One of the produce industry’s premier one-day educational programs returns to the New York Produce Show and Conference with an exciting new format and lineup.
The Foundational Excellence Future-Leaders-in-Produce program, hosted by professors from Cornell University for professionals with less than five years’ experience, will include sessions on leadership, marketing, retail and foodservice trends, and feature numerous breakouts to enhance ideation, networking and small group discussions
The highly successful Young Leaders panel also returns, which will be moderated by Cynthia Haskins, President and CEO of the New York Apple Association, and include Marcus Albinder (Hudson River Fruit Distributors), Tyler Schneider (Cleveland Kitchen), Taylor Sears (LGS), Stephanie Tramutola of (A&J Produce) and Matt Zapczynski (Idaho Potato Commission).
“Of all that is new at the New York Produce Show this year – our 15th Anniversary – we believe the changes to Foundational Excellence are among the most significant,” says Ken Whitacre, President of the New York Produce Show and Publisher of Produce Business. “Cornell has completely revamped the structure of the day to be more interactive and engaging for attendees. The program highlights the core of what we stand for – educating professionals on the inner workings and opportunities within this ever-changing industry.”
Foundational Excellence, which has been a launching pad for past attendees who work in all facets of the industry, provides both a framework for understanding the complicated workings of produce and a chance to network with others who share similar goals.
The program is part of a packed day of learning and networking, with the Show also hosting the Global Trade Symposium and two celebrations – the Rising Star Reception, which honors the 2025 Produce Business 40-Under-Forty class and alumni, and the energy-filled Opening Cocktail Reception.
The Cornell-led program will kick off with a “foundational” session from Miguel Gomez on the social and environmental forces impacting produce, including economic pressures and changing consumer preferences. As with many of the sessions, participants will be asked to work together to formulate strategies to address these challenges in 2026 and beyond.
Gomez’s session will be followed by another “breakout-driven” workshop led by professor Brad Rickard on “Marketing Strategies for Produce”, which will look at new ways to increase produce consumption in the United States through promotion initiatives along the supply chain.
One of the most popular parts of the program is foodservice – and Aaron Adalja, a former chef who teaches food and beverage management at Cornell’s acclaimed Nolan School of Hotel Administration, will discuss culinary trends and the future of food.
After a lunch and the Young Leaders panel, Kristen Park will host a session on the future of fresh produce and how various scenarios chosen by attendees could impact the industry at large and their companies. The day will wrap up with a session on leadership from Bill Drake, who will break down common myths and misconceptions about leadership, as well as critical differences between management and leadership and changing demands of leadership in career transitions.
Those interested in attending the 2025 New York Produce Show and any of its special events – including the Exhibitor Trade Show, Global Trade Symposium, IdEATion Fresh Foodservice Forum, or industry tours – can register here.
