PMA's Fresh Connections conference and expo are back this year, and although it has a new name, it will still be the same vibrant event as it has been for the past decade. Building on the legacy of PMA's Fresh Connections, the IFPA Southern Africa Conference will move forward as an essential event on the calendar of the fresh produce industry in Southern Africa.
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the result of the combination of two produce industry organizations, both with significant heritages—the Produce Marketing Association (PMA, founded in 1949) and the United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA, founded in 1904). It is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain.
Global outreach is a major goal of the association, with conferences planned for South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia in 2022. The inaugural Southern Africa Conference hosted by IFPA is set to take place on 17 and 18 August 2022 at the Century City Conference Centre, Century City in Cape Town, South Africa.
Trevor Dukes, CEO of The Fruit Farm Group and Chairperson of the IFPA Southern Africa Country Council, says that the value of this conference is immense. "This is a very important conference for IFPA Southern Africa as it is the only conference that brings together all facets and commodities of the fresh produce industry in Southern Africa. This year's program covers a wide range of key themes and topical issues facing the industry, including climate change, consumer and market trends, technology and innovation, Africa's agriculture growth narrative, logistics infrastructure, and a fireside chat with Dr. Johan van Deventer and panel which will be very entertaining and informative. There is definitely something for everyone!"
A new addition to the conference this year is the VIP Members Only Reception on 16 August at 360° Bloemendal Wine Estate, Durbanville. Bayer and RSA Group are the sponsors of this event. IFPA Members can confirm attendance when they register for the Southern Africa Conference. The cost is R250 per person.
For more information and to register, visit our website.
Charné Millet-Clay
IFPA
Mobile: +27 82 892 2334
www.freshproduce.com/events/the-southern-africa-conference