(Tucson, AZ) – The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) has put the finishing touches on the education sessions as part of the SouthWest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, November 7-9th. During the Friday education sessions, the FPAA is also proud to honor its Pillar of the FPAA, Robert “Kip” Martin of Coogan & Martin, PC.
“We are so excited to be honoring Kip Martin this year,” said FPAA president, Lance Jungmeyer. “Anyone that knows Kip knows that his legal mind and his understanding of the intricacies of the produce industry and international trade are invaluable. There are countless people in the produce industry that have benefitted from Kip’s expertise as both their legal counsel and as the legal counsel helping guide the FPAA for more than two decades.”
The Pillar of the FPAA award highlights the important contributions of an individual in helping shape and strengthen the produce industry over their career. Recent honorees include James and Sylvia Chamberlain in 2017, Rosie Cornelius in 2018, Chuck Ciruli Jr. in 2019, Walter Ram in 2021, William “Bill” Sykes in 2022, and Emilia Gotsis in 2023.
Attendees can also look forward to a well-rounded agenda with educational sessions tailored to address current industry trends and challenges. The FPAA will have a diverse lineup of buyers, sellers, and other industry experts to talk about how to best talk about ways that women are impacting the produce industry more and more, how buyers and sellers can work together to meet changing demographic needs of consumers, planning for and mitigating supply chain disruptions, trade and election updates, and more.
From retail and foodservice buyers and industry experts as diverse as HEB, Piggly Wiggly, Sysco, Markon, and Giant to Sobey’s, Jewel Osco, Grocery Outlet, Charlie’s Produce, Bolthouse and more, the education sessions are designed to bring real value to attendees of SWIPE 2024.
The FPAA will also feature a Speaker’s Corner of panels that will take place during the expo on the afternoon of November 8, featuring topics like building sustainable supply chains, insights into the Tomato Suspension Agreement, and the latest innovations in supply chain software tailored to the fruit and vegetable sector. Each session offers unique opportunities for attendees to learn from industry experts and gain valuable insights for their businesses.
SWIPE 2024 kicks off with the 55th Annual Desert Golf Classic on Thursday morning, November 7, teeing off in the desert backdrop of Starr Pass Golf Club, designed by legendary Arnold Palmer. Golf is followed by a VIP reception and by the Opening Fiesta on Thursday evening, celebrating the culture and flavors of the Southwest. Friday’s expo floor will showcase an impressive 1:1 ratio of exhibitors to buyers, providing participants with meaningful connections and new business opportunities. The event will conclude with some fun networking activities Saturday morning, creating an informal environment for attendees to connect, network, and wrap up their SWIPE experience.
FPAA encourages attendees to finalize their travel plans, register for the event, and get ready for this southwest experience, celebrating the produce industry’s growth and innovation.
For more information on registration, sponsorships, and the full event schedule, please visit (https://swipeexpo.com).
About the Fresh Produce Association of Americas:
Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States. Today, the FPAA provides a powerful voice for improvement and sustainability by serving the needs of more than 100 North American companies involved in marketing, importing, and distributing fresh produce.
