NEWS WATCH: PMA DROPS NEW ORLEANS FOR HOUSTON IN 2007... ITALIAN SPECIALTY FOODS LAUNCH U.S. MARKETING EFFORT... GEORGIA ROLLS OUT PRODUCE PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS

PMA DROPS NEW ORLEANS FOR HOUSTON IN 2007

Association's Fresh Summit 2007 International Convention & Exposition will be held in Houston, not New Orleans. PMA's executive committee voted to change the location because of concerns about logistical uncertainties in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The committee felt compelled to make a decision now because the "size and complexity of Fresh Summit makes it difficult to relocate," said Bryan Silbermann, president of PMA. The 2007 trade show is scheduled for Oct. 12-15.

ITALIAN SPECIALTY FOODS LAUNCH U.S. MARKETING EFFORT

NEW YORK -- Consortiums for Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano next year will launch a comprehensive promotion and education campaign aimed at American consumers, retailers, food-service operators and culinary students. With a budget equal to $4.8 million, the campaign will focus on making the products more competitive in the United States by teaching consumers about the qualities that set Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano apart from other hams and cheeses. Officials said the campaign will educate shoppers on the Protected Designation of Origin certification program, under which products must meet rigorous standards related to naturalness, aging, authenticity and traceability.

GEORGIA ROLLS OUT PRODUCE PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS

ATLANTA, Ga. -- The state of Georgia and Produce for Better Health Foundation will teach school children the benefits of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and staying physically fit. The Georgia Department of Education will distribute 1,400 educational kits created by PBH, titled the "Color Way Creative Pockets Kit, 2: Nutrition, Fitness & Play." To enhance the project, the education department paid for the production of a companion video to be used with the kits. Georgia is the first state to launch the program in elementary schools.