WASHINGTON, D.C. and NEWARK, DEL. – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has selected José Andrés to be the keynote speaker at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando Oct. 27-29.

Andrés is an internationally respected two-Michelin-star chef and restaurateur who has won a James Beard Award; however, he is even more known for his humanitarian work. In 2010, Andrés founded World Central Kitchen, which provides both culinary training programs for communities and food and relief in times of disaster.

“This year as we mark the first Global Produce & Floral Show, we want to create an experience that challenges our thinking and expectations,” said Bruce Taylor, CEO of Taylor Farms and chair of the IFPA Board of Directors. “It’s time for us to explore how we can transform the world through our work with produce and floral. I don’t think there has ever been such an exciting speaker as José Andrés, who is truly changing the world with food.”

“At its core, our industry feeds people the world over,” said Laura Himes, incoming board of directors chair and senior merchandising director at Walmart. “But as we look at the complexity of our food systems and the disruptions we face on a global scale, there are opportunities to learn from others. I’m thrilled to have José Andrés take the stage in October to speak not only of the responsibility we have as those who have stepped up to feed the world, but also the incredible power we have to create a healthier world.”

Andrés and World Central Kitchen have been present in Ukraine this year, working with volunteers and local partners to provide meals. They have served more than six million in the surrounding area so far.

World Central Kitchen also brought food and aid to thousands of people after a recent typhoon in the Philippines and a tornado in Kentucky in December.

More examples of the global work World Central Kitchen has accomplished are featured in a National Geographic documentary directed by Ron Howard called “We Feed People.” The documentary can currently be streamed on Disney+.

Andrés’ keynote session at the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show is titled “Changing the World Through the Power of Food – A Conversation with José Andrés.”

“When we formed IFPA, we set as our vision the intent to create a vibrant future for all,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said. “Who better than Chef Andrés to join our global produce and floral community and inspire us with his insights and perspectives on how our industry’s products can transform the trajectory of many of the world’s biggest health challenges from nutritional insecurity to chronic, diet-related diseases.”

Burns will also lead a State of the Industry keynote session. The schedule for the additional sessions, details about the expo and registration information are available on the Global Produce & Floral Show’s website.