Registration for 2017 PMA Foodservice Conference open
PMA’s 2017 Foodservice event will be held July 28-30 at the Monterey Marriott and Portola Plaza Hotel. The conference and expo, now in its 36th year, continues to draw strong participation because of business networking opportunities, proximity to Salinas Valley, access to influencers, and a fun, informative approach to helping foodservice industry professionals gain inspiration and keep the pulse on customer demands and product trends.
Highlights of the event include: hands-on produce training, chef demos, and menu tastings; insights on new culinary trends and flavors; a dynamic expo; and multiple opportunities to network with customers and potential partners at the conference/expo, as well as related fundraising events to support Center for Growing Talent by PMA (CGTbyPMA) initiatives.
“The networking opportunities with suppliers and customers alone provides significant ROI,” said Jeff DeBoer, Regional Vice President, Added Value, FreshPoint, following last year’s conference. “When you add in all the other events that you can attend from education, expo, tours, hands-on experience, it’s simply the best value imaginable. PMA Foodservice is the top premier event where learning and networking is optimal, and there is truly a return on investment.”
More than 170 exhibitors will present the latest in products and solutions at PMA’s Foodservice Expo. In addition, 24 companies will participate in PMA’s Fresh Ideas Showcase this year, where attendees will get a sneak peek at products that could be the next trend-setting flavor, variety, or convenience product in foodservice meal preparation.
Fresh Ideas Showcase products include: cone cabbage, veggie hash, citrus “caviar,” ginger herb crystals, chef-ready bell peppers, quick-cook brussels sprout halves, beet powder, radish coins, lettuce blends, lettuce that delays pinking, specialty peppers and herbs, and finely diced ready-to-blend mushrooms. Visit PMA’s Foodservice page for a complete list of Fresh Ideas Showcase products.
Participants in PMA’s Hands-On Fruit & Vegetable Training will get firsthand experience creating creative recipes. This year’s sponsored ingredients include radishes, celery, microgreens, mini watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and cherries. Sponsors will share info on the latest menu trends, and will provide tips on care, handling and usage of fresh fruits and vegetables to help foodservice providers learn news ways to “innovate the plate” with global flavors. Separate registration is required; seating is limited.
“I believe the insights regarding market trends and innovative ingredients is very useful information, and [the Foodservice Conference & Expo is] a great experience for our marketing and culinary teams,” said Maggie Miller, Quality Assurance Product Manager, Dine Equity, after the 2016 event.
For more information:
Produce Marketing Association
Tel: +1 302 738 7100
pma.com