October 21, 2023 Anaheim, CA – The booths are being broken down, the produce and floral is being gleaned for donation, and International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) BB #:123315 Global Produce & Floral Show has come to an end.
From the packed general sessions to the buzzing show floor, the general opinion is that this is the best show ever.
“Coming back to Anaheim for the first time as IFPA, I could not be more impressed and inspired by the support the global produce and industry gave us this week. From our incredible exhibitors displaying their latest innovations to our generous sponsors who see the value in raising their visibility, the Global Produce & Floral Show truly is THE force for connections and creativity for anyone involved in fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants,” said IFPA, CEO Cathy Burns.
“On behalf of the IFPA Board and staff team, a heartfelt thank you to all who joined us, and I look forward to seeing so many of our guests again next year in Atlanta.”
The Global Produce & Floral Show brought together members from the entire supply chain from more than 60 countries, making it the greatest guestlist in produce and floral. With a buyer for every 6 attendees, the show not only delivered in energy but in quality connections for businesses making new and transformative partnerships.
“As the show grows and gets busier, the goal remains the same – we want to make sure that our members have the opportunity to make connections with the people can will transform their business,” said IFPA Vice President, Joe Watson. “We’re thrilled that the Show has been the trusted place for connections for both our buyers and exhibitors as they make their business plans each year.”
The EXPO floor opened on Friday morning after the keynote from Steve Wozniak.
The Expo, featured over 1160 companies exhibiting including 157 first timers. There was a special focus this year on the technology solutions on the floor including the Innovation Hub. The Hub included the Future Tech Pavilion, and the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator program participants who are concluding their year-long program exhibiting at the Show.
• Best First-Time Exhibitor: Molly’s Grape & Citrus Company, booth 2559
• Best Island Booth in Business Solutions: International Paper, booth 4133
• Best Inline Booth in Business Solutions: Kwik Lok Corporation, booth 3331
• Best Island Booth in Produce: Windset Farms, booth 659
• Best Inline Booth in Produce: Frieda’s Branded Produce, booth 2339
• Best Island Booth in Complementary Items: Fresh Gourmet Company, booth 1831
• Best Inline Booth in Complementary Items: Offshoot Brands, booth 2218
• Best Island Booth in Floral: Gems, booth 825
• Best Inline Booth in Floral: Penang Nursery, Inc., booth 1305
From the 245 Fresh Ideas Showcase Participants:
• Best Sustainable Packaging: Alpine Fresh Hippie Organics, booth 559 for their Fully Home Compostable Bags
• Best Product Promo: Mastronardi Produce, booth 1281 for their Sunset Summer Dream Raspberries
In addition to networking events and the show floor, GPFS also featured 4 keynotes, more than 30 speakers over 12 Education Festival sessions. The keynotes included Apple Co-Founder, Steve Wozniak; Olympian and Advocate, Allyson Felix; CEO Panel participants, Patrick Vizzone, Dr. Elliott Grant, Andrea Albright, and Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.; and IFPA’s Cathy Burns. Burns delivered her highly anticipated State of the Industry presentation and challenged the industry to take action.
“No matter the size, nature, source, or timing of any challenge,” said Burns from the stage. “Action is THE answer.”
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)?is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our member’s prosperity by conducting advocacy; connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to?take action?with purpose and confidence.
