2 • March | April 2026 • abasto.com Viva Fresh 2026: Driving Purposeful Connection Across the Tex-Mex Corridor Championing the Future through the International Year of the Woman Farmer BY VIOLETA MONTES DE OCA A s the fresh produce indus- try converges for Viva Fresh 2026, the atmosphere is de- fined by more than just trade—it is defined by a “North Star” of connec- tion with purpose . According to Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO of the Texas International Produce As- sociation (TIPA), this year’s expo acts as a vital catalyst for smarter collabo- ration during an era of unpreceden- ted complexity. Viva Fresh 2026 will be at JW Ma- rriott San Antonio Hill Country Re- sort & Spa, on April 16-18. “As our industry navigates more complexity than ever—from trade and labor to technology and con- sumer expectations—the need for intentional, high-value connections has never been greater,” says Ga- leazzi. By focusing on the Tex-Mex corridor, Viva Fresh 2026 aims to strengthen supply chains and drive economic growth that resonates na- tionwide. Navigating the Cross-Border Evolution Central to this year’s mission is the evolution of the Texas-Mexico trade relationship. Recognizing that the- se two regions are “inseparable,” the expo has doubled down on educa- tion regarding cross-border logistics and regulatory shifts. By bringing customs brokers, logistics providers, and importers into direct dialogue with growers and buyers, Viva Fresh creates a trusted space to align expec- tations and adapt to the rapid pace of change. Advocacy and the Road Ahead Looking toward the next 24 months, Galeazzi identifies the “pace of chan- ge” as the industry’s greatest disrup- tor. Whether facing shifts in trade policy or labor dynamics, TIPA’s goal remains focused on modernizing ad- vocacy. When it comes to federal policy, Galeazzi’s message for independent grocers and wholesalers is clear: the industry needs clarity, consistency, and collaboration . By urging poli- cymakers to recognize the unique realities of perishable products, Viva Fresh 2026 stands as a unified front, ensuring that the backbone of the food supply chain remains stable, efficient, and inclusive for years to come. Empowering Leadership: The Year of the Woman Farmer A cornerstone of the 2026 program is the celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer. For Ga- leazzi, the message to the industry is urgent: women are not merely parti- cipants; they are the innovators and decision-makers essential to agricul- ture’s survival. However, TIPA is moving beyond symbolic recognition toward concre- te action. Through In Bloom , TIPA’s dedicated initiative, the association is fostering mentorship, sponsorship, and intentional pathways into exe- cutive roles and board service. “Real progress happens when companies intentionally invest in women’s grow- th and ensure they have a seat—and a voice—at the tables where decisions are made,” Galeazzi notes. Special Insert Agriculture industry