Industry Intelligence

The 2012 National Grocers Association (NGA) Show, in collaboration with the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), will unite more than 20 produce companies in 2,500 square feet of exhibit space on the expo floor dubbed “The PMA Produce Pavilion.” The first-time feature will grant independent grocers and show attendees access to some of the leading firms that grow, pack and distribute produce, and provide services to the industry.

“This is the type of collaboration our members are asking for, and we hope it brings greater value not only to independent grocers attending, but PMA members as well,” said Peter Larkin, president and CEO of the Arlington, Va.-based NGA.

Top produce executives will be available at the PMA Produce Pavilion for business-to-business meetings and to offer details on industry innovations, products and services that can help boost sales. The pavilion will not only provide an important resource for NGA’s member companies, but also affords PMA member companies with a unique opportunity to display their products and interact with independent retailers and wholesalers they may not do business with on a regular basis.

“With the increase in demand for healthy and convenient fresh food options, the produce department is an important point of differentiation for many independents and our members want to help supply those needs,” noted Bryan Silbermann, president and CEO of Newark, Del.-based PMA.

The NGA Show, co-located with theIndependent Grocer Alliance (IGA) Global Rally, takes place Feb. 12-15 at the Mirage Hotel and Convention Center in Las Vegas. The PMA Produce Pavilion will be open 12 p.m.-4 p.m., Monday and Tuesday (Feb 13-14) and will be among more than 200 exhibitors and nearly 35,000 square feet of vendor space.

The PMA partnership is just one of several new features and industry partnerships designed to enhance the value proposition for attendees of this year’s NGA Show. As part of the trade association’s Member Value Proposition (MVP), it’s overhauling the way it delivers value to members on a wide spectrum of programs. NGA has introduced several initiatives over the past year to bolster member services, industry collaboration, available resources and government relations operations, among other priorities.