Newark, Del. — When the going gets tough in business, the tough innovate – and in the case of the foodservice business, that means putting more fresh produce on the plate.
That was the key message coming out of Produce Marketing Association's (PMA) 32nd Foodservice Conference & Expo, held July 26-28 in Monterey, Calif. This year’s conference theme centered on innovation as a multi-faceted business solution to help the foodservice supply chain plan for change and future business growth. Pressure for change is hitting the industry from many sides as the economy slowly recovers from recession, food trends shift, customers are demanding a different relationship, and companies strive to harness 21st century digital-marketing tools. Meanwhile, the foodservice and produce industries alike are challenged to move fresh produce more to the center of the plate to combat obesity, especially among children.
“Our focus on innovation in foodservice was torn right out of the headlines,” PMA Foodservice Committee Chair Mark Allison, senior manager of produce procurement for The Cheesecake Factory, told conference attendees during opening comments. “Foodservice and consumers in general continue to challenge our industry to put more produce on the menu. The global produce supply chain will play an increasingly important role in satisfying this dynamic market demand.”
The conference drew a sell-out crowd again this year, drawing more than 1,700 chefs, growers, menu developers, packer/shippers, distributors and restaurant operators. This year’s highlights included:
- Talks on how to innovate from five-time serial entrepreneur Josh Linkner, the latest menu trends from trendspotter Maeve Webster, meeting modern customer service expectations from Business Book Best Seller author Chip Bell, and harnessing today’s new marketing channels to manage your digital brand from Carisa Miklusak.
- Straight talk from real-world chefs of Au Bon Pain, Chili’s Bar & Grill and Yale Dining during a frank and entertaining panel discussion.
- A unique lunch session during which diners and chefs interactively created produce-centric dishes.
- This year’s sold-out expo was the largest in conference history, with 163 exhibitors.
- 12 students from three universities attended the conference to explore careers in the fresh produce industry.
- A sold-out Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception, the first women’s event since the successful first conference in February.
- Record attendance for the sold out Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament and 5K Race for Talent.
- Three-stop field tour customized for foodservice operators, distributors, chefs and menu R&D.
- Best New Product Launch winner, Naturipe Farms, LLC recognized for their "Peel and Reseal Ready to Serve (RTS) 18 oz. fresh blueberries.
- The Sensory Experience contest went to Mann Packing with the Arcadian Harvest Ruby Blend Herbaceous Salad.
- The Best of Show award went to Rocket Herb Farms.
- PMA’s announcement that 27 more salad bars have been awarded to schools in four states, as supporters of the First Lady’s Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools initiative.
PMA’s Foodservice Conference & Expo is the only event dedicated to fresh produce and foodservice. Photos from this year’s conference will be available on PMA’s Flickr page. Next year's conference is scheduled for July 25-27, 2014, in Monterey, Calif. For more information, visit www.pma.com/foodservice.
About PMA Foodservice Conference & Exposition
Started in 1981, PMA’s Foodservice Conference & Expo remains the only event dedicated to fresh produce and foodservice where all supply chain segments unite under one vision: putting more fresh fruits and vegetables on foodservice plates. The event attracts 1,700 attendees from throughout the supply chain, and over 160 exhibiting companies. Find all the details at www.pma.com/foodservice.
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)
