The best of the best in foodservice produce use have been named by the International Fresh Produce Association. Sponsored by FreshEdge, The Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards program pays special tribute to chefs and foodservice operations for their produce innovation, creativity and all-around excellence in the use of fresh produce in the culinary arts.

Winners gain global recognition and a trip to The Foodservice Conference from IFPA, July 25-26 in Monterey, CA.  

The International Fresh Produce Association is gearing up for a fresh look at The Foodservice Conference – designed exclusively for produce in foodservice and the anchor of the foodservice year.   

Onions 52 Inc. plans to expand operations to the East Coast, with a distribution and packing facility in Cincinnati set to be fully operational beginning early 2024. With existing FOB shipping locations in Utah, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and New Mexico, the expansion will better serve East Coast retailers and foodservice partners.  

The International Fresh Produce Association celebrated four standout winners at the Foodservice Conference Expo on July 28. The winners, announced on the expo floor, reflected on their wins.

Ocean Mist Farms was presented with the IFPA Foodservice Conference’s Chef’s Choice Award at the annual show in Monterey on Friday, July 28.

The award-winning dish was developed for the artichoke giant and prepared at the show by Tony Baker, Ocean Mist’s longtime corporate chef. According to Baker, artichokes are “the incredible edible thistle — healthful, nutritious, fun to eat and easier to prepare and cook than most people think.”

The International Fresh Produce Association welcomed produce suppliers, foodservice innovators, award winning chefs, K-12 professionals, menu planners and more to Foodservice Conference last week. The record-breaking crowd took over Monterey with approximately 2,200 registered attendees and wrapped on Friday afternoon with a bustling expo that’s been sold out for weeks. Here are some highlights in case you weren't able to attend — or just didn't get to see everything.