How growers can make the most of the locally grown discussion, fresh-cut market trends, generational leadership development and consumer trends are just a few of the many education topics available to attendees this spring at United Fresh 2011.

The annual convention and expo of the United Fresh Produce Association, May 2-5 in New Orleans, features education for each segment of the fresh produce industry, based on the association’s four Market Segment Boards: Grower-Shipper, Wholesaler-Distributor, Fresh-Cut Processor and Retail-Foodservice. Through breakout Super Sessions and Learning Centers on the tradeshow floor, United Fresh 2011 will deliver customized educational programming for each sector of the produce business.

          "One of the most important aspects of our annual show is to deliver big value that meets each attendee’s unique needs," said United Fresh Senior Vice President of Member Services Victoria Backer. "We understand that at different points in the supply chain, those needs differ, and our tailored approach to convention education allows us to focus on the critical priorities and opportunities within each segment. The Learning Centers and Super Sessions are two great ways for attendees to experience a show that has truly been customized for their business."

            For the grower-shipper, United Fresh 2011 tackles the hot-button issue of locally grown in the "Putting a Face on Your Product to Meet the Local Challenge" Super Session. The session helps attendees tell their story to consumers and retail customers alike, building personal connections with customers and a strong marketing platform for their products. In addition to the Super Session, the Grower-Shipper Learning Center on the United Fresh 2011 expo floor includes programming on:

• Social Media for Marketing and Reputation Management
• Empowering Retail Staff as Ambassadors for the Grower-Shipper Story
• What Do Customers Want from Suppliers in Social Responsibility?
• Using Packaging Design to Create Excitement and Sales.

Generational leadership development is the focus of the Super Session for the wholesalers and distributors. In "Preparing the Next Generation of Wholesale & Distributor Leaders," attendees learn to identify potential leaders, facilitate internal staff development and blend family and non-family talent to create powerful leadership teams. The Wholesaler-Distributor Learning Center explores:

• Managing Transportation Costs and Quality Control
• Assessing the School Market for Increased Growth
• Managing Warehouse Energy Costs and Quality Control
• What Does Traceability Really Mean to Wholesalers-Distributors?

Fresh-cut processors explore the growing demand for value-added products in the "Market Trends and Opportunities to Drive Fresh-Cut Sales" Super Session, which focuses on how processors can stimulate growth through innovation in product development, merchandising and packaging, quality and taste. Topics at the Fresh-Cut Processor Learning Center programming include:

• Unveiling a New Toolkit to Enhance the ‘Image of Fresh-Cut’
• Understanding New Sanitation Solutions for Fresh-Cut
• ‘Real Life’ Sustainability in Fresh-Cut Produce
• The New Food Safety Law and Impact on Fresh-Cut Processors.

Finally, the Super Session for the retail and foodservice segment looks at consumer behavior in "Understanding the 2011 Consumer as the Key to Growth." The session points to a better understanding of today’s consumer and what short-term trends are likely to change, and what may become permanent lifestyle changes. The Learning Center for the retailers and foodservice operators looks at:

• What Loyalty Card Data Tells Us about Consumer Habits
• Lessons from the Front Line – Retail Produce Manager Award Winners
• Menu Labeling and the Impact on Foodservice Operations
• Lessons from the Front Line – Excellence in Foodservice Award Winners.

"This variety of powerful, targeted educational offerings all combines to provide big solutions for each attendee at United Fresh 2011," said Backer. "It is right in keeping with ‘BIG Easy,’ the theme for United Fresh 2011, which reflects our continued dedication to all the elements that make the United Fresh show such a unique and effective business opportunity."

In addition to the Super Sessions and Learning Centers, United Fresh 2011 will feature keynote addresses from NFL Hall of Famer Archie Manning and CNN political analyst James Carville, both Louisiana natives. The show also brings back the most popular features of past United shows, including the highly-attended Demo Centers focused on traceability and logistics as well as food safety.

"And as is the case with every United Fresh show," adds Backer, "… the experience isn’t complete without big networking opportunities, building new business connections with friends, colleagues and industry leaders, all while celebrating the revival of this great city."