NEWARK, DE – The inaugural PMA Fruittrade Latin America will kick off soon in Santiago, Chile through the collaboration of PMA, Fedefruta (the growers association of Chile) and Yentzen Consulting Group.

According to a press release, this first-of-its-kind event for South America is replacing both Fedefruta’s and PMA’s long standing individual conventions in the region.  The event is scheduled for November 12-13.

“This new collaboration is part of PMA’s strategy to help the industry build consumer connections by linking members to the people, markets and insights needed to grow business and increase consumption,” said Nancy Tucker, PMA’s Vice President of Global Business Development. “This event is designed to help industry members build connections – to experts, ideas, trends and talent – produce and floral companies can focus on building consumer demand for the products they grow, ship and sell.”

This convention is going to feature business round-tables that connect retailers and suppliers.  According to a press release, a group of international buyers including Associated Wholesale Grocers, Cencosud, Costco Wholesale Canada, Eurosupermercado, Grupo Éxito, Grupo Pao de Acucar/CBD, The Kroger Co., Sam's Wholesale Club, Save-a-lot, Ltd., Spinneys Dubai LLC, Supermercados Tottus, Tesco, and Wal-Mart Mexico, Inc. will participate in this unique ‘matchmaking’ event.

“I am looking forward to participating in PMA Fruittrade Latin America,” said Oleen Smethurst from Costco Wholesale Canada.  “I expect to make new connections and that the program will be very enriching and give me the insight I need on key markets.”

Additionally, Carlos Furche, Chile’s Minister of Agriculture, will join ProChile’s Director Roberto Paiva, Fedefruta President Juan Carolus Brown and Tesco Sourcing Manager Simon Mandelbaum for PMA Fruittrade Latin America’s inaugural session on November 12.  The session will focus on how the organizations are addressing the needs of the industry. 

Another session entitled “Turning Trends into Market Strategies” will feature Naturipe Vice President of Marketing Robert Verloop, Nielsen Perishables Vice President Sherry Frey and Cencosud’s Stephan von Meyenn.  It will focus on consumer trends and how they differ around the world.

"As a grower, the topic of global consumer trends can be so broad that it can be difficult to relate it back to what we grow today and what we should grow in the future,” says Verloop. “How does a grower in Chile respond to the consumer demand of healthier, convenient snacks? I think the answer is in rethinking your supply chain and business models.”

For the full list of education programming for PMA Fruittrade Latin America, click here.  This new event is sure to become a staple in the industry.

PMA