Greg Holzman, founder of Pacific Organic Produce and Purity Organics brand juices, has been announced as a keynote presenter at the upcoming Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, CA, July 13-14. Holzman will join Mark Bittman, noted former New York Times columnist and co-founder of Purple Carrot, and one other soon-to-announced featured speaker, at the inaugural event.Greg Holzman

Holzman founded Pacific Organics in 1994 and first started organic juices in 2004, before launching the Purity juice line in 2009. The addition of Holzman creates a lineup of innovative and inspiring speakers for OPS attendees.Mark Bittman

“These are exciting times for the organic produce industry and the Organic Produce Summit is a must-attend event," Melody Meyer, vice president of policy and industry relations for United Natural Foods, said in a press release. "With outstanding networking opportunities, tremendous speakers and educational sessions, and a wide array of organic producers exhibiting their products for the retail community, we’re excited to be a part of this first ever event. We look forward to supporting the OPS and the growing organic produce marketplace. This special summit provides the entire organic fresh produce community an opportunity to unite under one roof and exchange valuable ideas and information.”

Additional educational seminars hosted by the Organic Trade Association are being finalized with an array of established industry educators and leaders serving as panelists in three different educational sessions. A fourth educational session on the growing e-grocery sector and organic produce is also being finalized with panelists Tony Stallone, vice president of merchandising for Peapod, and Mike Buffington of IdeoClick.  Kevin Coupe, founder of The Morning News Beat, will serve as moderator.  

The OPS also announced that Alberts Organics has agreed to be a silver sponsor to the event, joining co-sponsors Taylor Farms and Braga Fresh and other major sponsors Tomorrow’s Organics, Homegrown Organic Farms, Earthbound Farms and Driscolls.

For further information about the inaugural Organic Produce Summit, visit www.organicproducesummit.com.