our marketing project from conception to delivery, including asking tough technical and comprehensive marketing questions.“ “We welcome industry engagement in this academic effort to develop well-prepared industry ready graduates and encourage NAMA students to remain involved with the Florida agribusiness industry by becoming members of partner associations within the state that support our efforts,” said Clark. “The timing for this is just great,” said FSGA Executive Director Kenneth Parker. “The team’s interest in developing a branded marketing concept that involved the consumer driven approach we are initiating was timely. Historically, Florida strawberries have been marketed as a commodity. To differentiate the sweet and desirable flavor of our newest and future varieties, we have been tasked to explore and develop new and creative ways to maximize grower returns by creating and maintaining satisfied customers that are demanding sweet strawberries with longer shelf life. It is also an extension of the fine partnership we have with the University of Florida.” “This success of this initial effort could very well set the stage for qualifying future UF varieties to be marketed under our trademark,” said FSGA Marketing Director Sue Harrell. “There is much work to be done in this effort from the growers learning the best way to manage growth and harvest these new branded varieties to increasing consumer awareness and consistent demand. It will be interesting to see what the students develop. They are a bright and inquisitive group and we look forward to reviewing their project entry.” In addition to information sharing sessions with Harrell and Parker, the marketing team members also participated in the Mini-Field Day held the day of their GSFA visit which gave them an opportunity to meet and speak with growers and Gulf Coast Research and Education researchers involved in the development of new strawberry varieties and creation of tools used to support growers during the season and effectively address the myriad challenges they face each season.
Marketing team members involved in the FSGA session included: Natalie Miaoulis – a senior majoring in food and resource economics with International Specialization. She is currently enrolled in the four plus one master’s program to pursue masters in Agribusiness. Natalie has two hometowns, Bronson, FL and Abaco, Bahamas. After graduation she plans on taking over the U.S. branch of her family business, Abaco Neem.
Emily Taylor – a fourth year student from Jacksonville, Emily is majoring in Food & Resource Economics with a specialization in Marketing and Management. She plans to pursue a career in retail or hospitality management. Erica Laboissoniere – is a senior FRE Marketing and Management major earning college-level honors recognition by exContinued on page 74 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
February 2015
59