January 2022 saw the merging of Produce Marketing Association, including PMA A-NZ, together with United Fresh Produce Association to create a brand-new entity; the International Fresh Produce Association. The new association has been hard at work throughout these first couple of months of the year preparing for a bright future, with big plans to help overcome the persistent challenges the fresh produce industry faces.
The International Fresh Produce Association is the largest and most diverse international association serving the fresh produce and floral supply chains. Led by co-CEOs Cathy Burns and Tom Stenzel, the association is committed to bringing the industry together through its fresh outlook on fresh produce. Additionally, the IFPA Australia and New Zealand team will continue their hard work in supporting members locally, led by CEO ANZ Darren Keating.
In order to help grow its members’ prosperity, IFPA has committed to focus on three key aspects: conducting advocacy, connecting people and ideas, and offering guidance that will allow members to take action with confidence in improving their businesses’ outcomes.
“The International Fresh Produce Association will be the engine that helps drive our industry forward. But the fuel for that engine is our members, our stakeholders, our friends, our colleagues. You will help us drive this mission forward to achieve those goals,” IFPA Co-CEO Tom Stenzel said.
“Our association is not only for our members, but it is also driven by the engaged leadership of our volunteer leaders as well,” said Stenzel. “We were thrilled to receive over 1000 applications from volunteers across the industry, a sign of support for our association, but also an indication of the enthusiasm and urgency that our industry feels about the role we have to play in today’s global environment.”
Current members of the former PMA A-NZ, now members of IFPA, have a lot to look forward to, with increased access to global connection and insights, as well as tools and education to help them improve their profitability. Further to these additional benefits, members have the opportunity to be more involved in the making the industry’s voice heard on the world stage through volunteer opportunities in the future.
Darren Keating, CEO for ANZ said: “One of the most significant benefits that members of IFPA in Australia and New Zealand will see is greater connection to colleagues from markets from across the globe, allowing better sharing of ideas and access to importance industry information.”
Whilst the past few years have certainly confirmed that we are entering a whole new era and the whole world continues to share in significant challenges, one thing is for certain; the International Fresh Produce Association, together with its members, are committed to creating a vibrant future for all.
For more information:
Suzanne Bailey
IFPA ANZ
Email: [email protected]
www.freshproduce.com