The Produce Marketing Association expects more than 30 buyers from 24 companies to participate in its Fresh Connections: Retail event in Philadelphia next week.
New attendees include Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Sprouts, Coborn’s, Gerrity’s and Longo’s, according to a news release. Other buyers set to attend are Wegmans, Giant Martins, Wakefern, Acme Markets, Associated Wholesale Grocers, C&S Wholesale Grocers and Allegiance Retail Services.
The event is scheduled for April 10-11, and registration is limited to 200.
“PMA’s Fresh Connections: Retail event provides great networking,” Chris Keetch, director of produce and floral for Giant, said in the release. “I have time to meet new people and learn about their products, as well as reconnect with existing supply partners. This industry is full of dynamic people, and nothing beats meeting face to face. I’m also looking forward to hearing both keynote presenters and participating in the small group discussions.”
Cathy Burns, CEO of PMA, will open the event with insights on retail and food industry trends, and Kevin Coupe, writer and video producer for MorningNewsBeat.com, will deliver a second keynote.
“Fresh Connections: Retail is about networking and starting relevant, engaging conversations to tackle real-world challenges and opportunities,” Burns said in the release. “We look forward to the productive dialogue and thought partnership we’ve come to expect from this event and our attendees.”