In addition to the 1-day Trade Show are three co-located conferences for those wishing to expand and enhance their visit to our one-of-a-kind produce industry experience.
Tuesday, the Foundational Excellence program – with Cornell professors offering one day of industry trends and take-aways for executives with less than 5 years in produce
Also Tuesday, the Global Trade Symposium offers attendees the latest insights on produce importing and exporting to and from the Northeast Region.
Wednesday, our 1-day Trade Show and Exposition, featuring our Opening Keynote Breakfast, show floor educational Micro-Sessions, Chef’s Demonstrations, and the Connect with Fresh Media Immersion.
Thursday, the “Ideation Fresh” Foodservice Forum covers the role of produce in culinary innovation and foodservice profitability.
More than two dozen prominent leaders in fresh produce discussed the state of imports, exports, logistics and seed development – as well as politics and tariffs – during Global Trade Symposium at the New York Produce Show and Conference.
The annual gathering, took place on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Sheraton New York Times Square hotel, and feature six sessions devoted to the trade of fresh fruits and vegetables coming into and out of the United States and Canada.
The first three, including “Politics and Produce, A Global Discussion,” covered the roller-coaster economic environment impacting the supply chain, as well as innovative ideas to ensure future growth for businesses.
“The procurement, movement and promotion of fresh produce by nature can be volatile, even in the best of economic climates,” says Ken Whitacre, CEO and President of the New York Produce Show and Produce Business magazine. “We are grateful to have such an astute group of speakers tackling critical issues head on and presenting strategic ways of solving them.”
The Symposium is the first of five major educational components of the 2025 show, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
Cornell University Professor Miguel Gomez kicked off the day with an overview of the global market before the panel moderated by Tom Stenzel digs into the impact of politics and policy on produce.
Key leaders whose interests span North, Central and South America – Jessie Capote (J&C Tropicals), Ron Lemaire (CPMA), John Pandol (Pandol Bros.), Chuck Zeutenhorst (FirstFruits Farms) and Fernando Cruz Morales (GCMA) – discussed the ever-shifting landscape and provide a look at the future for fresh produce.
Continuing the theme, four panelists in the “Navigating Turbulence in Transportation and Logistics” session led by moderator Anthony Serafino (EXP Group), discussed how to preserve and improve cold chain movement of produce amid the tough economic climate.
Mike Laws (Laws Logistics), Jai Thakrar (Jalaram Fruit), Florent Philippot (Z Group USA) and Tony Martinez (Primo Trading Services/Pharr International Bridge) discussed how companies can remain resilient amid labor shortages, tariffs and weather events by leaning into automation, AI and smart business strategies.
The father-and-son team of David and Jonah Stillman, who have gained acclaim addressing the behaviors and habits of Generation Z, were the keynote speakers at the 2025 New York Produce Show and Conference in Manhattan.
2025 Consumer Media Lunch program: By invitation only and specifically for consumer media, this workshop and lunch brings together influential business journalists, writers, bloggers, registered dietitians and food and culinary experts to help them learn more about the produce world and efforts to increase produce consumption.
This year’s luncheon focused on the Next Gen (Z and Alpha), their eating habits and how the produce industry and consumer media can cover health, nutrition and fresh consumption.
Wildly successful last year, the program also will feature demos and products that appeal to younger generations.
They had an insightful program along with a fantastic line-up of sponsors whose products were showcased in the Guided Tasting: Dole Fresh Fruit, Fresh Gourmet Company, Crunch Time Apple Growers, California Walnuts and Katzman Produce.
Close to 300 Vendors were exhibiting and showcasing there produce on the exhibit floor, vendors in attendance from all over the world, which included, Sunkist, Green Giant, Hunt’s Point Produce Market, Avocados from Mexico, Dole food Company, Wonderful Sales and so much more. See more in our World Liberty TV, Food Channels and blogs by clicking here.
BY: Adal Hussain , Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, 71st & Columbus Ave NYC 11/26/25
Two things that made massive cultural splashes this year — Labubu and “KPop Demon Hunters” — filled the sky and streets of New York when the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off this year.
The Nov. 27 parade begins rain or shine on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, which serves as a stage and backdrop for performances.
It featured 34 balloons, four mini-balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown groups and 11 marching bands — all leading the way for Santa Claus.
“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo will kicked off a starry show. Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of the Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” featured alongside Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton and Teyana. An eclectic group of stars — from ballet dancer Tiler Peck to YouTube’s “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans — will join the annual holiday kick-off.
Broadway was represented by cast members from “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime,” while the Radio City Rockettes were there and some serious athletes — three-time U.S. national champion figure skater Ilia Malinin and U.S Paralympian Jack Wallace.
Alumni and students at LaGuardia High School in New York City — the school featured in the movie and TV series “Fame” — help celebrate the 50th anniversary of “A Chorus Line.”
Others on hand were Jewel, Debbie Gibson, Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Christopher Jackson, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith and Luísa Sonza.
This year, four new featured character balloons debuted, including Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario from Super Mario Brothers and a 32-foot-tall (9.8-meter) balloon onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of “Shrek.” “KPop Demon Hunters” were also represented in the sky with the characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie.
Several new floats debuted this year, including the first Labubu float, with Skullpanda, Peach Riot, Dimoo, Molly, Duckoo and Mokoko.
There were also be floats from Holland America Line, Lego, Lindt chocolates, “Stranger Things” featuring members of Foreigner, and a bunch of whimsical sheep trying to get to sleep courtesy of Serta. The fish-shaped snack Goldfish is returning to the parade with a tiny float that measures just 14 Goldfish crackers long.
The marching bands hailed from South Carolina, California, Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania and Santiago, Panama. The New York Police Department’s marching band also join. There are no marching bands from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut set to appear.
There were also be dancers and cheerleaders from Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer.
During the Press Conference, Mayor Eric Adams, spoke about the parade and said this will be his last press conference, and enjoyed being part of the festivities that the security was at its highest peak, keeping parade goers and marchers fully safe.
New York City Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch spoke next, she went on to say how she and her family attended the Thanksgiving Day Parade, annually, she went on to say that there were no credible threats during the parade, additional security was added as well as more drones watching every move.
New York City Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch will stay on as New York City Police Commissioner for the new Mayor Elect Zohran Mamdani’s administration. As see is doing a great job, as NYPD Commissioner.
See this and more in our World Liberty TV, Political Channels, Blogs and who is who? Of the Political World Photo-gallery’s by clicking here.
New York BagelFest Returned with First-ever Growth Lab, a Lineup of Emerging Bagel Makers, an Industry Mixer, and Expanded Family Programming
Uniting bakers, brands, food media, and fans for a weekend celebrating the iconic carb.
New York BagelFest, presented by King Arthur Baking Company, returned on Sunday, November 16th, 2025, at Citi Field, marking its largest and most expansive edition to date. Since its debut in 2019, the festival has evolved from a grassroots gathering of bagel lovers into the premier event for the bagel industry, drawing national media, culinary talent, suppliers, and thousands of attendees each year.
This year introduces two new companion events designed to support the business and cultural future of the bagel world: the BagelFest Growth Lab and the BagelFest Inner Circle Industry Mixer, both taking place on Saturday, November 15th, in New York City.
The BagelFest Growth Lab took place on Saturday, November 15, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at 120 Walker Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY, 10013. Designed as both an incubator and tasting experience, the Growth Lab highlights early-stage bagel makers traveling from across the United States and Canada to present their work to the public, media, and fellow industry pros.
Attendees sampled small-batch bagels from the next generation of bakers and take part in a live Q&A hosted by the Bread Bakers Guild of America, focused on the realities of starting and scaling a modern bagel business.
Ellie Gulick and Gray Cowan, co-owners of Van Buren Bagel, say “We are so excited to be part of the Growth Lab! For us, this is an incredible opportunity to connect with others in the bagel community, exchange ideas, and learn from those who have been in our shoes.”
Jake Rubin, Owner of Holey Dough & Co. echoes the sentiment: “I’m excited to connect with fellow bakers and industry veterans to learn from their experiences and apply that insight as I grow Holey Dough & Co. The Growth Lab is an incredible opportunity to learn, share, and push our craft forward.”
Immediately following the Growth Lab, the weekend continued with the BagelFest Inner Circle Industry Mixer from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the 6th Floor at the same location, 120 Walker Street.
The mixer is an evening of relaxed networking for bakery owners, food founders, culinary creatives, media, and industry professionals who are shaping the future of the bagel landscape. Guests had the opportunity to connect with peers, share insights, form collaborations, and meet fellow makers ahead of the main festival at Citi Field the following day.
The mixer was created as a space for conversation, community, and exchange among those who work behind the scenes of the world’s most beloved carb.
Together, the Growth Lab and Industry Mixer form a new professional pillar for BagelFest weekend, designed to support the next generation of bagel entrepreneurs, while strengthening networks across the existing ecosystem of culinary innovators.
“The Growth Lab exists to spotlight rising bagel makers with the potential to shape the future of our industry. By giving them visibility and connecting them with mentors and seasoned professionals,” says BagelFest founder Sam Silverman. “We’re building a community that supports the next generation of bagel bakers around the world.
The full public festival took place on Sunday, November 16th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Citi Field, in the Heineken Diamond Lounge (indoors). It featured vendors, live judging, tastings, and the return of BagelFest’s signature competitions including Best of the Fest, Best Bagel, and Best of the Boroughs.
Judging for the 2025 competitions will be led by an expanded panel of experts, representing some of the most influential voices in food, baking, storytelling, and hospitality.
Silverman says, “Being an Expert Judge at BagelFest is no small task. Winning can redefine a business’s future—as it has for PopUp Bagels and Starship Bagel—so we’ve selected two dozen of the most respected voices in the industry to make the call. Their expertise, influence, and passion for this incredible food speak for themselves.”
With the addition of the Growth Lab and Industry Mixer, and a breadth of expert judges, the 2025 edition of BagelFest further strengthens its mission to celebrate and connect every layer of the bagel world. Public relation was handled by Olga González, founder and CEO of Pietra Communications.
About New York BagelFest: The New York BagelFest is the ultimate celebration of the city’s culture. Sample unlimited bagels and schmears from the best bakeries in the world, meet the makers, and experience bagel culture like never before with hands-on programming, one-of-a-kind competitions, and family-friendly activities for all ages. BagelFest is produced by BagelUp, the team behind NYC Bagel Tours and the Bagel Ambassador platform.
About King Arthur Baking Company: King Arthur Baking Company has been dedicated to spreading the joy of baking since its beginning in 1790. Proudly certified as a B Corp and 100% employee-owned, King Arthur stands as the premier baking resource for both home bakers and professionals. Committed to excellence and innovation, King Arthur delivers unparalleled quality flour and technical support to bakery, foodservice, pizzeria, and culinary customers, ensuring impeccable results with every bake. Explore products, support, and resources tailored to bakery and foodservice customers.
It was a great event, we had a pleasure of interviewing, BagelFest founder Sam Silverman see what he told us about the Bagel up Event. Also we had a pleasure meeting many more Bagel companies in attendance from all over the world, as well as tasting and sampling their bagels.
See much more in our World Liberty TV, Food Channels and Blogs by clicking here.
BY: Adal Hussain, Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, @ 25th St & 5th Ave NYC, Tuesday Nov 11th 2025
The nation’s largest Veterans Day event, the New York City Veterans Day Parade hosted by the United War Veterans Council, will return to Fifth Avenue on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for its 106th year.
This year, the parade is also marking the 250th anniversary of America’s military and will offer an extra nod of honor and recognition for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Navy.
The 2025 event’s grand marshals are former Army Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha, Stephen Peck, and retired Navy Capt. Sunita “Suni” L. Williams.
President Barack Obama presented Romesha with the Medal of Honor for heroism in Afghanistan. “Romesha, the fourth living service member to receive the medal for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom, earned the Medal of Honor for actions Oct. 3, 2009, at Combat Outpost Keating in the Kamdesh district of Afghanistan’s Nuristan province,” according to the Department of Defense. Romesha is also a spokesman for American Warrior Partnership.
Peck, a Marine Corps veteran, was the longtime president and CEO of U.S.VETS, the nation’s largest veteran services nonprofit. He remains an active advocate for homeless veterans.
The son of Oscar-winning actor Gregory Peck, he served as a lieutenant in the 1st Marine Division near Da Nang, Vietnam, from 1969 to 1970.
Williams, a NASA astronaut, flew Navy helicopters in the Gulf War, led Hurricane Andrew rescue missions and more before spending nine months in space aboard the International Space Station due to technical problems.
The 2025 grand marshals “represent some of our nation’s most dedicated and most accomplished service members who have continued to serve their country and their fellow veterans well after leaving the military,” Mark Otto, president and executive director of the United War Veterans Council, said in a statement.
The parade is expected to feature nearly 300 marching and vehicle units and welcome 20,000 participants from across America, representing every service branch of the military and every era since World War II.
The parade traditionally marches up Fifth Avenue between 25th and 45th streets in Manhattan from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
In person, spectators can get a view anywhere along Fifth Avenue from the step-off point, 25th Street, to its end on 45th Street.
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