What does blockchain and digital transformation mean for the fresh produce sector? How can new technology and innovations help growers and marketers to overcome traditional issues? What are the opportunities for fresh produce in global markets?
These are some of the questions that will be answered at the Fresh Connections: Southern Africa Conference and Trade Show to be hosted by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) on 15-16 August 2018 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.
Themed “Connect Local, Grow Global” the Fresh Connections conference creates a platform for stakeholders in the fresh produce supply chain to connect and to gain first hand insights into global trends and business opportunities.
Ample networking breaks in the trade show area will offer participants opportunity to connect and do business throughout the course of the event.
Who should attend: Fruit and vegetable growers, exporters, supermarkets, market agents, fresh produce markets, input suppliers and service providers.
Export markets a key focus at PMA Fresh Connections: Southern Africa
Opportunities for the fresh produce industry is on the rise in Southern Africa. 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25; providing for a new generation consumer, whom are informed, modernising and urbanising. The production potential can only be unlocked through working market systems. What is the potential, the status of unlocking it and how to optimize it – hear all about it at a dedicated session.
South Africa is an important sourcing market for China and competition in this field is increasing. At FCSA, you will not only gain crucial insights into the Chinese market from prominent industry speakers, you will also have the opportunity to engage with Chinese buyers at the New Connections Roundtable. You will meet senior representatives from the following leading Chinese companies:
- JD Fresh, owned by JD.com, the second-largest e-commerce company in China;
- Win-Chain, the procurement and imports arm of Alibaba owned Yiguo Group; and
- Frutacloud, one of China's leading business-to-business produce platforms.
Industry talent a major focus at PMA Fresh Connections
Center for Growing Talent invites women to the Women's Fresh Perspectives session. This half-day session will help women in all career stages to better understand how to seek balance and success in life while maintaining productivity and effectiveness. This event will be followed by a luncheon with keynote speaker Adv. Thuli Madonsela, well known for her role as Public Protector of South Africa between 2009 and 2016. Men and women are invited to the luncheon.
Young professionals under 35 years are invited to a breakfast session to grow a strong peer and professional network of colleagues. Brian Coppin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Food Lover's Market, will share his remarkable success story of building a single fruit and vegetables store into the largest privately owned independent food retail group in Africa.
Participants will leave the conference equipped to increase their vegetable and fruit sales - locally and globally. Secure your seat by registering today at www.pma.com/FCSouthernAfrica
