BURLINGTON, MA - With the 20th annual NEPC Floral & Food Service Expo fast approaching (it’s September already, people!), the entire industry is wondering, what produce pro is the event tapping to be its featured speaker? The wait is over, as the New England Produce Council has announced that Steve Lutz, Senior Vice President of Insights and Innovation for Category Partners, is set to share his knowledge and experience at the Council’s education session on Wednesday, September 18.

"Steve is a veteran in the produce industry, and we are very excited and honored to have him present at our 20th expo," said NEPC Executive Director Laura Sullivan. "Lutz's entire career has been built on providing ideas and solutions for organizations in the fresh foods industries to grow their businesses. Over his career, he has had the opportunity to work across the entire supply chain, from the producer level to wholesalers, retailers, and ultimately with consumers. His professional experience includes product and brand development, consumer and trade research, strategic communications, retail category management and analysis, packaging development, and promotional analysis.”

The expo will be held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 18 and 19, and attendees can look forward to enriching educational sessions. “How New Products Are Permanently Changing Consumer: What Retailers and Producers Need to Know,” is the topic of Lutz’s presentation. In his talk, Lutz will examine the expansion of competitive products now entering the produce aisle and other store departments. He will also comment on how new items will shape category performance and consumer purchases for years to come.

Prior to joining Category Partners, Lutz served as Vice President of Member Engagement for the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), and Chief Strategist and Vice President of Marketing for CMI Orchards. He was also one of the three founding partners and Executive Vice President of Perishables Group, a Chicago-based consumer research and data analytics research firm. Before that, Lutz served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Apple Commission, which at the time was the largest fresh fruit promotional association in the U.S., according to a press release. He also served on the board of directors for PMA and United Fresh Produce Association.

What other surprises and opportunities lie in wait for the attendees of the NEPC Floral & Food Service Expo? AndNowUKnow will keep you posted.

NEPC Floral & Food Service Expo