Produce Marketing Association President and CEO Cathy Burns opened the virtual Fresh Summit event this morning imploring the industry to forget about a “new normal” and instead bring about a “new extraordinary” as it envisions post-pandemic life.

Grimmway Farms is exhibiting new products and sustainable packaging initiatives this week at the first-ever virtual Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit Conference & Expo. Exhibiting for the 23rd consecutive year, Grimmway has transformed its impressive in-person booth, typically stocked with a market’s worth of fresh produce, to a virtual experience that allows visitors to tour its diverse growing regions and learn about its expanding carrot and organic farming operations.

Although this year's PMA Fresh Summit may look a bit different, one thing remains the same — SUNSET/Mastronardi Produce will rock it! The Produce News recently caught up with Nancy Pickersgill, events manager for the fourth generation, family-owned greenhouse grower to discuss what the company has in store for the first-ever virtual Fresh Summit.

Cucumbers have long been a mainstay in the product lineup at Pure Flavor®, but an innovative new offering will surely grab the attention of consumers who are looking to grab a quick, healthy and flavorful snack that also puts sustainability at the forefront.

The commitment to sustainability along with keeping the supply chain moving have been the main focus for Sev-Rend High-Performance Packaging for the past several years.

Jeff Watkin, the St. Louis-based company’s director of marketing, recently spoke with The Produce News on the increase in demand for packaging along with sustainable options.

Kurt Zuhlke, president of his namesake Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, is a regular presence at the PMA Fresh Summit, having attended most years since 1980.

The show is important to Zuhlke, he noted, because it allows him to get out and meet new people entering the produce market and promote the company’s products.