Viva Fresh Expo

The Viva Fresh Expo, held at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, is an engaging event that centers around connection, community, and the future of the produce industry. This year, the expo featured a variety of events aimed at fostering networking opportunities among professionals in the produce sector. The In Bloom Women in Produce and the In Bloom Reception created a warm atmosphere for attendees to engage in meaningful conversations, promoting collaboration across various roles and companies within the industry. The event also included Y-TIPA, which served as a platform for young leaders to connect, network, and build relationships, ensuring the next generation of produce professionals is well supported.Highlighting the culinary aspects of the expo, the Mediterranean Wine Tasting at 18 Oaks Steakhouse allowed attendees to enjoy a carefully curated selection of wines, designed to complement a range of flavors. This setting encouraged intimate discussions among guests, enhancing the communal spirit of the event. Additionally, attendees had the chance to participate in a Pickleball Tournament, which brought together players of all skill levels for energetic matches on the courts, fostering camaraderie and engagement among participants and spectators alike. The Viva Fresh Open Golf Scholarship honored the legacy of Marvin Davis, recognizing his significant contributions to the produce industry while supporting ongoing educational initiatives for future industry leaders.Keynote speaker Hunter Pinke delivered an inspiring talk on resilience, gratitude, and finding joy through adversity, emphasizing the importance of mindset in overcoming challenges. Futurist economist Richard Kottmeyer, along with Sabrina DeLay, explored the critical forces shaping the future of the fresh produce industry, providing vital insights for attendees. The Clean Eating Challenge encouraged participants to share personal stories and strategies that led to healthier lifestyle changes, while TIPA's Dante Galeazzi led a rapid session on pressing produce policy issues, addressing them with agility and clarity.Market Mayhem facilitated discussions among industry leaders, connecting current global events to their real-world impacts on the supply chain. The Tex-Mex Fresh Produce Corridor was highlighted as a key region in the industry, known for its diverse offerings and strong partnerships. Texas plays a crucial role in the fresh produce market, serving as the gateway for a substantial volume of fresh produce imported from Mexico and other countries, demonstrating its importance in sourcing for North American grocery stores and restaurants. The Viva Fresh Expo thus not only serves as a platform for networking but also showcases the vital contributions of the Tex-Mex Corridor to the fresh produce industry. Attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with suppliers who are integral to these operations, reinforcing the expo's mission of fostering connections within the produce community.