FMI, United Fresh to Co-locate 2014 Shows

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and United Fresh Produce Association will co-locate their respective 2014 conventions in Chicago on June 10-13.

The combined events will unite the retail and fresh produce industries and highlight their shared interest in providing high-quality, fresh items to consumers, as well as offering retail and produce executives the chance to connect with customers and industry counterparts.

“Consumers consistently point to the importance of the produce section as a compelling reason in selecting their primary store, so FMI members -- in recognition of the eminence of the fresh category -- are delighted we are again partnering with United Fresh as we bring FMI2014 back to Chicago,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of Arlington, Va.-based FMI. “The focus on fresh is a return to our food retail roots that is especially appropriate in the year our show stages a return to one of the most renowned food towns.”

Added Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based United Fresh, “The co-location of the United and FMI shows is a perfect setting for produce and retail executives to explore the flavors, variety, innovation and sales growth opportunities available in fresh produce.”

The trade groups first successfully co-located their shows last year in Dallas, drawing more than 14,000 attendees to 2,800 exhibits spread over 1 million square feet.