Fresh Impact Tours Champion Industry Through IFPA Member Collaboration and Connection

July 9, 2024

Washington, D.C. – Last May, members of the International Fresh Produce Association traveled to McAllen, Texas as part of their Fresh Impact Tour program, hosted by Fox Packaging. This program allows IFPA to travel to member facilities, meeting them where they are, making connections, and discussing the issues locally and regionally that impact their area.

“At Fox Packaging, we believe that progress thrives on the exchange of knowledge and ideas,” said Lucas Fox, Director of Operations, Fox Packaging. “Hosting industry peers and partners, such as the International Fresh Produce Association, at our facilities is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering innovation. These gatherings are not just meetings; they are incubators for forward-thinking solutions that benefit the entire supply chain. By welcoming collaboration, we are not only participating in the conversation, but also actively contributing to shaping our industry’s future. It is our intention to be a true supply chain partner, and hosting these events allows us to facilitate and engage in the industry we strive to support.”

Industry experts including Dante Galeazzi, CEO and President, Texas International Fresh Produce Association, John Hollay, Director, Workforce Labor, IFPA, and Ed Treacy, Vice President, Supply Chain, IFPA, all participated in a panel discussion at Fox Packaging. Local members and nonmembers brought their questions and concerns to share with the panel on issues such as labor, climate smart ag and the Farm Bill.

Additional events of the week included meetings and tours of other regional member organizations including Little Bear Produce, who shared with IFPA their gratitude for the visit to understand the scope of their operations and some of the issues affecting their crops, most significantly of which is limited water supply. There is a 25% chance of the area not having enough ag water next year, which will cause a ripple effect in the community, affecting hospitals and more. “Mother Nature affects are expected,” said Bret Erikson, Senior Vice President, Business Affairs, Little Bear Produce. “It is the man-made or policy issues that are the hard pill to swallow.”

IFPA staff were then able to witness member innovation in action while touring Reveam, Inc.’s facility where their groundbreaking technology has shown to improve produce quality, eliminate pathogens and bioburden, and increase shelf life to reduce food waste.

"It was an honor to host the International Fresh Produce Association at our facility during their Texas Fresh Impact Tour,” said Chip Starns, Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, Reveam, Inc. “Their visit underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in the fresh produce industry. Showcasing our Electronic Cold-Pasteurization (ECP) technology to such a distinguished group was invaluable, as their insights and engagement help us continue to advance our ECP technology to help make the world’s food supply fresher and safer."

Fresh Impact Tours let IFPA meet members where they are and provides an opportunity for all attendees to gain local perspective and build local networks, and to further champion the industry. If you are interested in hosting IFPA during a future Fresh Impact Tour, please contact Kim Coker, Produce Industry Relations Manager, at kcoker@freshproduce.com.

Fresh Impact Tours Champion Industry Through IFPA Member Collaboration and Connection

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