Photo report Global Produce & Floral Show Anaheim

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For many exhibitors, IFPA’s Global Show requires months of preparation. From picking the best booth location, coming up with an appealing design, to new product launches and hosting parties. Needless to say, a lot of time and effort go into this highly anticipated event that some call the Super Bowl of produce. Last week, it was finally here. On October 17 and 18, about 20,000 attendees from more than 50 countries across the globe came together in Anaheim, California for a couple intense days filled with a trade show, educational sessions, camaraderie, and more.

What’s trending?
Lots of new products were introduced with many of them being variations within a category. Salad kits in different flavors, new colors added to an existing tomato line, and a continued focus on better varieties in the berry segment. Within the mushroom category, a new soup kit was introduced. What also seemed to stand out this year were pickled products like pickled asparagus and a cucumber pickling kit that doesn’t only include pickled cucumbers but also holds spices and garlic. Fermenting seems to be gaining traction as well, evidenced by kombucha drinks and kimchee. Will these products continue to make their way into the category?

© Marieke Hemmes | FreshPlaza.com

Click here for the photo report of the show.

Snackification
Not new but certainly expanding are the product offerings within the snacking segment. More and new snacking tomatoes and cucumbers were launched, but also seen on the show floor were celery sticks that go in kids’ lunch packs, carrots with sauces, berries in small snacking containers, as well as dessert nuts. In addition, product availability in the dried fruit segment is expanding with examples being dried dragon fruit and dried pomelo strips. Packaging options for snacking items also continue to expand.

Show attendees couldn’t complain when it came to snacking. Many companies were sampling products with strawberries dipped in Dubai chocolate being very popular. The avocado toast bar was a busy place, and people were lining up to sip on the different fruit juices that were being sampled.

Extending growing seasons
On the growing side of things, some U.S. growers mentioned it has been a tough year so far as prices for some vegetable items have been low. While it wasn’t a perfect summer on the East Coast, most fresh produce escaped extremes, which resulted in good yields. California crops didn’t have to endure intense heat, which has also been beneficial to production volumes. Exhibiting breeders and growers are increasingly focused on extending the growing seasons. In addition to growers from the U.S. and Canada, IFPA has a strong representation with growers from Mexico who bring their produce to market in the U.S.

Floor layout
There was a significant change to the floor plan this year as the Floral section was carved off into a different building across from the produce exhibition. The Floral expo opened an hour early to give attendees more time to visit both expos. The reason for creating a separate exhibit space for Floral was related to space as the segment has shown significant growth in recent years. The Anaheim convention center is no longer able to accommodate both expos on one floor, but when the show returns to Orlando in 2026, the segments will likely be joined again.

Overall, exhibitors seemed to be pleased with the layout of the floorplan and the turnout. The first day was certainly busier than the second day, but that’s to no one’s surprise anymore. However, some exhibitors mentioned how they missed the presence of certain key retail banners. With the show being held on the west coast, not all east coast-based retailers had an opportunity to attend.

© Marieke Hemmes | FreshPlaza.com

Curious to see who exhibited and attended the show in Anaheim? FreshPlaza tried to cover as many exhibitors as possible. Click here for the photo report.

Photo reports of the Latin American exhibitors as well as Floral and Horticultural companies are also available.

Next year, the show will be back to Orlando, FL and will take place from October 15 – 17, 2026.

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies