2015 PMA Foodservice Conference sees record-breaking attendance

Fresh produce and foodservice industry professionals drove another consecutive year of record-breaking numbers in attendance and engagement at the 34th annual PMA Foodservice Conference in Monterey, California. Some 1,870 people, including more than 480 foodservice distributors and more than 200 operators, convened in the Salad Bowl of the United States to connect with emerging trends, new products and old friends.

“The PMA Foodservice Committee, comprised of industry members from across the fresh produce and foodservice supply chains, took this conference back to its roots. The objectives of the conference, established years ago by foodservice pioneers Joe Stubbs, Tom Church, Joe Brennan and others, is truly to serve as an incubator of ideas – and to encourage attendees to put the learnings into action,” said Bryan Silbermann, PMA CEO. “I tip my hat to the committee co-chairs, Fritz Stelter and Jeff DeBoer, who realized that innovation can honor the past while preparing us for the future.”

The conference’s education sessions, networking receptions including the conference’s annual opening reception and the PMA Foundation Women’s Fresh Perspectives reception, and PMA Foundation Joe Nucci Golf Tournament and 5K Race for Talent attracted an all-time best number of attendees.

“The people that powered this year’s show managed to refresh the conference while maintaining the sense of community and family we all know and love,” says Cathy Burns, PMA president. “I’m so grateful to Robert Verloop of Naturipe, the conference’s emcee, along with the education team on staff and the efforts of the PMA Foodservice Committee. They were able to highlight research and insights so pertinent to our industry through celebrity chefs, industry experts and thought leaders. I look forward to seeing the industry translate the insights shared into actions across the foodservice sector.”

Several exhibitors awarded for their innovative products and showmanship included:

• Best of Show:                                      Jacobs Farm Del Cabo
• 2nd place Best of Show:                     Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
• Best Product Promo:                           Misionero Vegetables
• Sensory Experience Contest:             Mann’s Fresh Vegetables

“The PMA Foodservice Committee put in a lot of effort and new ideas into this year’s conference – including refreshing ways for industry members to connect to new ideas and peers. The Hand-On Fruit and Vegetable training session was one of the new activities – and allowed for industry members to learn about handling, prepping and using different commodities,” says Fritz Stelter, vice president of Field Fresh Foods. “It’s great to see a show that’s been in the works for 34 years come out with a rejuvenated spirit.”

Find more at PMA’s YouTube channel. For a full recap of this year’s conference, including photos, video and education sessions, visit PMA’s website.