PMA, United Fresh: No Final Decision on Merger Yet

In the wake of speculation in the industry press, Steffanie Smith and Mike O’Brien, co-chairs of the joint task force leading the merger discussions between Produce Marketing Association in Newark, Del., and United Fresh Produce Association in Washington, D.C., moved to set the record straight.

“As we’ve said repeatedly, both of our boards are continuing our discussions about the best way to serve our members,” Smith and O’Brien said. “No final decisions have been made, and published reports implying otherwise are incorrect. While we appreciate that there is interest in our discussions, we respectively request a chance to complete our work in confidence. We will report to, and engage in, dialogue with all our members, as they have the final decision.”