IFPA Foodservice Conference off to a robust start
By
John Groh and Debbie Miller
IFPA Foodservice Conference off to a robust start
By
John Groh and Debbie Miller
MONTEREY, CA – The 2024 IFPA Foodservice Conference got off to a strong start July 25, here, drawing hundreds of produce industry members to beautiful downtown Monterey, CA.
Following a day filled with educational sessions focused on foodservice opportunities for fruits and vegetables, attendees enjoyed networking at the opening reception, held at the Custom House Plaza at the historic Monterey State Park. The opening reception venue was new this year, as the former location at the Barns at Cooper Molera could no longer accommodate the growing attendance of the event, according to IFPA President Cathy Burns.
The opening reception was sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, Taylor Farms, Ocean Mist Farms and the Colombia Avocado Board.
Mark Munger and John Chobanian of Ocean Mist Farms greeted attendees who were treated to grilled artichokes.
The Idaho Potato Commission served vegetarian pizza featuring fingerling potatoes. Shown are Mike Telford, Armand Lobato, Stanley Trout and Matt Brigotti.
At the Colombia Avocado station serving avocado-inspired salads were Sabrina Wilson and Olga Sacal.
IFPA President Cathy Burns with Steve Grinstead of FreshEdge.
Andrew Marshall of IFPA with Kristyn Lawson of Trinity Fruit and Christine McCullough of Vision Global Group.
David Robidoux and Tom Lyons of Kaliroy Fresh.
Kenny Olmos Sr. and Frank Camera of Delta Fresh Sales.
Jake Poole, Walter Rivas, Jessica Martinez, Patrick Brady and Stephanie Bazan of Avocados from Mexico.
Tim Beerup of Mission Produce and Manuel Michel of Colombia Avocado Board.
Dillon Duncan of Eagle Eye Produce with Greg Reinauer and Brent Scattini of Tom Lange Co. and Cathy Burns of IFPA.
Hermy Torres, Manny Fajardo, Adrian Gonzalez and Danny Baltazar of iDeal HarBest.
Javier Orti and Vince Biasibetti of Salix Fruits.
Frank Abbate of South Mill Champs Mushroom, Matt Hiltner of Babe Farms and Matt Hubbard of Local Bounti.
Brent Scattini of Seven Seas, Kari Maggiorini of Tom Lange, Susan Kavanagh of Duda Farm Fresh, Diana McClean of Mission Produce, Greg Reinauer of Tom Lange and Stephanie Torres of Mission Produce.
Monica Cordero and Michael Cleary of Gold Coast Packing.
Christa Schuck, Jenny Rivera, Katie Tossie and Justin Fariars of Ocean Mist Farms.
Chris Olsen and Derek Eager of Bonipak Produce.
Angelic Meza, Loree Dowse, Ernst van Eeghen, Samantha Avina and Claire Cagnacci at the Church Brothers Ranch Party.
Chris Ibarra and Steve Church at the Church Brothers Ranch Party.
Angelic Meza, Loree Dowse, Samantha Avina and Claire Cagnacci at the Church Brothers Ranch Party.
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