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The Organic Trade Association (OTA) will present its first-ever buyers’ mission at the fourth annual Organic Produce Summit next month, hosting international retail buyers in meetings with organic growers and shippers.
“We are thrilled to be leading a team for the first time at this important produce show,” said Alexis Carey, Manager of International Trade for the Organic Trade Association. “Facilitating direct connections between the decision makers of major international retailers and U.S. organic produce operations will undoubtedly grow the foreign market for U.S. organic fresh produce.”
Alexis Carey, Manager of International Trade, OTA
The Organic Trade Association will host a half-dozen international buyers from Mexico and the Pacific Rim countries at the summit. This buyer’s mission is important because Mexico and Pacific Rim countries are among the U.S.’s largest trading partners for organic fresh produce. The pre-arranged coordinated one-on-one meetings will offer buyers and suppliers dedicated time to discuss potential export partnerships.
“As OPS grows, we continue to develop greater opportunities for our exhibitors to market their organic products to retailers and buyers across the globe. Working with OTA to bring this group of international buyers to OPS is another example of our collaborative efforts to increase the sales of organic fresh produce, “said Susan Canales, President of the Organic Produce Summit.
Susan Canales, President, Organic Produce Summit
International buyers attending OPS include:
- Mi Caja Fresca from Mexico
- Bio c’Bon of Japan
- EMART Inc. and SPC Co., both of Korea
- Frutodor Ltd. of Hong Kong
- Waltermart Supermarket Inc. of the Philippines
The announcement of the international buyer’s mission is part of two days of information, education and networking opportunities for OPS attendees. In addition, 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:
- Organic Sales and Consumer Purchasing Analysis
- What Lies Ahead for Wholesalers of Organic Produce?
- Tackling Food Waste--- Good for the Planet and the Bottom Line
- The Future of Organic Meals at Retail
- International Insights and Trends on Organic Produce
- International Organic Produce Supply
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.
