Newark, Del. — When new developments began to shape the produce industry, in the early 1970’s, industry events and education programs were created to highlight them to keep the industry informed. Now, 43 years later, PMA continues to share new developments with the industry with its 35th annual Foodservice Conference and Expo. The event is a direct result of the 1970’s developments, including changes in consumers’ eating habits, the rise of family incomes and the growth of the foodservice industry.
This year the conference will take place July 29-31 at a new location: The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, in Monterey, California.
“Success in this industry is something that everyone strives for,” says event Co-Chairman Jeff DeBoer, senior director of produce sourcing at Sysco, “but the bridge to success isn’t a freshly paved road. It contains a few potholes and some occasional construction, so it’s important to take advantage of the resources provided at events such as PMA’s Foodservice Conference and Expo to avoid those roadblocks and make the journey to success a little smoother and more enjoyable.”
Education to Inform and Grow Businesses:
Attendees will hear from fresh produce and foodservice experts to gain insight on foodservice trends affecting the industry. These include strategic marketing, food safety, new flavors, bold ingredients, and popular menu items.
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Turning Your Customers into Advocates: Attendees will explore the foodservice market and dive into the minds of today’s consumers. Businesses will understand why consumers seek deeper relationships with the brands they buy and will see how to captivate consumers with powerful marketing.
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Speaker:
- Jonah Berger, Professor, Wharton School of Business at The University of Pennsylvania
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Speaker:
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Food Safety: Positioning Yourself as a Trusted Source: A panel of industry experts will discuss recent practices in food safety. Attendees will capture how to communicate and deliver a trusted brand to customers with new technologies and tools.
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Speakers:
- Bob Whitaker, Chief Science & Technology Officer, Produce Marketing Association
- Lance Donny, CEO, On Farm
- Robert Stovicek, President, Primus Labs
- Chef Kyong Carroll, Executive Chef, Bon Appetit@Google
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Speakers:
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Fascinating Flavors: Enticing Customers with Tastes and Trends: Experts on foodservice trends will serve a flavor-full session that explores what factors drive consumers’ desire for new ingredients, techniques and flavors. Attendees will discover how to create exciting menu options based on the popular tastes and trends discussed.
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Speakers:
- Patty Johnson, Global Food and Drink Analyst, Mintel
- Carol Christensen, Director of Institutional Advancement, Monell
- Chef Tony Baker, Montrio Bistro
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Speakers:
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Menus of Change: From Seed to Stalk: Attendees will hear from a celebrity chef about popular foodservice channels and their influence on the produce industry. Favored menu items will be examined and attendees will receive insider tips on how to satisfy customers by taking a look at where menu and dining trends are headed.
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Speaker:
- Richard Blais, Celebrity Chef, Juniper and Ivy
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Speaker:
Explore New Companies, New Products:
In addition to an education program, designed to deliver strategies for growing successful businesses, the event will include an exposition where participants will network and discover growth opportunities. The expo will feature over 200 booths that showcase more new companies, products and services dedicated to fresh produce in foodservice than ever before. The percentage of first-time exhibitors has almost tripled this year; with first-timers representing 20 percent of exhibitors.
Other activities to connect and inform the industry during the event include:
- Center for Growing Talent by PMA (CGTbyPMA) Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament
- Hands-On Fruit & Vegetable Training
- CGTbyPMA 5K Race for Talent
- Chef Talks: A Strolling Lunch
- CGTbyPMA Women's Fresh Perspectives Reception
- Fresh Ideas Showcase
Editor’s Notes:
- Learn more about this year’s event at pma.com/foodservice.
- View pictures from last year’s event on PMA’s Flickr Page.
- Editorial staff who wish to cover the event can contact PMA’s PR team for a complimentary press pass.
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)
