Newark, Del. — Adriana Prado, international marketing manager at Itaueira Agropecuaria, S.A., Fortaleza, Brazil, received honors during the recent Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Fresh Connections: Brazil for her volunteer service of more than two years as chair of the PMA Brazil Country Council. Prado pioneered the position, serving as the council’s first chair upon its inception in March 2014 and helping to guide the inaugural Fresh Connections: Brazil that same year. She retired from the position Aug. 19, and is succeeded by Luiz Claudio Haas Mendonca, commercial manager at Grupo Pao de Acucar/CBD, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the fresh produce industry in Brazil and would like to thank Itaueira for providing me the space to do so,” said Prado. “PMA volunteer leadership has helped me grow my connections to the local and global industry, grow my leadership skills, and grow my industry knowledge by working alongside the Council members who have a wealth of expertise from across the supply chain. I wish Luiz Claudio all the best as he steps into his role as chair.”
“Adriana’s enthusiasm set the tone from the start for establishing a highly engaged, active PMA Brazil Country Council,” said Nancy Tucker, PMA vice president of global business development. “A rapidly growing Fresh Connections: Brazil event, valuable information for members, and networking opportunities for the industry are results of her expertise and this outstanding leadership group’s efforts.”
The Brazil Country Council comprises 18 volunteer leaders from PMA-member companies across the fresh produce supply chain active in the region who help guide PMA activities in Brazil. The council focuses on identifying industry needs, such as current priority of supply chain efficiencies and waste reduction. The group also provides networking opportunities through a regional breakfast seminar and the annual Fresh Connections: Brazil, and connects PMA members in the country with PMA global information and contacts.
Mendonca, Prado’s successor, is a longtime member of the Brazil Country Council.
“We’re excited for the Brazil Country Council’s future, and Luiz Claudio’s working knowledge of the group will ensure a smooth leadership transition,” said Valeska de Oliveira, PMA staff representative in Brazil who assists the country council. “Plus, Pao de Acucar has been a strong supporter of PMA’s work in Brazil, as demonstrated by its commitment to Luiz Claudio’s PMA volunteer leadership and help coordinating retail/supplier groups’ attendance at PMA Fresh Summit.”
In addition to Brazil, PMA Country Councils also operate in Chile, Mexico and South Africa. These volunteer leader groups help deliver member value and provide strategic direction for PMA growth each country.
Photo: Adriana Prado and Luiz Claudio Haas Mendonca during the Opening Remarks at PMA’s 2016 Fresh Connections: Brazil.
About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing connections that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. For more information, visit www.pma.com.
Source: Produce Marketing Association (PMA)