Merger talks between the Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association in the US have ended unsuccessfully.
Mike O’Brien of the PMA and co-chair of the task group evaluating the merger said: “I acknowledge with profound disappointment that despite our best efforts we were unable to agree on an acceptable joint association model that would meet both member and industry needs… Let me state for the record that this was a decision made by PMA’s volunteer leaders on behalf of our members. PMA remains committed to building collaborative relationships with all our association partners in the US and abroad.”
United Fresh said in a statement that it too was disappointed, but is looking ahead to collaboration when it is appropriate.
David Krause, chairman of the board, and Ron Midyett, chairman-elect at United Fresh said: “We anticipate that both associations will now continue to pursue their own strategic vision, offering a clear contrast in value and programme choices to the industry, while collaborating when in the best interests of their members.”
