Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) 2013 Fresh Summit Convention and Expo returned to New Orleans for the first time in 11 years this month, attracting more than 18,000 members of the global fresh produce and floral industry.
Highlights of this year’s global event included a White House-touted appearance, the unveiling of PMA’s new strategic plan, and themes of innovation and a new direction of marketing that infused many new products throughout the exposition.
'Our industry clearly loved returning to New Orleans,' said PMA president and CEO Bryan Silbermann. 'This city has a different feel than most convention cities. It's the flavor of the city – its food, its music, this is where old meets new.'
Attendees hailed from more than 60 countries and included more than 3,000 buyers.
A consumer-focused call-to-action was clear throughout the convention’s programming. Silbermann’s popular annual State of the Industry address included special guests Bolthouse Farms CEO Jeff Dunn, First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative Executive Director Sam Kass and National Restaurant Association President Dawn Sweeney. The quartet urged the industry to focus its marketing efforts on driving consumer demand. In addition, joining Silbemann in an industry call-to-action for more women in leadership roles was Elisa van Dam of Simmons College.
Appealing to kids, packaging and digital innovations became a sharp focus in the new Innovations@Work area that included the 100+ item New Products Showcase with numerous new products designed just for kids. Impact Award: Excellence in Packaging finalists’ products were also on display here.
“The buzz around the show floor was palpable,” said PMA chairman and president of The Giumarra Companies Tim Riley. “People are ready to capitalise on the connections they’re making at Fresh Summit to make smart business decisions throughout the year.”
