PMA, United Fresh End Merger Discussions

The Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association have announced that the organizations are ending any further discussion of a potential merger at this time, but will continue to cooperate in areas of mutual interest to each association’s members, according to a news release from United Fresh Produce Association.

A joint exploratory group of six board members from each association met in March and July to explore potential areas of common interest and collaboration. During those meetings, the two groups expressed a variety of views on the potential value of a merger or some formal structural collaboration, and candidly discussed the pros and cons from each board’s perspective.

Following the July meeting, each association agreed to make a determination of whether to continue talks or suspend further consideration. Although the two boards did not come to an agreement on proceeding with further discussion, both expressed their commitment to working together on common issues in a spirit of allied industry partnership, while recognizing that each organization has its unique views about its mission and mandate in serving the industry.

For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org and www.pma.com.