NEWS ROUNDUP 1994-12-12 (4)

Produce Conference Scheduled

1995 Annual Produce Conference will be held here at the Sheraton-Harbor Place March 11 to 14, 1995.

Sponsored by the Food Marketing Institute, National-American Wholesale Grocers' Association, Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association, the conference will focus on new ways to merchandise fresh produce and trends to attract the ethnic market.

Workshop topics include: "The Emerging Produce Consumer;" "Understanding and Mastering the Ethnic Market Niche;" "Handling Fresh-Cut Produce to Maximize Shelf Life," and "UPC/PLU's: Not Just for Checkers Anymore," among others.

The conference will also include field tours of the fruit and vegetable industry of southern Florida, including production and packing house facilities.

FMI Show to Feature Produce

WASHINGTON -- Produce will be the largest category showcase at the annual Supermarket Industry Convention of the Food Marketing Institute here, to be held in Chicago May 7 to 10.

A produce pavilion designed by the Produce Marketing Association, Newark, Del., will occupy more than 11,000 square feet.

Fresh fruits and vegetables and other produce-related products will be spotlighted at the convention, which is the largest in the grocery distribution industry.

The convention will feature innovations in produce, including precut and bioengineered products, branded and exotic items, and merchandising ideas and educational initiatives.

For more information, telephone Sharyn Gewanter at (202) 429-4582.