TUCSON, AZ - The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) recently wrapped up its inaugural Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) at its 54th annual convention. With more than 500 attendees, buyers, and exhibitors in attendance, this was certainly an event not to be missed.
“We’re very pleased with the success of our first expo, alongside our annual conference, that brought together buyers, sellers, and growers for an elevated experience in the Southwest,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President. “With the richness and diversity of our region and industry on display, SWIPE provided an intimate opportunity for trade partners to come together for quality business development and networking.”
Over the course of three days, attendees gathered for educational sessions, networking events, awards reception, and multiple outdoor activities including retail store tours and golf and tennis tournaments.
The event began on Thursday, November 2, with the Opening Fiesta—a culinary celebration of the Southwest. Friday began with a half day of education sessions that addressed topics such as weather, labor, and policy; delivering value across customer tiers; and understanding the opportunities for women in the produce industry.
The first-ever SWIPE expo then opened its doors to a show floor, where the ratio of exhibiting companies to buyers was 1:1, according to a press release.
The event concluded with a Golf Tournament and Tennis Tournament where Andy Hamilton and Dave Yeager took first place in the two-man golf scramble followed by second place performers Kyle McGrath and Scott Kosnik.
In the four-man golf scramble, the first place team included Jamie Waltmire, Javier Badillo, Alex Parra, and Alex Parra Jr.; in second place was Otilio Garavito, Nelson Garza, and Jon Greco; and coming in third was Patrick Mills, Luis Gonzalez, Tony Mitchell, and Erick Chistensen.
Rex Lawrence of Joe Produce placed first in the inaugural tennis tournament, followed by Santiago Astengo in second place.
Prior to the event, FPAA honored Emilia Gotsis of Omega Produce Company as the 2023 Pillar of the Industry, and FPAA Chairwoman-Elect Raquel Espinoza of Produce House was named the FPAA 2023 Member of the Year.
Cheers to this successful industry event!
