Viva Fresh Expo 2026 sets attendance record in San Antonio with nearly 2,900 attendees

The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) announced record-breaking attendance for the 2026 Viva Fresh Expo. Now in its 11th year, the event welcomed a total of 2,872 attendees, including 380 retail and foodservice buyers, and featured 199 exhibitors, marking the largest turnout in the show’s history.

Since its inaugural event in Austin in 2015, the event has grown into a premier regional trade show connecting the produce industry across North America. The 2026 edition continued that trajectory, delivering a dynamic mix of networking, education, and business development opportunities.

“This year’s record attendance reflects the continued momentum and importance of this event as a key platform for the fresh produce supply chain,” said Bret Erickson, executive vice president at Little Bear Produce and current chairman. “From meaningful buyer-supplier connections to high-quality educational programming, the event continues to evolve to meet the needs of the industry.”

Multiple networking opportunities at Viva Fresh

The week’s activities included expanded networking opportunities such as the Viva Fresh Open across two golf courses at the TPC San Antonio, as well as the Second Annual Viva Fresh Pickleball Tournament and the first-ever Viva Fresh Wine Tasting.

These events offer attendees multiple ways to connect outside the exhibit hall. Signature programs such as the In Bloom Women’s Event, the EDGE student program, and the Y-TIPA Young Professionals mixer highlighted the association’s ongoing commitment to leadership development and industry engagement across all career stages. 

Inspiration and education for the industry

The educational lineup featured a range of sessions addressing current topical industry issues, challenges, and opportunities, including a session on the Consumomics of Fresh Produce led by futurist economist Richard Kottmeyer of FutureBridge, along with Sabrina DeLay.

Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Hunter Pinke, whose message of  “no more bad days” and mindset shift resonated strongly with participants and set the tone for the weekend.

The Saturday expo brought together 199 exhibiting companies showcasing fresh produce, innovations, and services to a highly engaged audience of buyers and industry professionals and offered unique engagement opportunities in the booths and on the show floor.

With its strongest attendance to date, Viva Fresh 2026 reinforces its role as a must-attend event for the produce industry and underscores the continued growth and vitality of the Texas and Southwest produce sectors.

*All images courtesy of Viva Fresh. 

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