United Fresh Produce Innovation 2020

The latest fresh food trends, cutting-edge tools and technology will be presented in the next edition of United Fresh Produce Innovation, to be held in Chicago from June 13th to 15th. We have had the opportunity to interview the organizers of the expo and conference and talk about all the novelties, trends and activities we will enjoy during the show.

Tell us, what’s new in this edition of United Fresh Produce Innovation?

This year’s United Fresh expo & conference has introduced two new brands: FreshMKT and FreshTEC. By segmenting and specifically branding these experiences, attendees can expect a more customised event where they will find education and Expo solutions specific to their roles within the industry.

What’s the relation between United FreshTEC & United FreshMKT?

United FreshTEC and United FreshMKT are re-branded experiences of the United Fresh annual expo & conference.

FreshTEC is focused on the technology supporting the industry whether that’s automation, pre- and post-harvest technologies, transportation, warehousing, packing and picking automation, food safety innovations and so on. This year, attendees can explore the new FutureTEC Zone where start-up companies and solutions will be exhibiting their innovations.

FreshMKT is the largest growing segment of the United Fresh event. This is where attendees will find all the latest products in fresh produce. This year, FreshMKT features a new Organic Showcase where buyers can explore organic products in one centralized location. There will be more than 50 new organic products on display.

Could you highlight some conference or activity for the exhibitors?

Both exhibitors and attendees will have the opportunity to attend the FreshTEC and FreshMKT Conferences on Tuesday, June 13. The conferences – built specifically for these two communities – offer a half day (noon – 5 PM) of inspiring sessions and topics to energize and kick off the event.

Wednesday morning, Doug Rauch, former CEO of Trader Joe’s will address all United Fresh, Global Cold Chain Expo and International Floriculture Expo attendees and exhibitors in a Joint Opening General Session.

Once the trade show floor opens (10 AM on Wed.) attendees and exhibitors can expect to participate in the FreshMKT and FreshTEC Learning Centers on the trade show floor. Each offers 45-minute presentations on topics specific to these communities. New this year, attendees and exhibitors also can participate in FreshMKT and FreshTEC X-Change – a facilitated conversation on topics of interest that may be impacting business or driving technology adoption or policy change in business. These are organic conversations and we’re excited to see how the audience embraces this new format.

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In June 20-22, United Product Fresh Association brings together in Chicago the leading companies from across every segment of the fresh produce industry, from the supply chain to the growers, shippers, processors, wholesalers, distributors or retailers, among others. The main goal of the show gives all the members the opportunity to grow and build value in a long-term. So if you are thinking about exhibiting or attend to United Fresh Produce Innovation don't stop reading our interview with the organizers to discover all the novelties and benefits of participating in 2016's edition!

United Fresh showcase the most creative new produce items and fresh food trends. What else stands out United Fresh above other similar fairs?

This year, our focus on the changing retail environment is enhanced. With the increasing fresh trends, ready-made fresh, combo packs and grab-and-go, in addition to new retail formats, home delivery and other consumer-driven fresh trends, we’re exploring all opportunities for the fresh produce industry to learn and adapt to the changing consumer behaviours at retail.

Who can attend the show?

Anyone! We encourage companies to explore all of the opportunities this event has to offer and to specifically take a look at the co-location partners and their programs. Register through United Fresh and your pass will get you into all the trade show floors including access to the International Floriculture Expo, The Global Cold Chain Expo and FMI Connect. Bring the right members of your team to ensure you don’t miss any of the opportunities these co-locations present.

Will we see novelties on 2016's edition?

Yes – this year’s Produce Innovation Award finalists have been announced! Attendees can vote on-site and winners will be announced Wednesday afternoon, June 22. You can check the list,

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