Monterey, Calif. — Fresh produce and foodservice professionals contributed to another year full of groundbreaking products, mouthwatering dishes and full on engagement at PMA’s 35th annual Foodservice Conference and Expo.
The event in Monterey, California attracted 1,952 attendees, including more than 485 foodservice distributors and more than 190 operators, who came to explore new products and emerging trends in the foodservice and fresh produce industries.
Education sessions and networking receptions attracted an impressive number of attendees this year:
The Foodservice Conference education program captured the minds of fresh produce and foodservice professionals from across the spectrum. Attendees received key learnings to begin implementing after returning home.
The golfers who participated in the Center for Growing Talent by PMA (CGTbyPMA) Joe Nucci Golf Tournament enjoyed great networking as they raised funds for CGTbyPMA to advance a strong talent base for the industry. See this year’s champions.
The 480 participants in CGTbyPMA’s 5K Race for Talent raised funds to support CGTbyPMA education efforts as they enjoyed networking and scenic views along the way. See the results from this year’s race.
CGTbyPMA’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives reception shared personal experiences and industry passion with attendees.
The players who participated in CGTbyPMA’s Bocce for Talent Tournament raised funds to support CGTbyPMA’s mission to attract, develop and retain industry talent as they connected to build business networks and experienced good competition. See this year’s winners and honorable mentions,
The Foodservice Conference Opening Reception brought together 400 attendees who socialized with old friends, created new business relationships, and conversed about the opportunities in store.
“The amount of participation and commitment we experienced this weekend— between the Foodservice Conference Committee, the industry experts who came to share their experiences, the staff who worked hard to find these insightful industry leaders, and the industry members who joined us to explore new developments in the fresh produce and foodservice industries so that we can continue to grow— provides a promising look into our future,” says Co-Chair of PMA’s Foodservice Conference & Expo Colista Yates, sr. director of global brand protection at TGI Fridays.
Several exhibitors were awarded for their innovative products and showmanship:
- Best of Show: Owyhee Produce
- 2nd place Best of Show: Mann’s Fresh Vegetables
- Best Product Promo: Gold Coast Packing
- Sensory Experience Contest: National Watermelon Promotion Board
The annual Chef Talks: A Strolling Lunch event offered various dishes, featuring a produce centric approach, to a record number of 239 participants. Guests were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite. The 2016 contest winner was Hollandia Produce. Chef Kyung Carroll, Regional Executive Chef, Bon Appetite@ Google prepared Gourmet Red Butter Lettuce Steak Wraps.
For a full recap of this year’s conference, including photos and education sessions, visit http://www.pma.com/events/foodservice.
Next year's conference will be July 28-30 at the freshly renovated Monterey Conference Center and Monterey Marriott.
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)