Farm Journal and The Packer Launch East Coast Produce Expo in 2026

March 25, 2025

Farm Journal and The Packer Launch East Coast Produce Expo in 2026

ECPE will serve as the first major fresh produce event of the year, offering a premier venue for industry leaders to establish strategies, form partnerships and engage with innovations shaping the fresh produce market. While maintaining the intimate environment valued by past GOPEX attendees, ECPE is designed to foster meaningful connections and provide actionable solutions backed by industry-leading data and insights.

Sponsorships available to reach professionals in the fresh produce market.

Lenexa, Kan., (March 25, 2025) – Farm Journal and The Packer have announced plans for an all-new East Coast Produce Expo (ECPE), which was formerly known as GOPEX, set for Jan. 12-13, 2026, at the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort in Aventura, Fla.

“In the heart of every fresh produce professional lies the power to transform our world — one harvest, one connection, one innovative idea at a time,” said Lance Burditt, senior vice president, Food & Agricultural Sustainability at Farm Journal. “The East Coast Produce Expo will serve as a launching point for produce professionals at the onset of each new year. The vision is to create a strategic platform where industry decision-makers don’t just exchange data, but cultivate valuable partnerships and leverage the latest consumer and industry data to drive business success.”

ECPE will offer attendees:

Real Connections — ECPE’s BizMatch program, trade show and networking events are designed to inspire collaboration, ensuring buyers and suppliers leave with tangible business opportunities.

Set the Strategy — Attendees will gain exclusive insights from The Packer and Farm Journal’s most comprehensive Fresh Trends Consumer Report to date, featuring in-depth analysis on how the data can be leveraged to drive growth in the coming year.

Regional Focus, National Relevance — ECPE brings together decision-makers from across the East Coast’s sourcing, distribution, retail and foodservice sectors, while also attracting national buyers to expand market reach.

Solutions-Driven Agenda — Every aspect of ECPE is designed to deliver actionable insights, essential tools and key relationships that drive success in the fresh produce industry.

Exhibitors and sponsors will have the opportunity to gain premier exposure to top-tier buyers and decision-makers, securing prime positioning in the competitive fresh produce market.

Sponsorships and booths are now available, though space is limited. To secure participation, maximize brand visibility and establish industry partnerships, go to eastcoastproduceexpo.com.

About Farm Journal

Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. The company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences and tradeshows; nationally broadcast television and radio programs; and an array of data-driven, paid information products. Farm Journal owns the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. Trust In Food is a Farm Journal initiative dedicated to accelerating the adoption of conservation practices and regenerative agriculture in ways that work for producers and enhance connection to consumers. In 2010, the company established the non-profit, public charity, Farm Journal Foundation, dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.

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The East Coast Produce Expo will serve as a launching point for produce professionals at the onset of each new year.

— Lance Burditt, senior vice president, Food & Agricultural Sustainability at Farm Journal

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