Kansas City Hosts Inaugural Avocado Conference in 2026

Kansas City, MO., (January 28, 2026) – The Packer, a leading publication in the produce industry from Farm Journal, has announced the launch of The Avocado Conference. This groundbreaking event, the first of its kind, aims to bring together every segment of the U.S. avocado supply chain. Scheduled for November 18-20, 2026, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, the conference supports the Hass Avocado Board’s (HAB) mission to foster growth within the global avocado industry, with a vision to position Hass avocados as America’s preferred healthy food.

Transforming the Produce Industry

“The Avocado Conference represents a pivotal moment for the entire produce industry,” stated Jennifer Strailey, produce editorial director at Farm Journal. “By uniting every link of the supply chain in a collaborative setting, we aim to create a forum for sharing data, insights, and challenges. This event will enhance the avocado category during a time of heightened consumer demand and innovation.”

A Comprehensive Forum for the Industry

The conference is designed to serve as the premier platform for collaboration among producers, exporters, importers, packers, retail and foodservice buyers, and key supply-chain partners. The agenda is set to deliver forward-thinking discussions on the forces shaping the future of the U.S. avocado market.

Key Topics and Insights

Sessions will focus on several critical areas, including:

• Global avocado production and trade
• Retail and foodservice market insights
• Consumer and shopper trends
• Evolving avocado marketing programs
• Economic and investment dynamics impacting the industry

With the Hass Avocado Board’s involvement in content development, the conference promises to offer invaluable insights and year-round strategic value for attendees.

The Collaborative Vision

“There’s no other conference like this one for the avocado industry,” remarked Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board. “This unique platform fosters meaningful collaboration and strategic alignment that will strengthen the industry and drive sustainable growth in avocado consumption throughout the U.S. market.”

Who Will Attend?

Stakeholders expected at the event include growers, shippers, retail and foodservice buyers, logistics companies, financial and consulting services, and data providers such as CIRAD, Circana, and Dataessential.

More Information

For more details on sponsorship opportunities and to register for the event, visit www.theavocadoconference.com.

About Farm Journal

Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company dedicated to serving the agricultural market. It provides critical insights through websites, eNewsletters, and a variety of media while also organizing live events, including conferences and tradeshows. The organization is committed to enhancing connections between producers and consumers through initiatives like Trust In Food, which encourages the adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture.

About the Hass Avocado Board

The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) strives to position avocados as America’s go-to healthy food choice. It plays a pivotal role in supporting the global avocado industry by gathering and distributing investment data, conducting nutrition research, and working collaboratively across the avocado supply chain to promote sustainable growth and brand recognition.