At Viva Fresh, it’s all about networking and developing opportunities through the Southwestern/Mexican corridor. The show is centered around produce that is grown in Texas or enters the US through Texas. In addition to a strong participation of Texan companies, a California grower displayed its first stone fruit of the new season and retailers from all over the country were present.
The Viva Fresh Expo was held in Austin, TX on April 22nd and is a relatively new tradeshow within the produce industry. “It is hard to believe this expo is only in its 3rd year,” said Mike Joergensen with NatureSweet. “Very quickly, it developed into a powerful show,” he added.
Comments from Brett Burdsal with SunFed are along the same lines. “Every year, I am more impressed with this show. More and more people are coming and it is a really nice mix of growers, retailers, brokers and wholesalers,” he said.
“More than 300 retailers ventured out to Viva Fresh this year, a 50 percent retailer participation increase compared to last year,” said Dante Galeazzi, President-Elect of the Texas International Produce Association. The show had a total of 2,000 attendees and Galeazzi was very happy with the positive and enthusiastic feedback he received. “The intimate setting in combination with great networking opportunities were the highlights for many attendees,” Galeazzi mentioned. “It’s our goal to make next year’s show even better.”
Click here for the photo report
Welcome reception
After a day filled with educational sessions, it was time to relax at the Viva Fresh welcome reception that was held at Maggie Mae’s in downtown Austin on Friday, April 21st. A beautiful spring night, live music and a rooftop terrace made for good conversations, laughter and fun.
Welcome reception
After a day filled with educational sessions, it was time to relax at the Viva Fresh welcome reception that was held at Maggie Mae’s in downtown Austin on Friday, April 21st. A beautiful spring night, live music and a rooftop terrace made for good conversations, laughter and fun.
An impression of the evening was captured in this photo report.
In April 2018, the show will return to San Antonio, TX.