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OPS attendees visiting Tanimura & Antle and observing how Plant Tape transplanting operates during the Retail & Buying organization field tours.
Within only minutes the opening reception was packed with attendees. A great way to kick off OPS 2018!
Nick Martin, Demetrius White, and Todd Eagan all of Costco Wholesale joining in on the Opening Reception festivities.
Marco Garcia, Gloria Smith, Mayra Velazquez de Leon, and Daniella Velazquez de Leon, all of Organics Unlimited.
The Opening Reception was filled with great food, great music, and great networking amongst all attendees.
Melissa Abbott, vice president at Hartman Retainer Services, presenting during the Educational Session, "Deep Dive - Organic Sales Analysis & the 'Why Behind the Buy.'"
Jordan Rost, vice president of Consumer Insight at Nielsen, educating OPS attendees on organic produce sales trends.
Anahad O'Connor, author & reporter for The New York Times, Laura Evans, Emmy award winning journalist, and Ashley Koff RD, CEO of the Better Health Enabler, discussing how organics and the media play into the modern landscape of information.
Attendees filled the room to listen to the "E-Grocery and the Future of Organic Fresh Produce at Retail" discussion with Kevin Coupe from the Morning News Beat, Tony Stallone, vice president of Merchandising at Peapod, Dan Bourgault, head of brand partnerships for Instacart, and Don Barnett, coo at Sun Basket.
Rodney Bonds, vice president of Supply Chain at Sprouts Markets, educating the crowd of attendees on the opportunities and challenges currently facing the organic fresh produce supply chain.
Lisa McNeece, vice president of Industrial Sales for Grimmway Farms, Bryan Jaynes,vice president of Product Management & Marketing at Taylor Farms, Joost Hamelink,vice president of Sustainability & Marketing for Tradin Organic and Moderator Chad Hagen,vice president of Consumer Products Group at SunOpta Inc., discussing the growth opportunities for organic produce in the organic ingredients sector.
Dan Buettner, noted journalist & discoverer of Blue Zones, kicked off the keynote portion of the program educating the audience about the places around the world where people live the longest and how we can do the same!
Geoff White, President of OWN Brands, brought tons of energy to OPS as he delved into the significance of organic fresh produce within retail today, and it's bright forecast for the future!
With candid commentary and thought-provoking discussion, industry leaders discussed key issues and opportunities facing the organic produce industry during the Retailer Roundtable. Above: (L-R) Roger Harkrider, director of produce for Meijer, Randy Riley, director of produce at Kroger, Ron McCormick, senior director of global produce sourcing for Walmart Stores, Inc, as well as Tonya Antle of the Organic Produce Network (OPN).
OPS attendees enjoyed a delicious, healthy, produce-forward lunch, sponsored by Homegrown Organic Farms.
Mark Munger, vice president of sales & marketing of 4Earth Farms and Jeff Oberman,vice president of strategic programs of PRO*ACT enjoying the Monterey sunshine!
No empty seats during the packed lunch in Custom House Plaza!
The bustling show floor of OPS 2018.
Greg Lehr of Straub's and Dennis Chrisman of Dorothy Lane Market meet with Jensen Decaurs of Driscoll's
Rick Cruz of Pavilions chats with Kellee Harris of Giumarra.
Mike Emery, director of merchandising for Hannaford Supermarkets, engaging with Scott Marboe and the Starr Ranch Organics team.
