Global Trade Symposium at the 2024 New York Produce Show to Explore ‘Routes of Success’

Over 30 leading figures from the produce industry, specializing in the international trade of fresh fruits and vegetables, are set to speak at the upcoming Global Trade Symposium during the 2024 New York Produce Show and Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 10. They will delve into the intricate and vital process of importing fresh produce to the U.S. and Canada, with a particular focus on the East Coast.

Prominent speakers include George Pitsikoulis, President and CEO of Canadawide Fruit Wholesalers; Leo Holt, President of Holt Logistics; Alejandro Moralejo, CEO of Salix Fruits; Raquel Espinoza, Director of Sales and Marketing at Produce House and the newly appointed Chairwoman of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA); and Andres Rodriguez, the U.S. Agricultural Attache to Chile. These industry experts will contribute to engaging panel discussions and individual presentations throughout the day at the Sheraton New York Times Square. Global regions such as Europe, South Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America will all be represented, with a dedicated session on Mexico, the largest produce exporter to the U.S. and Canada.

Ken Whitacre, Publisher of Produce Business magazine and CEO of Phoenix Media Network, which organizes the New York Produce Show, commented, “This year’s Symposium brings together a distinguished group of professionals who understand the complexities of transporting fresh produce to this region. We often hear the question, ‘Where does your produce come from?’ but rarely ‘How does it get here?’ These discussions will tackle that crucial question, which represents a shift from our previous Global Trade events over the last decade.”

Speakers will examine the meticulous journey of fresh produce from farm to table, considering the challenges and logistics involved in getting products to U.S. consumers, whether by land or sea. Experts will address how weather events, political shifts, and increased inspections are making this process more complex. Key issues discussed will include the latest trends, challenges, and innovative solutions in moving produce across borders and into retail or wholesale channels.

The theme of this year’s Symposium, Routes of Success, highlights the paths being forged to bring new produce varieties and innovative items into the market. A separate panel on Transportation and Logistics will feature Holt, Ed Fitzgerald of GEODIS, Jean Elie of Port Everglades, and Ruben Ramirez, Country Manager for Mexico with IFPA, discussing the intricate networks that bring produce across borders, with a focus on potential developments in cross-border rail transport.

Rodriguez will also address a developing topic—how certain table grapes from Chile are being imported into the U.S. without the need for methyl bromide fumigation, utilizing alternative checks. This session will take place in the afternoon, just before the South America panel, which includes Decofrut President Manuel Alcaino, AM Fresh General Manager Felipe Kanacri, J&K Fresh VP of Operations John Ercolani, and Moralejo.

In the morning, Miguel Gomez, a professor at Cornell University, will discuss global trade trends. Later, a panel featuring Tecla Masciarelli of Produce Metro Stores and Pitsikoulis will engage with Ron Lemaire of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) to discuss how Canada is adapting to evolving import dynamics.

From south of the border, Allison Moore of FPAA will lead a discussion on the future of Mexican imports, joined by Espinoza, Giovanni Cavaletto of GLC Cerritos, Erick Carranza Vera of EV Produce, and John Pandol of Pandol Bros.

The Central America panel will include Anthony Serafino, President of EXP Group; Andres Ocampo, CEO of HLB Specialties; Allen Safieh, CEO of UniSpice; and Diego Morales, Sales Manager at D Produce.

Several panelists will also focus on imports from across the Atlantic, including Kevin Carroll of Fowler Packing and Miles Fraser-Jones of Sierra Produce, who will discuss South African trade, and Ami Ben-Dror of Dorot Farms, Paul Massey of Trucco, and Lucio Rainelli, who will explore European imports.

The event will conclude with Robert Schueller of Melissa’s and Peng Liu of Orchard Direct, who will discuss specialty products and fruits imported from Asia.

Anyone interested in attending the Global Trade Symposium, the 2024 New York Produce Show, or any of its related events—including the Foundational Excellence Program, Trade Show, Foodservice Forum, or Industry Tours—can register online.

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