SONOMA, CA – An in-depth tour of Chile organized by the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, with the support of ProChile, is now underway for a select group of North America’s foodservice leaders and members of the press. The seven-day tour gives participants a firsthand look at Chile’s summer fruit harvest from the growing fields to its state-of-the-art packing facilities.
“Year-round access to reliable supplies of fresh fruit is critical to North American foodservice operators,” said Tom Tjerandsen, North American Managing Director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association. “As American and Canadians strive to eat healthier, volume operators are tasked to offer a wide variety of nutritious, full-flavored and low-calorie options, and Chile’s fresh fruits are a natural fit. By educating foodservice industry leaders and influential print journalists about Chile’s fresh fruit resources, ideal growing conditions, and advanced safety practices, this trip demonstrates our commitment to our customers and reinforces our position as a leader in high-quality fruit production.”
The trip comes at a time when the foodservice industry is increasingly focused on providing its patrons nutritious, healthy and fresh foods, whether mandated by new government regulations or driven by consumer demand for healthier dining options. Whether it’s quick-service restaurants offering sliced fruit and salads on their menu, or schools and universities incorporating more fresh fruit and vegetables year-round, menu planners at away-from-home dining venues are working to meet changing consumer expectations. This ongoing effort contributes to the industry’s record sales, expected to grow by 3.5% in 2012 over the prior year, to $632 billion.
To meet this growing demand, Chile's fruit producers are dedicated to meeting or exceeding the strictest U.S. standards, and in so doing they have become world leaders in safe agricultural and environmental practices through their commitment to worker safety and environmental stewardship.
PHOTO (from left to right):
Tom Tjerandsen – Managing Director for CFFA
Sean Lockard – Executive Chef for Parkhurst Dining Services
Karen Berner – Food Editor for the Reader's Digest Association
Kevin Bechtel – Senior VP for Purchasing and Menu Development for Shari's Management Corp
Chuck Hatfield – Director of Product Development for Sodexo
Carlos Acevedo – Senior Food Editor for Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
David Hoekstra – Staff writer and columnist for Chicago Sun Times
Fernando Balart – Marketing Manager USA/Latin America for ASOEX
Source: Chilean Fresh Fruit Association