International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) CEO Cathy Burns will open the 2026 Global Produce & Floral Show with the association’s annual State of the Industry address, offering a timely look at the forces reshaping the global fresh produce and floral community—and the opportunities emerging for businesses ready to act.

The address will take place Wednesday, October 14, from 8:45–10:00 a.m. at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, Florida. Burns will examine how today’s defining issues—including food safety and rebuilding consumer trust following foodborne illness outbreaks, trade and supply chain volatility, sustainability and climate, artificial intelligence and the imperative to grow consumption—are connected across one global system.

“The challenges confronting our industry do not exist in isolation, and neither do the solutions,” said Burns. “This year’s State of the Industry will connect the dots across the issues shaping every business in fresh produce and floral—and show how our collective influence, innovation and impact can move the entire system forward.”

© IFPA (International Fresh Produce Association)IFPA’s Cathy Burns.

Without revealing the address’s full slate of insights, Burns will challenge attendees to consider what it takes to protect consumer confidence and trust, strengthen year-round supply, increase resilience and make fresh products easier for people everywhere to choose and enjoy. She will also spotlight how IFPA is putting advocacy, intelligence and practical innovation to work for members in a period of accelerated change.

“Fresh products move at the speed of trust,” Burns said. “When confidence is strong, markets function, buyers buy and consumers choose fresh. This keynote will explore what our industry must do together to build that confidence, anticipate what is coming next and turn disruption into durable opportunity.”

The State of the Industry is a signature moment of the Global Produce & Floral Show, which brings together more than 20,000 global decision-makers and more than 1,000 exhibitors for three days of insight, innovation, connection and commerce. The 2026 event runs October 14–16 and returns to Orlando with a new Wednesday-through-Friday schedule.

“Finally off the weekend, this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show is where our worldwide community brings its toughest questions—and finds the people, ideas and momentum to answer them,” Burns said. “The future of fresh will not be shaped by one company, one country or one idea. It will be shaped by all of us, and this is where that work comes to life.”

Prospective attendees are encouraged to secure an All Access Pass for guaranteed seating at the State of the Industry and the full program experience. Registration and event information are available through IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show website.

For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/