CHICAGO (FNS) -- Produce will again receive special attention at the upcoming Food Marketing Institute exposition here, May 3 to 6.
A 17,000 sqare-foot Produce Pavilion with 54 exhibitors is to be located in the South Building of the McCormick Place exhibit hall. This year's Pavilion is 20% larger than last year's, according to FMI officials.
"The Produce Pavilion has continued to grow since its inception eight years ago," said Sherrie Rosenblatt, manager of media relations at FMI. "We have a number of new exhibitors this year, representing more branded products.
"This year's pavilion, the largest to date, is a great representation of the produce industry as a whole, and showcases the newest and most exciting trends, such as cross-merchandising and fresh-cut produce," Rosenblatt said.
In previous years, the Produce Pavilion was underwritten by the Produce Marketing Association, the produce industry association based in Newark, Del. However, for the second year now FMI has grouped the produce companies together, with PMA sponsoring only its own booth within the pavilion, according to Peter O'Neil, director of retail programs at PMA.
"Our members have become large enough where they need their own exhibit space," said O'Neil. "The tabletop display area we could provide just wasn't enough. FMI provides a great opportunity to see and be seen."
PMA will promote its events and services at its booth. It will also offer its computer-based training program and provide information about its retail operations tour, O'Neil said.