Fresh Connections Melbourne 26-28 June 2012 to be a Tasteful Event

Networking, educational and business building opportunities with the movers and shakers of the Australasian fresh produce industry are not all that's on offer at PMA Fresh Connections 2012— the
produce-packed trade show also looks set to delight the senses! 

PMA Australia-New Zealand and The Australian Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries will once again partner to present the conference and trade show, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26-28 June 2012.

Shane Schnitzler, President of the Australian Chamber, says this year's trade show will see the biggest and best displays of produce yet exhibited at PMA Fresh Connections. "It's a domino effect" he says.  "Last year we had a lot of fresh produce from the markets around Australia on display and in 2012, delegates can expect to see the same kind of thing plus much more. It's all about doing business with others in the supply chain, to learn new things and to see what sort of produce and products are out in the market place
that can enhance our businesses." Exhibitors will also have the opportunity to appeal to delegates' sense of taste with plans for a food service license encompassing the entire trade show.

"Taste is such a large part of the fresh produce appeal" says Michael Worthington, CEO of PMA Australia-New Zealand. "In the past, exhibitors have had to apply for and purchase licenses to provide tasters of their products individually. To be able to taste a product in addition to seeing it, touching it, smelling it... it's one of the biggest selling points for fresh products so we are very excited to be able to provide this opportunity for all exhibitors in 2012."

 Wholesaler Vince Brancatisano from Prestige Produce was impressed by Fresh Connections
2011, and will definitely be attending PMA Fresh Connections in 2012. Vince said the biggest benefit in attending PMA Fresh Connections was the ability to meet with other wholesalers and growers in both a formal and social environment plus the many learning opportunities provided by the conference sessions. "The conference is a great opportunity to meet hundreds of people at the one time,
at the one place and do business in one or two days.  If you tried to do that in your own time it
would take weeks" he said. 

"Everyone in the industry should be involved if they are serious about growing their business.  It's an opportunity you just can't afford to miss in today's fast paced, time poor environment." Shane agrees and says the best way for any members of both Australia and New Zealand's fruit,
vegetable and floral industries from paddock to plate to get involved is to display products at the trade show.

"We see this event as not only an opportunity to provide information exchange and
networking but also for our members and the broader market community to get
involved in the industry and do some business" he said.

The ever growing trade show will continue to be the ultimate platform to introduce and
be introduced to the new products, services and technologies that play a crucial role within our industry.  No
matter where you are positioned within the supply chain, sponsoring or exhibiting at PMA Fresh Connections looks well placed to put businesses one step ahead of their competition.

Prospective exhibitors and sponsors can download a prospectus at www.pmafreshconnections.com.au; and can guarantee a terrific position at the 2012 trade show, by booking early.  Registrations open in February 2012.