Lauded for filling an essential gap in produce industry education, the landmark Foundational Excellence/Future-Leaders-in-Produce Program convenes December 5, at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, to kick off the 14th Annual New York Produce Show.
Coined an “MBA in a Day,” the pre-show Foundational Excellence Program – the brainchild of the late Jim Prevor, PRODUCE BUSINESS and Show founder, with Cornell University’s renowned Food Industry Management Program – targets professionals with less than five years of experience in produce. It draws both young and senior executives interested in every segment of the fresh produce sector to advance careers and support critical company investments in future industry leaders.
The dynamic, full-day program features globally recognized food industry experts, who share exclusive research, expansive insights and provide a rare opportunity for intense learning and interactive dialogue to excel in the challenging, fast-paced, produce trade.
Laying the groundwork for excellence, the star lineup of presentations includes:
The Global Food System
- Miguel Gomez, Robert G. Tobin Professor of Food Marketing; Area Chair for Applied Economics and Policy; Academic Director, Cornell Food Industry Management Program.
Gomez will talk about the global reach of the produce industry and its implications for the U.S. produce sector. He will examine the interdependence of the U.S. produce industry with global partners, both in exports and imports, and he will address other factors affecting U.S. produce trade, including emerging technologies, trade agreements, tariffs on imports and exports, and other policies affecting global produce supply chains.
Trends in Cuisine
- Lilly Jan, Ph.D, Lecturer, Nolan School of Hotel Management, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
From plant-based innovations and sustainable dining practices to global fusion of flavors and the rise of food tech, Jan will explore how the culinary landscape is evolving in response to changing tastes, lifestyles and environmental concerns.
The U.S. Food System and Fresh Produce
- Kristen Park, Extension Associate, Charles H. Dyson School of applied Economics and Management, Cornell, SC Johnson College of Business
Park will present a broad overview involving extensive industry data to support discussions throughout the session. She will examine fruit and vegetable trends and produce supply chain members’ contributions. In addition, she will talk about a recent project focused on the infrastructure needs of wholesale produce markets.
Research with Produce Consumers
- Brad Rickard, Professor, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Rickard conducts research that evaluates the economic implications of choices made by agricultural producers (e.g., decisions to adopt new technologies) and food consumers (e.g., how new information affects our willingness to pay for a particular product). His presentation will provide insights from four research projects that focus on consumer behavior in the produce sector:
- Consumer response to advertising efforts that are commonly used to promote fruits and vegetables.
- The increasingly important role of patented produce items for growers, food retailers and consumers.
- Ongoing research that assesses consumer response to produce developed with modern breeding techniques.
- A sneak preview of some very recent research findings that examine the impact of introducing and expanding categories in the food retailing space.
Personal Brand. Telling Your Story
- David Feldshu, Professor, Department of Performing & Media Arts, Cornell University
This specially designed session by Cornell Theatre Professor Feldshu is for anyone who wants to become more effective in connecting with others through increased ease and presence when speaking in public or private. Learn by refining your public speaking skills and build confidence in your presence. By sharing videos of yourself presenting and receiving constructive feedback from fellow students and experts, you’ll practice analyzing your performance, repeating and refining your work in exercises and acting techniques.
In addition, Dan Hooker, Senior Lecturer, Dyson School of Applied Economics, Cornell University, will host a panel discussion with the fresh produce industry’s rising stars. These young professionals are shaping the future of agriculture, sustainability fand distribution in innovative ways. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities they face, their perspectives on technology integration and consumer trends, and learn how the next generation is driving positive change in the world of fresh produce. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from and engage with the future leaders of the industry.
Foundational Excellence members will also have the chance to interact more deeply the following day with all the Cornell presenters and their fellow attendees during seminars on the trade show’s Industry Insights Stage.
The iconic New York Produce Show is organized by PRODUCE BUSINESS and the Eastern Produce Council.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK PRODUCE SHOW
The New York Produce Show and Conference, held December 5-7 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel and Jacob Javits Convention Center, draws thousands of industry executives, global thought-leaders and a uniquely large percentage of prominent buyers to non-buyers to simultaneously generate business and join forces to increase overall produce consumption.
