IFPA’s Retail Conference opens doors to valuable discussions
Nearly 300 retail buyers, grower-shippers, processors, business service providers and retailers gathered at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, IL, June 9-10 for The Retail Conference, presented by the International Fresh Produce Association. After a day golf and a packed opening cocktail reception on Thursday, Friday morning saw Joe Watson of IFPA and Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics offer fresh perspectives on the biggest trends fueling produce sales today, including a look at the department’s performance during the first half of 2022.
Following the general session, smaller breakout sessions featured discussions that focused on non-store-based models, combating pressure on unit and volume sales, satisfying the impatient consumer, the original plant-based diet, tackling operational challenges and sustainability and social responsibility.