GLOBAL TRADE
SYMPOSIUM
The Global Trade Symposium is the annual gathering of international traders of fruits and vegetables. Taking place the day before the exhibitor trade show, the Symposium brings the best minds from around the world to discuss the intricacies of import and export in an ever-challenging world.
NEW YORK PRODUCE SHOW
Sheraton NY Times Square
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
PRESENTED BY
2025 Program
We have six sessions planned, covering the entirety of the supply chain, with leaders from produce discussing key trends, imports, exports, marketing strategies, transportation, logistics and even seed development.
What will I learn?
This year’s Global Trade Symposium is more important than ever, given the instability and challenges facing every business and operator in the current economic climate. We will focus on two overarching themes:
- How fresh produce businesses and agencies that partner with the U.S. and Canada can leverage new innovations, technology and strong leadership to offset the volatile and uncertain economic climate.
- How marketing and merchandising of fresh produce helps sell product globally – with separate sessions on exports and imports.
2025 AGENDA
MORE UPDATES TO COME
7:30 am
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:15 am
GENERAL SESSION AND WELCOME REMARKS
Ken Whitacre, CEO and Publisher, Produce Business
8:30 am
2026 GLOBAL MARKET OUTLOOK
(PRESENTER TBA)
A sweeping breakdown of current trends in the international trade of fruits and vegetables – including consumption patterns, commodity changes, trade agreements and emerging technologies impacting supply chains.
9:00 am
POLITICS AND PRODUCE, A GLOBAL DISCUSSION
(PANELISTS TBA)
Produce leaders from around the world discuss how the roller-coaster geopolitical landscape is affecting the movement of fresh fruits and vegetables to and from the U.S. Among the questions panelists will field: What is the current state of trade/tariffs/policies in their specific regions? What sectors, commodities or businesses are seeing the biggest impacts? How are businesses trying to offset those impacts? What forward-thinking solutions may ensure stability in the future?
10:15 am
COFFEE BREAK
10:30 am
NAVIGATING TURBULENCE IN TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS
(PANELISTS TBA)
Preserving the cold chain and ensuring on-time deliveries of fresh produce has never been more challenging – with labor shortages, tariffs, small harvests, weather events and route changes forcing importers to be extremely agile. What strategies are they employing now – and considering in the future – to make supply chains more resilient? How is adoption of AI, automation and the Internet of Things – the interconnected network of communications of sensors and technologies – improving their efforts? Is consumer demand and the quest for year-round and sustainable produce reasonable in this climate?
11:15 am
THE MARKETING OF EXPORTS
(PANELISTS TBA)
How produce from the United States and Canada is being marketed, promoted and merchandised in other countries.
12:00 pm
LUNCH
1:00 pm
THE SEEDS OF CHANGE
(PANELISTS TBA)
A variety of speakers will discuss the creativity, characteristics and intentionality shaping seed and new variety development, from ideation to marketing to shipping and positioning in stores. What new technologies and innovations are being used or considered? What is the next wave of produce or produce products on the horizon? How are companies balancing flavor and quality with hardiness, resistance and environmental impact? What are retailers clamoring for? What are shoppers demanding? And how far are they looking ahead?
1:45 pm
THE MARKETING OF IMPORTS
(PANELISTS TBA)
How produce from other countries is being marketed, promoted and merchandised in the United States and Canada.
2:30 pm
Program Wrap-Up
GLOBAL TRADE SYMPOSIUM
2025 SPEAKERS
MORE TO BE CONFIRMED
Mark Campion
President of Retail
Taylor Farms
Jessie Capote
CEO
JC Tropicals
Kim Chackal
Co-Owner, VP of Sales, Marketing
Equifruit
Fernando Cruz Morales
Managing Partner
Grupo Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas
Robert Goldstein
Founder and CEO
GenPro
Craig Carlson
CEO
Carlson Produce Consulting
Mike Laws
President
Laws Logistics (Partner with Sunsrise Logistics)
Manuel Michel
Managing Director
Colombia Avocado Board
John Paap
Sustainability Manager
Jac Vandenberg
Florent Phillipot
CEO
Z Group
Vic Savanello
Vice President of Business Development
Katzman
Tom Stenzel
Principal
The Stenzel Group
Jai Thakrar
Import Export Manager
Jalaram Fruit
John Pandol
Director of Special Projects
Pandol Bros.
Rodrigo Torres
Director of Global Sales
Holt Logistics
Miguel Gomez
Professor
Cornell University
Ken Whitacre
CEO
Phoenix Media Network
Ron Lemaire
President
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Ernst Van Eeghen
Vice President of Business Development
Church Brothers
Kim Breshears
Potatoes USA
Chief Marketing Officer
Anthony Serafino
EXP Group
President
Anne Warden
CEO
American Pecan Council
Gustavo Yentzen
Founder and President
Yentzen Consulting
William Watson
President
The Fresh Approach
GLOBAL TRADE SYMPOSIUM
SPOSNORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Enhance Your New York Produce Show Presence. The New York Produce Show and Conference delivers tremendous opportunity to do more business. Reach the highest level of retail and foodservice buying decision-makers. Sponsorships enhance your exhibitor experience and add more value.
OVERALL SPONSOR (1 Available)
Lead the Global Flow: Sponsor the Global Trade Symposium! Connect your brand to the pulse of international produce trade! Sponsor the prestigious Global Trade Symposium, where the world’s top minds tackle the freshest challenges and opportunities in import/export.
• 3-minute video and/or 3-minute presentation at commencement or after break
• Meter Board at the presentation stage
• Welcome to share branded printed materials with program attendees
BREAKFAST SPONSOR (3 available)
Let them eat and talk about global access to fresh produce!
• 3-minute video and/or 3-minute presentation at commencement or after break
• Meter Board featuring all breakfast sponsors
• Incorporate a fresh produce item in the breakfast
COFFEE BREAK SPONSORS (2 available)
Caffeinate to generate more growth for fresh across the supply chain!
• Branded napkins
• Featured on the sponsor Meter Board at Global Trade Symposium sessions
LUNCHEON SPONSORS (3 available)
Host Global Connectors: Sponsor the GTS Luncheon!
• 3-minute video and/or 3-minute presentation during lunch service
• Meter Board at the presentation stage
• Incorporate a fresh produce item in the luncheon
AUDIO/VISUAL SPONSORS (3 available)
Align your company with all the tech, delivering impactful presentations, and ensuring Global Trade has all the amplification it deserves.
• Dedicated Meter Board identifying your brand as the crucial AV Sponsor
All sponsors receive the following special recognition:
Company logo on signage throughout the Javits Center, in hotel meeting areas, and within the official Show Directory.
Company logo on The New York Produce Show and Conference website’s sponsor page.
Sponsors recognized during opening reception, keynote breakfast and on visual communications throughout the show.
Recognition in Produce Business magazine.
To discuss tailored packages that support your marketing objectives, please contact us here.
Contact Us
P.O. Box 810425,
Boca Raton, Florida 33481
United States
(561) 994-1118
