NEWARK, DE - An upcoming PMA event will give produce suppliers a direct connection to the major retail, e-commerce, and wholesale buyers of China. Taking place March 21 at the Grand Hyatt Shenzhen in Shenzhen, China, PMA’s Fresh Connections: China is approaching.

“PMA’s Fresh Connections: China will provide unmatched networking opportunities for global produce suppliers that want to enter or expand in the fast-growing Chinese market,” said John Wang, President and CEO of Mr. Avocado in China, in a press release. “This event will provide a platform to look for partners, explore distribution channels, and learn about products, varieties, and suppliers that can help buyers meet consumer demand for high-quality fresh produce.”

Among the more than 15 participating buyers already confirmed to attend are:

• Tmall Fresh (Alibaba)
• D.com
• Fruitday.com
• CR Vanguard
• Walmart China/Sam’s Club
• Pagoda
• Hema Supermarket
• Lantao
• Joy Wing Mau

In 2016, more than a million tons of fruits, valued at $2.3 billion, was imported to China through Shenzhen, making it a top port for mainland China in terms of volume and value. As for the event, this will be the first time the show is held in Shenzhen, which is also home to leading retailers in China such as CR Vanguard, Walmart, and Pagoda.

Mabel Zhuang, PMA’s China market development representative, will present a “China Market Overview” addressing key changes and trends in the marketplace.

“PMA Fresh Connections: China’s premier goal is to help attendees create long-term sales opportunities to grow business in the China market,” said Zhuang. “Produce suppliers from Latin America, North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other major exporting regions that want to do business in China can get the insights and information they need at this event.”

The 6th annual PMA Fresh Connections: China event will gather members from across the global fresh produce supply chain, including brokers, distributors, promotional organizations, business solution providers, wholesalers, and grower-shipper/processors. 

Participants will also learn about national and local government regulations that impact what products can be imported into China. Education sessions will address consumer and retail trends.

Key speakers include Mau Wah Liu, Chairman of the Board at Joy Wing Mau and member of the PMA Board of Directors, and Cathy Burns, PMA CEO.

Liu, head of a leading produce importer, will discuss perspectives on produce businesses thriving in the worldwide marketplace during the “Thinking Like a Global CEO” discussion. According to the PMA, Burns will present “The State of the Industry,” exploring ideas from inside and outside the produce industry that have the potential to influence how our industry connects globally and locally with consumers and each other.

About half the world’s vegetables are grown in China, along with 18 percent of the world’s fruit. However, even with strong domestic production, China is the second-largest produce importer after the United States.

With more speakers to be announced and open to attendance from PMA members and prospective members, mark your calendars to register by January 31 to save with advance pricing (registered PMA members save even more). A tourist visa may be required to enter the People’s Republic of China; attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Stay tuned for more details on this and other key produce events for 2018 and beyond.

PMA