​Fresh produce is an industry where the learning never really stops. The crops change, the seasons change, the challenges change. But one thing that stays consistent is the importance of people. When I look at how my own career has grown so far, almost every step has been shaped by conversations, introductions, farm visits and the willingness of others to share their time and experience.

For me, networking hasn’t been about “building a list of contacts.” It’s been about meeting people who genuinely love what they do. Growers, farm managers, technical leads, HR teams, operations directors and fellow young professionals who are just as determined to carve out a place in this sector.

Getting out there early made all the difference

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that you understand this industry fastest by physically being in it. Whether that be walking orchards, touring glasshouses or visiting vineyards. Seeing the pressure points, the innovations, the scale, and the level of expertise involved is so important. Those visits create real context, and context is what makes you better at your job, whether you’re recruiting, training, advising, or managing.

Attending events and industry groups like NextGen Fruit Group or YPHA has also given me a perspective I wouldn’t have gained otherwise. You meet people at different stages of their careers, from students to senior growers to business owners, and every conversation teaches you something new. Sometimes it’s technical knowledge. Sometimes it’s insight into how businesses are evolving. Sometimes it’s just hearing someone talk passionately about their crop and that enthusiasm is contagious.

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Trade shows were an eye‑opener

Travelling to places like Fruit Logistica in Berlin broadened my understanding of just how global this industry really is. You see firsthand how innovation, logistics, data and sustainability are shaping fresh produce around the world. And it reminds you that what happens on a farm in Kent or Herefordshire is connected to decisions and demands across Europe and beyond.

It’s impossible not to come home inspired after speaking to growers, exporters, packaging specialists, automation companies, and start‑ups you’d never encounter otherwise. Networking in those environments isn’t about handing out business cards; it’s about absorbing as much as you can and understanding where the industry is heading.

The best conversations are often the unexpected ones

Some of the most valuable connections I’ve made have been from simple, genuine conversations. usually while walking around a site or grabbing a coffee at an event. People in this industry are open, honest and incredibly willing to help, especially if you show interest and enthusiasm.

What I’ve noticed is that networking works when it’s built on:

·         Curiosity

·         Consistency

·         Being present

·         Asking good questions

·         Showing up (even when it’s a long drive…)

·         Respecting people’s time

·         Following up

Those small habits compound. Over time, the conversations add up and suddenly you realise you’ve built a real network, not because you forced it, but because you genuinely invested in people.

A word on events like the FPC Awards

Events like the FPC Awards have also shown me just how connected and supportive this sector is. I’ve been lucky enough to attend the last two, and every year I come away feeling inspired. Not by the trophies themselves, but by the people behind them. It’s a celebration of the passion, innovation and resilience that drives fresh produce forward and a reminder of how important relationships are in keeping the industry moving.

These rooms are filled with people who genuinely care about what they do and being part of that environment reinforces why networking matters so much in the first place.

Why networking matters more than ever

Fresh produce is facing big challenges: labour shortages, sustainability pressures, cost fluctuations, climate impact and shifting retailer demands. None of these can be tackled in isolation. The more people talk, collaborate and share ideas, the stronger the sector becomes.

For young people coming into the industry (or even considering it), networking is the fastest way to understand the opportunities ahead. And for those of us already in the early stages of our careers, it helps us grow faster, make better decisions, and support the industry more effectively.

I’m still early in my journey, and I’ve got a lot to learn. But if there’s one thing that’s made the biggest difference so far, it’s getting out there, meeting people, listening and being open to learning from every conversation.

Networking isn’t a strategy, it’s a mindset. And in an industry as dynamic and passionate as fresh produce, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job.