AU: New insights offer something for everyone at PMA Fresh Connections
Insight into building a successful business future and expanding the wider fresh produce industry during difficult times will be unveiled to delegates at PMA fresh Connections 2012, the leading business, education and networking event for the fresh fruit, vegetable and floral industry in the Australasian region.
The event's diverse and comprehensive program has been designed to meet the needs of every member of the supply chain - from growers, packers and processors, to industry suppliers, marketers and retailers. With a strong line up of both local and international speakers covering the latest in new trends, innovations, ideas and opportunities, conference sessions are set to provide enormous educational and business opportunities to delegates, especially in the current difficult economic climate.
Owners, Managers & Financial Officers
With business profitability currently top-of-mind for many businesses, owners, managers and financial officers will find the session on 'Managing your Business’ Finance in difficult times' to be of particular interest. Featuring speakers John Kelly and Gemma Moriarty (Rabobank) and Adam Beale (PKF Accountants), this session will provide delegates with insights and practical financial advice into how they can better operate their businesses during difficult conditions when margins are being squeezed from both ends.
Growers, Packers, Processors
Many growers, packers and processors are constantly on the look-out for proprietary varieties that meet consumers' needs and give them a competitive advantage – but often at a cost to the grower. Monsanto's Director of Business Development Vegetable Consumer Traits, Ed Ayala, will demonstrate that a win-win-win model is possible with a session on 'New products – exploring consumer needs without sacrificing grower profitability'.
Wholesalers
As retailers strive to buy direct from growers, wholesalers are increasingly looking to protect their businesses by investing in production. A session on ' vertical integration to remain competitive – the new paradigm' will explore whether this is a sustainable and effective strategy for wholesalers.
Exporters
Exporters will gain value from sessions on 'Southern hemisphere suppliers competing for market share in China', and 'Emerging opportunities in the BRICS countries', which will highlight the major opportunities and pitfalls for any company looking to Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa as the next growth markets for their products and services, as opportunities in the developed world dry up.
Marketers & Business Development Managers
Sessions on consumer trends are a cornerstone of PMA Fresh Connections, with the Keynote State of the Industry Address traditionally summing up proceedings. This year's keynote address will be given by Dr Jan DeLyser, Vice President Marketing for the California Avocado Commission (CAC), US Produce Marketer of the Year 2011 and PMA Chair-elect. Dr DeLyser has helped the avocado attain phenomenal growth during her time in the industry and will provide delegates with the major consumer trends and industry issues affecting the global fresh produce industry and what this means for the Australasian region.
With social media continuing to make waves for the business world, those responsible for marketing and business development will also find value in a session on 'Integrating new media tools to your best advantage'. This session will provide practical tools for delegates and their businesses in implementing a social media strategy, backed up by the latest research on the use of this fast-emerging marketing tool.
Retailers
With over 55% of fresh produce sold through a dynamic independent sector, the session on ‘innovations in retail’ will hear from the people who are on the shop-floor every day dealing with consumers, on the ideas that work for them.
General Interest
Other sessions include 'Making increasing fruit and vegetable consumption a major goal for the industry', which will lay out what the industry is doing and how to overcome some of the consumer resistance to consume more; and 'The evolving foodservice market in Australia and New Zealand', which will give insights into what food service operators are looking for from their suppliers, what products are in demand and where the greatest growth prospects are.
Sessions on the evergreen issues of food safety and attracting talent to the industry will round out a conference program that has something for everyone.
To register please visit www.pmafreshconnections.com.au
For more information:
Erin Hart
PMA
Tel. +61 3 8844 5536
[email protected]