Mission, Texas – The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) recently announced plans for the inaugural Viva Fresh Produce Expo on March 26-28, 2015 in Austin, Texas. Since then, industry leaders, such as H-E-B’s Group Vice President, Hugh Topper have been voicing their support for the event.
H-E-B’s Group Vice President, Hugh Topper, remarked, “Connecting with suppliers is key to our success and the Viva Fresh Expo brings all of Texas and Mexico to us. It’s the best of both worlds—a regional expo that stretches international boundaries.”
The expo, which is meant to highlight the “Gateway to the Americas,” will focus on showcasing produce grown in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. Along with an extensive education program, the expo will focus on the health benefits, style and taste of Southwestern and Mexico-grown produce, with chef-inspired events and receptions with a region-specific foodie flair.
Bret Erickson, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, commented, “We’re very excited about the response we have been getting from retail and foodservice companies as well as exhibitors. The international component makes this Expo unique to other trade shows and has been well received. ”
Attendees of the show will also gain a deeper insight on a variety of topics including transportation, product availability, and upcoming trade regulations within and between the United States and Mexico.
Tommy Wilkins, Director of Sales and Business Development for Grow Farms Texas, has also been very enthusiastic about the expo, commenting, “It’s time to showcase Texas’ passion and innovation along with all that we have to offer here. With the growing amount of products that pass through and are grown in Texas each year, it really is the gateway to the Americas. And this event will cater to just that, by being an expo that was designed to specifically facilitate a dialogue between retail and foodservice buyers and sellers without all of the typical distractions of larger tradeshows.”
Since Topper’s endorsement, sponsors and exhibitors alike have been clamoring for information which is available on the Expo website at www.VivaFreshExpo.com and provides a wide range of information including the schedule of events, exhibitor and attendee registration, sponsorship opportunities, and a summary of educational workshops.
To register for the expo, please also visit the expo website at www.VivaFreshExpo.com.
About the Texas International Produce Association
The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) was created in 1942 to represent the interest of shippers of Texas-grown fruits and vegetables. In 1996, the scope of TIPA was expanded to address the problems and opportunities surrounding the importation and marketing of foreign grown produce. TIPA's member companies include: growers, domestic shippers, import shippers, specialty shippers, distributors, and material and service providers.
Source: Texas International Produce Association
