Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh) held a member vote this week to seek approval to move forward in creating a single new organization representing the global produce and floral communities. Each organization solicited votes from its members and both organizations reported full confidence in the initiative.
The vote was the final step in approval to dissolve each organization at end of year to incorporate a new association January 1, 2022. The organization will represent the global produce and floral supply chains, with current CEOs Cathy Burns and Tom Stenzel serving as co-CEOs for 2022. Following that time, Burns will become sole CEO.
“Ever since we broached the subject with our respective boards, we have been encouraged by the industry’s support for the new association,” said Michael Muzyk, president, Baldor Specialty Foods, Inc. and United Fresh chairman.
“We strongly believe this is the right move for our industry, but it is critical our members share this vision,” added Dwight Ferguson, president/CEO, California Agricultural Leadership Foundation and PMA Chairman. “The confidence seen by the membership via this vote is a critical milestone in this journey and we’re looking forward to spending the next several months building the strongest organization for our members, our industry and the world depending on us for sustenance and joy.”
PMA and United Fresh have indicated the next priority will be to create the organization’s new structure focused on best serving the industry’s needs and goals. Members can expect an update on the staff team, volunteer leadership structure and business plans for 2022 in the coming months.
Based on the positive member vote, both associations will honor the membership status of the other organization when registering for events and programs. United Fresh members can receive the PMA member rate when registering for PMA events and vice versa.
“As partners coming together, we encourage companies that are members of either association to begin experiencing the benefits of both,” said Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president and CEO. “We encourage members of both organizations to participate in the United Fresh Reimagine Connections event this June, and the PMA Foodservice Conference in July.”
“Tom and I are thrilled with the overwhelming support from members of both associations regarding the new organization we’ll launch together next year,” said Cathy Burns, PMA CEO. “We’re excited our members will be able to experience how we are better together as we look to provide even greater value and leverage an even stronger voice on issues our industry cares most about.”
PMA and United Fresh will continue providing updates to members of both associations as information becomes available.
For more information:
Mary Coppola
United Fresh Produce Association
Tel: +1 (202) 303-3425
mcoppola@unitedfresh.org
www.unitedfresh.org
Siobhan May
Produce Marketing Association
Tel: +1 (302) 781-5855
SMay@pma.com
www.pma.com