<p><strong>New York, NY</strong><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Great weather wasn't the only thing to grace the big apple this past week. The New York Produce Show and Conference brought together more than 400 exhibiting companies representing a diverse group of produce professionals. Jennifer Fancher, Director of Marketing for Green Giant Fresh, Chris Veillon, Director of Marketing, Mastronardi Produce, and Mark McHale, Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Mann Packing, join AndNowUKnow to share the hits and highlights of the event.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Jennifer Fancher notes, The New York Produce Show gave Green Giant Fresh the opportunity to spend time with key New England retailers that the company does business with along with retailers and wholesalers that Green Giant Fresh doesn't necessarily see on a regular basis. There were quite a few buyers present as well a number of people throughout each organization that are involved in the decision making process. It was exciting to see the response from the different retailers and different groups on Green Giant Fresh's new products and packaging as well as the opportunities that the company can bring to those retailers, she tells us.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Chris Veillon tells AndNowUKnow that the show offered another stop in Mastronardi's unveiling tour. The company unveiled the new Sunset brand in October at PMA and NY became an opportunity for those that were not in Anaheim to find out what the company has been up to. This is the third consecutive year that the company has been a partner of the NY show and Mastronardi is looking forward to 2013. The company's theme was Inspired by Flavor, which was introduced and PMA. Mastronardi had its complete lineup on display for all its partners in New York to view. One highlight of the event was the change of venue for the show. The show was located at Pier 94 and offered a wide open area that made it easier for people to move around. Big shows like this are important for all major marketers to take part in, Mr. Veillon notes, and not everyone can attend PMA or United. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Mark McHale responds that the NY Produce Show has grown dramatically and is very attractive to the Eastern retailers; not only the NY retailers anymore. Mann has been a supporter of the NY Produce Show since its existence. The company likes to kick off its new products at these key shows. Mr. McHale's favorite things about this year's show was a combination of the NY location in December and the change of venue at Pier 94 which was a more exhibitor-friendly location that was all on a single floor. It made the interaction between customers and vendors significantly easier.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
