PMA CONDUCTS SUPERMARKET TRAINING PROGRAM IN MEXICO
on recently conducted a two-day, sold-out supermarket training program for Mexican retailers in conjunction with the Asociacion Nacional de Tiendas de Autoservicio y Departamentales, A.C., the Mexican association for supermarkets and department stores. The 40 participants who signed up for the Spanish-language training program in Mexico City included directors of human resources, produce and all perishable food departments for major supermarket chains. The seminar focused on the importance of fresh produce in supermarkets, customer expectations and the importance of customer service, training techniques, lifestyle trends and a review of the PMA's training program. Participants also had a chance to tour a Gigante store, including a look inside the back room. All attendees received Spanish-language versions of the PMA's "Retail Produce Skills Training Program," which includes 12 videos and corresponding manuals that focus on various produce department responsibilities.
In previous years, the PMA conducted similar training programs in several South American countries, but this was the first of its kind to take place in Mexico City, officials said. In fact, the event was so popular officials are planning to schedule another seminar to accommodate parties on a waiting list.
GREEN GIANT FRESH JOINS COLOR-FOCUSED PARTNERSHIP
MINNEAPOLIS -- Green Giant Fresh/The Sholl Group II, has announced the formation of an independent direct-sales business that will be known as Colorful Harvest LLC. The company will market a line of colorful fresh-produce products under both the Green Giant Fresh brand and a new label called "Colorful Harvest." Colorful Harvest products are the result of an exclusive agreement between Colorful Harvest LLC and Seminis Seed Co., covering a line of new and colorful produce products grown from proprietary seed lines developed by Seminis. Green Giant Fresh produce, marketed by Colorful Harvest LLC, will consist of a select group of products not currently available under the brand. The chief operating officer and general manager of the new venture will be Doug Ranno, who is also an equity partner in the venture. Other key equity partners in this business include Jeff Sholl, Tom Remick, Art Davis and Dave Knutzen.
