PMA Partners With Virtual Marketplace as COVID-19 Restricts Trading

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has arranged for its members to use a new online marketplace to conduct business while the coronavirus crisis puts face-to-face meetings on hold.

The trade association and iTradeNetwork have announced a partnership that will make the newly created iTradeMarketplace free to PMA members for six months. iTradeMarketplace is a partner discovery, matching and transacting service that provides opportunities for buyers, suppliers and other organizations in the supply chain to connect and establish business relationships, the partners said in a release.

Cathy Burns, CEO of PMA, said the network would “help PMA members connect with others in the supply chain they might not usually do business with and keep fresh produce and floral products flowing to the consumer.”

“PMA is excited to continue our commitment to members helping members, particularly during this crisis,” she added. 

iTradeNetwork, a subsidiary of Sarasota, Fla.-based Roper Technologies, connects and serves more than 7,000 companies annually, while its popular iTradeNetwork platform is used by leading retailers, manufacturers and distributors worldwide.

“Technology can be a powerful ally in times of crisis, and we are putting our platform to use in a different way that aims to help companies in the food supply chain navigate these uncertain times,” said Rhonda Bassett-Spiers, CEO of iTradeNetwork. “The agility of iTradeMarketplace empowers participants to move at the speed of the crisis and respond to local, as well as global, food supply chain needs.”

PMA member firms who are interested in participating are invited to register on the iTradeMarketplace website. Once registered, they will be able to make contact with other parties as well as share contact information and identify products they are looking to buy or sell.