Santiago, Chile — Produce Marketing Association (PMA) member volunteers handed out more than 50 tons of fresh fruit to about 30,000 runners who participated in the Santiago Marathon April 2 in Chile. Fourteen PMA member companies donated the healthy snacks to help runners refuel after they competed.
Table grapes, apples, pears, bananas and strawberries were available at fruit distribution stands at the finish of the 10K, 21K (half-marathon) and 42K (marathon) races. The marathon is one of Chile’s premier annual sporting events, and this marks the fifth year of PMA’s sponsorship.
The following PMA member companies contributed fruit and funds to enable the donations: Exportadora Subsole,CompaniaFrutera Santa Maria, Exportadora David del Curto, Geofrut, Tuniche, Tottus, Hortifrut, Prontoexport, Dole, Sofruco, Frusan, Envases Impresos, Global Reefers, and Comité de Paltas Hass de Chile.
Staff from PMA member Envases Impresos organized the distribution logistics, with help from Oxyion.
Seven new fruit suppliers joined the distribution this year, according to Cristóbal Velasco, marketing manager for Envases Impresos Roble Alto. “Our goal is to continue incorporating new companies to this event because it is a great opportunity to showcase the variety, quality and freshness of Chilean fruit.”
As in year’s past, PMA donated leftover fruit from the event to Red de Alimentos, a local food bank that distributes food to people in need. Cardboard boxes used for packing were recycled. New this year, PMA worked with Universidad Catolica to recycle organic waste.
PMA is a global organization that promotes fresh produce consumption and provides year-round value to help members grow their businesses through talent development, networking, education, events and more.
“This event is fun way to educate people that fresh fruit is a tasty, convenient and healthy choice before or after exercise, or anytime really,” said Nancy Tucker, PMA vice president of global business development. “Runners give us a warm welcome every year, and they appreciate being able to grab a quick snack when they are done competing.
“It takes a lot of effort and coordination to make this happen,” added Tucker. “We are grateful for the member volunteers on the PMA Chile Country Council and all that they do to make this amazing event a reality.”
The PMA Chile Country Council guides the association's activities in Chile to help PMA deliver local and global member value. Council members actively promote the programs and benefits of PMA and the Center for Growing Talent by PMA, work for the success of PMA events in Chile, and aid in retaining existing members and recruiting new members. Sixteen volunteers from PMA member companies serve on the council, which is chaired by Christian Corssen, CompaniaFrutera Santa Maria.
PMA will host its Fresh Connections: Chile event August 3 in Las Condes, Santiago. This half-day event provides an opportunity for local growers and exporters, importers, retailers and business solution providers to network and learn ways to improve and grow their businesses. Programming will include how to improve productivity through technology and innovation, with a focus on addressing issues like increased labor costs and labor shortages. International fruit and produce companies with representatives in Chile, as well as buyers and importers who are planning visits to meet with Chilean growers/exporters, are encouraged to save the date and attend. Registration will be open in May. For more information, contact Sarahi Dominguez atsdominguez@pma.com or +1-302-781-5853.
PMA Fresh Connections: Chile is one of many global events hosted by PMA that connect businesses and individuals from across the produce and floral supply chains. Other PMA Fresh Connections events are held annually in China, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa and the United States. PMA also cohosts Hort Connections in Australia/New Zealand. Fresh Connections: Floral events are held in Miami, Fla., USA and Anaheim, Calif., USA. Visit pma.com for a complete list of events where members always receive discounted registration.
About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing connections that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. For more information, visit www.pma.com.
Source: Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
