SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - The keynote speaker has been unveiled for the upcoming 2024 Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC) Expo, Fresh Forward. As the event kicks off on May 1, renowned celebrity chef Jeff Henderson will take the stage to share his remarkable journey of redemption from the streets to the stove, offering invaluable insights and strategies to help attendees achieve their dreams.

"We are thrilled to present such an exceptional lineup of programming for the 2024 FPFC Expo,” stated Baltazar Garcia of Local Bounti, Chair of the FPFC Expo Committee, expressing his excitement for the upcoming event. “The committee has worked tirelessly to curate an experience that will educate, inspire, and connect our attendees. We cannot wait to welcome everyone to Anaheim for what promises to be an unforgettable event."

As a press release stated, Chef Jeff Henderson's keynote address promises to inspire and empower attendees with his authentic and emotional story, coupled with practical advice that transcends boundaries.

In addition to this game-changing presentation, the keynote breakfast will also feature a dynamic Buyer Panel discussion, where attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts including Patrick Kelly of The Produce Industry Podcast; Javier Bautisa of Northgate Markets, Andy Hamilton of Markon, and Bryan Presley of Albertsons. These produce aficionados will weigh in on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the fresh produce and floral industry.

"I'm beyond excited for my debut at the FPFC Expo! I’m thrilled to be moderating the buyer panel at the Keynote Breakfast engaging thoughtful discussions on leadership, awareness, and insights with some of the industry's top buyers,” said Kelly. “It is an honor to be shaping the future of the produce industry through these conversations at the FPFC Expo!"

FPFC has also planned an Exclusive Night Out at Splitsville on April 30 in Downtown Disney. This event is open to all exhibitors, retailer buyers, foodservice buyers, and Expo sponsors, providing a fantastic opportunity for networking and relaxation before the main event.

Registration for the 2024 FPFC Expo is now open, so don’t miss out on this exciting, event-filled expo!

AUSTIN, TEXAS - H-E-B has multiple expansions in the works, and some new strategies are coming to light as the retailer purchased 20 acres within the 63-acre Manor Crossing retail center, a suburb northeast of Austin, Texas. This recent acquisition unveils potential plans for the chain’s newest store in the Manor area.

H-E-B is working on multiple expansions in the Texas market, according to the Austin Business Journal. Recent updates have confirmed that H-E-B plans to open its third grocery store in Georgetown, and also appears to be adding a True Texas BBQ restaurant as part of its store expansion in the city of Kyle. Signage at the company’s new multi-story South Congress store is also going up.

As the source noted, the retailer’s new stores are trending toward a larger build, averaging more than 100,000 square feet.

H-E-B currently has a strong presence in Austin, with more than 50 locations in the metro area.

For more updates on this ongoing expansion, you know where to click.

JALISCO, MEXICO - The month of March provided ideal growing conditions for Agroberries (AB) Mexico—Berry Fresh’s growing business unit in Mexico—with warm days and cool nights that allowed for a much bigger season this year, particularly for Sweet Karoline® blackberries.

“Adjusting a plant’s natural growing cycle takes patience and constant attention,” says Berry Fresh’s Production Manager, Darren Sinn. “We are planting Sweet K in multiple states around Mexico, finding the correct environments to provide consistent supply.”

In addition to increased acreage of Sweet Karoline, Berry Fresh’s growers are working with the variety to extend the season. According to a press release, the goal is that the variety will grow to serve more customers for a longer season in future years.

Beyond Sweet Karoline, Berry Fresh is harnessing the region's ideal climate for berry production by increasing its owned acreage of blueberries and raspberries. Year-over-year, growing operations in Mexico increased by 200 percent, and all new planting was done with proprietary varieties. This will ensure that Berry Fresh’s Mexican offering has better quality, surety of supply, and flavor.

As with any substantial growth, there will inevitably be challenges, yet the team in Mexico is enthusiastic about tackling them head-on and adapting swiftly to the rapidly expanding business unit. Through a strong team, premium genetics, and leading cultivation practices, Berry Fresh’s Mexican operation is primed to be a first-class growing operation.

As this supplier continues to expand, be sure to follow along with ANUK.

SACRAMENTO, CA - I feel grateful to work in an industry where relationships are prioritized, mentorship is valued, and there are spaces created for meaningful personal and professional growth. I have been lucky to, over the course of the past couple of weeks, bring together the words of some of the women attending the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference (WFPC) on April 7–9 in Orlando, Florida. Their ideas, insights, and wisdom only reinforce that feeling even more, as I sit back to reflect on my own hopes and expectations for the event.

As we quickly approach the conference, I bring to you the words of more of these women, so that they may continue to amplify the messages of the conference and where we all go from here.

Angelic Meza, Marketing Manager, Church Brothers Farms 

“I’m excited to meet inspiring women in the industry and grow my network. Since I’ve only been in the industry for three years, this is the first show of its kind that I’ll be attending. I’m looking forward to soaking in all the sessions and heading back to Salinas with tips on how to better myself professionally and personally.”

Renee Macaraeg, Marketing Associate, Markon Cooperative 

"As a first-time attendee, I am looking forward to fully immersing myself at this year’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference. I am especially excited to learn from the wide variety of workshops offered and to have a role as a mentee in the mentorship program. Thank you to all those involved in the planning and preparation of this event and see you very soon!"

Aimee Peters, Business Development Manager, FirstFruits Farms 

"Carrie Mack of Walmart initially introduced me and FirstFruits to the WFPC by uniting women in the apple industry to join and engage. The invaluable insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities provided by the WFPC have not only expanded my knowledge but also empowered me to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively. This marks my second year attending the conference, and it continues to serve as a catalyst for both personal and professional growth, offering a supportive platform to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving landscape of fresh produce."

Nicole Gordy, Chief Executive Officer, Sage Fruit Company

“The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference is an event I look forward to attending every year! Hearing from inspiring women in our industry and how they have navigated the challenges most women face has been transformational for me. I am extremely grateful for the connections I’ve made at the conference that will last a lifetime, especially the mentor I was matched with through the WFPC mentorship program who has helped me achieve my career goals. Empowered women empower women!"

Veronica Rodarte, Category Manager—Chili, Citrus, and Herbs, Progressive Produce

“I'm looking forward to the diverse perspectives and insights shared at this year's conference. Events like these are valuable to the industry because they foster collaboration, networking, and the exchange of ideas, ultimately driving innovation and progress.”

Nikki Cossio, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Measure to Improve 

“As a first-time attendee, I am thrilled to be a part of this unique event, which is well-known for offering wonderful opportunities to connect and learn from other successful women leaders in the industry. I am honored not only to be attending but have been invited to present my story and share my unique perspective as a CEO. I look forward to the experience of growing personally and professionally. The icing on the cake is being able to connect with long-time friends, and other women that I admire and respect."

Thank you again to these handful of amazing women in a group of many, who are seeking to inspire and be inspired, empower and be empowered. See you all soon!