May 8, 2006

IFPA, United Members Approve Merger

Members of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (United) and the International Fresh-cut Produce Association (IFPA) have voted in support of the two associations merging. The announcement was made May 6 during the United Produce Show in Chicago.

“More than 98 percent of members voting supported the merger, launching a new partnership between members of our two associations and a strong platform to invite all other companies in the produce supply chain to join in our essential mission to promote our industry,” said Nick Tompkins, United chairman and CEO of Apio.

“This is a merger of two strong, independent and respected associations,” said IFPA Chairman Mark Miller, Fresh From Texas. “Combined, IFPA and United will bring unparalleled leadership and staff expertise to you in public policy, food safety, marketing, nutrition and health, education, leadership development, media communications and supply chain issues from field to fork. Our goal is simple – to serve our members with greater resources, greater expertise and greater efficiency than ever before.”

The boards of directors of IFPA and United have authorized their respective officers and executive staff to complete the legal requirements necessary to execute the merger as soon as possible. Each board will appoint its four officers as an interim Leadership Transition Steering Committee to oversee merger details. Miller and incoming United Chairman Maureen Marshall will serve as co-chairpersons of the steering committee during the transition.

Upon completion of the merger, member companies in each association will automatically become members of the United Fresh Produce Association for the remainder of 2006. Companies will then renew their 2007 memberships in the single association. The association’s headquarters will be at the present United offices at 1901 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C. It will continue to have its formal Western Office in Salinas, Calif., with staff field offices in Davis, Calif., and Toulouse, France.





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