74 • July | August 2026 • abasto.com Viva Fresh 2026 Activities The week’s activities included expanded networking opportunities such as the Viva Fresh Open across two golf courses at the TPC San Antonio, as well as the Second Annual Viva Fresh Pickleball Tournament and the first ever Viva Fresh Wine Tasting. These events offer attendees multiple ways to connect outside the exhibit hall. Signature programs such as the In Bloom Women’s Event, the EDGE student pro- gram, and the Y-TIPA Young Professionals mixer highlighted the association’s on- going commitment to leadership develop- ment and industry engagement across all career stages. The educational lineup featured a ran- ge of sessions addressing current topical industry issues reflecting on challenges and opportunities, including a session on Consumomics of Fresh Produce led by fu- turist economist Richard Kottmeyer of Fu- tureBridge, along with Sabrina DeLay. At- tendees also heard from keynote speaker Hunter Pinke, whose message of “no more bad days” and mindset shift resonated strongly with participants and set the tone for the weekend. Exhibition Floor The Saturday expo brought together 199 exhibiting companies showcasing fresh produce, innovations, and services to a highly engaged audience of buyers and industry professionals and offered unique engagement opportunities in the booths and on the show floor. With its strongest attendance to date, Viva Fresh 2026 reinforces its role as a must-attend event for the produce indus- try and underscores the continued grow- th and vitality of the Texas and Southwest produce sectors. Save the date The Viva Fresh Expo 2027 will be on April 8-10, at the JW Marriott Internatio- nal San Antonio Hill Country. AT THE HALLWAYS 7.Cabe Fruit. 8. Little Bear Produce. 9. SL Produce. 10. Sweet Seasons. 11. National Mango Board. 12.Bebo Produce. 7 9 11 12 10 8 • Continuation of page 72 • TRADE SHOWS