AUSTIN, Texas — In 2015, the Viva Fresh Expo organizers thought meeting 80% of their expected booths and buyer turnout would be a success.
They blew that out of the water, organizers said. They sold out the approximately 100 booth spaces available, and drew about 20% more attendees than expected — about 900 total. In 2016, they set higher goals, and again exceeded them in San Antonio, with about 1,600 attendees and about 180 booths. Viva Fresh was April 20-22,
This year’s show drew about 2,000 attendees total, including about 300 registered buyers, and about 180 booths, said Dante Galeazzi, incoming president of the Mission-based Texas International Produce Association.
“I think everyone will be really happy with the end result, which was the great connections they got to make as a region here,” he said. “I think everyone will consider this was a fantastic success.”
Keith Durham, produce category manager for Brookshire Grocery Co., Tyler, has attended all three Viva Fresh shows.
“Every year this thing is getting better,” he said. “I believe this year the educational sessions were their best, and the size of the show continues to allow me time to network with our Texas growers and the Mexican suppliers on key products and innovations.”
T.J. Flowers, vice president of operations for Mission-based Lone Star Citrus growers, also said this year’s show was a success for his company. He said even though it has grown, it still retains the value.
“We get a lot of more bang for our buck here,” he said. “Everybody’s on equal footing, and we were able to talk with all the right people.”
Viva Fresh is back in San Antonio next year April 5-7, at the J.W. Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa.