Southwest International Produce Expo
tackles high-impact topics with industry leaders.
TUCSON, AZ – Attendees at the Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) will learn from the industry’s best and brightest at its educational session programming.
SWIPE educational sessions tackle some of the most important topics affecting the global produce supply chain today, including preparation for black-swan events, harnessing new technologies, and navigating trade disruptions. Held on Friday, January 23, participants will hear from leaders with hands-on experience addressing the future of fresh produce.
The FPAA SWIPE Committee worked to create panels that bring together perspectives representing many aspects of the buyer experience in the supply chain. Panelists include major retailers, wholesale legends, and well-known strategic minds from Wakefern Food Corp, Markon, Charlie’s Produce, H-E-B, Associated Wholesale Grocers, and more. These panels are designed to give real, actionable information to suppliers and others in the industry.
Panels will be led by skilled moderators, including Matt Mandel from SunFed Produce, Ron Lemaire of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, and Tony Mitchell of Indianapolis Fruit.
Panels include:
10:00—10:45 am
Black Swan Event: Preparing for the Unpredictable
The day’s first panel is prepared for a thought-provoking discussion on crisis management, planning and recovery on Friday morning. Moderator Matt Mandel of SunFed and panelists will share strategies for insulating businesses from the effects of a “black swan” scenario, such as another global pandemic.
10:45—11:30 am
AI in Grocery: Easing Shrink and Other Common Challenges
Tony Mitchell, President of Indianapolis Fruit, is moderating a panel of AI experts and retailers who will speak about the ways that AI is changing grocery operations and inventory management. They’ll also discuss AI’s applications for common challenges such as food waste, shrink and rising operational costs.
12:45—1:30 pm
Duties & Tariffs: How Retail is Navigating the Impact of an Unstable Supply Chain
Ron Lemaire, President of Canadian Produce Marketing Association, will moderate a discussion on trade disruption and cross-border complexity while exploring how to weather supply chain turbulence and keep loyal shoppers.
“SWIPE education sessions are designed to get beyond surface-level chatter,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas. “Our panelists have faced the challenges, solved real-world problems in our sector and done the work. It’s a fun and enlightening day for anyone connected to the fresh produce industry.”
SWIPE 2026 takes place January 22–24, at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa. Education sessions are held on Friday, January 23, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. Register and see the full agenda at www.swipeexpo.com.
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About SWIPE
SWIPE (Southwest International Produce Expo) is the fresh produce industry’s can’t-miss event, designed to inspire innovation, build relationships, and elevate the entire supply chain. Hosted annually by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, SWIPE brings together buyers, retailers, and suppliers of fresh produce for an experience that combines fresh thinking with signature Southwest hospitality like no other. Learn more at www.swipeexpo.com.
About the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States. Today, the FPAA provides a powerful voice for improvement and sustainability by serving the needs of more than 100 North American companies involved in marketing, importing, and distributing fresh produce. Learn more at www.thefpaa.com.
