NEW ORLEANS – The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) will welcome individuals from throughout the global produce and floral industry supply chains to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Halls B-F, today, Thursday, Oct. 19 – Saturday, Oct. 21, for the 2017 Fresh Summit Convention & Expo.
The annual Fresh Summit Convention and Expo draws diverse attendees and will feature more than 1,000 fresh produce and floral exhibitors from nearly 30 countries, including more than 70 first-time exhibitors, organizers said.
At the Fresh Summit Expo, a diverse group of exhibitors will include global grower-shippers and processors, marketing, trade and promotional organizations, government agencies and ministries of agriculture and suppliers and manufacturers of packaging, equipment, labeling, transportation, merchandising and technology services. Attendees will experience the energy, the flavors and the conversations that will fuel new and profitable opportunities and enjoy the Floral Pavilion where floral suppliers and buyers alike connect and showcase their goods and services in display of color.
PMA is a trade organization representing companies from every segment of the global fresh produce and supply chain. PMA is committed to connecting, informing and delivering industry solutions that enhance members’ prosperity, reps said.
PMA last met in New Orleans in 2013. This year’s convention is projected to have an economic impact of more than $23.5 million.
Events include:
• Fresh Ideas Showcase, Thursday, Oct. 19: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Get a sneak peek of products that could be the next trend-setter in the following categories: Just 4 Kids, On-The-Go, Certified Organic and Floral; Hall D
• Local kids to judge Sensory Experience Recipe Contest, Thursday, Oct. 19: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Join a panel of judges comprised of local kids, key buyers and industry experts to sample recipes from top 10 finalists in the Sensory Experience Contest, Fresh Ideas in Action Reception; Hall D, Rooms 243-245.
• Harvest begins for Food Bank Donation, Saturday, Oct. 21: 6:00 p.m.; Each year, one of the most humbling and amazing aspects of Fresh Summit is the very generous donation of produce and floral that PMA exhibitors make to the local food bank network. Totaling between 250,000 and 300,000 pounds, it’s the largest single donation of produce and floral in the United States each year and benefits thousands of residents facing hunger in the region. This year, partnering with Feeding America and the network of local member food banks, PMA will send donations to Gulf Coast and Florida food banks to aid hurricane victims, in addition to the planned donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana.
Throughout the convention hall, dozens of food bank volunteers will begin “harvesting” the donations to send to designated food banks.
