PMA Fresh Connections: China March 21 to connect global suppliers, Chinese buyers

Global produce suppliers interested in exporting to China can connect directly with major retail, ecommerce and wholesale buyers at PMA’s Fresh Connections: China event scheduled March 21 at the Grand Hyatt Shenzhen in Shenzhen, China.

More than 15 participating buyers are already confirmed for the event, including Tmall Fresh (Alibaba), JD.com, Frutiday.com, CR Vanguard, Walmart China/Sam’s Club, Pagoda, Hema Supermarket, Lantao, Joy Wing Mau, and more. 

This is the first time the event is being held in Shenzhen. In 2016, more than one million ton of fruits valued at $2.3 billion was imported to China through Shenzhen, making it the No. 1 port for mainland China in terms of both volume and value. Shenzhen is also home to leading retailers in China such as CR Vanguard, Walmart and Pagoda

 “PMA’s Fresh Connections: China will provide unmatched networking opportunities for global produce suppliers that want to enter or expand in the fast-growing Chinese market,” said John Wang, president and CEO of Mr. Avocado in China. “This event will provide a platform to look for partners, explore distribution channels and learn about products, varieties and suppliers that can help buyers meet consumer demand for high-quality fresh produce.”

About 50 percent of the world’s vegetables are grown in China, and 18 percent of the world’s fruit. However, even with strong domestic production, China is the second-largest produce importer after the United States.

Key speakers include Mau Wah Liu, chairman of the board at Joy Wing Mau and member of the PMA Board of Directors, and Cathy Burns, PMA CEO. Liu, as head of a leading produce importer, will discuss perspectives on produce businesses thriving in the worldwide marketplace during the “Thinking Like a Global CEO" discussion. Burns will present “The State of the Industry,” exploring ideas from inside and outside the produce industry that have the potential to influence how our industry connects globally and locally with consumers and each other. Additional speakers will soon be announced.

Mabel Zhuang, PMA’s China market development representative, will present a “China Market Overview” that addresses key changes and trends in the marketplace. Participants will also learn about national and local government regulations that impact what products can be imported into China. Education sessions will address consumer and retail trends.

“PMA Fresh Connections: China’s premier goal is to help attendees create long-term sales opportunities to grow business in the China market,” said Zhuang. “Produce suppliers from Latin America, North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other major exporting regions that want to do business in China can get the insights and information they need at this event.” 

The 6th annual PMA Fresh Connections: China event will gather members from across the global fresh produce supply chain, including brokers, distributors, promotional organizations, business solution providers, wholesalers and grower-shipper/processors.

The event is open to PMA members and prospective members. Register by January 31 to save with advance pricing; PMA members save even more. A tourist visa may be required to enter the People’s Republic of China; attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Image Source: PMA