By Clint Thompson
Florida strawberry farmers may be planting this year’s crop, but multiple farms were in Atlanta last week during the Global Produce and Floral Show.
The annual event attracted more than 3,000 buyers and attendees from more than 70 countries. A large contingent of Florida’s strawberry producers were in attendance, including Wish Farms and Director of Marketing Amber Maloney.
“We have customers across the country and into Canada. We’re meeting with retailers, so that’s a big part of the show for us. It’s also an opportunity to meet with our import partners and exporters that we work with,” Maloney said. “So much of our business is done over the phone and even more so through email, so a show like this is a chance for our team to get that face time that we don’t get very often.
“Meeting in person, talking about the upcoming season and making plans in getting people excited about the Florida season, because it being at the end of October every year, it’s the perfect time to start talking about Florida strawberries and our program in the Southeast.”
Astin Farms is a 1,700-acre farm located in Plant City and Wimauma, Florida. Payton Astin, marketing coordinator, attended the show and emphasized the importance of the farm’s presence following Hurricane Milton.
“We typically do come to the IFPA. I think it’s really important to have your company here and be able to see your past buyers, future buyers and everyone in the industry,” Astin said. “We are doing a lot at home to repair the damages that the hurricane left us with. We have pretty much already recovered from it. I think it’s important for everyone to know there will be a season.”
Sue Harrell, director of marketing for Florida Strawberry Growers Association, shares that same mindset. This year’s three-day show provided an opportunity to provide a sense of calmness after the storm.
“This is a huge show. We need to have our presence here and make sure they know that Florida’s in business after that hurricane we just had,” Harrell said.