The United Fresh Produce Association is moving its annual conference to a larger exhibit space and introducing a new event to be held in conjunction with the main trade show.

United Fresh recently announced that starting in 2017, the association's annual FreshMRKT Expo & Conference will move into the larger West Hall at Chicago's McCormick Place, where the event is currently held. In addition, the group is launching the FreshTEC Expo & Conference, which will focus on technology solutions for the produce industry.

"We're excited to launch a new format and programs in 2017 to serve specific needs in the fresh produce industry, segmenting the event into United FreshTEC and United FreshMKT," United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel said. "These new branded events respond to the innovation driving our industry in marketing and product development, but also in new technology, robotics and other supply chain solutions."

United Fresh previously co-located its conference at McCormick Place with the Global Cold Chain Alliance and Food Marketing Institute, but the latter announced in September it was ending its annual trade show. http://bit.ly/2gSbxlU

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