(TUCSON, AZ) — The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) BB #:144354 is proud to announce the success of its second Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE), held at the beautiful JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa from November 7-9.
Celebrating 55 years of industry excellence, this year’s event welcomed over 800 attendees a growth of 50% compared to 2023, setting a new benchmark for participation with a diverse group of buyers, exhibitors, and industry leaders from across North America.
SWIPE 2024 delivered a high-energy mix of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and outdoor activities, all designed to highlight the vital produce industry of the Southwest. From powerful discussions on the expo floor to the co-hosted FPAA & FPFC Desert Classic Golf Tournament, attendees enjoyed a packed agenda that provided exceptional opportunities for growth and connection.
Raquel Espinoza, the newly appointed Chairwoman of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) and Director of Sales & Marketing at Produce House, praised SWIPE 2024, “For demonstrating the incredible power of collaboration within the produce industry. The event brought together buyers, sellers, and growers, showcasing the Southwest’s unique strengths and providing a meaningful space for connection. We are excited to carry this momentum forward as we prepare for SWIPE’S January debut in 2026.”
Thursday kicked off with the highly anticipated Desert Classic Golf Tournament cohosted with the FPFC. It was a fun day of networking on the course. The event concluded with the announcement of the Desert Classic Golf Tournament results, followed by a VIP Reception and the vibrant Opening Reception.
On Friday, the event offered a rich agenda, including the Women’s Leadership Breakfast and Panel and the annual FPAA Member Meeting. Attendees explored topics like changing consumer demands, regional challenges, and sustainability during in-depth sessions and Speaker’s Corner Panels on the expo floor.
FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer reflected on the event’s success:
“SWIPE 2024 was a game-changer. The event’s growth and energy affirm its position as a must-attend gathering for our industry. We’re thrilled to provide a premier platform for innovation and collaboration, and we look forward to even greater success as we shift to January in 2026.”
Exhibitors said they appreciated the fact that SWIPE 2024, like the previous show, featured an almost one-to-one ratio of buyers to exhibitors. “This is one of the richest networking environments in the produce industry,” Jungmeyer said. The expo had 65 booths this year compared to 45 booths the year prior.
Saturday’s new activities were met with great reviews. Attendees participated in the Border Dash Tour, visiting select warehouses in Nogales, AZ, for an in-depth look at their operations, and explored the Pima Air and Space Museum, one of the country’s largest aviation museums. Others opted for an exciting day at the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club, enjoying a unique and engaging experience.
With the incredible success of a sold-out SWIPE 2024, FPAA is already looking ahead to its next iteration. Mark your calendars for January 22-24, 2026, when SWIPE will return with even more exciting opportunities to connect, innovate, and celebrate the vibrant produce industry in the Southwest.
Congratulations to the 2024 Desert Classic Golf Tournament Winners
1st Place Team: Richard Calixtro, Calixtro Distrubuting Co Inc.; Ricardo Calixtro, Calixtro Distrubuting Co Inc.; Corey Calixtro, Calixtro Distributing Co Inc.; and Kip Martin, Raley’s
2nd Place Team: Matt Hubbard, Local Bounti; Jonathan Garcia, JBN Associates; Jhair Gutierrez, RCF Distributors; and Sal Alejandre, Quebec Distributing Co.
3rd Place Team: John Caldwell, Tatum Insurance; Alejandro Leon, Bernardi & Associates; Jesus Saucedo, Sobey’s; and Pat Young, IFCO.
For more information about the FPAA and its initiatives, please visit www.freshfrommexico.com
About the Fresh Produce Association of Americas:
Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States. Today, the FPAA provides a powerful voice for improvement and sustainability by serving the needs of more than 100 North American companies involved in marketing, importing, and distributing fresh produce.
For additional information and updates, follow us on social media:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FreshProduceAA/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/freshproduce.aa/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/FreshProduceAA
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/freshproduce-aa/
Contact: Lance Jungmeyer (lance@freshfrommexico.com) or Allison Moore (amoore@freshfrommexico.com)
