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The second annual Organic Produce Summit was sold out again this year with 900 eager attendees and exhibitors. The Hyatt Regency show floor was literally buzzing as nearly 200 retailers connected with organic suppliers from across the globe.
The $14 billion organic fresh produce industry has established its own venue to highlight innovative products and advance strategic thought leadership. Here’s what some of our exhibitors had to say about the Summit:
Andy Martin, A&A Organic
“We’ve met a lot of new people interested in our growers’ tomatoes and row crops. We are seeing old friends but mostly it’s been about meeting new customers. We are exhibiting for the first time, and we will be back next year! great event!“
Ricardo Crisantes Sr., Wholesum Harvest
“The Organic Produce Summit is a great event bringing fresh organic to the main stage of the industry. It’s a unique event that displays the diversity of different growers and growing regions. My aspiration for this event is for it to keep growing and keep the focus on organic and fresh – two of my favorite subjects! I think it will continue to have great success in the future!”
Heather Shavey, Costco Wholesale
“I feel very lucky to have been asked to participate and to have been in such esteemed company. It was a great event - I love all the energy around such an incredibly important segment of our business.”
Kyle Reeves, United Supermarkets
“OPS was a terrific show for us on many levels. The educational sessions were outstanding, with excellent information for us to share with our team. And the trade show floor was phenomenal, with a great line-up of suppliers. The energy is contagious and makes for a tremendous event. We will definitely be back next year.”
Dick Pexiote, Lakeside Organic Gardens
“We were here for the inaugural Summit and this one is taking off like a rocket. We are definitely making new connections and are excited to showcase our year round artichoke program and our year round production in napa and other specialty crops. So far it’s been a great success.”
John Anspach, Sunview Marketing
“This is our second year at the summit. I think this one is different – last year was good – this one is Very Good. The morning workshops were interesting, the topics were relevant and I got a lot out of them. It’s been fun seeing people I haven’t seen for a while. I have met more new people this year and have a few potential new customers. I think the location in Monterey is great."
Sharlene Taylor, Costco Wholesale
“The Organic Produce Summit is a great opportunity for us to connect with our organic vendors. We’re always looking for something new and different and we enjoy meeting people we haven’t met before. OPS is a great avenue for that.”
Julie DeWolf, Sunkist Growers
“The show has been great, it’s very exciting, we have seen buyers we never expected to see here from all over the US and Canada. It’s our first year exhibiting and we will definitely be back because I think this is one of the premier trade show experiences in our industry.”
Trinidad Valdivia, SuperValu
“We are looking forward to meeting more organic vendors, to help our wholesale companies get more penetration into the organic market. This show is the ideal place to do that.”
Kelly Harris, Giumarra Vineyards
“This is a fantastic show and it’s our first year as an exhibitor. Last year I was able to walk the show and we were so impressed, so I came back to my management and said we HAVE TO be part of that show! We really appreciate what OPN is doing to promote organic and the bigger produce community."
Andrew Barnett, Natural Grocers
“The Organic Produce Summit is a great place to build relationships with growers and build sustainable partnerships with the growers who supply our stores. I like the size of the show, it is easy to get to know people and see what is new.”
Kori Tuggle, Church Brothers
“This is our second year exhibiting because we were so pleased last year. The buyer turnout is fantastic and the high caliber of speakers and learning opportunities was excellent.”
Mike Reed, California Endive Farms
"This show is phenomenal not only in the educational process but because there are so many quality retailers we can talk to.”
Randy Staehle, Organic Girl
“This show is great. It’s fun to have so many people in the industry in the same spot! We are getting to see current customers and old friends. I love having it here and we are really looking forward to the next one!”
Dan Crowley, Well-Pict Berries
“The summit is wonderful, there is a great showing of people here and the retailers are out in big numbers. I’ve walked the floor and I see all the main players so I feel we are bringing this to a whole new level. It is wonderful to see the evolution of the organic category.”
TJ Buxman, Fruit World
“This is our first show and it’s wonderful, lots of people, although the venue could be bigger. We hope to exhibit in the years to come.”
Rick Feighery, Procacci Brothers
“There is a lot of traffic here and a lot of new faces. It’s always good to reconnect with old friends and I think we have new customers as a result of this show. The seminars were well attended and very informative. I like being aware of new trends and thoughts in the industry.”
Kevin Barry, Big Y
“The field tours were excellent and the breakout sessions and Keynote addresses were very informative. The trade show exhibits were outstanding. Tremendous event!”
Scott Mabs, Homegrown Organic Farms
“The Organic Produce Summit is our favorite show of the year. There’s no dilution to this concentrated event, with only organic shippers there to seek out quality organic suppliers. Every person that comes by our booth is interested in talking. For the time spent there, it’s extremely worthwhile.”
Roy Ruff, Viva Tierra
“This is our second year exhibiting. Last year I thought it was just going to “another show” but this is all the organic players. We don’t need as much of what’s going on at the PMA as much as we need what’s going on right here! The timing of the show is great because are just beginning our summer pear harvest. We really appreciate this show!”
Sandy Eason, Calavo Growers
“This summit is great- it’s much larger than last year. We met retailers that we have been meaning to connect with. This show is something that the industry has needed for a long time.”
Teri Fletcher, Harvest Sensations
“The summit is fantastic and we are here showcasing our original kale salads. We have loved watching this industry grow. We will come back to this summit every year!”
Tim Youmans, Driscoll's
“This is our second year and it’s bigger than last year. The interest in organic specialty products is drawing more people to the summit. It’s also great having it here in Monterey. We were able to host two farm tours yesterday were we highlighted our company shared a little about and our organic journey since the 1980’s. Participants were able to meet one of our growers and find out what it’s like to be part of the Driscolls family. Each group had an amazing diversity of people on the tour. A great event and we look forward to next year."
