International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) opened its doors on January 1, 2022 and the association is quickly making its new name known throughout the industry.
“It’s been almost a year since we first shared the news of our intention to bring together United Fresh and PMA to form a new association,” said co-CEO Tom Stenzel. “We worked diligently to ensure our members’ needs and voices were front and center as we created this new organization. I am very appreciative of the support we have seen from the industry.”
Co-CEOs Cathy Burns and Stenzel launched a call for member volunteers to help drive industry priorities in a variety of areas. Since that call to action, the industry has responded with more than 1,000 volunteers stepping forward to serve the IFPA and industry on more than 32 committees.
This group of volunteers will provide insight and leadership across a range of committees and councils, including groups focused on retail, foodservice, food safety and also the country councils in Brazil, Chile, Southern Africa and more.
The industry support is reflected in other areas including membership growth, of both new and returning members and early program participation. IFPA opened Early Bird Booth Applications for the Global Produce & Floral Show and by the end of the application period, more than 290,000 sq. ft of expo show floor was sold. The Global Produce & Floral Show takes place in Orlando, FL October 27-29 and will be a transformation of the previous PMA and United Fresh legacy events, Fresh Summit and United Fresh’s Convention & Expo.
“When we launched IFPA, we promised we would be the association the industry needed now to address the new and evolving challenges,” said Burns. “This could not have come at a more critical time as industries and consumers alike are experiencing great disruption in areas we’re poised to provide solutions and insights.”
Providing solutions and insights means developing resources and experiences for the industry, but also serving as an advocate for the industry in non-industry spaces. In the last month, IFPA staff experts have collaborated with policymakers in D.C. to share industry needs and recommendations. It's also connected with national, consumer-facing news outlets and matched these outlets with members who can speak directly on a variety of topics.
“The way the industry has welcomed the new association is humbling,” said Stenzel. “We know we’re not quite ‘new,’ but we have promised a new way of serving our members and the industry.”
Those interested in being a founding member of the International Fresh Produce Association can visit the website to find more about what to expect as a member and how to join the association and gain access to IFPA’s resources and member benefits.
For more information:
Siobhan May
International Fresh Produce Association
Tel: +1 (302) 781-5855
[email protected]
www.freshproduce.com