The Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) retail seminar held in Santiago, Chile, on May 15, formed the first in a series of global outreach activities to be organised by the US produce industry organisation.
The event - entitled “Supermarkets: Opportunities and Challenges for Chilean Fruit in Emerging Economies” - was attended by more than 120 suppliers, growers, exporters, government officials, association representatives and two staff from the US Embassy’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
Dr Thomas Reardon of Michigan State University customised a presentation on supermarket growth in developing markets to specifically address Chile and the economic growth that exists for Chilean fruit. His presentation included the factors that lead to the increased and rapid growth of this sector, the waves of retail development, trends that are prevalent in this growth, and the implications of these trends.
Nancy Tucker, PMA vice-president of global business development, spoke about the impact of food safety concerns, the increase in sales of organics and the emergence of interest in local products and social responsibility. “We are pleased with the success of this seminar and are planning additional activities through our representative in Santiago,” said Tucker.
No comments yet