Oct 26, 2011United Fresh and PMA looking into merger
United Fresh Produce Association and Produce Marketing Association (PMA) are looking into potentially merging at least some of their organizations and efforts.
Steffanie Smith, immediate past chairwoman of United Fresh, and Mike O’Brien, outgoing PMA chairman, are leading an exploratory committee that’s looking at the feasibility of a merger.
“Earlier this year, our two associations formed a joint task force to look at potential synergies and future opportunities,” according to a statement released by Smith and O’Brien. “That group has met twice to continue its dialogue.”
The committee presented preliminary findings to the United Fresh and PMA boards, which voted to continue discussions. Both boards voted to discuss options with industry experts and explore every available alternative, according to the statement.
By Derrek Sigler, Associate Editor