Exhibitor Trade Show & Industry Insights Stage
Seven Hours of Non-stop Business Opportunity
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025
The New York Produce Show and Conference is the largest fixed-site produce trade show in North America. With more than 3,000 attendees meeting 300 exhibitors in one day, there’s a lot of business to be done in a very short amount of time. Fortunately, there are two key advantages to exhibitors:
Our attendee make-up is over 40% buyers, so there is minimal time wasted qualifying leads!
There are plenty of activities to encourage everyone to stay active all day long:
- All day dining opportunities throughout the show floor, from our sponsored sampling demonstration carts in ‘Central Park’ to our new Guac in the Park and Salsa Standoff area, Hot Dog Concessions and many other opportunities. No one goes hungry at The New York Produce Show!
- Educational seminars on our Industry Insights Stage (see Program below) that runs throughout the show, so you can take a break and listen to the latest research results coming from our industry-leading panelists.
- Private meeting areas on the show floor for retail and foodservice company meetings.
- Exclusive Buyer-Connect Program, bringing together buyers and exhibitors for meaningful conversations.
- Connect with Fresh Consumer Media Lunch, attended by influential bloggers, food journalists and broadcast media who then move to the show floor to talk with exhibitors.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS STAGE
Presented by the Eastern Produce Council and Produce Business magazine:
11 a.m.
Understanding the Organics Consumer
Moderator: Adrienne Messe, Organic Trade Association
Speakers: Danelle Huber, CMI Orchards; Eric Mitchnick, D’Arrigo NY; Noelle Neary, Wakefern
This session will look at the shopping habits of organic consumers, with considerations of the following:
- Regionality (Do “wealthier states” lean toward organic?)
- Occupation (Are most organic shoppers college-educated?)
- Generational (How do the various generations lean toward organics? Which generation is most likely to fuel organic produce sales in the future?)
- Reason for Purchase or not-purchase (consumer interest in health, consumer interest in sustainability, if prices are equal to conventional. Will consumers buy organic?)
- Store shopping patterns (Does the placement of organic produce in the department make a difference?)
Noon
Produce For Good: Effective Strategies to Conquer Food Waste in the Last Mile
Moderator: Garland Perkins, Fresh Endeavors Consulting
Speakers: Dan Duguay, CPMA; Evan Ehlers, Sharing Excess; Bob Silvia, Food Bank for New York City; Carlos Rodriguez, City Harvest; Stevie Shandler, Shapiro-Gilman-Shandler
Leaders from charitable organizations and the produce industry discuss how businesses struggling to handle excess food can develop strategies that not only rescue good fruits and vegetables for redistribution but also become a holistic bond for your entire team.
1 p.m.
Going For Brokers: Why Having a Knowledgeable Partner Is Key To Success
Moderator: Paul Kneeland, Elevated Foods
Speakers: Brian Maguire, JOH; Chris Hill, Little Leaf Farms; Christina Stipe, Price Chopper/Market 32
Learn from some of the industry’s most informed retail partners – brokers who have deep connections in produce that can help companies thrive. Whether it’s negotiating transactions or providing guidance on key elements of your business – category management, pricing, procurement, distribution, merchandising and data – our panelists (both brokers and their partners) will show you how those bonds can elevate your business.
2 p.m.
Beyond the Pile: How Category Management Drives Produce Growth
Tom Barnes, Julie DeWolf and Cara Ammon, Category Partners
This presentation explores how leading retailers and suppliers are redefining produce performance through smarter category management. The era of “stack it high and watch it fly” is over—today’s produce success comes from aligning data, consumer research, and in-store presentation. You’ll see how insights into shopper behavior, purchase drivers, and the right pricing will help guide better variety, pack, and display decisions that grow sales and strengthen shopper connections.
