PMA Fresh Connections: China Connects Global Suppliers with Local Buyers

Fresh produce professionals from around the globe will travel to Shanghai, China for Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) fourth annual Fresh Connections: China to create successful business opportunities in the fast-growing China market. Importers and exporters, retailers, producers, wholesalers, government officials and more will gather March 17, 2016, at The Westin Bund Center hotel. Six workshop sessions will feature nearly 20 speakers and panelists. They will discuss industry issues to spark new ideas. Networking breaks and a Business Roundtable will offer additional opportunities to connect.

"PMA Fresh Connections: China provides a great opportunity for access to a wide network of contacts and relevant information on agriculture and agroindustry supply chains in one of the world's most dynamic markets," said Mexican Ambassador to China Julian Ventura.

This year’s workshop sessions will focus on key areas of the industry to help attendees understand and succeed in China’s market:

• State of the Global Fresh Produce Industry
• China Market Overview
• Food Safety Made Simple through Supply Chain Efficiencies
• Thinking Like a Global CEO
• Production and Varietal Innovation
• Global Sourcing; Diversifying Your Imports

To highlight one of the workshop sessions, Richard Owen, PMA’s vice president of global business development stated, “During the workshop session Think like a Global CEO, attendees will hear from six global leaders who will share their own personal experiences on breaking into new markets.” The speakers/panelists from four out of the seven continents include:

• PMA CEO, Bryan Silbermann (U.S.)
• Joyvio-Golden Wing Mau Co-Chairman, Liu Mau Wah (China)
• Markon CEO, Tim York (U.S.)
• Mission Produce CEO, Steve Barnard (U.S.)
• Perfection Fresh Australia. CEO, Michael Simonetta (Australia)
• Nature’s Pride CEO, Shawn Harris (The Netherlands)

During the session Leading Trends in Production and Varietal Innovation, a panel of industry experts will discuss the development and production of produce grown or imported into China. The session will focus on berries, table grapes, avocado and apple varieties most attractive to the Chinese consumer. The session will also touch on strategies to create market demand for new varieties introduced into China.

On March 18, offered for the first time at Fresh Connections: China, Chinese buyers will connect with global suppliers through a series of eight, 15-minute face- to-face discussions during the Business Roundtable.

On Wednesday, March 16, an optional tour of local wholesale markets and retail stores will be available. Stops include Huizan Wholesale Market, Wal-Mart, Olé Supermarket, and Pagoda. Tour participants will also visit informal produce markets, which can be found in every neighborhood.

To learn more about the opportunities, workshop sessions, and session speakers offered at this year’s Fresh Connections: China, visit http://www.pma.com/events/fresh-connections-china.