A pair of international panelists on a seminar devoted to politics avoided predicting who would win the upcoming U.S. presidential election but they did advocate for the end of protectionism and a return to a more free trade environment, regardless of the outcome.

If you tuned in last Tuesday to the virtual SUNSET Rocks event, you’re probably still singing along to the playlist of rock, pop, and country hits played during the event. In its first ever virtual event, SUNSET Rocks brought in not one but four major recording artists for an exclusive event that connected the entire industry and raised funds for the non-profit organization, Brighter Bites. The event was a massive success, far surpassing the partnership’s fundraising goal thanks to the generous donations made by sponsors and viewers.

A quick survey of a dozen attendees to the Produce Marketing Association’s virtual Fresh Summit revealed a solid score for effort, execution and education, but the in-person experience was sorely missed.

On Thursday evening, Oct. 15, the Produce Marketing Association held a Closing Reception for its 2020 virtual Fresh Summit, but in fact that reception did mark the end of this year’s show.

It wouldn’t be a PMA without SUNSET dropping a bomb to the industry. For weeks, the company has been hinting at the news of a flavorful new product launch and promising to reveal the next sweet one at this year’s PMA. The news is finally out! Introducing Lolli Bombs, a sweet-like-candy yellow tomato-on-the-vine and the fourth addition to the infamous Bombs™ lineup of on-the-vine snacking tomatoes.

2020 has been a year full of challenges, but also one full of new opportunities and growth, as emphasized during the Center for Growing Talent’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives general session, held virtually on Thursday, Oct. 15 as part of PMA Fresh Summit.

The virtual session kicked off with the announcement of the 2020 CGT Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Catalyst Award, which went to Kristen Reid, executive vice president of MIXTEC Group.