Recapping the Global Produce and Floral Show

Over the past decade, it's fair to say that the pace of innovation in the produce industry has been sluggish. While consumers' expectations for healthier and more visually appealing fruits and vegetables have grown, the industry seemed to be struggling to keep up. However, the tides are finally beginning to turn, and the Global Produce and Floral Show was a testament to this change.

More than in past years at the show, I saw an increased number of innovators bringing new products to the market with improved health benefits and distinct appearances. There is clearly more willingness to utilize novel capabilities such as gene editing to unlock innovation that meets the needs of health-conscious consumers.

Over the next five years, we can expect to witness tremendous growth in this space. A prime example of new innovation is Del Monte's PinkGlow Pineapple, a product that is breaking past barriers and capturing the imagination of consumers. This vibrant and uniquely colored pineapple is not only a visual delight but also boasts improved taste and nutritional qualities. It serves as a testament to what can be achieved when cutting-edge technologies are harnessed in the pursuit of better produce.

However, innovation alone is not enough to bring these exciting products to market. Successful market introductions will continue to rely heavily on the right partnership and commitment between innovators, distributors, and retailers. Innovators bring their vision and groundbreaking ideas, distributors ensure efficient supply chains, and retailers make these products readily available to consumers. This synergy is what ultimately leads to the early market traction required to foster continued investment in the space.

The level of commitment and dedication on display at the Global Produce and Floral Show was inspiring and I cannot wait to see what the next few years bring to the produce market.