ATLANTA, GA - Amid highly anticipated sporting events, musical talent, and a political race, the Global Produce and Floral Summit (GPFS) brought the fresh world to Atlanta, Georgia, in a whirlwind of activity, education, innovation, and entertainment.
By the numbers, over 1,100 exhibitors from 32 countries, with 130-plus companies exhibiting for the first time. In total, over 3,000 buyers and attendees from over 70 countries crossed paths walking the halls of the convention center.
“The Global Show is one of the greatest good-for-my-soul moments of the year,” International Fresh Produce Association Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns said in a press release.
The show floor was one of the biggest in years at 331,000 square feet—a fact that made the GPFS app and its ability to get directions from booth to booth particularly invaluable! The sheer size was reflected even in the annual Foundation for Fresh Produce 5K. With more than 830 runners, GPFS clocked a record number of runners for a Foundation event before the official expo even began.
“This year delivered. There was an incredible mix of innovation and energy that carried through the entire program as the global industry came together once again to celebrate our positive impact on people, plates, and the planet,” Cathy stated.
When not on the floor making or sustaining connections, there was an active itinerary of sessions, awards, and opportunities. The IFPA CEO led off with her annual State of the Industry presentation discussing upcoming trends, sustainability, and advocacy wins for the industry, including IFPA’s newly granted observer status to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Attendees also heard from 2024 Chair John Anderson, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Partner for Oppy, who celebrated the close of a successful year before passing the baton to 2025 Chair Tammy DeBoer, President of Harris Teeter.
Speakers from within and outside the industry continued to grace the GPFS 2024 stage, including Rodney McMullen, Kroger's Chief Executive Officer, who spoke to staying inspired after 46 years, areas of opportunity, and the importance of partnership in keeping supply flowing continuously.
The industry also heard from Netflix Founder Marc Randolph, political expert, A.B. Stoddard, and finally, to a full-house audience at the increasingly popular Women's Fresh Perspectives Breakfast, Founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, Reshma Saujani.
Before Saujani took the stage, Raina Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Westfalia Fruit USA and previous recipient of the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Catalyst Award, had the opportunity to introduce and award and honor this year's recipient, Brenda Briggs, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Rice Fruit Company.
“The Global Produce and Floral Show’s theme ‘You Belong Here’ truly resonated at the Women’s Fresh Perspectives breakfast! It was an inclusive event for all that celebrated women empowering women. It was an honor to present the 2024 recipient of the Freida Rapoport Caplan Women’s Catalyst award winner, Brenda Briggs. It is an event that always inspires, and I encourage everyone to attend at future GPFS events,” Raina reflected.
Another highlight was the reception and presentation of awards to those making waves in retail.
“It was a real honor to receive the IFPA Retail Merchant Innovation Award. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Roberts Company (Corner Market and Grocery Depot.) We’re committed to driving innovation and finding new ways to enhance the customer experience. I'm excited about what the future holds and grateful to be recognized alongside such talented industry leaders!” Price Mabry shared with me of being among the recipients.
Recognition continued through the last show day when Expo Awards were announced—congratulations to all of the following!
- Best First-Time Exhibitor: Little Leaf Farms
- Best Island Booth, Business Solutions: MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
- Best Inline Booth, Business Solutions: Sollum Technologies
- Best Island Booth, Produce: Alpine Fresh/Hippie Organics
- Best Inline Booth, Produce: 80 Acres Farm
- Best Island Booth, Complementary Items: Litehouse Inc.
- Best Inline Booth, Complementary Items: Sun Lovin Foods
Additionally, more than 210 Fresh Ideas Showcase displays spotlighted new and innovative products. Among them, Bolthouse Fresh Foods’ Home Compostable Bag won Best Sustainable Packaging and Pure Flavor's Amora Mini Melons took home Best Product Promo. To see even more awardees and further details, click here.
“The IFPA team greatly appreciated the investment of our guests, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteer leaders, and partners in Atlanta. We will see you all in Anaheim in 2025,” Cathy concluded.
With the bar continuing to rise, next year's show is certainly one to anticipate. But for now, with much to bring home and digest, our industry will have plenty to buzz about until then!
