Cornell professor to speak at United Fresh forum

Rod Hawkes of Cornell University will speak at the Jan. 13 United Fresh’s Midwinter Leadership Forum.

His focus will be recent research from Cornell called “Produce Industry Procurement: Changing Preferences and Practices.” The research focused on the changes in the produce industry that are affecting the produce procurement process, including everything from technology changes to climate change as well as changes in customer demands.

The United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board helped the research project by providing support and input about the need for supply chain cooperation and transparency.

Hawkes has more than 35 years’ experience teaching undergraduate courses at Cornell University’s Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management’s Food Industry Management Program. He has extensive experience in the international food industry and research.

The United Fresh Midwinter Leadership Forum will be held in Palm Springs, California, bringing together more than 300 United Fresh volunteer leaders to learn from others, celebrate accomplishments and support the United Fresh Start Foundation. Hawkes will give his speech at the breakfast general session on the morning of the Forum.