OPS 2019 Ed Session: International Insights and Trends on Organic Produce

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

Gina Garven, VP Commercial Development and Analytics, Robinson Fresh

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.

Nick Kukulan, President, Paramount Export

“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.”

Mimmo Franzone, Director of Produce, Longo Brothers

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

Fernando Roja, Produce Buyer, PriceSmart

Chris Ford, Organics Category Manager, Oppy

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.

The announcement of the educational sessions 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.

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.