The West Coast Produce Expo 2022, which drew more than 1,000 attendees and exhibitors representing a diverse and dynamic supply chain, kicked off early June 3, as hundreds took to the golf course and pickleball courts at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif. The ninth annual event, hosted by The Packer, took place June 3-4.
A trade show at the event included 170 vendor booths.
At noon June 4, after a morning full of educational panel sessions, the expo floor doors opened and flooded with buyers, vendors, marketers and suppliers meeting each other, talking business, trying samples, taking freebies and seeing old friends.
You can tell the show has great energy by how packed the bar has been, said Howard Nager, director of marketing and business development for Los Angeles-based Pacific Trellis Fruit and its Dulcinea brand.
“You can always gauge how things are going that way,” Nager said with a laugh. “No. 1, there's enthusiasm and buzz. Two, there's a good mix of national and local retailers here, and three, the location is great.”
The show is the right size to see the people you want to see and have meaningful conversations, said Bailey Myers, director of agritourism and marketing at Owyhee Produce, based in Nyssa, Ore., and Parma, Idaho.
Myers was sharing about her company's Buck Naked whole peeled onions program, handing out towels and stickers with the catchy phrase.
Pickleball and golf tournament
The WCPE 2022 Pickleball Championship proved popular, with 56 produce industry folks giving it their all on the courts. Taking home awards were Armando Taddei of Marengo Foods Company, first place; Amy Gitmed, second; and Victoria Kovacevic of North Shore Living Greens, third.
WCPE 2022's sold-out golf event featured friendly competition among approximately 140 players who hit the links. First place went to Michael Kennedy, Dan Davis, Justin Sumpter and Mike Marboe with a score of 54. Second place, with a score of 55, was Jimmy Oh, Adam Hambarian, Rodrigo Padilla and Rob Giragasian.
The longest putt award, sponsored by Golden Star Citrus Inc., went to Jim Grabowski. The longest drive award, sponsored by NatureSweet, went to CarrieAnn Arias and Rob Giragosian. The closest to the pin award, sponsored by Growerstock, went to Fernando Marquez.
From left to right: Catherine Gipe-Stewart of Domex Superfresh Growers: Douglas Montgomery, Northwest produce buyer at Grocery Outlet; and Brena Mengarelli, content manager at Domex Superfresh Growers, are all smiles on the golf course. Photo by Brooke Park.
From left to right: Eddie Avila of Super King Markets; Erick Christensen, sales at Prime Time International; CarrieAnn Arias, vice president marketing at Naturipe Farms; and Vache Fermanian of Super King Markets enjoying the fun and sun in Palm Desert. Photo by Brooke Park
Opening Reception
The WCPE opening reception featured three food trucks with a variety of food choices including sushi, street tacos and a s'mores bar. The "Yellowstone" TV series-themed event was packed full of produce industry professionals ready for networking opportunities.
Food trucks at West Coast Produce Expo opening reception. Photos by Brooke Park.
Education
The educational sessions kicked off with a Potato Merchandising presentation by Kayla Dome, Global Marketing Manager for Potatoes USA.
Kayla Dome Potatoes USA at West Coast Produce Expo, Photo by Brooke Park
The second session of the WCPE, Managing Risk in a Perishable Market offered insights on how to ensure the best quality fruits and vegetables.
"The COVID pandemic, opened our eyes to a whole new level of risks, supply chain disruptions, and many, many more. So we've assembled a panel that I hope is going to be able to share some insights into managing risk in our environment," said session moderator, Tom Stenzel of The Stenzel Group.
- Panelists: Martha Montoya, CEO, Agtools Inc.
- Lori McKinley-Hickey, Bird Control Group
- Kim Bui, AgroFresh
- James Mills, Deloitte
Managing Risk in a Perishable Market. Photo by Brooke Park
The third session, The Fresh Trends at Retail panel, was moderated by Amy Sowder, retail editor of The Packer and Produce Market Guide. Panelists included Rachel Shemirani, senior vice president of Barons Market; Shawn Peery, vice president of produce for Albertsons Companies; Shonna Williams, vice president of produce at Cardenas Markets; and Caitlin Tierney, senior director of produce for local and innovation at Sprouts Farmers Market.
Fresh Trends at Retail panel. Photo by Brooke Park
Bo Jackson, one of the most decorated athletes in American sports history, delivered the keynote on the importance of perseverance and persistence. He touched on the importance of family, his fear of failure and his company Jackson & Partners, LLC line of plant based products.
Bo Jackson speaking at West Coast Produce Expo. Photo by Amy Sowder