“It’s also one of the few platforms where we can showcase our brand at full scale, from our product line and brand storytelling to live culinary experiences,” Shelton said. “It’s a powerful way to demonstrate our commitment to quality and innovation.”

It’s the third annual IFPA convention and expo following the merger of the Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association, which previously presented separate conventions each year.

In 2024, the Giorgio Fresh booth saw a steady stream of visitors.

“Last year’s show brought great energy,” Shelton said. “Our booth saw a constant flow of visitors, and our chef was preparing hot samples nonstop for two days.”

Giorgio Fresh has optimized its booth layout to increase the flow of foot traffic while setting aside spaces for people to meet and try the company’s products.

“The goal is to make it easy for attendees to engage, taste and connect with our team,” Shelton said.

There will be more than a dozen Giorgio Fresh representatives at the booth, including chef Mike Rolon, who will be preparing dishes to showcase the company’s Savory Sauté Kits, Stuffed Mushrooms and soon-to-launch products. Recipes will also feature Giorgio Fresh’s newest product, branded Vita Sana Sol limes.

Shelton said the value-added kits and limes reflect Giorgio Fresh’s focus on convenience, flavor and an expansion beyond the mushroom category.

Giorgio Fresh introduced the Savory Sauté Kit line to the industry at last year’s Global Produce & Floral Show, with Garlic Herb Butter and Tomato Chipotle Butter flavors. An expanded Stuffed Baby Bella Mushroom line offers diverse flavors: Cheese & Imitation Bacon Bits, Fiesta Cheese Blend, Crab Seasoning Flavored Cheese, Artichoke, Spinach & Cheese Blend, Everything Seasoned, and Garlic Parmesan. Each package has six stuffed baby bella mushrooms in a heat and serve option or an oven-ready tray.

Launched earlier this year, another value-added line will also be on display during the IFPA expo — Sliced Mushroom Grill Packs. They are available in three options: Smokey Honey Habanero with crimini, king oyster and lion’s mane mushrooms; Steak Seasoning with crimini mushrooms; and Brown Sugar Bourbon with crimini and shiitake mushrooms. Each pack has a foil tray that can be placed directly on a grill.

Yet another addition to the company’s retail packs in the past year is a single-pack trio of flavors that bring the heat. The Spicy Trio Stuffed Mushrooms have Jalapeño, Nashville Hot and Fiery Sriracha flavors.

In July, The Giorgi Companies announced subsidiary Giorgi Mushroom Co. acquired a majority equity ownership in L.F. Lambert Spawn Co. In a news release announcing the partnership, Giorgi officials said it is a strategic effort to enhance Giorgi’s supply chain security.

Giorgio Fresh is also a subsidiary of The Giorgi Companies.

Shelton said the L.F. Lambert Spawn deal is part of the company’s long-term strategy.

“By owning more of our supply chain through Lambert Spawn, we’ve enhanced our ability to improve consistency and deepen our vertical integration,” he said. “That translates into greater reliability and quality for our partners.”