Schedule

Registration Open

Location: MCC Lobby

Retailer and Buyer Field Tours

Location: MCC Lobby

• Exclusive to prequalified retailers and buyers only.
• Badges are required to be worn.
• Buses leave promptly at 8:00am from the MCC.

Exhibitor Move In

Opening Reception

Location: Steinbeck Foyer & Ballroom - upstairs in MCC

Registration Open

Location: MCC Lobby

Exhibitor Move In

Breakfast

Ed Sessions

Location: Steinbeck Ballrooms (MCC) & San Carlos Ballrooms (Monterey Marriott)

Strategies & Insights: Expanding Organic Fruit Sales

While the organic berry category continues to dominate organic fruit sales, how are other fruit commodities—apples, stone fruit, citrus, grapes—growing sales? This session will explore what is being done to increase sales when it comes to variety, sizing, packs, flavor, pricing, and product innovation.

The discussion will also include retail perspectives on the opportunities to increase organic fruit sales—what’s working to drive sales, what’s not, and what the future growth of the organic fruit industry may look like.

Morning Break

Location: Steinbeck Foyer

Keynote: Feeding Families, Not Landfills

Location: Steinbeck Ballroom

One-third of our nation’s food supply goes unsold or uneaten, and $428 billion worth of food goes to waste every year. Nicholas Bertram, President & CEO of Flash Foods is on a mission to feed families and not the landfill. Attend his keynote presentation to learn about Flash Foods' collaborations with various retailers and grocers to address this issue.

Nicholas Bertram is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Flashfood, an app-based marketplace that strives to eliminate retail food waste by connecting consumers with discounted food nearing its best-by date. Bertram joined Flashfood in February 2023, bringing more than 20 years of retail experience across multiple channels (fashion, mass, grocery), functions (stores, merchandising, strategy) and companies. His most recent role was President of The GIANT Company, part of Ahold Delhaize.

Keynote: Changing Consumer Impact on Organic Produce Opportunities

Location: Steinbeck Ballroom

The consumer landscape is changing rapidly and consumers are demanding more from every purchase they put in their basket – especially as their view of wellness expands beyond themselves personally to the environment and even social responsibility aspects. As we look to the future, GenZ consumers, the newest consumers entering the marketplace, appear to be strong organic shoppers. This session will explore the impact of shifting consumer demographics and demands on organic produce, and how the industry can continue to identify new marketing opportunities.

Sherry Frey has more than two decades of industry experience and is a recognized thought leader on health/wellness shopping and consumption trends. With a background in marketing, market research, innovation and consulting with clients across the food industry, Sherry shares visionary foresight combined with practical strategies.

Lunch

Location: Custom House Plaza

Trade Show

Exhibitor Move Out