CO: COLORADO’S PRODUCE INDUSTRY PARTICIPATES IN WORLD’S LARGEST PRODUCE TRADE SHOW

News Date September 29, 2009

A contingent of Colorado’s fruit and vegetable growers will be traveling to Anaheim, CA, to participate in the produce industry’s largest trade show.

The Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit trade show is dedicated to fruit, vegetables, and floral with the goal of increasing sales and consumption, building strong professional relationships, and expanding business opportunities. 

 “The Department is pleased that our growers are working together in the Colorado Pavilion and building our reputation as a global produce supplier,” said Commissioner of Agriculture, John Stulp.  “The Fresh Summit provides an opportunity for our producers to promote Colorado’s produce industry to current and future buyers.” 

  • Cash receipts from the sale of Colorado fruits and vegetables totaled $466 million in 2008, marking a 76 percent increase over the 2003 level. 
  • Cantaloupe, peaches potatoes and sweet corn were key contributors to growth as receipts for each increased by more than 50 percent from 2003 to 2008.
  • Colorado's produce is shipped throughout the U.S. and to 56 countries around the world.  

The Fresh Summit trade show draws more than 17,000 attendees annually.  During the 2008 show, Colorado growers met with international buyers from over 50 countries. This year, Colorado’s produce industry and Commissioner Stulp will also meet with the top Taiwanese buyers coming to the show through a program with the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WSUATA) to promote Colorado as a supplier to this growing international market. 

 “Taiwan has purchased over $150 million in U.S. produce in the past three years,” stated CDA International Marketing Specialist, Tim Larsen.  “We look forward to introducing these buyers to Colorado producers who could supply high quality produce such as lettuce, cabbage, onions and potatoes.” 

Colorado’s fruits and vegetables annually rank in the top ten in U.S. markets: Head Lettuce (3rd), Fall Potatoes (5th), Cabbage (8th), Romaine Lettuce (3rd), Cantaloupe (5th), Pears (8th), Leaf Lettuce (4th), Sweet Corn (6th), Dry Edible Beans (9th), Fresh Spinach (4th), Onions (7th), Summer Potatoes (4th), Peaches (7th).

Colorado’s produce industry will return to the 2009 Produce Marketing Association, Fresh Summit trade show in Anaheim, CA, October 2-5 at the Colorado Pavilion, booths 4162 and 4262.  Learn more about Colorado produce and locate Colorado’s produce companies at www.coloradoagriculture.com/produce.

For updates during the PMA show, contact Tim Larsen at (303) 898-2040.  (Contact: Christi Lightcap, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us)