Mission, Texas; February 2, 2016: For the second year in a row, The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) announces a sold out exhibit hall along with increased retail and foodservice attendance. TIPA is offering complimentary registration for retail and foodservice attendees, along with complimentary travel for buyers. The Expo will be held on March 30 – April 2 at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas
Bret Erickson, President and CEO, Texas International Produce Association
“Once again the response from retail and foodservice buyers and directors continues to exceed our every expectation,” remarked Bret Erickson, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. “From H-E-B, Walmart, Kroger, Ahold, Wegmans, Albertsons to Sysco and US Foods, we have more buyers signed up compared to this the same time period last year.”
The expo will focus heavily on networking and education including virtual field tours at farms and facilities in Texas and Mexico along with a range of education topics focused on both international trade with Mexico and the latest in consumer and weather trends. In addition, a key objective of the Viva Fresh Expo is to empower the produce industry to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables and several events including the keynote speaker presentation will focus on health and wellness.
Jimmy Bassetti, President, J&D Produce
“The importance of the Southwest, Texas, and Mexico growing region is a key reason why we have and continue to receive such as positive response from retail and foodservice buyers, directors, and category managers,” Jimmy Bassetti, President of J&D Produce and Chair of the Retail and Foodservice Attendee Committee, added. “This is a regional expo that extends international boundaries bringing value to both suppliers and buyers.”