PMA A-NZ and the Chamber to partner in PMA Fresh Forums in Newscastle

NSW’s fresh produce companies will have a rare opportunity to network with key industry figures from across the entire fresh produce supply chain in their own ‘backyard’ when PMA Fresh Forums join with the 2011 Australian Chamber of Fruit & Vegetable Industries Annual Conference and AGM in Newcastle.

According to Michael Worthington, CEO of PMA Australia-New Zealand, the PMA Fresh Forums have quickly built a reputation around the country for their networking potential, interesting topics, good speakers and strong take-home messages.

Hosted by PMA Australia-New Zealand, the PMA Fresh Forum-Newcastle will feature high-calibre speakers and panellists from freshlogic, The Brand Story, Protected Cropping Australia, The Centre for International Economics and the National Australia Bank.

It will feature topics including consumer trends, with a particular focus on how the industry can meet consumer expectations in key target market segments; and the future of fresh produce supply in Australia, in which the impact of the rapidly growing protected cropping industry and the likelihood of increased levels of imported fruit and vegetable products will be discussed.

“We always try to look forward at our Fresh Forums to what the trends are and how these are likely to impact all parts of the supply chain,” said Worthington.

PMA Fresh Forum - Newcastle will mark the first of two events in 2011 in which PMA A-NZ and The Chamber will partner, with preparations for Fresh Connections 2011 Conference and Trade Show, also involving AFFCO, already well underway.