United Fresh Produce Association Announces European Fresh-Cut Conference

The new United Fresh Produce Association – formed by the merger of the International Fresh-cut Produce Association (IFPA) and United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (United) – will hold its first conference and networking event Nov. 2-3 in London, focused on the growing fresh-cut, ready-to-eat produce market in Europe.

Fresh-Cut Europe 2006 is organized by United Fresh Produce Association in cooperation with Eurofruit Magazine, published by Market Intelligence Limited, organizers of produce conferences around the world. The conference will take place at the new Hilton Canary Wharf in London’s financial district.

“This new European conference is an exciting milestone for the new United Fresh Produce Association,” said Tom Stenzel, United president and CEO. “The conference builds on our commitment as a global organization that seeks to deliver valuable programs and services to our members. Working together with Eurofruit Magazine, Fresh-Cut Europe 2006 is destined to become a major event for produce companies, retailers and foodservice leaders to gain the knowledge and contacts they need to meet rapidly expanding consumer demand for value-added, convenient produce items.”

“We’re building on the great progress IFPA has made in the European fresh-cut marketplace over the past several years and expanding our outreach to this important market with all of the resources and expertise our larger association has to offer,” said Jerry Welcome, IFPA president. “We believe this is a really unique opportunity for both European and American companies to drill down into the European fresh-cut market and learn how to improve overall quality, production and marketing capabilities to meet consumers needs.”

Fresh-Cut Europe 2006 will feature six business sessions covering a range of issues focused on fresh-cut challenges and opportunities in Europe, including:
•Growth trends for fresh-cut, ready-to-eat produce in today’s retail and foodservice markets;
•Expanding opportunities for fresh-cuts in Europe;
•Techniques and science of fresh-cuts: technical challenges and opportunities;
•Communicating the value of fresh-cut to today’s consumers;
•Packaging ideas for fresh-cut products; and
•Driving innovation and productivity in fresh-cuts through technology.

In addition to business sessions, participants will tour European retail operations and have the opportunity to share ideas with their colleagues from Europe and the United States.

“The United Fresh Produce Association has a worldwide membership, and we applaud the organization’s efforts to introduce an event of this caliber for members in Europe,” said David Barney, IFPA board member and business development manager for Geest Fresh Produce. “Fresh-cut produce is an international industry, but it’s important that regional differences and issues are recognized. This conference is a great opportunity for processors in Europe to share experiences and investigate the latest trends and issues across the EU.”

Fresh-Cut Europe 2006 is open to anyone interested in learning more about Europe’s growing, €3 billion fresh-cut fruit and vegetable category.

Eurofruit Magazine will provide local conference management services, streamlining registration and conference attendance for visitors from throughout Europe. Fresh-cut industry leaders from many parts of the world are expected to attend the inaugural European conference.

Visit www.freshcuteurope.com for more information and to register.

Additional contact information:

In Europe: Bill Konos, Eurofruit Magazine, call +44 20 7501 3707, fax +44 20 7498 6472 or e-mail [email protected].

In North America: Jerry Welcome, United Fresh Produce Association, call (202) 303-3404, fax (202) 303-3433 or e-mail [email protected].