OPS 2019 International Education Sessions Announced

A pair of educational sessions related to the burgeoning growth of organic production and sales from a global perspective await attendees at the fourth annual Organic Produce Summit, this coming July in Monterey, CA.

Sponsored by Robinson Fresh, 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 first session “International Organic Produce Supply” will feature three leaders from major global organic grower/shipper organizations discussing the opportunities and challenges faced in the growing and marketing products throughout the world. 

Jose Rossignoli, VP of global sourcing, Robinson Fresh

The panelists for the first session include:  Ignacio Donoso, director of new business for Verfrut; Kiko Carlos, CEO, of Eurofresh; and Marcos Echenique, market manager, for Copfrut.   The session will be moderated by Jose Rossignoli, vice president of global sourcing for Robinson Fresh.

Ignacio Donoso, Director of New Business, Verfrut

“This is a tremendous opportunity to hear directly from growers from across the globe and their vision, challenges and opportunities in bringing high-quality organic fresh produce to the marketplace.  These experts from Chile, Spain, Peru and Mexico will share their experience and insights across a variety of organic commodities and production projects, “said Rossignoli.

The second part of the International Educational session will include a deep dive into the global perspective of organic produce in the world marketplace, including an analysis of international organic fresh produce growth and opportunity gaps.   A complete overview of the session will be released in the coming weeks.

Kiko Carlos, CEO, Eurofresh

The announcement of the educational session focused on the international marketplace is part of an extensive educational program at OPS 2019.  Additionally, fresh produce leaders from three of the nations’ most progressive retail and on-line grocery operations have been confirmed as panelists for the Retailer Roundtable. 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.

Marcos Echenique, Market Manager, Copfrut

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:

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.

Register to attend OPS 2019 by visiting www.organicproducesummit.com.