Fresh Ideas in Store at 2017 PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo

NEWARK, Del. — Registration is in full swing for the 2017 Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Foodservice Conference and Expo taking place July 28-30 at the Monterey Marriot and Portola Plaza Hotel in Monterey, Calif.

Now in its 36th year, the PMA Foodservice Conference and Expo is the premiere gathering of the fresh produce supply chain. Highlights of the event include:

• Hands-on produce training, chef demos and menu tastings;
• Insights on new culinary trends and flavors;
• Networking opportunities with customers and potential partners; and
• Fundraising events to support Center for Growing Talent by PMA initiatives, including Boccee for Talent Tournament, Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament, 5K Race for Talent and Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception.

The event will host more than 170 exhibitors, who will present the latest in products and solutions at PMA’s Foodservice Expo, and 24 companies will participate in PMA’s Fresh Ideas Showcase this year, where attendees will get a sneak peek at products that could be the next trend-setting flavor, variety or convenience product in foodservice meal preparation, according to PMA.

Participants in PMA’s Hands-On Fruit & Vegetable Training will get firsthand experience creating creative recipes. Sponsors will share info on the latest menu trends, and will provide tips on care, handling and usage of fresh fruits and vegetables to help foodservice providers learn news ways to “innovate the plate” with global flavors.

The 2017 PMA Foodservice Conference and Expo will also feature educational sessions like:

“Let’s Talk About Trends, Baby” — Joseph M. Pawlak, managing principal of Technomic, a foodservice research, fact-finding and management consulting company, will share the latest trends.

“No, You Are Not the Smartest Person in the Room” Part I & II — David Nour, CEO of The Nour Group Inc., will present about ideation and how to differentiate through cocreation to remain relevant, sustain viability, and have fun.

“Innovate the Plate? Why Stop There?” — Event organizers will facilitate a panel discussion with supply chain peers and food experts who will address disruptors in the industry and what attendees can do to address such dynamics.

The event attracts a wide range of buyers, including Pro*Act, Sysco, Chipotle, Wegmans Food Markets, Blue Apron, Meijer, FreshDirect, HelloFresh, LSG Sky Chefs and The Cheesecake Factory.

PMA Foodservice Conference and Expo was first held in response to growth in the foodservice industry brought about by the rise of family incomes in the 1970s and changes in consumers’ eating habits. The event continues to evolve in response to consumer trends and needs of the evolving foodservice industry. Trends PMA will address this year include organics, rise in demand for vegan menu choices and acceleration of the blurring lines between foodservice and retail.

Newark-based Produce Marketing Association is a leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain.