PMA’s 33rd annual Foodservice Conference sets five new records
It was a record-breaking year at Produce Marketing Association’s 33rd annual Foodservice Conference – including the unseasonably warm temperatures in Monterey that soared into the high 80’s. The event kicked off this past weekend with networking, educational programming, a 5K, golf tournament and the only expo dedicated to fresh produce and foodservice. The conference by the numbers:
1,821 attendees from North and South America
203 operators
466 distributors
164 exhibit booths
389 5K run
60 Field and Plant tour
“It’s great to see so many foodservice and produce professionals here rallying behind the common goal of putting more fresh, delicious, healthy fruits and vegetables on foodservice plates,” says Jill Overdorf, director of business and culinary development for Coosemans Shipping of L.A. and PMA Foodservice Conference Committee co-chair. “Global flavors, the socially conscious consumer, and food safety and technology all took centre stage this year – working together to drive consumption.”
“A record-breaking show like this highlights the value of the ongoing collaboration between the fresh produce and foodservice industry. The energy and networking that occurred throughout the weekend was palpable,” said Cathy Burns, PMA president. “Bringing to life our “Innovate the Plate” theme, the innovations came in many forms and represented consumer trends across the foodservice industry – ultimately validating the drive to put more fruits and vegetables in the centre of the plate. The dedication of those industry members who served on PMA’s Foodservice Conference Committee under the leadership of Jill Overdorf and Fritz Stelter was pivotal in this year’s success.”
Several exhibitors were awarded for their innovative products and showmanship, including:
Best of Show: Ruby Fresh
2nd Place, Best of Show: Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
Best New Product Launch: Misionero Vegetables for their EarthGreens Lemony Organic Blends
Sensory Experience Contest: Chilean Fresh Fruit Association for their Chilean grape, bacon and brie melt with Chilean fruit medley gazpacho
Check out this year’s photos and video highlights on PMAtv. Next year's conference is scheduled for July 24-26, 2015, in Monterey, California. For more information, visit www.fsc.pma.com.