SWIPE 2026 educational sessions to focus on supply chain

The Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) is set for Jan. 22-24 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona. Educational sessions will take place Jan. 23.

Session topics at the event, produced by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), will focus on global produce supply chain, including new technologies and trade disruptions.

Panelists include retailers, wholesale professionals and strategic planners from companies including Wakefern Food Corp, Markon, Charlie’s Produce, H-E-B and Associated Wholesale Grocers. Moderators include Matt Mandel from SunFed Produce, Ron Lemaire of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, and Tony Mitchell of Indianapolis Fruit.

“SWIPE education sessions are designed to get beyond surface-level chatter,” FPAA president Lance Jungmeyer said in a news release. “Our panelists have faced the challenges, solved real-world problems in our sector and done the work.”

Panels include:

Black Swan Event: Preparing for the Unpredictable

A discussion on crisis management, planning and recovery. Panelists will share strategies for insulating businesses from the effects of a “black swan” scenario, such as another global pandemic.

AI in Grocery: Easing Shrink and Other Common Challenges

A panel of AI experts and retailers will discuss how AI is changing grocery operations and inventory management, as well as applications for addressing food waste, shrink and rising operational costs.

Duties & Tariffs: How Retail is Navigating the Impact of an Unstable Supply Chain

A discussion of trade disruption and cross-border complexity exploring how to weather supply chain turbulence and keep loyal shoppers.

Find registration and a full agenda online at www.swipeexpo.com.