Markon celebrates milestone anniversaries in 2025
Markon celebrates milestone anniversaries in 2025
Markon Cooperative marked a milestone year in 2025, celebrating the 40th anniversary of its founding, the 20th anniversary of the Markon Summit and the 10th anniversary of its Chef Summit, underscoring the company’s long-standing commitment to quality, education and industry collaboration.
Founded in 1985, Markon was established to elevate the fresh produce experience for foodservice operators by developing specifications and standards tailored to their needs. Four decades later, the cooperative continues to deliver high-quality produce to its five member companies and their customers across North America.
“In 1985, our founders set out with a clear mission to raise the bar for fresh produce in foodservice,” said Andy Hamilton, CEO of Markon Cooperative. “Forty years later, that focus remains unchanged. We are proud of our role in driving quality, consistency and value for our members and the foodservice operators they support.”
The milestone year continued in August with the 20th anniversary of the Markon Summit. Launched to strengthen product knowledge and sales tools for member sales teams, the Summit has evolved into a collaborative learning and networking event for members, suppliers and Markon staff.
“We measure success by our ability to strengthen the entire supply chain,” said Mark Shaw, vice president of operations. “Markon events reflect the collaboration, transparency and innovation that define our organization.”
In October, Markon concluded the year with the 10th annual Chef Summit, a three-day immersive program that brings member and operator chefs into the fields and facilities where Markon produce is grown and processed. The event concluded with a Taste of Markon farm-to-table dinner at Rancho Cielo, raising more than $35,000 to support future culinary leaders, the highest total in the event’s history.
A highlight video commemorating Markon’s 40th anniversary is available, capturing the cooperative’s legacy in food safety, product differentiation and supply chain excellence.
Markon thanked its members, supplier partners, customers and culinary community for their continued support and said it looks ahead to continued innovation and service in the years to come.