NEW YORK – The New York Produce Show and Conference is embracing the holiday season by implementing a series of new initiatives designed to improve the attendee experience and increase the energy at its dynamic exhibitor trade show at the Javits Center.
Event organizers have created a Winter Wonderland theme for the 2026 show (December 2-4) that will be carried through in future years to build excitement around fresh produce’s availability year-round. This year’s trade show is one of the highlights, taking place on December 3.
Exhibitors are being asked to “bring their winter bling” and dress up their booths and themselves to both enhance the atmosphere and make networking more fun for large groups of buyers that will be patrolling the show floor. Best booths will receive prizes. The show is also adding snowflake-laden design elements and touches to all areas of the show as it carries the winter motif and Center of Growth theme forward.
“We are intentionally leaning into winter at a time when many believe fresh produce is dormant,” says Chris Burt, Director of Communications and Content Strategy for the New York Produce Show and Conference. “The truth is, produce and perishables businesses, in general, are alive 365 days a year, providing fresh fruits and vegetables for families through the holidays. What better time and place to embrace it than in New York City in December?”
Thousands of produce professionals are expected to converge on a glowing Manhattan for the 16th annual show, presented by Produce Business magazine and the Eastern Produce Council, as they celebrate fresh in the final big event of 2026. Leaders from the entire produce supply chain – wholesale, retail, foodservice and distribution – will be on hand to discuss the latest innovations and strike deals as they look ahead to 2027.
Several New Twists in 2026
In addition to the Winter Wonderland, the show will feature more than 60 speakers at two dozen sessions, as well as a new twist to its Opening Breakfast. Circana’s Bailey Furtado will discuss the latest retail trends before polling a panel of New York City consumers on stage on their thoughts on the current shopping climate. Then, New York Produce Show President and CEO Ken Whitacre will host a special panel of buyers to get their thoughts.
Also new this year is the shift of the VIP Foodservice Forum (December 4) to the Institute of Culinary Education. The retail tours to Central Jersey and northern Manhattan. Stops will include Wegman’s, Stew Leonard’s, Delicious Orchards and Uncle Giuseppe’s.
And the show’s signature Day 1 includes full-day education sessions based on increasing consumption, and two of the top receptions of the year – the invite-only Rising Star for the Produce Business 40-Under-Forty class and the rousing Opening Cocktail at the Sheraton New York Times Square.
Those interested in registering for the event or for any other co-located sessions can go to www.nyproduceshow.com. Only a few booths and sponsorships remain. Those interested can reach out here to inquire.
About the New York Produce Show
The New York Produce Show & Conference is one of the leading industry events that brings together buyers, suppliers, and professionals from across the produce supply chain. Held annually in Midtown Manhattan, the show offers a focused environment for building relationships, discovering new products, and engaging with the ideas shaping the future of produce. Each year, the event attracts thousands of attendees from across the United States and around the world.