This is the first press release.

Washington, DC (September 12, 2006) - The new United Fresh Produce Association will host its first conference and networking event focused on the growing fresh-cut, ready-to-eat produce market in Europe, November 2-3 in London. The conference builds upon IFPA's ongoing outreach into the European fresh-cut space first initiated in 2004.

Fresh-Cut Europe 2006 is organized by United Fresh in cooperation with Eurofruit Magazine and Market Intelligence Limited, the respected organizers of leading produce conferences around the world. The conference will take place at the new Hilton Canary Wharf in the heart of London's booming financial district.

"This new European conference is an exciting milestone for the United Fresh," said President and CEO Tom Stenzel. "The conference builds on our commitment as a global organization that seeks to deliver valuable programs and services to our members. Working together with Eurofruit Magazine, Fresh-Cut Europe 2006 is destined to become a major event for produce companies, retailers and foodservice leaders to gain the knowledge and contacts they need to meet rapidly expanding consumer demand for value-added, convenient produce items."

"We're building on the great progress IFPA has made in the European fresh-cut marketplace over the past several years, and expanding our outreach to this important market with all of the resources and expertise our larger association has to offer," said Executive Vice President, Business Development Jerry Welcome. "We believe this is a unique opportunity for both European and American companies to drill down into the European fresh-cut market and learn how to improve overall quality, production and marketing capabilities to meet consumers' needs."

Fresh-Cut Europe 2006 will feature six business sessions covering a wide range of issues focused on fresh-cut challenges and opportunities in Europe, including:

• Growth trends for fresh-cut, ready-to-eat produce in today's retail and foodservice markets
• Expanding opportunities for fresh-cuts in Europe
• Techniques and science of fresh-cuts: technical challenges and opportunities
• Communicating the value of fresh-cut to today's consumers
• Packaging ideas for fresh-cut products
• Driving innovation and productivity in fresh-cuts through technology

In addition to comprehensive business sessions, participants will also tour several European retail operations, and enjoy ample opportunity to share ideas with their colleagues from Europe and the U.S. during conference networking breaks and cocktail receptions.

"United Fresh has a world-wide membership, and we applaud the organization's efforts to introduce an event of this caliber for members in Europe," said former IFPA Board Member and current United Fresh Board Member David Barney, Business Development Manager, Geest Fresh Produce. "Fresh-cut produce is an international industry, but it's important that regional differences and issues are recognized. This conference is a great opportunity for processors in Europe to share experiences and investigate the latest trends and issues across the EU."

Fresh-Cut Europe 2006 is open to anyone interested in learning more about Europe's fast growing, €3 billion value-added, prepared, fresh-cut fruit and vegetable category.

Eurofruit Magazine and Market Intelligence will provide local conference management services, streamlining registration and conference attendance for visitors from throughout Europe. In addition, fresh-cut industry leaders from many parts of the world are expected to join in this inaugural European conference.

Early bird registration is now open, and saves general attendees 20% off the €400 registration rate. United Fresh members pay the lowest registration rate of €300. For information about how to join and take advantage of all of the association programs and resources, contact Jerry Welcome at United Fresh.

Visit http://www.freshcuteurope.com/ for more information and to register.