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.
Fruit ready for distribution
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.”
Pictured (L to R) are Juan Enrique Lazo, Chilean Hass Avocado Committee and member of the PMA Chile Country Council; Christian Corssen, Cia. Frutera Santa Maria and chairman of the Chile Country Council; Nancy Tucker, PMA vice president, global business development; and Vicente Pezantes, Envases Impresos.
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.
“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.”
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.
Contact:
Lisa McVey
PMA
Tel: +1 (302) 738-7100, ext. 3081