PMA, United Fresh joining to create one trade association for the produce and floral industry

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association are joining forces to create a new global trade association for the produce industry, combining their resources and expertise to enhance member services, increase advocacy before government and the public, help members grow their businesses, and drive consumption of fresh produce and demand for floral products as a vital cornerstone of public health.

The boards of directors of both associations reached an agreement in principle on Wednesday, and the two associations will continue to operate as independent organizations through 2021, with the new association to be launched Jan. 1, 2022.

“A new name, brand and all that comes with building a new association will be developed this year,” a United Fresh spokeswoman told Supermarket News.

Over the past several months, PMA CEO Cathy Burns and United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel have worked with a group of board leaders from each association to develop the strategic commitments for the new association that serves as the core of the agreement in principle: 

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The new association will be led jointly by Burns and Stenzel (left) as co-CEOs throughout 2022. After that time, Burns will become the sole CEO.

“Through my 28 years of service to our industry, I have long recognized the potential synergies of our groups building something powerful together,” Stenzel (left) said. “It is gratifying to me several years before my retirement to find a strong and committed partner in Cathy who also believes in this shared vision.  I’m looking forward to launching this new organization together, setting the stage to enhance member value while driving greater produce consumption in the years ahead.”

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“By joining forces, we will continue to support our members with the services, insights, and connections they seek to grow their businesses while ensuring our role and voice as an industry has an even greater impact,” Burns (left) said. “Tom has been a great partner, and I truly appreciate his deep history, knowledge, and care for our industry. We, along with our talented teams, look forward to leveraging our strengths to serve our diverse and complex supply chain. I am so proud and honored to serve the produce and floral community at such a pivotal time in our history.”

Over the coming months, Burns and Stenzel will work with their staff teams and board leaders to build out the new organization. Concurrently, the two associations will begin sharing their expertise and promoting participation in each other’s events and programs. It is anticipated that the volunteer leadership, governance and membership structure, and 2022 business plan for the new association will be in place and shared with the membership in Fall 2021.