All You Need to Know For IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show

The International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show kicks off this week at California’s Anaheim Convention Center and a Who’s Who of top names in the produce industry will be in attendance. 

Known throughout the industry as the premier annual event celebrating innovation, connection and inspiration in the produce and floral worlds, the show brings together every link in the global fresh supply chain. As always, attendees can expect a vibrant mix of growers, shippers, retailers, importers, wholesalers, foodservice operators and technology companies, along with floral professionals, marketers and sustainability leaders.

Organizers anticipate more than a thousand exhibitors and over 20,000 attendees representing more than 60 countries attending this year’s event. 

The show floor will be filled with new products, creative displays, packaging innovations and sustainability initiatives, giving buyers a firsthand look at the ideas shaping the future of the industry. It’s a place where major players unveil new lines, startups showcase fresh technology, and companies of all sizes come to make deals, exchange knowledge and forge partnerships that drive growth throughout the year.

Here is a day-by-day guide of what to expect.

Wednesday, October 15
This is a pre-show day largely devoted to association business and internal meetings. From morning to afternoon, IFPA boards, committees and councils convene by invitation only. The Food Safety Council will meet to review regulatory developments and priorities, while the Sustainability Community hosts its own meeting and reception to share updates on benchmarking, frameworks and collaborative strategies. The floral community also meets in the afternoon, and the Leadership Program Class 29 holds its graduation and alumni celebration—an opportunity to honor rising industry leaders and foster connections ahead of the public program.

Thursday, October 16

The official opening of the show, the day begins with a networking breakfast, then transitions into the General Session, where IFPA CEO Cathy Burns will frame the strategic themes and priorities for the industry. That is followed by the fast-paced Education Festival, featuring short, high-impact presentations and concurrent sessions like “Supply Chain of the Future” and “The New Rules of Global Trade.” 

Attendees will hear from experts on regenerative agriculture, global trade dynamics, consumer trends and leadership in a volatile marketplace. 

After lunch, a second general session showcases keynote Sarah Robb O’Hagan on leading through turbulence, before smaller forums like the Global Council Summit and Issues Forum examine macroeconomic pressures and industry strategy. 

The evening wraps with a VIP reception for retailers and sponsors, culminating in the Welcome Reception where all attendees can mingle, network, and set the tone for the show.

Friday, October 17

It’s an early start with the “Race for a Healthier World” 5K offering a chance for participants to connect over a shared commitment to health and community, beginning at 6 a.m.

After a networking breakfast, the morning’s General Session features Erik Weihenmayer, whose extraordinary life story promises to spark insight into overcoming barriers and building resilience in business. Concurrently, the Floral Expo opens early, and by midmorning all exhibition halls are open for business. 

On the show floor, visitors can explore booths, stop by IFPA’s scheduled office hours for ad hoc conversations with experts, and join food safety, technology and innovation “X-Change” sessions—a series of 30-minute interactive talks focused on emerging solutions. 

The afternoon continues with deep dives into traceability, AI in supply chains, standardization, digital twins and disruption in fresh agriculture, capped by the AgTech Celebration and a lineup of community receptions across themes like floral, food safety, talent and advocacy.

Saturday, October 18

The final day begins with a networking breakfast, followed by the signature Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast featuring Amy Trask. Her leadership background promises to resonate across gender, industry and leadership themes. 

Almost simultaneously, floral professionals get an early hour preview in the Floral Expo Buyer Preview, followed by a wider floral expo opening to all attendees. 

Later in the morning, a Regenerative Agriculture Tour invites passholders to visit exhibitor booths and see sustainability practices in action. 

Throughout the day, the show floor remains open for general exhibit exploration, while the Innovation Hub hosts Food Safety & Tech X-Change sessions—small, curated conversations on topics like supply chain intelligence, FSMA 204 planning, upcycling, adjacent land safety risks and AI-driven global intelligence. It’s a day designed to blend actionable insights and exploratory discovery before the show closes.

For a complete schedule, click here;  and for a list of exhibitors, click here.