MONTEREY, CA - Albertsons is one of many grocers leading the organics charge, with Co-Chairman and CEO Jim Donald front-and-center on the itinerary for the upcoming Organic Produce Summit (OPS). On Thursday, July 9, Donald will be joining Kevin Coupe, Founder of Morning News Beat, for an exclusive, provocative, and engaging virtual conversation about organics and more, aptly dubbed “Real Talk with Jim Donald.”
“While we are disappointed we will not be able to hear Jim and Kevin live and in person this year, we are thrilled they both agreed to do this session for OPS,” said Susan Canales, OPS President. “Jim is looking to share his thoughts on some of the hottest topics facing our industry, from the pressure on growers and the supply chain, to the burgeoning growth of direct to consumer online ordering, and the role of leadership during these troubling times.”
The complimentary online session will replace the in-person OPS Keynote presentation, which has been cancelled due to the impact of COVID-19. In addition to the abovementioned wide-ranging topics, Donald will also touch on how the pandemic has altered consumer buying habits and the future of the food industry as a whole.
On top of these insights, Donald will also pull from his expertise as a buy-side champion. Prior to joining Albertsons in March of 2018 as its President and Chief Operating Officer, Donald served as CEO of Starbucks, Haggen, and Extended Stay Hotels and, according to a press release, has been named one of the “Top 25 CEOs in the World” by Best Practices Institute.
“Jim is one of the most dynamic and progressive leaders in the world of retail and can share how evolving customer behavior in light of the COVID pandemic is challenging retailers to remain relevant and resonant to them,” Coupe said. “The changing retail landscape from brick and mortar to omnichannel retailing—and the practical implications for organic fresh produce—is top of mind for everyone. To openly discuss the operational and cultural imperatives that retailers and suppliers need to embrace, and how they can be best communicated both internally and externally, will benefit all OPS attendees.”
Another perk of the event is that viewers can submit questions to Jim Donald in advance. To register for the “Real Talk with Jim Donald” and send questions his way, click here.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest happenings in the fresh produce industry.
