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Chefs to be honored for fresh produce innovation at United Fresh 2013

United Fresh is now accepting nominations for United Fresh Foundation's 2013 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program. The program honors the foodservice industry's most innovative produce performers and is sponsored by Pro*Act LLC.

"This program is a great way to recognize the work that chefs do in incorporating produce into the new products they develop for their menus," United Retail-Foodservice Board Vice Chairman Sean Picquelle, produce and beverage product quality and food-safety manager for Taco Bell, said in a press release. "It spotlights the incredible ways that chefs in a variety of restaurants and culinary settings can utilize fresh and fresh-cut produce which ultimately increases fresh produce consumption."

Since its launch in 2008, the program has honored 27 talented chefs and foodservice professionals for their exceptional work in incorporating fresh produce in menu development, proper food safety and handling, engaging in community outreach, and building an overall positive dining experience featuring fresh produce.

In 2013, six winning chefs will be honored in each the following business categories: Business in Industry and Colleges Hotels and Healthcare Industry, Casual and Family Dining Restaurants, Fine Dining Restaurants, K-12 Foodservice, and Quick Serve Restaurants. Winners are selected by a panel of United Fresh member representatives focused on excellence in the foodservice sector. Nominations must be submitted before January 16, 2013.

"Produce can take a consumer's ordinary dining experience and make it extraordinary," Max Yeater, president of Pro*Act, added in the press release. "We are proud to continue to support this program, which honors chefs who make fresh produce an integral part of their menus and provider their customers with innovative and exciting concepts."

The six winning chefs and their corporate executives receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registrations to United Fresh 2013, to be held May 14-16 in San Diego. The winners will be honored at the annual Chairman's Reception & Produce Celebration Dinner and will also participate in education sessions at the convention to share their views on produce trends in foodservice. Pro*Act will also make a donation to a charitable organization of each winner's choice.

"The creative ways that these chefs and foodservice professionals feature produce as the centerpiece of the plate truly grabs consumers' attention," Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president and chief executive officer, added in the press release. "Their talent creates an increase in the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, for which the entire industry is appreciative."

For more information about the award program, please visit the Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program online or contact Miriam Wolk, United Fresh senior director of membership, at [email protected] or 202/303-3410.

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