Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
New fresh produce association launched
The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh have joined forces to form the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA).
The IFPA said in a statement that the leaders of the former United Fresh and PMA had chosen not to merge operations, but rather to create an entirely new organisation to take the place of their separate organisations, and thus the IFPA had been born.
IFPA Southern Africa was being headed up by Lianne Jones. “I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting new association that has a strong international focus. Our members in South Africa will have more opportunities to connect with global companies in the fresh produce industry.
“In addition, we have strengthened our expertise in food safety, nutrition and global trade.
“IFPA Southern Africa will continue to arrange events and networking opportunities for members throughout the year,” Jones said.
The organisation already had events planned that would be held throughout 2022, including Fresh Solutions, Beanstalk Broadcasts, and Southern Hemisphere commodity working groups, as well as IFPA Southern Africa’s main conference to be held in Cape Town from 16 to 18 August.
Jones said the IFPA team was especially pleased about the return of in-person events.
IFPA membership was open to any company in the fresh produce or floral supply chain. Not only could members attend IFPA events at special rates, but they also had access to a membership directory, and an extensive publications and research library, the statement said.