The Produce Marketing Association's (PMA) 2012 Fresh Summit International Convention and Exposition set an all-time attendance record when it took place in Anaheim last week (26-28 October).
According to PMA, over 21,000 people visited the event, including around 4,000 buyers, with international delegates drawn from 61 countries.
'The fact that the show went to two days is making a big difference. It has more energy than I've ever seen. Everybody seems to hve a sense of urgency to do business,' said Rich Dachman of Sysco.
There was a particular focus on flavour, convenience and appealing to children across the 247,000ft2 trade show, with highlights including the 100-plus item New Product Showcase and the Sensory Experience Contest.
'Judging by what we saw here, our industry is optimistic about the future, and excited to seize the opportunities that always come along with market disrupters,' said PMA President and CEO Bryan Silbermann.
'To do that, PMA continues to support the needs of our members in new and exciting ways – and we’ll put that evolution in motion over the nextfew months as the Board of Directors work to develop a new strategic plan.'
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