United Fresh President Tom Stenzel participated this week in the annual FMI Midwinter Executive Conference, which brings together more than 500 supermarket and supplier company executives to address key issues facing the industry. “This is truly a senior level, “top-to-top” event, allowing us the chance to talk informally with senior management of supermarket retailers, while jointly participating in general sessions focused on key issues from health and nutrition to food safety,” he said. “United Fresh helps our member produce companies build ties with their retail customers outside of day-to-day sales pressures to better drive supply chain collaboration,” he said. “We need each other to be successful, and that means candid and respectful dialogue even on the toughest supply chain issues is essential,” he said. United Fresh also thanks Peter Steinbrick, Steve Rodriguez and the whole team at Melissa’s/World Variety Produce for providing gift baskets for the senior retail executives to promote the importance of the produce industry in retail success, as well as the upcoming United Fresh 2008 convention in Las Vegas this May 4-7.