Record Crowd Expected for OPS 2022

With three weeks to go and over 1,400 confirmed attendees, Organic Produce Summit 2022 will be the largest OPS ever held, providing industry leaders an unprecedented opportunity to gain educational insight and share information on the future of the organic fresh produce industry.

Slated for July 13-14 in Monterey, CA, OPS 2022 will include over 300 retailer attendees from across the globe networking with leadership from organic fresh produce producers. Among the highlights of this year’s event will be:

“This year’s OPS will be our largest to date, and we look forward to hosting the organic community for what we believe will be our best event ever,” said Susan Canales, President of OPS. “The two days of OPS 2022 promise to be an intimate and energetic gathering of industry leaders networking and sharing information on the major topics related to our industry.”

OPS 2022 will kick off on Wednesday, July 13, with a series of sold-out retailer field tours to three of the industry’s leading organic producers—Earthbound Farm, Driscoll’s, and Braga Fresh. That evening, a gala opening reception awaits all OPS attendees.

On July 14, a series of six educational sessions will start the day, followed by three keynote presentations. In the first keynote, John Ruane, senior vice president and chief omnichannel merchandising officer for The GIANT Company, will discuss The Growth of Omnichannel Merchandising That’s Driving Retail Sales and how consumers will spend more and become more loyal to a brand with an effective omnichannel merchandising and marketing program.

John Ruane, Senior Vice President and Chief Omnichannel Merchandising Officer, The GIANT Company

In the second keynote, Empowering the World to Stop Ocean Plastic, David Katz, founder of Plastic Bank, will share how the world’s most progressive companies are stewarding the collection of ocean-bound plastic waste and empowering communities to thrive.

David Katz, Founder, Plastic Bank

The keynote series will conclude with an engaging conversation, The Future of Grocery Retailing, moderated by Walter Robb, principal of Stonewall Robb Advisors, senior executive partner at S2G Ventures, and former co-CEO of Whole Foods. Joining the panel will be Karen Christensen, senior vice president of merchandising for perishables for Whole Foods, and Madhavi Reese, vice president of marketing for Whole Foods. Featuring candid commentary, this insightful and informative conversation between a trio of respected industry leaders will discuss how Whole Foods is addressing supply chain issues, the role of technology and e-commerce, consumer shopping behavior, new formats, and innovations in grocery retailing.

Water Robb, Madhavi Reese, Karen Christensen

Following an outdoor lunch overlooking Monterey Bay, OPS attendees will spend the afternoon on a sold-out trade show floor connecting with over 150 organic grower/shippers and processors.

“We’re proud of the educational and keynote program we’ve put together for OPS 2022, which covers the most relevant topics and subject matter in our industry. From sustainability to CEA to regenerative ag, OPS is the go-to event for our industry as we continue to learn about the future of organics,” said Canales.