United Fresh Seeking Applications for Innovation Awards, Produce Leadership

United Fresh Produce Association is seeking applications for its award and leadership programs, with respective chosen applicants to be announced during the United Fresh 2020 Convention & Expo, to be held June 16-19 in San Diego.

The 2020 United Fresh Innovation Awards is seeking companies to nominate their products and solutions in seven categories: Best New Field Technology, Best New Food Safety Solution, Best New Fruit Product, Best New Indoor Growing Technology, Best New Packaging, Best New Packing/Processing Equipment and Best New Vegetable Product 

“The pace of innovation in the fresh produce industry continues to excel at an unprecedented rate, and nowhere is that more evident than in the United Fresh Innovation Awards,” said Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of United Fresh. “Each year, we’re honored to recognize new and improved products and technologies that stimulate the growth and profitability of our industry.”

A product or service for consideration in the 2020 United Fresh Innovation Awards competition can be nominated online. The deadline to submit is April 15.

Produce Leadership Program

United Fresh also has opened the application process for its 26th class of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program. More than 250 produce industry professionals have graduated from this exclusive program since 1995, due to the support of founding sponsor Corteva Agriscience.

“This year, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this one-of-a-kind program, I invite our alumni and all those who have supported their journey to pay it forward,” said Stenzel. “Encourage the next generation of industry leaders to apply to take part in Class 26 and become the first fellows of the next quarter-century.”

The United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program is the only ongoing, fully paid leadership program for the produce industry. Each year, fellows are selected to participate in the program, which is developed around four fundamental goals: leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs, and media and public communications.

During the year-long program, fellows will participate in a series of four curated trips, focusing on face-to-face meetings, hands-on training with top industry experts and educators, interactive experiences with influential leaders in Washington and more. 

“In its first 25 years, our leadership program has groomed hundreds of graduates to succeed with long, fulfilling careers in the fresh produce industry,” said Amanda Griffin, VP of education and program management for United Fresh. “We are excited to elevate the next generation of fellows and look forward to witnessing the impact they will make throughout our industry.”

Participation in the program is limited to 12-15 fellows who are selected by an advisory committee. Candidates must apply by March 31.