This year’s PMA Fresh Summit in New Orleans spoke of change in the industry and innovation to propel a community of produce growers, shippers and marketers into the future. Sessions ran the gamut, from emerging technology and creating passion for fruits and vegetables through powerful marketing techniques to PMA President Bryan Silbermann’s State of the Industry session, which inspired and motivated the some-18,000 attendees at this year’s show.
Here’s a look at Silbermann’s general session, the innovative Innovation @ work display area, which showcased this year’s Impact Award winners, as well as a few shots of the bustling show floor, where colorful produce and floral arrangements spanned the Ernst N. Morial Convention Center and people of the produce industry exuded enthusiasm and passion for the world of produce.
Jay Pack is presented with the 2013 Robert L. Carey Leadership Award.
PMA President Bryan Silbermann gives the state of the industry talk.
National Restaurant Association President and CEO Dawn Sweeney presents on produce in restaurant trends.
Director of Executive Education at Simmons School of Management Elisa van Dam speaks on the important role of women in the industry.
Innovation @ work showcase
Frieda’s Inc.: Frieda’s Meyer Lemon & Seedless Lemon Bags
Sunkist Growers, Inc.: sk Choice Lemonade Pouch
T. Marzetti Company: Marzetti Simply Dressed Pourables
Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. and Ready Pac Foods, Inc.: Ready Pac Peel and ReSeal Lettuce Trays
NatureSweet: NatureSweet Cherriots
Edible stickers to place on fruit by My Fruity Faces.
A view of just part of the show floor from the PMA center’s balcony.
KMT demonstrates it’s waterjet cutting food technology, which cuts food with 60,000-90,000 PSI.
Chefs were aplenty throughout the show floor.
