ORLANDO, FL - We all need spaces that support who we are so that we may become more and more ourselves—our best selves. This is one of the many reasons why the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference (WFPC) makes such an impact on those who attend its program.

Each year, the conference curates opportunities for personal and professional growth, whether you are starting on your journey or engaged in management or the C-Suite already. These resources, sessions, events, and conversations drive empowerment and connection as the IFPA and its team seek to help women find and reach their full potential.

With the event just around the corner on April 7–9, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, I caught up with some WFPC attendees to find out what they are most looking forward to and why this annual conference has such a resounding impact.

Rochelle Bohm, Vice President of Marketing, CMI Orchards

“The WFPC is a special event where women in produce come together to share ideas, explore pathways for career growth, and support future female leaders. We love sending the CMI Orchards team to network, learn new tools, and find inspiration to help navigate what has traditionally been a very male-dominated industry.”

Jeri Elsasser, Creative Director, Trinity Fruit Company

“IFPA’s Women’s Conference is a great place to connect with industry professionals and like-minded women looking to make themselves seen and heard in the produce industry. It’s great to network, share insights and laughs, and to make allies in the world of fruits, veggies, and floral.”

Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Marketing Director, Superfresh Growers®

“The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference is a unique time where the goal for all attending is connection, empowering one another, and motivating each other in our careers and personal lives. There are incredible moments throughout the conference where I feel seen and understood in ways I don’t every day. I meet other women who are going through similar wins and similar hurdles. Produce has made incredible progress in female leadership in the industry, but there are still times when I find myself to be the only woman at a decision-making table. I appreciate the encouragement, mentorship opportunities, and support I receive from this conference. I am able to share what I’ve learned with younger attendees as much as I learn from mentors in the program.”

Carrie Mack, Senior Sourcing Manager, Walmart

“WFPC is so empowering! A truly special conference that offers a unique environment celebrating the potential and joy of women in the fresh produce industry. I am in awe of the talented women who represent all parts of the fresh business in attendance and look forward to all the new faces. The focus on empowerment and collaboration creates a safe and supportive environment for us to thrive in. Being afforded the opportunities to learn through inspiring workshops, networking, and sharing personal experiences and achievements while building lasting relationships is so special!”

Brenda Briggs, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Rice Fruit Company

“The IFPA Women’s Conference is one of my favorite conferences. It always offers a powerful program with relevant opportunities for personal and professional growth. It is so special to spend a few days surrounded by women in produce to learn, collaborate, and support one another. Over the last few years, I have met some of the most amazing people who I know will be lifelong friends and peers. The mentor program helps carry the energy of this conference forward and offers an opportunity to have an impact on those who are at different stages of their professional journey. I highly recommend the conference to my fellow women in produce!”

I hope you are as inspired by these words as I am. Please stay tuned as we bring you more voices from the industry who will share their words and experiences at the upcoming IFPA Women's Fresh Perspectives Conference.

NOGALES, AZ - If you’re looking for a fortified produce program—whether it be tomatoes, squash, bell peppers, watermelons, or a combination of popular categories—Delta Fresh has you covered, and the supplier is bringing its ever-evolving portfolio to the show floor at the Viva Fresh Expo. Not only will the grower be showing off its new crop Roma tomatoes out of Sonora, Mexico, along with its branded round tomatoes, but attendees will also get a closer look at the company’s newly expanded commodity selection.

“Historically, Delta Fresh has been primarily focused on tomatoes as a company. Over the past year, we have diversified our offerings to include zucchini, eggplant, table grapes, colored bell peppers, cantaloupe, watermelon, and multiple squash varieties,” shares Frank Camera, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development.

As the produce supplier harnesses the Viva Fresh Expo as an opportunity to interact with customers while highlighting this impressive lineup, attendees will get a chance to explore the company’s growing squash, colored bell pepper, and spring watermelon programs.

“We will continue to focus on product diversification along with expanding our Roma tomato program to add product from ranches outside of our normal growing regions to provide a better year-round offering,” Frank adds.

Explore Delta Fresh’s ongoing growth for yourself with a stop by booth #419 during the show! And for more updates, stick with ANUK.

SUNBURY, PA - As convenience rules supreme for consumers, Weis Markets has teamed up with Uber Eats to offer on-demand and scheduled grocery delivery in 185 locations.

“We’re in the business of offering our customers more choices and options for online ordering and home delivery,” said Weis Markets Vice President of Marketing and Advertising Maria Rizzo. “Uber Eats offers a user-friendly platform and is another great option for customers who are interested in the convenience of home delivery.”

With schedules busier than ever, this service will enable shoppers to get groceries without having to step foot in the store. According to a release, Weis Markets will also be offering a promotional deal for its consumers to try out the service at a discounted price.

In addition to Uber Eats, Weis Markets also offers online home delivery through Amazon, Shipt, DoorDash, and Instacart.

As retailers find new ways to grow their consumer bases, AndNowUKnow will share their efforts and innovations.

ATLANTA, GA - A new business focused on sustainable food and agriculture has come to light as Cox Enterprises taps multiple powerful greenhouse providers to form Cox Farms.

“We are excited to build and scale a better future for farmers and consumers by ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable food supply, regardless of calendar or climate,” said Steve Bradley, President of Cox Farms. “This is a significant milestone for us, as we are disrupting traditional agriculture and bringing the promise of indoor agriculture to fruition at a scale never seen before.”

The newly unveiled Cox Farms operation includes indoor farming companies Mucci Farms and BrightFarms, and it will continue to pursue additional ventures and investments in the indoor agriculture space, a press explained.

The new greenhouse represents Cox’s commitment to future-proofing the world of produce and further enhancing the company's more than $2 billion investment in sustainable businesses and technologies.

"As multigenerational family businesses rooted in a passion for growing fresh produce, we are thrilled to be part of the Cox Farms family as we embark on a partnership fueled by shared values and a collective vision for the future of farming,” said Bert Mucci, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner at Mucci Farms. "Our mutual drive to innovate in the agriculture space at all levels fuels our mission to enhance accessibility and promote the consumption of clean, sustainable fruits and vegetables."

As the release continued, Cox Enterprises is a multigenerational family-owned business with a long history in agriculture, dating back 125 years when Ohio farmer-turned-entrepreneur James M. Cox planted the seeds for Cox Enterprises.

With Mucci Farms and BrightFarms in its growing portfolio, Cox Farms is among the largest greenhouse operators in North America, harvesting 360 million pounds of produce a year.

“BrightFarms is pioneering the future of sustainable agriculture with our advanced indoor farming methods, focusing on producing the freshest, most sustainable leafy greens locally," said Steve Platt, CEO of BrightFarms. "Together, we are poised to accelerate and expand our mission, leveraging shared resources and vision to build operation capacity that will make healthy, locally-grown food more accessible while caring for our planet.”

Read more about this strategic venture here.

Stick around as ANUK brings you updates on the latest fresh produce news.