Robert Schueller

(Gerry Furth-Sides) It’s almost impossible to imagine (and photograph) the magnificence and drama of the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show. We were so honored to be guests of Melissa’s, the world’s largest produce distributor. Their breath-taking island held each of their 600 items with 1006 product “skews.” Being with fellow writers was an added plus.

Below starting with the top row: Two “fruit fashionable” ladies; Chef Marco Zapian and “Melissa;” Melissa’s marketing director, Robert Schueller and me; Cary Hunyh and Kimlai “Eatin” Asian.

Marketing Director Robert Schueller presented a special early morning seminar covering the most current trends in healthy, organic produce and exotic fruits. Mangoes remain the biggest selling fruit in the world, although not in the United States. One unforeseen trends: “Freaky Fruit” sales growing by leaps and bounds, right in line with adult Halloween celebrations.

Top Produce Trends 2023 are Pinkglow Pineapple; Yellow Dragon Fruit; Kim Chee (mild & hot); Ginger & Turmeric (immunity booster pack); Yellow Watermelon; Organic Ginger; Organic Turmeric.

Melissa’s tracks trends by volume each season. Baby Blue Dutch Potatoes with Baby Dutch Yellow or white “babies” remain the top selling item of the company. No wonder! They are the perfect ratio of skin to interior.Melissa’s introduced them a few years ago and supply most of the markets with them. Look for their logo on the bag next time! An insider fact: They do not turn green under lighting! They are a personal favorite of mine, too, especially “smashed!” Look @localfoodeater for the video!

Two new varieties of pineapples, so exceptionally sweet and low acid that you can eat the core. We already love the Pink Glow (we made heavenly lassis out of them), Baby Yellow and Elephante Green Glow (white). The Asian melons can cost as much as $150 apiece, and are popular in Japan as hostess gifts since desserts at dinner parties are almost always fruits. Asian fruits in general continue to grow in popularity worldwide.

We did not need the attendee survey results showing that the general opinion is “this is the best show ever.” We could see it in the packed general sessions and feel the buzzing on the show floor that stretched out over several halls. The “dancing logos” sum up the feeling.

After the (245!) booths are being broken down, the produce and floral was culled for donation, and International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show comes to an end. We went home with samples from the first day!

The Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim brought together members from the entire supply chain from more than 60 countries, making it the largest guest list in produce and floral.  The high-energy show boasted a most impressive buyer for every 6 attendees, and so it felt busy but not overcrowded.

The Expo featured over 1160 companies exhibiting including 157 first timers. In addition to networking events and the show floor,  GPFS also featured 4 keynotes,  more than 30 speakers over 12 Education Festival sessions.

There was a special focus this year at the IFPA on the technology solutions on the floor including the Innovation Hub. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak started the speaker events off. The Hub included the Future Tech Pavilion, and the Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator program with participants who are concluding their year-long program exhibiting.  IFPA’s Cathy Burns, presented a State of the Industry presentation.  

“As the show grows and gets busier, the goal remains the same – we want to make sure that our members have the opportunity to make connections with the people can and  will transform their business,” said IFPA Vice President, Joe Watson.