This year's PMA Fresh Summit proved to be a record-breaking one for the Association, with 1,090 exhibiting companies occupying 265,300 net square feet in Anaheim, California, on 17-19 October.
Highlights were plentiful as the show returned to the golden state, and included a focus on inspiring kids to eat healthier and a series of education sessions that zoned in on topics like global trade, emerging floral trends, talent management and food safety.
More than 22,400 members of the global fresh produce and floral industry’s supply chain convened for thought-provoking general sessions, an expo featuring new products and trends, technologies and innovations, educational workshops that featured hot topics delivered by industry and business experts and presentations and industry engagement with Let’s Move! executive director and senior policy advisor for nutrition Sam Kass, US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) deputy commissioner of US foods Mike Taylor and California secretary of agriculture Karen Ross.
“I love when Fresh Summit lands in Anaheim, it’s home to me and many of the exhibitors and attendees,' said Kevin Fiori, vice-president of sales and marketing for Sunkist Growers and PMA Board of Directors chairperson. 'Coming back after just two years gives us a great opportunity to reflect on the progress the industry and the association has made since 2012.
“PMA’s new strategic plan helps provide a focus on providing year round resources for our members, including marketing tools, research, and global networking opportunities to include this week’s Fresh Summit,' he noted. 'It is satisfying to know that more than 20,000 people attended this year’s Fresh Summit in Anaheim to take advantage of those opportunities.
“There are so many things to take away from this year’s show,' Fiori added. 'I’m particularly proud to be part of an industry that can work together to help moms get their children to “eat brighter”. The number of ‘eat brighter’ branded produce items and participating companies is impressive and continues to grow.”
Next year’s Fresh Summit Convention and Expo will be held Oct.23-25, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia.
