PMA’s Foodservice Conference brings operators to Salinas Valley
PMA’s Foodservice Conference brings operators to Salinas Valley
The foodservice industry is expected to generate $2.2 trillion in sales by 2015, according to a Global Industry Analysts report, and much of the success can be attributed to the increasing role of fresh produce. Learning how to capitalize on that hefty number and increase the role of fresh produce in foodservice, operators and distributors will meet with members of the entire fresh produce supply chain at the Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference & Expo, July 25-27 in Monterey, CA.
The long-standing conference is a part of PMA’s efforts to aid consumer connections by linking industry to the people, new markets, trends and insights needed to grow business and increase consumption.
“Ensuring our restaurants receive the highest quality of fresh produce to serve to our guests is important to our success,” Cathy Leffingwell, director of produce management for Brinker International, said in a press release. “This conference provides the opportunity to meet with many of our supplier partners and provides the opportunity to network and learn what challenges are facing the industry.”
More than 1,700 attendees will convene to network and discuss emerging trends facing the industry, including the effects of global flavors on menus. The Culinary Institute of America’s Susan Renke and Food Network guest star Chef Jet Tila will help lead that particular discussion.
Chick-fil-A, a company that receives fresh produce to its restaurants daily, is a repeat attendee. “We’ve been attending this conference for several years. There continues to be a variety of exhibitors at the show that help us meet our goals in serving fresh produce to our guests,” Nick Eubank, purchasing supervisor, said in the release. “It’s important for us to come each year and learn about their businesses, their challenges and the growing trends that will impact us all.”
Attendees can register by June 27 for early-bird savings; advance registration closes July 11. Foodservice operators can receive significant discounts on conference registration rates. For more information and to register online, visit fsc.pma.com.
