The Organic Produce Summit has announced a new educational panel that will take place at the two-day industry event, which will be held on July 10-11 in Monterey, California. 

The session, "How Regional Retailers are Growing Organic Fresh Produce Sales,” will focus on the ways retailers are growing organic fresh produce businesses and will explore how regional players compete in different geographic areas in comparison to bigger retailers.

The 50-minute session will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 9 a.m., and will delve into topics including regional tastes and flavor preferences, what items perform well in certain regions and the role of organic versus local. The panel will also explore price, selection and sizing of fresh produce and how smaller, independent grocers and farmers markets work to differentiate themselves.

The panel will be moderated by Scot Olson, president of the Northwest Division of FreshSource and former VP of produce for Grocery Outlet. Retail panelists include Jeff Cady, vice president of produce and floral at Northeast Shared Services, Jim Sullivan, VP Of produce for Yokes Fresh Market in the Pacific Northwest, and Jilea Hemmings, owner and founder, Nourish + Bloom Market.

About the Organic Produce Summit

Held July 10-11 at the Monterey Conference Center, the Organic Produce Summit features educational sessions, keynote presentations and showcases solutions and innovations across organic fresh produce growers, shippers and processors. Bringing together over 175 organic growers, shippers and processors from all corners of the business, the Summit provides a comprehensive one-stop-shop for retailers and buyers in the organic and fresh produce industry.

Registration for the Organic Produce Summit 2024 is open to qualified retailers and general attendees. For further information about the Organic Produce Summit, please visit organicproducesummit.com.