Jun 22, 2009 11:24 AM

Foodservice and produce leaders from across the supply chain will want to make certain they are in the room July 25 when industry principals convene to discuss the implications of new research about produce’s role in growing the foodservice industry’s business at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) 2009 Foodservice Conference & Exposition, being held July 24-26 in Monterey CA.

This year’s conference kicks off with the “Executive Think Tank: Summary and Discussion.” This is the first public report on new research into foodservice operators’ attitudes and input about produce, and what key industry leaders had to say in reaction about how to increase use of produce in foodservice. The opening session will take place immediately after and will summarize a facilitated “Think Tank” discussion among top executives representing the restaurant, distributor, and produce industries.

These efforts are all part of a multi-phase project by PMA, the National Restaurant Association, and International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA). The three associations announced a new collaboration earlier this year to identify opportunities to increase fresh produce use in foodservice to promote healthy lifestyles.

Register by June 26 to receive discounted registration rates for the PMA conference. Foodservice operators can receive discounts on registration rates, but space is limited so register early. Advance registration ends July 10. For more information and to register, visit www.pma.com/foodservice.