2009 Apple crop outlook & marketing conference will close with special look at the future of the Washington apple industry and pivotal 2009 U.S. crop forecast

A distinguished panel of apple grower-shipper leaders from Washington state will offer a snapshot of the primary business models that will drive the growth of the state’s apple industry into the next decade and beyond at the 2009 Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference.  This first-ever session will examine four business models and four different perspectives of how to be successful while at the same time achieving the critical mass needed in a rapidly changing marketing environment.  The product mix in Washington is undergoing a significant transition, with access to export markets and apple businesses’ utilization of them increasingly critical to the industry’s near and long term viability.  In addition, apple marketers are continually analyzing the expectations of their retail partners and trying to identify consumer purchasing and consumption trends that will drive sales in the years ahead.  Participating panelists include:  Robert Kershaw, Domex Superfresh Marketing; West Mathison, Stemilt Growers; Mark Zirkle, Zirkle Fruit Company/Rainier Fruit Company; and Reggie Collins, Chelan Fruit Company.  The panel will be moderated by USApple Chairman Bruce Grim, who also serves as executive director of the Washington State Horticultural Association.

In a significant change from past years, Outlook will close with the much-anticipated forecast for the fall harvest.  The conference previously opened with the release of this data, which comes just a few days after the U.S. Department of Agriculture releases its annual crop forecast.  Prior to release of the U.S. forecast, attendees will hear reports from apple growing regions around the world as well as presentations from top marketing and consumer trends experts.  Details below.



http://www.usapple.org/industry/outlookconference/index.cfm

2009 Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference
Mark your calendars now and make plans to attend the 2009 Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference, to be held August 20-21 at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago.  You’ll get the first look at this fall’s apple crop – not available anywhere else – based on extensive from-the-orchard reports across the country.  Also featured will be international apple crop reports, consumer marketing experts and a blend of key networking opportunities. Highlights this year include:

·         The Next New “IT” – Hot Consumer Marketing and Technology Trends – Kevin Coupe, www.MorningNewsBeat.com
·         Reaching Modern Consumers With Apple Product Innovations and Breakthrough Strategies – Tony Freytag, CrunchPak
·         Market Dynamics: Consumer Demand for Apples in the Next Decade and Beyond – Steve Lutz, The Perishables Group
·         Orchards of Plenty:  The Washington State Apple Supply – Situation Analysis (Grower-Shipper Panel Discussion)
·         Reports from apple growing regions around the world
·         3 major award presentations
·         Networking opportunities
·         Much more!
 
Register Online Today!

http://www.usapple.org/industry/outlookconference/index.cfm

Contact:
Todd Hultquist
U.S. Apple Association
8233 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 200
Vienna, Virginia  22180
Phone: 703-442-8850
Cell: 703-703-216-0607
Fax: 703-790-0845

Publication date: 7/10/2009

respond to this article  email this article    print

Receive the daily newsletter in your email for free | Click here

 

<< back | www.freshplaza.com