The Produce Marketing Association has boosted its membership base in Mexico after sustained efforts to increase international programming in the country.

The PMA said recent events – including a meeting of the association’s Mexico Country Council, a Fresh Connections networking event and an educational seminar on food safety – are helping it expand and cement its relationships in Mexico as well as build a model for meeting the unique needs of international members around the world.

“In 2007 PMA worked hard to expand our service to our global members, and to our US members engaged in international trade,” said PMA vice president of global business development Nancy Tucker. “Our global members are getting the message that we are more than just a conference in October, and we are gaining valuable firsthand insight on the various countries’ needs and issues. We get this only from spending more time in their world.”

Volunteer-based and member-led PMA country councils were established in prominent produce countries including Mexico and Australia/New Zealand. These country councils give international members an opportunity to network, discuss local issues of common interest, learn from industry experts, and help the PMA customise products and services to meet their unique needs.

Amongst the topics discussed at the last Mexico Country Council meeting on 29 May were opportunities for the Mexican fruit and vegetable industry to support and amplify efforts to improve the diet and health of the population and developments in industry technology and standards, including produce standards, data synchronisation, e-commerce and traceability.

Topics