Hort Connections 2026

With a refreshed event format, the week kicked off with farm and retail tours, followed by industry plenary sessions focused on a common challenge across the sector: helping more Australians put fresh produce on their plates more often.

Across the conference and trade show, attendees explored new technologies, industry developments and practical solutions designed to help businesses adapt to changing economic and environmental demands. From advances in genetics and crop protection through to automation and production technology, growers had the opportunity to see what is new - and, more importantly, what is useful.

While innovation and on-farm efficiency remained a major focus, the conference also highlighted a shared purpose across the sector: helping Australian’s enjoy and eat more fruit and vegetables. From breeding and production through to retail, marketing and long-term behaviour change, discussions explored how the industry can make vegetables easier to choose, easier to use and more enjoyable to eat.

Growing consumption through consumer experience

That focus was reflected in the release of the Fruit and Veggies Yummy Yummy 2026 Impact Report, delivered through collaboration between The Wiggles, IFPA, Hort Innovation, AUSVEG and partners – amplifying impact to reach 1.9 million families, demonstrating the power of a united fresh produce industry to inspire healthier habits and encourage the next generation of vegetable lovers.

Global food and retail analyst David Hughes (Dr. Food) challenged delegates to think beyond simply echoing that ‘vegetables are good for you!’. Drawing on global retail and consumer trends, he highlighted the importance of connecting fresh produce with specific health benefits that resonate with consumers.

Retailer Harris Farm Markets also reinforced the importance of creating great consumer experiences, sharing how quality, freshness and speed from farm to consumer sit at the heart of their retail strategy. By focusing on a premium fresh-market experience, the business aims to give shoppers more reasons to choose fresh produce more often.

Consumer insights shaping the future of vegetables

For Rijk Zwaan, increasing vegetable consumption is more than an industry ambition — it is a key driver of innovation. That thinking was brought to life through the conference program.

Stefanie Renaud, Rijk Zwaan’s Digital Phenotyping Specialist, and Frances Tolson, Client Manager, Chain & Retail, explored how science, sensory research and consumer insights are shaping the next generation of vegetables.

Their presentation demonstrated how modern breeding is evolving beyond agronomic performance alone to create products that deliver value throughout the supply chain — and ultimately give consumers more reasons to choose vegetables more often.

“Today’s breeding programs increasingly integrate flavour, convenience and overall eating experience alongside traditional priorities such as shelf life and field performance,” said Stefanie Renaud.

“Advances in breeding technology and phenotyping enable us to quantify and select for traits that benefit the whole chain with much greater precision. This allows us to translate consumer and market insights into measurable characteristics that breeders can act on, supporting growers to produce reliable crops while delivering vegetables that are more appealing and enjoyable for consumers.”

“Consumers are looking for healthier, more convenient food choices, and we're seeing the wider food industry respond by promoting the benefits of vegetables,” added Frances Tolson.

“Fresh produce has a unique opportunity to meet that demand. Nothing can beat the benefits of fresh produce. When vegetables are fresh, convenient, affordable, quick to prepare and enjoyable to eat, consumers come back — and when consumers genuinely enjoy fresh produce, everyone throughout the supply chain benefits.”

Turning insights into innovation

On the trade show floor, Rijk Zwaan showcased a range of concepts and varieties developed to meet evolving consumer and industry needs, including Gimli RZ, a compact mini celery developed for modern households and faster production cycles, and Sweet Palermo, the Taste Award-winning sweet, pointed capsicum. Both demonstrate how breeding can create new opportunities for consumption by delivering vegetables that are more convenient, versatile and enjoyable to eat.

Celebrating industry excellence

While Hort Connections is a fantastic showcase of exciting produce and innovation, most importantly, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the people, businesses and ideas that shape Australian horticulture. Presented at the Gala Dinner, the Horticulture Awards for Excellence recognise growers, researchers, marketers and industry leaders whose passion and contributions continue to drive the industry forward.

Rijk Zwaan would like to congratulate all finalists and winners recognised through the Horticulture Awards for Excellence, and particularly acknowledge Grower of the Year Steve Marafiote from Sundrop Farms, Young Grower of the Year Luca Farmer from Farmer Group, and Women in Horticulture Award recipient Julie Bird from Hort Innovation.

Among the evening's standout moments was recognition of IFPA & Produce Plus Marketer of the Year Award – to Flavorite Group's Maddie's Month campaign; a remarkable example of what can be achieved when growers, retailers, charities and consumers unite behind a shared purpose - turning everyday grocery purchases into a powerful force for awareness, fundraising and lasting community impact.

Hort Connections 2026 highlighted the power of a connected industry working towards a common goal. Whether through innovation in the field, experiences at the shelf or campaigns that inspire the next generation, helping Australians put more fruit and vegetables on more plates creates a stronger future for our communities, our health, and our industry.

Photo care of FruitNet