PMA’s annual Foodservice Conference sets five records
It was a record-breaking year at Produce Marketing Association’s 33rd annual Foodservice Conference. The event kicked off with networking, educational programming, a 5K, and a golf tournament. The conference by the numbers:
- 1,821 attendees (record) from North and South America
- 203 operators (record)
- 466 distributors
- 164 exhibit booths (record)
- 389 5K run (record)
- 60 Field and Plant tour (record)
“It’s great to see so many foodservice and produce professionals here rallying behind the common goal of putting more fresh, delicious, healthy fruits and vegetables on foodservice plates,” said Jill Overdorf, director of business and culinary development for Coosemans Shipping and PMA Foodservice Conference Committee co-chair. “Global flavors, the socially conscious consumer, and food safety and technology all took center stage this year – working together to drive consumption.”
“A record-breaking show like this highlights the value of the ongoing collaboration between the fresh produce and foodservice industry. The energy and networking that occurred throughout the weekend was palpable,” said Cathy Burns, PMA president.
Several exhibitors were awarded for their innovative products and showmanship, including:
Best of Show: Ruby Fresh
2nd Place, Best of Show: Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers
Best New Product Launch: Misionero Vegetables for their EarthGreens Lemony Organic Blends
Sensory Experience Contest: Chilean Fresh Fruit Association for their Chilean grape, bacon and brie melt with Chilean fruit medley gazpacho
Check out this year’s photos and video highlights on PMAtv. Next year's conference is scheduled for July 24-26, 2015, in Monterey, California. For more information, visit PMA's website.
