Fresh Horizons & Blooming Connections: Your Definitive Guide to the Global Produce & Floral Show, USA!
In an era where consumers are increasingly prioritizing health, sustainability, and transparency, the fresh produce and floral industries stand at the forefront of global commerce and well-being. From the vibrant bounty of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables to the exquisite beauty of cut flowers and potted plants, this sector is a dynamic blend of agriculture, innovation, and art. The challenges are immense – optimizing supply chains, ensuring food safety, adapting to climate change, and meeting evolving consumer demands for novelty and convenience – but so are the opportunities for growth and impact. For growers, shippers, retailers, foodservice operators, technology providers, and anyone invested in the future of fresh, staying connected, informed, and ahead of the curve is not just beneficial – it’s absolutely essential for thriving. This is precisely why the Global Produce & Floral Show, USA (formerly the iconic PMA Fresh Summit, now organized by the International Fresh Produce Association – IFPA), stands as the premier annual gathering, the undisputed epicenter for innovation and collaboration in the global fresh produce and floral supply chains!
Imagine stepping onto a massive exhibition floor, a kaleidoscope of colors and aromas, where the latest breakthroughs in sustainable packaging meet exotic new fruit varieties, and where automated sorting systems stand alongside breathtaking floral displays. This isn’t just a trade show; it’s a vibrant global marketplace, a comprehensive educational forum, and an unparalleled networking platform designed to cultivate new ideas, foster strategic partnerships, and ignite success across the entire fresh produce and floral ecosystem. If you’re looking to source new products, discover cutting-edge technologies, deepen your understanding of consumer trends, navigate complex food safety regulations, or simply forge critical relationships that will propel your business forward, attending the Global Produce & Floral Show offers an unrivaled opportunity to learn, explore, and elevate your entire fresh journey.
The Epicenter of Fresh: Venue and Time
The Global Produce & Floral Show consistently rotates between two major U.S. convention hubs, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of national and international attendees and providing state-of-the-art facilities for this immense event.
Where Fresh Ideas Take Root: The Venue The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has a clear rotation for its flagship Global Produce & Floral Show, alternating between Anaheim, California, and Orlando, Florida, in the fall.
For 2025, the Global Produce & Floral Show will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, USA. Located at 800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802, this sprawling convention center is a world-class venue, well-equipped to host an event of this magnitude. Its proximity to major transportation hubs and the vibrant Southern California market makes it an ideal location for industry professionals from across the globe.
Looking ahead, IFPA has already confirmed the locations for several years, demonstrating a commitment to consistency and planning for attendees:
- October 15-17, 2026: Orlando, Florida
- October 21-23, 2027: Atlanta, Georgia (a new location entry for future years, alongside Anaheim and Orlando’s alternating schedule)
- October 19-21, 2028: Anaheim, California
- October 31 – November 2, 2029: Orlando, Florida
Blooming Season: The Time The Global Produce & Floral Show is an annual event, a consistent fixture on the industry calendar, typically held in mid-to-late October. This timing is strategic, falling after many major harvest seasons and allowing industry leaders to gather insights, source products, and plan for the coming year’s market strategies.
For 2025, the Global Produce & Floral Show is scheduled to take place from October 16-18, 2025.
The event typically spans three full days, with a meticulously designed agenda focused on a blend of educational sessions, keynote presentations, a massive exhibition, and abundant networking opportunities:
- Day 1 (e.g., Thursday, October 16, 2025): Often features targeted educational sessions, leadership programs, and opening networking receptions. The exhibit hall might open for a preview or dedicated buyer hours.
- Day 2 (e.g., Friday, October 17, 2025): The main exhibit hall is fully open, bustling with activity. Concurrent educational sessions, general sessions with keynote speakers, and various networking events (like the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast or specific industry receptions) take place throughout the day.
- Day 3 (e.g., Saturday, October 18, 2025): The final day of the main expo, continuing with educational content, more exhibit hall hours for last-minute connections, and often concluding with final keynote addresses or summaries before the show wraps up in the afternoon.
This comprehensive schedule ensures that attendees can maximize their learning, sourcing, and networking opportunities.
From Farm to Fork, and Beyond: Key Product and Service Categories
The Global Produce & Floral Show boasts an incredibly diverse and extensive array of products, services, and technologies, representing every link in the fresh produce and floral supply chain. The exhibition floor is a sprawling showcase of innovation. Key categories typically featured include:
- Fresh Produce (Fruits & Vegetables):
- Hundreds of varieties of fresh fruits (apples, berries, citrus, grapes, stone fruit, tropical fruits, etc.)
- Hundreds of varieties of fresh vegetables (leafy greens, root vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, peppers, tomatoes, etc.)
- Organic produce, specialty produce, and new varietals
- Pre-cut, value-added, and convenience produce items
- Floral Products:
- Fresh cut flowers (roses, lilies, carnations, mixed bouquets)
- Potted plants (flowering and foliage plants)
- Floral arrangements, greens, and decorative elements
- Floral design services and supplies
- Packaging & Materials:
- Sustainable packaging solutions (biodegradable, compostable, recyclable)
- Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)
- Clamshells, bags, trays, and bulk packaging
- Labeling equipment and materials
- Equipment & Technology:
- Harvesting and sorting equipment (optical sorters, grading machines)
- Washing, drying, and packing line machinery
- Cold chain management and refrigeration systems
- Traceability solutions (blockchain, RFID)
- Agritech: AI-driven farming, precision agriculture, robotics for agriculture
- Food safety testing and quality control equipment
- Supply Chain & Logistics:
- Logistics and transportation services (refrigerated transport, freight forwarding)
- Warehousing and distribution solutions
- Supply chain management software
- Seeds & Crop Inputs:
- Seed suppliers for various produce varieties
- Fertilizers, pest control solutions, and crop protection products
- Hydroponic and vertical farming systems
- Food Safety & Compliance:
- Food safety certification bodies and consulting services
- Testing laboratories for pathogens, pesticides, etc.
- Regulatory guidance and compliance solutions (e.g., FSMA)
- Marketing & Merchandising:
- Retail display solutions and merchandising concepts
- Branding and marketing agencies specializing in fresh produce and floral
- Consumer insights and market research firms
- Data & Analytics:
- Software solutions for inventory management, sales forecasting, and retail analytics
- Farm management software
- Financial & Insurance Services:
- Specialized financial services and insurance for the agriculture and fresh produce sectors.
The “Fresh Ideas Showcase” within the expo is a dedicated area highlighting the very latest innovations and new products, making it a must-visit for attendees looking for what’s new and next.
The Global Harvest of Professionals: Visitor Count and Demographics
The Global Produce & Floral Show is truly a mega-event, drawing a vast and diverse audience from every corner of the fresh produce and floral world. Its scale underscores its importance as the leading gathering for the industry.
- Visitor Count: The show consistently attracts over 20,000 attendees from more than 60 countries. This immense number ensures a vibrant, dynamic, and productive environment for networking and business.
- Exhibitors: The expo features a staggering number of exhibiting companies, typically over 1,000 exhibiting companies showcasing their products, services, and technologies across the massive show floor.
- Attendee Demographics: The audience at the Global Produce & Floral Show is incredibly comprehensive, representing every link in the supply chain:
- Growers & Producers: From small family farms to large agricultural corporations.
- Shippers & Exporters/Importers: Facilitating the movement of fresh products globally.
- Retailers: Buyers and merchandisers from major supermarket chains, independent grocers, and specialty stores.
- Foodservice Operators: Procurement teams from restaurants, hotels, schools, and institutional caterers.
- Wholesalers & Distributors: Connecting growers to retail and foodservice channels.
- Technology Providers: Companies offering solutions in automation, AI, data analytics, and supply chain management.
- Packaging Suppliers: Innovators in sustainable and functional packaging.
- Logistics & Transportation Providers: Ensuring efficient and safe delivery of perishable goods.
- Floral Specialists: Growers, wholesalers, retailers, and designers in the floral industry.
- Food Safety & Quality Assurance Professionals: Ensuring product integrity and compliance.
- Researchers & Academics: Sharing the latest scientific advancements.
- Government & Regulatory Officials: Discussing policy and trade.
This unparalleled concentration of industry professionals creates an unrivaled environment for learning, collaboration, and driving the growth and innovation of the fresh produce and floral sectors.
Cultivating Success: Benefits and Perks of Attending
Attending the Global Produce & Floral Show is a strategic imperative for anyone deeply involved in or looking to significantly impact the fresh produce and floral industries. Its unique blend of massive exhibition and comprehensive education offers unparalleled advantages:
- Unrivaled Sourcing & Product Discovery: Explore the largest collection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and floral products under one roof. Discover new varieties, innovative packaging, and value-added items that can differentiate your offerings.
- Direct Access to a Global Network: Connect face-to-face with thousands of industry professionals from around the world. Build new relationships with potential suppliers, buyers, distributors, and partners, strengthening your supply chain.
- Stay Ahead of Industry Trends: Attend cutting-edge educational sessions and hear from keynote speakers on topics ranging from consumer preferences, market dynamics, and economic forecasts to emerging technologies (like AI and automation), sustainability initiatives, and evolving food safety regulations.
- Discover Cutting-Edge Technology & Solutions: See live demonstrations of the latest innovations in agricultural technology, sorting, packing, cold chain management, traceability, and retail solutions that can optimize your operations and increase efficiency.
- Strengthen Existing Relationships: Reconnect with current partners, discuss future collaborations, and reinforce the human connections that are vital in this relationship-driven industry.
- Gain Competitive Intelligence: Understand what your competitors are doing, identify market gaps, and gather insights that can inform your strategic planning and give you an edge.
- Food Safety & Compliance Updates: Get direct insights into the latest food safety standards, regulations (like FSMA Rule 204), and best practices, ensuring your operations remain compliant and minimize risk.
- Professional Development & Education: The robust conference program offers invaluable learning opportunities for professionals at all levels, helping to hone skills, broaden knowledge, and foster career growth.
- “Fresh Ideas Showcase” Innovation: A dedicated area to quickly identify and explore the newest products, packaging, and technologies that are poised to make an impact.
- Inspiration & Future Vision: Immerse yourself in the passion and innovation of the fresh produce and floral industries, gaining inspiration and a clear vision for the future.
Your Anaheim Oasis: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation
For the 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show at the Anaheim Convention Center, attendees have a wealth of hotel options to choose from, ranging from properties directly adjacent to the convention center to those a short walk or ride away. Anaheim is a major tourist destination, so it offers extensive accommodation choices.
Some popular nearby hotels often used for large conventions in Anaheim, and potentially offering special rates for IFPA attendees, include:
- Hilton Anaheim: Directly connected to the Anaheim Convention Center via a pedestrian bridge, making it extremely convenient.
- Anaheim Marriott: Also very close to the convention center, often a popular choice for attendees.
- Hyatt Regency Orange County: A large, full-service hotel a short distance from the convention center, often providing shuttle services.
- Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort: Another good option within walking distance of the convention center.
- Disneyland Resort Hotels: While generally higher-priced, hotels like the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel are nearby and offer unique experiences for those combining business with leisure.
Beyond these, numerous other hotel brands, from budget-friendly to upscale, are available throughout the Anaheim Resort area and surrounding city, many with easy access to the convention center and local attractions.
It is highly recommended to book your hotel well in advance, especially through any official IFPA housing links or recommended blocks. Due to the size and popularity of the Global Produce & Floral Show, rooms can fill up quickly. Always be wary of unofficial housing solicitations.
The Investment in Your Harvest: Understanding the Cost to Attend
Attending the Global Produce & Floral Show is a significant investment, but one that is widely recognized as essential for leaders and professionals in the fresh produce and floral industries. The registration fees reflect the immense scale of the exhibition, the depth of the educational programming, and the unparalleled networking opportunities.
Based on IFPA’s 2025 registration rates, here’s a breakdown of the cost to attend:
- All Access Pass: This comprehensive pass includes access to all general sessions, the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast, the multi-day expo, and the Welcome Reception.
- IFPA Member Rate: Typically around $1,395 USD (early bird rates are lower, increasing as the event approaches).
- Non-Member Rate: Significantly higher, often around $2,195 USD (early bird rates apply).
- Multi-Attendee Discounts: IFPA offers discounts for companies registering multiple attendees (e.g., 5-13 attendees receive a slightly reduced rate per person; 14-19 and 20+ attendees receive further reductions).
- Trade Show Only Pass: This pass grants access primarily to the multi-day expo hall.
- IFPA Member Rate: Approximately $995 USD.
- Non-Member Rate: Approximately $1,495 USD.
- Retailer & Foodservice Operator All Access Pass: These categories often receive complimentary All Access Passes upon qualification, highlighting IFPA’s focus on attracting key buyers.
- Student All Access Pass: A reduced rate for full- or part-time students not currently working in the industry, typically around $195 USD.
- Educator All Access Pass: For those employed at an educational institution, around $450 USD.
- Welcome Reception Tickets: Separate tickets for the reception can be purchased if not included in the pass, around $175 – $215 USD.
Early bird rates offer significant savings, so registering well in advance is highly recommended. These fees cover access to the designated event components. Attendees should also budget for personal travel, accommodation, and dining expenses. Given the opportunities for business development, market insights, and strategic partnerships, this investment is considered invaluable for driving growth and success in the fresh produce and floral sectors.
Cultivate Your Future: Don’t Miss Out!
The Global Produce & Floral Show is more than just a trade fair; it’s the annual convergence point for the entire fresh produce and floral industry. It’s where groundbreaking innovations are unveiled, where critical industry challenges are addressed through collaborative discussion, and where the indispensable connections that drive global commerce are cultivated. Whether you are a grower seeking new markets, a retailer looking for the next big trend, a technologist offering transformative solutions, or a floral designer seeking fresh inspiration, attending this show is a pivotal investment that will invigorate your business, expand your network, and ensure you remain at the cutting edge of the fresh produce and floral world. Don’t just grow produce; grow your success!
To learn more about the Global Produce & Floral Show and book your tickets, visit: freshproduce.com/events/the-global-produce-and-floral-show/