On the heels of one of the most challenging and demanding years in the history of the fresh produce industry, leaders from the production and retail side of the business will explore what lies ahead for the future of organic fresh produce in the second of four educational sessions at Organic Produce Summit 2021.

“Opportunities and Obstacles for Organic Produce Post-COVID” will highlight the changing retail and production landscape following the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring what the “new normal” looks like and how business has changed in several key areas. Among the topics to be discussed are changes to the supply chain, consumer purchasing behavior, the role of sustainability, labor shortages, and the impact of e-commerce on both producers and retailers.

Randy Riley

Moderated by produce industry veteran Randy Riley, co-owner of GoldenSun Insights, the session will feature three panelists: Heather Fuller, vice-president of sales for Braga Fresh; Ricardo Crisantes, chief commercial officer of Wholesum; and Robby Cruz, director of produce for Sprouts Farmers Market.

“Following a year unlike any other, many facets of the fresh produce industry have changed—possibly forever. As our industry moves forward, this educational session will offer a look at how organic producers and the retail community are adapting to these changes and offer a glimpse into what the future may look like,” said Riley.

  
Heather Fuller, Ricardo Crisantes, Robby Cruz

In addition to the "Opportunities and Obstacles" session, three other educational sessions and a pair of keynote presentations await OPS 2021 attendees. Two of the educational sessions will spotlight the growth of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and its impact on organic fresh produce while another session will discuss the rise of e-commerce.

The Organic Produce Summit is a two-day event specifically designed to bring together organic fresh produce growers, shippers, and processors with retailers and buying organizations from across North America. Over 1,200 attendees will meet September 15-16 in Monterey, CA, to exchange ideas, information, and insight on the organic fresh produce industry. 

OPS 2021 also includes a selection of field tours for retailers and buyers, a gala opening night reception, and a trade show featuring over 150 producers and processors of organic fresh produce from across North America and the globe.

Register to attend OPS 2021 by visiting www.organicproducesummit.com.