Nichole Towell, director of marketing for Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., headquartered in Oviedo, FL, said that with nearly 90 years of growing experience, the company is one of the largest growers and processors of celery not only in the United States, but globally.

“Our fresh-cut celery products are marketed under the ‘Dandy’ brand and sold and served in retail and food service establishments throughout North America year-round,” said Towell. “This year at the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo our theme is ‘Let’s Talk Stock.’ Celery is a staple in professional kitchens around the world, adding a crunch when raw and a distinct yet mellow flavor when cooked. At the expo, our team will share with our foodservice customers how we are reinventing a kitchen staple — part of the holy trinity of most recipes — with convenience.”

Duda Farm Fresh Foods will be represented at the expo at Booth No. 137. In addition to Towell, its on-site team will include: Assistant Account Manager, Kristy Baca; Account Manager, Chris Betts; Regional Sales Manager, Russell Dollar; Vice President of Western Operations, Sammy Duda; Logistics Supervisor, Troy Floyd; Senior Account Manager, Shane Flynn; Account Manager, Joel Gonzalez; Marketing Manager, Elena Hernandez; Western Citrus Sales Manager, Paul Huckabay; Director of Fresh Cut Sales, Susan Noritake, Regional Sales Manager, Tim Ross; Account Manager, Esmeralda Souza; and Western Vegetable Sales Manager, Rich Uchida.

The PMA Foodservice event is also a great venue to attract the attention of educational institutions across the country.

“Schools love ‘Dandy’ celery,” said Towell. “Our single serve celery stick packs make it easy for school lunch programs to incorporate more nutritious vegetables into their menu items. Our 1.6- and 2.5-ounce single serving celery stick packs are perfect for any school’s healthy meal or snack program.”

Through years of extensive breeding, consumer and marketplace research, Duda Farm Fresh Foods has the capability to grow celery in different regions of the United States without compromising the sweet taste consumers enjoy.

“Because of our continual investment in breeding superior celery seed varieties along with innovative processing technologies, Duda delivers the most flavorful, color, hardy and disease resistant fresh-cut celery in the marketplace,” Towell stressed.

“Fresh citrus is a staple in restaurant kitchens around the globe,” she continued. “Duda Farm Fresh Foods has a large variety of citrus items available including lemons, oranges, grapefruit, Meyer lemons and clementines.”

“Dandy” delivers with Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ in-house freight experts, and Towell said its logistics team doesn’t depend on the open truck market to cover delivered business.

“In addition to our own small trucking fleet we have developed direct relationships with various trucking companies which have dedicated specific trucks for our program,” said Towell. “Our consistent truck supply means on-time deliveries and excellent customer service. From across town to across the world, let our team take care of your logistics.”

Duda Farm Fresh Foods also has a treat in store for visitors at the event on Saturday, July 26.

“We are hosting a Chef Demo Networking Lunch prepared by Chef Todd Fisher,” said Towell. “He will be preparing Lemon Grass Steamed Chicken Bahn Mi Bun with ‘Dandy’ radish and celery ‘Quickles.’ As part of the PMA Foodservice Conference, sponsor chefs will demonstrate the dish in small groups at the buffets. Afterward, attendees will be encouraged to create a version from a deconstructed buffet.”

Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ fresh-cut celery products are marketed under the “Dandy” brand and sold and served in retail and foodservice establishments throughout North America year-round.

At the expo, it will be featuring its washed and ready-to-use “Dandy” Fresh-Cut Celery Branches.

“Celery branches are a convenient option which provides for 100 percent usable product,” said Towell. “This means less freight costs, no waste and storage savings. Celery branches are a convenient time-saving way to garnish meals every day.

“’Dandy’ Fresh-Cut Celery Sticks arrive washed and ready to use or consume,” she continued. “Available year-round, our celery sticks are grown with a sweeter flavor, greener color, less strings and longer shelf life. Celery sticks are perfect for school lunch programs, cafeteria use or home use as a healthy snack.”

“Dandy” Sliced and Diced Celery arrives washed and ready-to-use.

“These are available in crescents, bias or diced cuts,” said Towell. “This fresh-cut option reduces labor, waste and storage costs. The sliced and diced celery is the perfect ingredient for soups, salads, sauces or stuffing recipes.”