The ability to anticipate the needs of today’s produce companies and execute formidable solutions is, for some, an aspiration. And for others, it is a reality. As traceability, data systems and collection, AI, and customer requirements ask more from fresh produce companies, RSM is delivering solutions and actionable insights to not just improve operations, but to equip their owners and workforce with the tools to sharpen the edge of the proverbial knife.
As we look to the IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show, I spoke with Kevin Head, Director of Food and Beverage at RSM, about what attendees can look forward to in Orlando, and how the right technology partner meets you where you are…
Imagine walking the IFPA show floor five years ago. Many technology conversations focused on maintaining existing systems, replacing aging software, or solving individual operational challenges.
Today, the conversation has shifted.
As the produce industry continues to evolve, technology is playing a larger role in how organizations manage growth, improve visibility, and navigate operational complexity. From traceability requirements and supply chain disruptions to labor shortages and changing customer expectations, produce companies are being challenged to operate with greater speed and accuracy.
While every organization faces different circumstances, many are asking similar questions about how technology can support their long-term goals. As we prepare for IFPA 2026, these are some of the technology conversations we believe will have the greatest impact on the industry.
Many produce organizations have built their technology environments over time. New systems were added as business needs evolved, departments adopted tools to solve immediate challenges, and manual processes were created to fill operational gaps.
While these solutions often addressed short-term needs, they can make it difficult to connect information across the organization. As businesses grow, leaders are looking for ways to create greater visibility across finance, supply chain, operations, inventory, and customer data.
The goal is no longer simply to collect information. Organizations need the right information to be accessible when important decisions must be made.
Most produce companies already have access to significant amounts of data. The challenge is making sense of that information and transforming it into actionable insights.
Technology solutions that provide real-time reporting, analytics, and business intelligence are helping organizations move beyond reactive decision-making. Instead of spending hours gathering information from multiple sources, leaders can access the insights they need to identify trends, address risks, and uncover opportunities.
As the volume of available data continues to grow, turning that data into clear insights can become a meaningful business advantage.
Artificial intelligence is generating significant discussion.
Produce organizations are exploring practical ways to use AI today, including automating repetitive tasks, improving reporting, supporting decisions, and increasing productivity. The most effective AI initiatives often address a specific business challenge and deliver measurable results.
Supply chain visibility remains a priority throughout the produce industry.
Organizations are seeking better ways to monitor inventory, track product movement, respond to customer inquiries, and improve operational planning. Technology can help businesses gain a clearer view of their supply chains while strengthening collaboration across internal teams and external partners.
As supply chains become more complex, having timely, connected information becomes increasingly valuable.
Traceability continues to be an important topic for produce organizations, but the conversation has expanded beyond compliance. Businesses now use traceability to strengthen resilience, build customer confidence, and respond faster to recalls, audits, requests, and disruptions.
Technology continues to shape the future of the produce industry, but successful transformation requires more than adopting new tools. Organizations can create greater value by focusing on solutions that improve visibility, connect information, streamline processes, and support better decision-making.
At IFPA 2026, RSM will demonstrate how connected Microsoft technologies and industry-focused solutions can help organizations address these priorities. Our team will be discussing enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, grower accounting, planting and harvest management, trade promotions, food safety traceability, analytics, and practical AI.
Whether you're evaluating your current technology environment, planning a modernization initiative, or exploring new ways to leverage AI and data, we'd welcome the opportunity to learn about your priorities and discuss how RSM's industry-focused solutions can support your goals. Based on the conversations taking place across the produce industry, we expect these topics to remain a key focus at IFPA and beyond. 
