2024 Summit Recap

Cracking the Code: Label Messaging at Retail

Consumers face a barrage of claims like ‘organic, ‘pesticide-free,’ ‘locally grown,’ and ‘sustainable,’ aimed at boosting fresh produce sales. But do these messages resonate or confuse? This session explored whether the industry is effectively navigating these buzzwords and how it can better articulate the advantages of organic produce.

Speakers: 

• Mary Heslep, Ten Acre Marketing
• Kim Chackal, Equifruit
• Joe Merenda, Misionero
• Michael La Kier, IGA Brands

Cracking the Code Audio Recording

State of E-Commerce Produce Sales

This panel delved into e-commerce opportunities for the produce industry, covering current successes and areas for improvement, including recent trends in direct-to-consumer retail.

Speakers:

• Ryan Mulvany, Front Row Group | ryanmulvany.com
• Andrew McGregor, Misfits Market
• Roger Brady, Good Eggs

State of E-Commerce Audio Recording

State of E-Commerce Presentation Deck

Sustainable Packaging: Reducing Plastics in the Produce Department

This panel discussed how the packaging of produce is changing given the increased emphasis on sustainable packaging. What’s being done to address the issue of so much plastic in produce packaging including new packaging options, processes, and materials innovations that reduce its use in the supply chain.

Speakers: 

• Kevin Kelly, Emerald Packaging
• Rachel Irons, Nude Foods Market
• Bruce Taylor, Earthbound Farm
• Naomi Sakoda, Driscoll's

Sustainable Packaging: Reducing Plastics in the Produce Department Recording

Sustainable Packaging Presentation Deck

Strategies & Insights: Expanding Organic Fruit Sales

Beyond organic berries, what strategies are boosting sales for apples, stone fruit, citrus, and grapes? This panel explored efforts to enhance variety, sizing, packs, flavor, pricing, and innovation across organic fruit categories. Gain insights from retail perspectives on driving sales and future growth opportunities in the organic fruit industry.

Speakers: 

• Tom Barnes, Category Partners
• West Mathison, Stemilt
• Scott Mabs, Homegrown Organic Farms
• Daniel Spivey, Sprouts Farmers Market

Expanding Organic Fruit Sales Audio Recording

Biting Into Organic Fresh Snacking Opportunities

This session explored the rise of organic snack items in the produce department and strategies for expanding business through snacking options. Organic producers share insights on growth opportunities and challenges, including identifying successful items, size and portion control, promotional strategies, pricing challenges, and consumer taste preferences.

Speakers: 

• Faith Garrard, Raley's
• David Bright, Grimmway Farms
• David Baxter, Bard Valley Date Growers
• Angela Hernandez, Trinity Fruit Company

Organic Fresh Snacking Opportunities Audio Recording

Organic Fresh Snacking Opportunities Presentation Deck

How Regional Retailers are Growing Organic Fresh Produce Sales

This panel delved into the intricacies of the fresh produce market, exploring regional tastes, the organic vs. local debate, and factors like price and selection. Gain insights into how grocers differentiate themselves and stay competitive. A must for those seeking a deep understanding of consumer choices and market trends.

Speakers: 

• Scot Olson, FreshSource
• Jeff Cady, Northeast Shared Services
• Jim Sullivan, Yoke's Fresh Market
• Jilea Hemmings, Nourish & Bloom Market

How Regional Retailers are Growing Organic Fresh Produce Sales Recording

Keynote: Feeding Families, Not Landfills

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 Flashfood is on a mission to feed families and not the landfill. His keynote presentation at Organic Produce Summit discussed Flashfood’s collaborations with various retailers and grocers to address this issue.

Speaker: 

• Nicholas Bertram, Flashfood

Keynote: Feeding Families, Not Landfills Recording

Nicholas Bertram Presentation Deck

Keynote: Retail Fireside Chat

This dynamic panel tackled critical industry challenges in boosting sales,
covering various topics such as organic program evolution, consumer preferences,
and the impact of technology on operations. Panelists delved into successful items,
changing consumer behaviors, and the role of AI, while exploring opportunities
and challenges in growing both organic and overall produce sales.

Speakers: 

• Kevin Coupe, Morning News Beat
• Robby Cruz, Target
• Patrick Haines, UNFI

Keynote: Retail Fireside Chat Recording

Keynote: Changing Consumer Impact on Organic Produce Opportunities

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, Gen Z consumers, the newest consumers entering the marketplace, appear to be strong organic shoppers. This session explored the impact of shifting consumer demographics and demands on organic produce, and how the industry can continue to identify new marketing opportunities.

Speaker:

• Sherry Frey, NielsenIQ

Keynote: Changing Consumer Impact on Organic Produce Opportunities Recording

Sherry Frey Presentation Deck