Produce will once again take center stage in “The Big Apple” when the New York Produce Show returns Dec. 10-12, and attendees say there's no place more iconic than New York City in December.
“The New York Produce Show is a can't-miss event for us,” said Robin Narron, marketing director for Nash Produce, which will exhibit at this year's show. “The time of the year and the location of the show itself brings a lot of retailers and industry professionals to New York for the show. Because who doesn't want to be in New York around Christmastime?”
The show, marking its 15th year, will welcome more than 4,000 attendees and 400 exhibitors to the Jacob Javits Center. This year's theme is “Where Passion Becomes Action,” which show organizers say will celebrate the rich history and enthusiasm of the people in the fresh produce industry.
New York Apple Association President and CEO Cynthia Haskins said there's always a palpable energy to the show that's unmistakable.
“Visiting New York City is always an exciting opportunity; there is always magic in the air, and that magic spills over to the show,” she said. “There is a great turnout of buyers, and there are many opportunities to engage with them.”
Attendees say they look forward to the show not only because of its iconic setting, but because it's the last produce show of the year and it's a great opportunity for connections and conversations.
“[The show] gives us a chance to be in a beautiful city during a wonderful time of the year and do what we do best — connecting with our current customers and potential new ones and being able to have some face-to-face conversations that we don't get the opportunity to do as often as we would like,” Narron said.
Marc Goldman, produce director for Morton Williams Supermarkets, which is headquartered in Bronx, N.Y., said as a retailer he enjoys seeing new items and new packaging at the show, as well as networking with people he doesn't see that often.
“It's fun having so many people from the industry together to exchange ideas,” he said. “I'm bringing my managers with me to get their perspective.”
Sloan Lott, director of sales at Bland Farms, which will exhibit at booth No. 341, said he's looking forward to seeing a lot of current customers as well as connecting with new customers.
“It is a great show to attend. Our team always walks away feeling like the show was a great success,” he said.
Highlighting produce
Narron said Nash Produce President Thomas Joyner and domestic sales representative Randi Ricks will attend and highlight the company's North Carolina-grown sweetpotatoes at its booth, No. 447. Booth visitors will also learn about varieties available, including purple murasaki and conventional and organic orange covington.
“It's the last show of the year. It really gives us an opportunity to showcase what we've done from the previous year, but it also gives us a jump start on the upcoming year because it's typically the first show after our harvest,” she said.
Narron said Nash Produce will also promote its Mr. Yam line of value-added products that meet consumer demand for convenience.
She said Joyner and Ricks will also highlight the deep relationship that Nash Produce has with its growers in the state and how those relationships help the company's sweetpotato supplies.
“We will talk about what we can do as a company to meet the needs of our customers,” Narron said. "We'll be there to talk with [current customers and potential new ones] about what their needs are and what we can do to help.”
Haskins said the New York Apple Association's booth, No. 563, will spotlight New York apple varieties — such as empire, SnapDragon and RubyFrost — and high-graphic poly and pouch bags. Aside from the show, Haskins said she's looking forward to seeing the association's “The Big Flavor” advertisements on 600 of the city's buses.
“This year, conference attendees will get to see firsthand the many buses that will tout ‘The Big Flavor' in the Big Apple,” she said. “The messaging that adorns the 600 buses traversing throughout the five boroughs let consumers know that New York apples are available in their nearby grocery stores.”
Lott said visitors to Bland Farms' booth, No. 341, will learn about some special promotions the company is currently hosting.
“[Booth visitors] can expect to learn more about our holiday promotions and Gameday Sweetness Sweepstakes. Both feature our Peruvian sweet onions and our Sand Candy sweetpotatoes,” he said.
Advice for first-timers
While attendees and exhibitors often look forward to seeing familiar faces and catching up, for first-timers, navigating a trade show can be a challenge. Narron suggests new attendees map out the must-see booths in advance to maximize their time on the trade show floor.
“It can get very busy very quickly,” she said. “And if you have a plan as to what you want to do and who you want to visit and get that done first, then you should be able to have time for the extras.
Goldman also endorsed that advice, telling show newbies to “take your time.”
“Walk the show twice so you see everything,” he said. “It's very easy to miss things.”
Where to eat
Attendees said it's hard to narrow down restaurant recommendations in the city, as conferencegoers will have endless options within blocks of the Javits Center.
“Any restaurant, whether it is stopping for a deli sandwich to a slice of New York pizza to a five-star restaurant — New York City has something for everyone,” Haskins said.
Lott seconds that notion but offered one specific recommendation.
“There are too many great restaurants in the city to even pick one,” he said. “NYC is filled with amazing restaurants, but by all means, have a slice of pizza. It's the best in the world.”
Can't-miss things in New York City
Haskins recommends showgoers — after hours, of course — visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, which she says is only blocks from the host hotel and opening reception location.
“Even if someone is not a big holiday shopper, I recommend visiting the many shops that are decorated for the holidays. It will surely put the holiday spirit in you,” she said.
Along that same line, Goldman recommends visiting the iconic Macy's store on 34th Street to catch all the holiday decorations.
Narron said the team at Nash Produce also looks forward to a traditional activity in the city: ice skating.
“The No. 1 not-conference-related thing that we're looking forward to is ice skating in Rockefeller Center,” she said. “Who doesn't want to go ice skating under the country's most famous Christmas tree?”