?
• Tackling Food Waste— Good for the Planet and the Bottom Line
• The Future of Organic Meals at Retail

OPS 2019 also includes a selection of field tours for retailers and buyers; a gala opening night reception and a trade show featuring 148 producers and processors of organic fresh produce from across North America and the globe.

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