“We are committed to nurturing this critical stakeholder audience to help us increase consumption of fruits and vegetables across the globe,” said Katie Calligaro, Director, Marketing & Communications for The Foundation. “Whether it’s through events like The Consumer Connection Conference in April, IFPA’s Foodservice Conference in July, the Retail RD Immersion Event at GPFS, or by showing up where they are at FNCE and other nutrition conferences, there are many ways we stay engaged and connected with the health and wellness community throughout the year.”

Over a decade sharing R&D with healthy diet

For over a decade, IFPA’s Global Produce show has given retail dietitians the latest in produce innovations, research, and behavorial insights. With four days of educational sessions, culinary experiences, tastings, networking opportunities, the event was considered successful by all participants. It was sponsored by California Walnut Commission, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Chelan Fresh, and the National Peanut Board, and immersing in IFPA's State of the Industry presentation and Education Festival. Pre-scheduled booth visits with California Giant Berry Farms, Frutas de Chile, Michigan Dept. of Ag & Rural Development, Oppy/Blue Diamond, Pear Bureau Northwest, Sakata Seed America, Inc., Stemilt Growers, Sunkist Growers, Inc., Taylor Farms, and Westfalia Fruit were the highlight as the dietitians hit the show floor Friday and Saturday. 

Unparalleled efforts to engage with dietitians and retailers

"The efforts made by The Foundation for Fresh Produce to engage with and inform dietitians are unparalleled," states Alex DiNovo, President & COO of DNO Produce and past chair of The Foundation for Fresh Produce. "We are excited to support and extend this mission into 2025 to enhance the global discussions on nutrition and contribute to creating a healthier world by improving human health through produce. This work wouldn't be possible without the invaluable input from dietitians who educate, advise, and communicate with consumers daily." Retailers in attendance included: AMInc. Healthy Path Market, Big Y Foods, Coborn's Inc., Giant Food, Hannford, Harmon's Grocery, H-E-B, Inserra ShopRites, Kroger, Mackenthun's Fine Foods, Meijer, Natural Grocers, Price Chopper, Rouses Markets, Stop and Shop, WAWA, Wegmans, Weis Markets.