Sunkist Growers' Christina Ward Details PMA Foodservice: Delivered Experience
UNITED STATES - One question I’d heard on the tips of everyone’s tongues since COVID-19 hit was, “What about PMA Foodservice?” While we all searched for answers, the innovative team at Produce Marketing Association (PMA) was grinding their gears on how to make this year’s show one for the books. Companies like Sunkist Growers took to the virtual event like seeds to soil, and I couldn’t wait to hear about the show through their eyes.
“PMA Foodservice: Delivered is unique in that it has a solution-driven focus on present-day foodservice challenges,” Christina Ward, Director of Global Brand Marketing at Sunkist, told me. “We enjoyed the exclusive access to corporate chefs and hearing their perspectives around how suppliers can make their jobs easier in terms of product and packaging. A show like PMA Foodservice is important because it addresses some of the industry’s biggest challenges while helping attendees find ways to adapt and respond to our temporary new normal.”
An agricultural cooperative entirely owned by and operated for the California and Arizona citrus growers who make up its membership, Sunkist has a truly outstanding brand proposition. By partnering with the company, foodservice operators can serve a premium product that is backed by a worthy cause.
“Citrus is a versatile produce item that elevates every section of the menu, from dishes to drinks to desserts. More than ever, foodservice operators are looking to increase the value of produce on menus and reduce food waste. There are many ways to get the most out of citrus, from zesting to peeling, segmenting to juicing, charring to preserving and garnishing. Citrus offers a fresh advantage,” Christina added, explaining that this was Sunkists’ bottom line at the show this year.
The company most looked forward to the breakout sessions which featured the foodservice industry's inner workings from a behind-the-scenes point of view.
“On Tuesday, our very own Christian Harris, Sunkist Chief Operating Officer, joined PRO*ACT's Jeff Oberman via Zoom to discuss ‘Reimagined Distribution Strategies,’” Christina concluded. “We enjoyed hearing all of the different and insightful perspectives in the foodservice industry.”
And that’s a wrap for PMA Foodservice 2020! I’d say the wait was more than worth it.
