July 18, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS CONTACT: Debra Mitchell, +1 (302) 738-7100 x3008
Newark, Del - The fresh produce and foodservice industries gathered for another successful meeting, boasting more than 100 foodservice operator participants out of 1,500 industry professionals at the
Produce Marketing Association's (PMA) 2007 Foodservice Conference & Exposition in Monterey, California, last weekend.
Highlights from the event include:
* More than 1,500 industry professionals, including chefs, grower-shippers, menu developers, distributors, restaurant operators and owners, and suppliers;
* Buyer-focused programming;
* Well-attended food safety sessions;
* Dynamic chef demonstrations by Chef Anthony Bourdain and Chef Walter Scheib; and
* The PMA Education Foundation (PMAEF) golf tournament benefiting the Nucci Scholarship for Culinary Innovation raised $40,000.
"What a great way to celebrate our 26th year - by satisfying buyers and suppliers alike with a world class event," said Bryan Silbermann, PMA president. "PMA worked hard to develop programming to
appeal to buyers and menu developers and the results from this year's event show we have found the right formula."
PMA also held its first annual Product Innovation Contest. Winners were selected by three voting groups: chefs and operators, students, and attendees. HMC Marketing - Lunch Bunch won the
attendees' votes and Califresh of California won the students' votes as well as the chefs' and operators' votes. Winners were presented their awards at the close of the conference by Bryan
Silbermann, PMA president.
In addition, winners will receive a complimentary New Products Showcase spot at the 2007 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition, an engraved "Product Innovation Contest Winner"
plaque, an announcement on the show floor and publicity in
PMA materials including PMA's website, and Headline News announcement.
Next year's Foodservice Conference & Expo is scheduled for July 25-27, 2008, in Monterey, California. For more information, visit www.pma.com/foodservice.
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Founded in 1949, PMA is the leading trade association serving more than 2,100 companies representing all segments of the global produce and floral supply chains. Members rely on PMA year round for
the business solutions they need to increase sales and consumption, build strong professional relationships and expand their business opportunities.