MONTEREY, CA - As the industry bustles through peak seasons for summer commodities, and showing off the latest and greatest in a stream of shows, Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Foodservice Conference and Expo is right around the corner as July approaches.

“Foodservice trends are constantly shaping when, where and how consumers eat,” said Colista Yates, Co-Chair of PMA’s Foodservice Conference & Expo and Senior Director of Global Brand Protection at TGI Fridays. “The event provides industry members with powerful tools to address and utilize these factors to create long-lasting, successful businesses that connect with their consumers.” 

The expo is PMA’s largest yet, according to a recent press release, with over 200 exhibitors showcasing their latest industry products and services, with educational sessions and speakers to inspire, innovate, and bolster attendees. This year’s event marks a big one for first time exhibitors, which make up 20 percent of this year’s numbers. 

The informational sessions, and their expert speakers, will include the following:

Turning Your Customers into Advocates

Jonah Berger, Professor at Wharton School of Business at The University of Pennsylvania, will divulge how to form a deeper relationship with consumers and make brands more effective.

Food Safety: Positioning Yourself as a Trusted Source

Learn how to use new tools and technology to reach consumers in today’s health-conscious market from these speakers: 

• Bob Whitaker, Chief Science & Technology Officer, Produce Marketing Association
• Lance Donny, CEO, On Farm
• Robert Stovicek, President, Primus Labs
• Chef Kyong Carroll, Executive Chef, Bon Appetit@Google

Fascinating Flavors: Enticing Customers with Tastes and Trends

This three-part session will be highly interactive as the following chefs and flavor experts discuss flavor trends, consumer interests, and how to create exciting offerings: 

• Patty Johnson, Global Food and Drink Analyst, Mintel
• Carol Christensen, Director of Institutional Advancement, Monell
• Chef Tony Baker, Montrio Bistro

Menus of Change: From Seed to Stalk

Featuring the comedically-styled teachings of Chef Richard Blais, of San Diego’s Juniper and Ivy, attendees will learn about inside tips on trends and see a “show and tell” of menu items the chef is currently seeing or using from the market.

Additional Activities 

Throughout the event, networking and educational opportunities will not cease as attendees can take advantage of the following: 

• Exposition on Sunday
• Center for Growing Talent by PMA’s (CGTbyPMA) Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament
• CGTbyPMA’s  5K Race for Talent
• CGTbyPMA’s  Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception
• Chef Talks: A Strolling Lunch
• Hands-On Fruit & Vegetable Training

PMA’s Foodservice Conference and Expo will take play from July 29-31 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, CA.

Click here for more information on the event, and we’ll see you there!

PMA