ORLANDO, FL - For just a few days, the Salad Bowl of the World is coming to Orlando, Florida. With the annual Global Produce & Floral Show on the horizon, attendees are once again welcomed to the Grower-Shipper Pavilion (Booth 2172) to explore all that California’s Salinas Valley and Central Coast have to offer.
“We hope the pavilion represents the collaborative spirit of our region and gives attendees a sense of the people and businesses behind the produce grown in the Salad Bowl of the World,” shares Laura Lauritzen, Marketing Consultant for the Grower-Shipper Association. “Each company has its own story and expertise, but together we represent a strong, connected agricultural community.”
The Grower-Shipper Pavilion (Booth 2172) was created as an opportunity for Grower-Shipper Association members to come together and collaborate in a way that allows them to have a strong presence at the Global Produce & Floral Show, while sharing the resources and benefits of one collective space. Over the years, it has grown into a true one-stop shop where customers can connect with multiple grower-shippers and experience the depth and diversity of the Salinas Valley and Central Coast in one place.
This year, participating companies include Baja Son Growers, Church Brothers Farms, Coastline Family Farms, Misionero, Nature’s Reward, Ippolito International, River Fresh Farms, and The Nunes Company.
“Together, these companies represent a wide range of products, growing operations, histories, and expertise, while sharing a common connection to the Central Coast,” Laura adds. “Bringing them together demonstrates the depth and diversity of our region and the value of collaboration among our grower-shipper community.”
As part of the Global Produce & Floral Show’s exciting lineup of events, the Grower-Shipper Pavilion will be hosting a two-hour Happy Hour from 3–5 p.m. on Thursday, October 15. This event wraps up the first day of the show by bringing people together in a more relaxed setting after a full day of meetings and conversations.
“The Happy Hour is an opportunity to slow down, continue conversations, make new connections, and celebrate the relationships that make this industry so special,” Laura says.
These platforms for personal connection are one of the most valued features of the Global Produce & Floral Show.
“IFPA Global is really about connection—having meaningful conversations with customers and industry partners, understanding what they need, and talking about how we can continue to grow and adapt together,” Laura continues. “Our members are navigating many of the same important issues facing the industry, from supply and reliability to innovation, sustainability, food safety, labor and changing consumer expectations. Most importantly, we want to reinforce that the Central Coast is home to growers and shippers who are committed to their customers and to the future of the fresh produce industry. Global gives us an opportunity to listen, share ideas, and build the relationships that help move the industry forward.”
Known affectionately as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” there is much more to the Salinas Valley story than the volume and variety of the crops grown there, Laura tells me.
“We hope attendees leave with a greater appreciation for the people and agricultural community behind the produce coming from the Central Coast,” she concludes. “Ultimately, we want attendees to think of the Central Coast as more than a place on a map or a source of fresh produce. We want them to see it as a community of trusted partners who are proud of what they grow, committed to their customers, and invested in the future of the industry.”
Be sure to check out the Grower-Shipper Pavilion (Booth 2172) as you explore this year’s show!
Companies in this Story
Grower-Shipper Association
"We are the Central Coast's soluntion representing our members' agricultural needs."
