FPAA Convention Gears Up For Thursday Start
October 29, 2014 | 3 min to read
As part of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas’ (FPAA) annual Produce Convention, event organizers are excited to announce a bonus luncheon and learning event for FPAA member and Convention attendees on Thursday, October 30. Starting at 12:00 pm at the Tubac Golf Resort, the FPAA will hold a panel on “Moving Social Responsibility Forward – Lessons from Mexico”
Panel Description: For over 100 years, Mexican farmers have provided consumers around the world with a year round supply of fresh, flavorful and safe fruits and vegetables. Today's global marketplace has brought new challenges and opportunities. It is more complex than ever before, shaped by a new generation of consumers who are concerned about where and how their food is grown.
As the marketplace evolved, Mexico's fresh producers were quietly creating new standards in sustainable and socially responsible farming. Yet few have told the story of their innovative business practices and commitment to their workers.
In this first of a kind bonus learning lunch, leading industry representatives will share their personal corporate social responsibility stories, as well as provide insight into the role corporate social responsibility can play in creating a positive brand for Mexico's fresh fruit and vegetable growers and distributors.
Moderator: Lance Jungmeyer, President, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
Panelists: Alicia Martin, Wilson Produce; Juan Laborin, Hermosillo Grape Growers Association (AALPUM), and Representatives from Mexico Calidad Suprema.
The luncheon panel rounds out an afternoon of top-notch speakers that include Bruce McEvoy of Seald Sweet and former Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe.
“We are really excited about this year’s event, and the fact that we have a very information afternoon of educational sessions for attendees. In addition to our timely and very important panel of social responsibility, we are fortunate to have Bruce McEvoy of Seald Sweet, and former Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe to round out the educational component,” says FPAA president, Lance Jungmeyer.
The FPAA Convention kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 30, with the afternoon educational opportunities. Following is the full line-up of educational sessions.
12:00-1:30 pm (lunch included)
Moving Social Responsibility Forward – Lessons from Mexico
For over 100 years, Mexican farmers have provided consumers around the world with a year round supply of fresh, flavorful and safe fruits and vegetables. Today's global marketplace has brought new challenges and opportunities. It is more complex than ever before, shaped by a new generation of consumers who are concerned about where and how their food is grown.
As the marketplace evolved, Mexico's fresh producers were quietly creating new standards in sustainable and socially responsible farming. Yet few have told the story of their innovative business practices and commitment to their workers.
In this first of a kind bonus learning lunch, leading industry representatives will share their personal corporate social responsibility stories, as well as provide insight into the role corporate social responsibility can play in creating a positive brand for Mexico's fresh fruit and vegetable growers and distributors.
Moderator: Lance Jungmeyer, President, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
Panelists: Alicia Martin, Wilson Produce; Juan Laborin, Hermosillo Grape Growers Association (AALPUM), and Representatives from Mexico Calidad Suprema.
2:00-3:00 pm
Building a Global Produce Empire
During his tenure as President and CEO of Seald Sweet, Bruce McEvoy helped transform the citrus cooperative into a global entity, with a series of deals culminating in a merger with Belgium-based UNIVEG Group, resulting in a company with approximately $4 billion in annual sales today. McEvoy, now Director of Global Affairs for Seald Sweet / UNIVEG, will focus on market access issues that are a critical component in global sourcing. In turn this experience will offer some simple steps to help you build your own global sourcing strategy.
3:10-4:15 pm
How does Arizona Succeed in the Future with Trade and Mexico
Jim Kolbe, Senior Transatlantic Fellow for the German Marshall Fund and former Arizona Congressman, will reflect on his time in Washington, DC, and present his vision for how Arizona will succeed in the future with trade and Mexico.
The FPAA Convention will be held at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, which is located a few miles north of Nogales, Arizona. Tubac is also conveniently located just 45 minutes south of the Tucson International Airport. Companies interested in registering for the event or that have more questions are encouraged to contact the FPAA office at (520) 287-2707 or to visit the convention website at: http://www.freshfrommexico.com/view.php?pg=6
Source: Fresh Produce Association of the Americas