MONTEREY, CA - From immersive farm tours to face-to-face conversations, the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) continues to stand out as a gathering where connection and community are front and center.
“OPS is a great show. It feels more intimate, so we can have those touch points with all of our exhibitors, our retailers, our buyers, our distributors, our growers,” said Karen White of Bolthouse Fresh Foods in a recent video recap.
That sense of closeness is what draws many exhibitors year after year. OPS fosters more than casual networking—it cultivates meaningful, face-to-face conversations.
“My favorite part about exhibiting here is really just interacting with the community. And it's more than just exchanging business cards,” shared Liz Mahler, emphasizing the deep, personal interactions that define the event.
For Mike Downey of Military Produce Group, OPS brings together the movers and shakers: “There's a lot of the key players here, obviously, and the growers who are here are the ones who are really driving the industry forward.”
Beyond the event floor, the OPS farm tours offer a unique way to engage with the roots of the industry—literally. These behind-the-scenes experiences leave a lasting impression.
“The farm tours are amazing,” said Hilary Craig of Misfits Market. She explained that having buyers participate in these visits helps deepen connections with growers and reminds everyone of the purpose behind the work.
That shared purpose was echoed on the show floor, where discussions on consumer demand took center stage.
“The exciting thing is the consumer is seeking out organic products, and we're excited to increase our supply to match that demand,” said Marcus Caswell of Wish Farms. “So, we're really excited to be here at the show to showcase that."
As OPS grows, its mission stays strong: bring the industry together, celebrate its people, and build a thriving future for organic produce.
Watch the full video above to hear more insights on this year’s OPS event.
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Organic Produce Summit
The Organic Produce Summit is the best place to network with industry leaders, educators, and innovators in the fresh…
