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EVENTS

The 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show will take place in Orlando from October 14 to 16, 2026, now shifted to a weekday format.

The International Fresh Produce Association made this change based on member feedback to enhance attendee engagement.

Cathy Burns, IFPA CEO, stated that the new schedule will provide three strong days for networking and business opportunities.

The previous show in 2025 saw record participation, with over 3,500 buyers and nearly 1,100 exhibitors.

This upcoming show promises high-impact sessions and targeted education experiences, solidifying its role as a vital industry event.

Registration is now open for both attendees and exhibitors, offering an opportunity to connect throughout the year.

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INNOVATION

Consumer demand is reshaping the fresh produce sector, prompting retailers to innovate and adapt to changing buying habits.

At the medFEL trade fair, experts discussed the importance of freshness and product management in supermarkets.

Olivier Dauvers emphasized that improving standards could unlock full sales potential for retailers.

Younger consumers, especially those under 35, are shifting towards food delivery, spending 30% of their food budget on this service.

To stay competitive, supermarkets must focus on freshness, which serves as a key factor in consumer decision-making.

Addressing the skills gap among store managers is crucial for improving produce quality and appeal.

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MILESTONE

Oppy is celebrating 25 years as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, recognized for its operational excellence and corporate culture.

John Anderson, the company’s CEO, highlighted the importance of values-driven leadership in achieving this milestone.

In addition to this recognition, Oppy has also been named one of British Columbia’s Top Employers in 2023.

Looking ahead, the company plans a strategic integration with Dole Diversified North America by late 2025.

This move aims to enhance Oppy’s sourcing and distribution capabilities, further supporting its growth strategy.

With a legacy of over 165 years, Oppy manages over 50 million boxes of produce annually, meeting evolving customer demands.

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🍄 A Latino grocery store in Delaware turns its produce aisle into a music stage | News4JAX A Latino grocery store in Delaware has transformed its produce aisle into a music stage, blending culture with community engagement. Fiesta Fresh Market's initiative showcases local talent and promotes fresh produce through live performances.

📈 Worldwide agricultural R&D trends are unveiled on FAO's new data domain | FreshFruitPortal | FAO has unveiled a new agricultural R&D data platform, funded by the Gates Foundation, to improve global research visibility. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration and innovation in agricultural practices worldwide.

📄 Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference returns to Pacific Northwest | FreshPlaza | The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference is set to return to the Pacific Northwest, fostering leadership and networking among women in the produce industry. This event encourages mentorship and collaboration to advance women's roles in agriculture.

📰 Traders say fuel price hike would further increase retail prices of fruits and vegetables | The Hindu | Traders in Chennai are sounding alarm bells that rising fuel prices may lead to increased retail costs for fruits and vegetables. This could significantly impact consumers as supply chain costs rise.

🥒 Supermarket foods claiming to be ‘natural’ or ‘sustainable’ mostly just using marketing terms, researchers find | The Guardian | A recent study found that many supermarket products labeled as 'natural' or 'sustainable' do not meet environmental standards, raising concerns about greenwashing. Researchers analyzed 27,000 items and found misleading claims prevalent in the market.

THE BIG TAKEAWAY

As consumer habits continue to shift, one message is becoming harder to ignore: fresh produce has to feel fresh, convenient, and worth the trip.

Younger shoppers are spending more of their food budget on delivery and prepared options, which means supermarkets need to give them stronger reasons to visit the produce aisle.

That does not only mean better displays, though, it means:

For retailers, freshness is no longer just an operational detail, it has essentially become a competitive advantage.

For suppliers, the opportunity is clear, products that help retailers tell a better freshness story may have a stronger chance of standing out.

The opportunity is still there. But the produce aisle has to work harder to win attention.

Why Produce Retail Needs Better Execution

Produce retail is facing a simple challenge: shoppers have more choices than ever.

With younger consumers spending more on delivery, prepared meals, and convenience-driven options, supermarkets need to give people a stronger reason to visit the produce aisle.

That starts with execution.

Fresh produce has to look fresh, feel easy to shop, and inspire confidence at first glance.

Better rotation, cleaner displays, stronger staff training, and sharper presentation can all make the difference between a shopper buying more produce or walking past the section.

For retailers, execution is no longer just an operational detail. It is how they protect sales, build trust, and keep fresh produce relevant in a changing food market.