MONTEREY, CA - “The goal of this show is to provide a bridge within the organic produce industry. Whether its suppliers and seed companies, or retailers, wholesalers and distributors, there is a place for everyone at the table,” Todd Linsky, Principal and Owner of Todd Linsky Consulting, tells me, as we discuss the opportunities within the $11 billion organic fruit and vegetable industry.
To support this growing sector of the industry, Todd and an advisory committee of heavy hitters in organics have put together the inaugural Organic Produce Summit to be held July 13-14, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, California.
“With 53% of organic produce coming out of California, it just made sense to establish this first annual show here in Monterey,” Todd adds. “And with organic produce expected to see more than 15% growth in 2015, now seems like the perfect time.”
Organic fresh fruit and vegetables are flourishing, and as consumer buying behaviors evolve to include room for more organic options, this summit hopes to present an engaging, informative and educational avenue for all categories of organic produce.
“We will feature leaders and innovators of organic fresh produce on both the buy-side and supply-side of the industry for the sake of collaborating, networking, and educating toward a more engaged and productive community,” Todd says.
For the team behind the Organic Produce Summit, it is incredibly important that attendees bring back value from the show to their roles and companies. The Committee is focused on going the extra mile to bring retailers to the show and to provide as much support as possible to the growing community.
“The two-day summit is open to anyone and everyone who wants to come. We expect a broad range of categories to be represented, from nuts and organic juices to organic specialty produce and staple fruits and vegetables,” Todd tells me. “This is a global business, and there isn’t a reason why national and international companies cannot find their share in the market.”
The event will host a gala opening night reception where attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a wide selection of exciting educational sessions, view a keynote address by an organic industry leader, and network with more than 70 organic exhibitors.
The OPS Advisory Committee Members include the following:
- Gary Kosofsky of BJs Wholesale Club
- Tim Shepard of Crosset Co.
- Howard Nager of Domex SuperFresh Growers
- David Hahn of Four Seasons LLC
- Brian Peixoto of Lakeside Organic Gardens
- Dave Lively of Organically Grown Co.
- Laura Batcha of the Organic Trade Association
- Michael Schutt of Raley’s/Nob Hill/BelAir
- Matt Seeley of The Nunes Co.
- Todd Linsky of Todd Linsky Consulting
- Edmund Lamacchia of Whole Foods
- Ricardo Crisantes of Wholesum Family Farms
It is never too early to plan for 2016. Hope to see you all there!
