Around 350 people took  part in the Produce Marketing Association's (PMA) international seminar Fresh Connections Chile 2012 last week in Santiago's Casa Piedra.

Victor Moller, Richard Dachman and Nancy Tucker

Government officials and industry leaders from across the supply chain gathered to discuss the most important issues facing the sector.

At the event, special recognition was given to Hortifrut president Víctor Moller who for many years was part of PMA committees, including his role as president of the PMA Chilean Council in 2011.

At www.freshfruitportal.com we've put together a Fresh Connections Chile Special below so that you can catch up on the hot topics and speeches that took place.

Click here to view our exclusive photo gallery.

Fresh Connections Chile Special

U.K. retailer M&S calls on suppliers to get creative

Marks & Spencer's Hugh Mowat outlines the retailer's desire to find products with unique benefits.

'Practice what you preach', says Sysco exec

An executive from the largest food service supplier in the U.S. has called on the fresh produce industry to 'practice what you preach' - keep off the cookies.

To see Sysco vice president Richard Dachman's presentation click here.

Tracebility drives cash benefits for growers

Growers have been urged to embrace traceability if they want to continue trading with the U.S.

To see PMA supply chain efficiencies vice president Ed Treacy's presentation click here.

Chile needs to take water lessons from Australia

The Chilean Irrigation Commission's Felipe Martin says his country is in a 'relative drought' with a need for greater infrastructure investment.

To see Felipe Martin's powerpoint presentation click here.

Chilean work minister shares undercover grape picking ordeal

Chile's work minister Evelyn Matthei has asked the fruit industry to work more with her to provide better training and conditions.

'Stop wasting your label messages', Cork urges growers

Lisa Cork says the push for better packaging and label marketing starts with grower initiative.

To see Fresh Produce Marketing founder Lisa Cork's presentation click here.

Containerization making 'great strides', says Pacific Seaways

An executive of Chilean shipper Pacific Seaways discusses the current trends in reefer containers.

Subsole highlights solar energy grape project

Subsole general manager José Miguel Fernández says more innovative horticultural projects are needed to boost Chile's competitiveness.

www.freshfruitportal.com