Global Suppliers Invited to Connect with Local Buyers at PMA Fresh Connections: China

Newark, Del. — Interested in selling into the fast-growing Chinese market? Want to understand how to do business in China? These valuable insights, along with the chance to connect directly with Chinese buyers, will be the focus at Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) 5th annual Fresh Connections: China March 15-17 at The Westin Bund Center Hotel in Shanghai. The event will gather members from across the fresh produce supply chain for networking, education, business roundtable sessions and a market tour in the Shanghai area.

“PMA Fresh Connections: China’s premier goal is to help attendees create long-term sales opportunities to grow business in the China market,” said Mabel Zhuang, PMA China market development representative. “With recent structural changes establishing favorable circumstances for fresh produce trade in China, Fresh Connections: China will be essential for international companies looking to keep pace with these trends as they work to to open and develop markets in China.”

Zhuang’s opening session covering an overview of China’s marketplace will address these key changes and trends. Other in-depth educational sessions will cover changing world politics and trade, success in China’s small retail stores and innovation in major fruits grown in or imported into China. Consumer-related topics will look at the growing demand for transparency and online and in-store branding to attract customers. Confirmed speakers include:

• He Chun Lei, CEO of Tmall Fresh, Alibaba Group;
• Qidong Zhu, General Manager of Commodity Center, Pagoda;
• Elliott Grant, President & CEO, ShopWell Labs, Inc.;
• Jose Antonio Gomez Bazan, CEO, Camposol S.A.

The event provides a small, intimate setting for produce industry members to not only connect to relevant, local market information and globally recognized best practices, but also connect to each other during numerous networking opportunities throughout the event. In addition, business roundtable meetings will connect

Chinese buyers with global suppliers through a series of 10-minute face-to-face discussions. Separate registration is required. Buyers confirmed to date include:

• China Resources Vanguard Co., Ltd.;
• Fruitday Co., Ltd.;
• Mr Fresh/Tmall (Alibaba Group);
• Pagoda
• Yonghui Superstores

The event concludes March 17 with an optional tour of local wholesale markets and retail stores. Stops include Exfresh, a fresh produce logistics platform providing a look at Chinese e-commerce operations, and Hema Fresh, an emerging supermarket chain of Alibaba, Yonghui, Ole, and Pagoda stores that blends online convenience with offline shopping experience. Tour participants will also visit a “wet” market, which focus on selling fresh produce and meats and can be found in every neighborhood. 

Find PMA Fresh Connections: China schedule, education descriptions and registration online at www.pma.com/events/fresh-connections-china. The event is open to PMA members and prospective members; PMA members receive registration discount.

**NOTE TO EDITORS:

For use in publication, Fresh Connections: China video and photos from the 2016 event are available online.

About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)

Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing connections that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. For more information, visit www.pma.com.

Photos: PMA