It was eight years ago that recruiters Stacey Rouse and Vanessa Garcia launched their executive search firm, Performant Scout, to connect premier talent to mid- to executive-level positions in produce, agribusiness, and food and beverage throughout North America.

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.   

Naturipe Farms has hired Matthew Lyons as director of business development, value-added fresh. In his role, Lyons will manage Naturipe Farms’ value-added fresh division as it expands its footprint in the foodservice, quick serve and retail channels. Lyons will also contribute to new product development.

Mushrooms are so healthy, so delicious and so versatile, it’s no wonder that they have their very own month. September is National Mushroom Month, and it’s a time when people in the mushroom industry celebrate and promote all varieties of mushrooms. It’s also an opportunity for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to educate people on the versatility and health benefits of this amazing food.

MONTEREY, CA — The foodservice segment of the produce industry is alive and well, as evidenced by the strong turnout at the IFPA Foodservice Conference, held here July 27-28.

Always a favorite with industry members, this year’s conference drew approximately 2,200 attendees and more than 930 buyers, who navigated the packed expo floor that included nearly 30 first-time exhibitors. Additionally, more than 30 exhibitors featured kid-friendly products.

With the first of its 165,000 potato acres being dug in mid-July, the Washington state potato crop is producing great quality potatoes, though the yields might be down a bit for the season.