HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — An "intimate" Global Organic Produce Expo 2023 proved the place for quality conversations, inspiring educational sessions, networking, getting down to business and Florida-style fun.
Held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Jan. 30-Feb. 1, GOPEX 2023 kicked off with a yacht cruise of Miami's Intercoastal Waterway Jan. 30. The fun continued that evening with a Treasure Band concert.
On Jan. 31, compelling panel discussions on topics from food as medicine to indoor ag were complemented by a dynamic keynote presentation on “The Rise of the Conscious Consumer” from Fair Trade USA founder and CEO Paul Rice. At the conclusion of the educational sessions, retailers and suppliers got down to business during the ever-popular BizMatch.
From left: Mike Weaver, Dayka and Hackett; Josh Hardester and Anthony Chanka, Giant Food enjoy Miami's Intercoastal Waterway during GOPEX yacht tour.
The expo floor opened Feb. 1, where attendees and exhibitors made additional meaningful connections.
“I like shows this size — it's more intimate, and you can spend time with grower-shippers. They have more time to talk to us. There's more time for networking,” said Anthony Chanka of Giant Food, Landover, Md.
Chanka's colleague agreed. “I really liked BizMatch. It was the right amount of time, and I took a lot of information back from it,” said Josh Hardester, Giant Food.
On the expo floor
Kristina Lorusso of Giumarra Cos. also felt GOPEX lends itself to quality and productive conversation.
Chris Henry of Giumarra Cos.
“It's a great show. We're loving it,” said Kristina Lorusso of Giumarra Cos., who worked the Giumarra booth with Chris Henry. “The quality of communication at the booth has been fantastic.”
From left: Joe Sbrocchi and Chris Veillon of Pure Flavor
“GOPEX is an important event and we have been here since day one. It's the No. 1 show to kick off the year, and it's important for us to be here, support the industry and make sure organic is top of mind,” said Chris Veillon of Pure Flavor.
From left: Robin Narron and Randi Ricks of Nash Produce
“The show has been good, and we've had a lot of traffic,” said Robin Narron, Nash Produce. “We're very pleased to be part of it.”
Reba Guzman of Chelan Fresh
“I like organic shows like this because they're really personable,” said Reba Guzman, Chelan Fresh. “It's like the produce industry is a giant family.”