Registration Opens for 2026 New York Produce Show and Conference
August 5, 2026 | 4 min to read
NEW YORK – Registration is now open for the 2026 New York Produce Show and Conference, one of the world’s most dynamic live networking events connecting produce buyers, wholesalers and global innovators with established and startup businesses.
Hosted by Produce Business magazine and the Eastern Produce Council on Dec. 2-4 under the theme “The Center of Growth”, the NYPS will feature a full-day trade show and Buyer-Connect Program on Dec. 3 at the Jacob Javits Center, as well as dozens of education sessions and high-energy networking functions at the Sheraton New York Times Square.
Organizers are expecting thousands of produce professionals to converge on this year’s New York Produce Show, which features new branding and a “Winter Wonderland” motif, where exhibitors will accentuate the decked-out Javits Center with festive decorations and their best fresh produce.
Booth availability is limited, but there are still prime exhibiting spots throughout the floor. Produce industry professionals can register now on the newly redesigned New York Produce Show website and book hotel rooms at discounted rates.
“We are excited to host our 16th annual event at the most wonderful time of the year, with multiple generations of produce families and companies interacting with the most innovative and progressive firms throughout the world,” says Ken Whitacre, co-founder of Produce Business and chief executive at Phoenix Media Network. “It is the premier opportunity to see and be seen in the industry’s Hub of Commerce, and an unparalleled chance to network, meet buyers, and strike deals. We encourage anyone connected to the industry to be a part of this unique occasion.”
In addition to the bustle of the Javits Center trade show, the Conference will feature critical panel discussions on the most relevant topics impacting produce. This year’s Show will include three days of networking amongst produce retailers, foodservice/restaurant operators, and wholesalers/distributors:
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2
- A revamped Cornell University-led Foundational Excellence program for new industry professionals, with a deep focus on how to increase produce consumption – including leveraging artificial intelligence – with numerous breakout opportunities.
- The Global Trade Symposium, which will feature industry-leading importers and exporters discussing the most pressing topics and trends impacting fresh produce along the supply chain.
- The invitation-only Rising Star Reception and EPC Leadership Class reunion, which will honor the current Produce Business 40-Under-Forty class.
- The Opening Cocktail Reception,one of the industry’s most dynamic conference gatherings.
THURSDAY, DEC. 3
- The Keynote Breakfast and Awards Ceremony.
- Full-day trade show at Javits, providing abundant opportunities for industry teams to make product pitches, forge critical connections and seal deals. Among the highlights on the show floor will be:
- A lavish “Central Park” with sponsored vendor carts serving trending fresh produce-centric dishes;
- A main “Broadway” aisle with an expanded New Product Showcase and sponsored product giveaways;
- Insightful educational sessions focused on ways to increase produce consumption;
- A two-hour Buyer-Connect event with retailers and foodservice executives interacting with exhibitors spanning the breadth of fresh produce.
FRIDAY, DEC. 4
- The Ideation Fresh Foodservice Forum, which will be hosted at a special culinary destination to give guests a hands-on experience of the creativity happening in kitchens in New York City and beyond.
- Industry tours of thriving local supermarkets, produce-centric food outlets, and wholesalers, including the terminals at Hunts Point Produce Market, the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, and a return of the New Jersey Retail tour.
Organizers will release more information on both the conference program, industry tours, and other functions in the coming weeks and in the run-up to the December event.
About Phoenix Media Network, Inc.
Phoenix Media Network has provided industry-leading insights across the fresh food and perishables industry for more than four decades. Borne from a family business on the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, N.Y., Phoenix Media has grown exponentially since 1985. It boasts the signature New York Produce Show and Conference as well as supporting digital and print publications, including PerishableNews.com, Produce Business, Deli Business and Cheese Connoisseur. Phoenix’s mission is to Initiate Industry Improvement; to elevate and modernize the industry; and to help promote and foster discussions on marketing, merchandising, management, and procurement.