A Visual Tour Of United Fresh 2014

Posted by Lauren María Alexander|June 13, 2014

[blackoutgallery id=”60425″]

1 of 9

1 of 9

The United Fresh show plays host to more than 15,000 participants from the fresh produce industry.
2 of 9

There were over 900 exhibitors from all links of the supply chain at the event, creating valuable learning and business opportunities.
3 of 9

Mucci Farms, a growing, packing, and shipping company based in Canada offered an assortment of tomato based dishes and offered wine and other beverages to attendees.
4 of 9

California-based Melissa's Produce presented an array of fresh produce for attendees to browse, from their exotic "Malanga" tubers, to the more classic banana and coconut varieties.
5 of 9

Centered at the trade show floor was an exhibit featuring retailers, growers, and shippers from Mexico, with a variety of regional fruits, vegetables, and other assorted cuisine.
6 of 9

Elizabeth Bihn, senior Extension associate from Cornell University presents on on the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule and grower compliance.
7 of 9

Melissa's Produce featured a signing of their book "Melissa's: The Great Pepper Cookbook" by chef Chef Tom Fraker, and Robert Schueller.
8 of 9

Chef Tom Fraker and Robert Schueller of Melissa's Produce.
9 of 9

Assorted onion varieties at the Melissa's Produce booth.

American Vegetable Grower traveled to Chicago, June 10-13 to attend the United Fresh show along with more than 15,000 other fresh produce leaders from across the supply chain. The show featured more than 900 exhibitors and more than 100 hours of educational sessions focusing on produce marketing, business management, food safety, leadership development, and more.

Highlights from the educational sessions included a presentation made by Elizabeth Bihn, senior Extension associate from Cornell University on the FDA’s Produce Safety Rule and grower compliance. In addition, a presentation on how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) incentive programs can help boost food stamp purchases of produce was made by Brian Haaroja, vice president of Fresh Marketing for Spartan Nash; and Oran Hesterman, president and CEO of the Fair Food Network.

Other presentations included updates on the Produce Traceability Initiative, The Food Safety Modernization Act, managing a multi-generational workforce, Listeria guidance, and best practices in produce facility and the expansion of organic market.

The main thrust of the show, however, was to provide ample networking opportunities between growers, retailers, shippers, produce safety experts, foodservice members, and more.