Ready Pac CEO to keynote FreshMKT Conference

Ready Pac Foods CEO Tony Sarsam will focus on the drive for innovation in fresh foods as keynote speaker at this year’s United FreshMKT Conference, debuting Tuesday, June 13 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Hundreds of retailers, foodservice, fresh foods and produce executives are anticipated to participate in the conference, held the day before the United FreshMKT Expo opening.

Sarsam joined Ready Pac Foods in 2013. Sarsam has focused the organization around a mission of Giving People the Freedom to Eat Healthier. Ready Pac Foods recently announced an agreement to be acquired by Bonduelle. Sarsam will continue to lead Ready Pac Foods, reporting directly to Chairman and CEO Christophe Bonduelle.

Following Sarsam’s keynote address, attendees will dig into three specific keys to consumer success. Topics will include “Consumer Trends Shaping Food Today,” “How Creative Companies Are Shaping Food Culture,” and “How Retail/Foodservice Executives Can Spot Explosive Growth Opportunities.” Throughout the afternoon, attendees can sample a wide array of new convenience fresh foods and snack items provided by companies. The FreshMKT Conference will conclude with a look to the future from a Consumer Millennial panel sharing their expectations for the food industry of the tomorrow.

On Wednesday and Thursday, June 14-15, the FreshMKT Expo brings exhibitors and attendees together to explore fresh foods, produce marketing and merchandising. The expo will feature several new destinations, including the new FreshMKT X-Change at the entrance to the expo providing a meeting place for colleagues to connect and exchange perspectives on key industry issues such as organics, branding, product development and more.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to explore the world of organic produce by visiting exhibitors throughout the show on the Organic Trail, and viewing new products displayed at the new Organic Showcase.

The FreshMKT Learning Center will feature 45-minute sessions providing insights from retail managers, foodservice chefs and school foodservice leaders, as well as topical sessions on food waste, packaging design, retail merchandising and more.

Companies will once again display products and compete for “best of class” in multiple categories of the 2017 United Fresh Innovation Awards. Attendees will vote for their favorites, with winners being announced on the last day of the show.

Registration for the United FreshMKT Expo & Conference is now open. Attendees will have access to co-located shows including the United FreshTEC Expo, Global Cold Chain Expo and the International Floriculture Expo. In addition, FreshMKT attendees will be able to catch up with friends and peers during the official 2017 Opening Party kick-off event at the Shedd Aquarium, this year co-hosted with the Global Cold Chain Expo. Early bird rates are available through April 25.

For full details on the United FreshMKT Expo & Conference and to register, visit www.freshmkt.show.