The father-and-son team of David and Jonah Stillman, who have gained acclaim addressing the behaviors and habits of Generation Z, will be the keynote speakers at the 2025 New York Produce Show and Conference in Manhattan.
Co-authors of their latest book, GenZ @ Work, the Stillmans will share their insights on cross-generational research and Gen Z trends during the Opening Breakfast on Dec. 3 at the Jacob Javits Center. An emphasis on upcoming generations is one of the critical themes to be addressed throughout the conference – with educational sessions planned on topics that hit home with younger audiences, including retail marketing, organics, food waste and new leadership development.
“Gen Z isn’t just the next generation of shoppers in the produce aisle. They are also the next generation of talent stocking the shelves and shaping the customer experience,” says David Stillman, a generational expert, author of When Generations Collide and frequent contributor to Time, the New York Times, and USA Today. “The companies that win will be the ones that understand how to engage Gen Z.”
The morning gathering is one of several co-located events and demonstrations happening during the show. One of those is the “Connect with Fresh” Consumer Media and Influencer Luncheon, where Next Gen will be a central focus and where the Stillmans – who have been featured on multiple news networks, including the Today Show, CNBC and CNN – will make an appearance.
“We are extremely fortunate to have two accomplished speakers at this year’s show who not only represent different generations but who can each provide their own unique perspectives on Gen Z,” says Ken Whitacre, CEO/Publisher of Produce Business magazine and host of the New York Produce Show, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. “As David says, there’s no more pivotal time than now for our industry to look to the future especially given how rapid consumer behaviors continue to change.”
More than 3,000 attendees – including key produce buyers, retailers, foodservice operators, and wholesalers – are expected to “Celebrate Fresh” during this year’s event. They will be taking in four educational sessions on the Industry Insights Stage, sampling chef-created food in two locations – including a new “Guac in the Park” experience – and visiting 300-plus booths while networking with other produce leaders. The 10 Produce Business Innovation Recipients will also be honored at the Keynote Breakfast along with the overall Joe Nucci Award Winner for top product.
The New York Produce Show is presented by the Eastern Produce Council and Produce Business magazine, which is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
In addition to a strong lineup of educational events at the trade show, the NYPS hosts its Global Trade Symposium and the Cornell University-led Foundational Excellence program on Dec. 2, along with its Rising Star Reception and the Opening Cocktail Reception. On Dec. 4, there are three industry tours plus a special off-site Foodservice Forum. Numerous awards are presented throughout the show, including the Joe Nucci Award for most innovative produce item as well as plaques for all 40-under-Forty recipients.
Those interested in attending the trade show and other popular functions, such as the Foundational Excellence Program, Global Trade Symposium, Foodservice Forum and industry tours, can register here.
