Cornell Educators host a day-long industry fundamentals event at the New York Produce Show and Conference

Designed for new industry members Foundational Excellence “Future Leaders in Products Program” provides the basic knowledge you need to advance professionally.

This full-day educational workshop will take place on Tuesday, December 10th at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel and will feature discussions on sustainability, artificial intelligence and innovation in the kitchen, as well as industry fundamentals. A total of six respected professors SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University will lead presentations on food system economics and consumer trends.

“The Foundational Excellence Program takes place the day before New York Produce Show and Conference“And it’s a great starting point for executives with less than five years of experience who want to advance their career in the food industry,” says Ken Whitacre, editor of PRODUCE BUSINESS, which is organizing the event. “Participants will get a quick start to the conversations that will take place on the exhibition floor and at networking events in the following days.”

The program, which served as a launching pad for previous participants working in all areas of the industry, provides both a framework for understanding the complicated workings of products and the opportunity to network with others who share similar goals.

The day begins with two “foundational” sessions: Miguel Gomez discusses the global reach of fruits and vegetables and its impact on the U.S., and Kristen Park presents a comprehensive overview of the industry and its key players.

Lilly Jan will then look at trends in the kitchen, highlighting how the latest culinary inspirations are shaping the way consumers eat, cook and think about food in the 21st century. Their discussion covers plant-based innovation, sustainable eating habits, global fusion tastes and the rise of food technology.

One of the highlights of the program will be an afternoon lunch panel where young fruit and vegetable leaders will share personal stories about the biggest influences in their careers. The session will set the stage for the New York Produce Show’s central theme: “Where Passion Becomes Action.”

“Passion and hard work will always be a recipe for success for those working in the produce industry, but the ability to tell your story has become just as important,” says Whitacre, co-founder of Produce Business in 1985. “We know this session, and all the others will provide invaluable insight, regardless of where each leader is in their career.”

Two sessions that are likely to attract great interest will focus on artificial intelligence. Karan Girotra will explore where and how disruption will impact business and productivity in the future, and Elena Belavina will discuss how AI can transform the way food waste is managed, particularly in food service and operations.

Brad Rickard will conclude the day with insights from research projects focused on consumer behavior in the fruit and vegetable sector – including responses to advertising and breeding techniques; the increasing role of patented products; and the impact of category introduction and expansion in grocery retail.

Anyone interested in participating in the Foundational Excellence program, the New York Produce Show 2024 or one of its special events – including the Global Trade Symposium, the Foodservice Forum or industry tours – can register and book hotel rooms here.

Media contact

Please direct all media inquiries to Chris Burt, Director of Editorial and Content Strategy at Phoenix Media Network, at 561-994-1118 or [email protected].

About Phoenix Media Network

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Phoenix Media Network has been providing industry-leading insight into the fresh food and perishables industry for nearly four decades. Phoenix Media was founded in 1985 and has grown exponentially. It features the unique New York Produce Show and Conference as well as supporting publications: Produce Business, ProduceBusinessUK.com, Deli Business, Cheese Connoisseur and PerishableNews.com. Phoenix’s mission is to inspire improvements in the industry. to upgrade and modernize the industry; and to help promote and support discussions about marketing, merchandising, management and procurement.