More than 1300 foodservice professionals joined in person to connect, learn, and do business at the 40th PMA® Foodservice Conference & Expo in late July 2021. Conference co-chair Evan Nash of Johnson & Wales University, said: “We blew the doors off” and quadrupled the original expected attendance.
Chef Robert Danhi, PMA Joy of Fresh TV host (day job: curator of cultures and co-founder and CIO of Flavor 360 Solutions), noted the conference “is about connections and food and we had it all here. Seeing innovative ideas, connecting in person, and seeing old friends.”
Enjoy these video reviews of the high points of the conference! Please complete the form below to unlock these videos.
Chapter 1
A PMA Reunion in Monterey: Why Foodservice is Important
Despite the pandemic catastrophe, especially for restaurants, the foodservice industry is poised for “significant growth and a continuous upside,” said PMA chair Dwight Ferguson of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. Join Chef Robert Danhi as he interviews industry leaders about the conference and the resilient foodservice industry for PMA Joy of Fresh TV.
Chapter 2
Gathering Around the Table: Operators Reflect
“Produce is the foundation of flavor.”
“We create an opportunity for people to sit around a table and bring love, joy, family togetherness.”
“We’ve done what we do best – take highly perishable product…and create and make memories and meals out of it.”
“We’ve shone a spotlight on the people on the back side of what we do, folks who are not heralded.”
Watch as operators and others reflect on the importance of produce, foodservice, and the industry gathering at the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo.
Chapter 3
Together We Can Do More
From packing fresh produce for the needy to discussing solutions to the current labor crisis, guests at the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo used the power of “together” to get things done. The labor crunch was a dominant conversation – from the show floor, to sessions, to solutions. Participants talked about the importance of labor-saving products and solutions so operators can be more efficient in the kitchen and focus attention on service to patrons. Many conference volunteers helped Brighter Bites bag fresh fruits and vegetables to be distributed to those in need in Gonzales, CA. They were “saving lives and changing lives,” according to PMA CEO Cathy Burns. See more in this video.
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