FPFC celebrates 2022 Apprentice Class at March luncheon
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council held its March Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, March 22 at the Sheraton Cerritos in Cerritos, CA. The luncheon packed in over 200 attendees with members eager to hear from guest speaker Chef Nyesha Arrington.
The luncheon began with FPFC Chair Michael Schutt of Raley’s and Rachelle Schulken, Apprentice Taskforce chair, introducing the 2022 Apprentice Class at the graduation. After the graduation concluded, Master of Ceremonies Shonna Williams of Cardenas introduced Fireside Chat Host Myisha Nathaniel of Raley’s and guest speaker Chef Nyesha Arrington.
The chat, which featured a Q&A session, covered topics such as increasing produce consumption, partnering with foodservice and retail to better showcase produce and its benefits, and the creative process of putting together a menu.
FPFC extends its gratitude to Dennis Gertmenian and his wife, Susie, who have supported the Apprentice program since its inception in 2014, as well as Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic for sponsoring the 2022 program.
The 2022 Class of Apprentices:
- Sandra Aguilera, Calavo
- Jared Bernardi, Bonduelle
- Joseph Cowle, B&C Fresh Sales
- Kathleen Ezell, Wonderful Citrus
- Katie Gagnon, Grocery Outlet
- Luis Gonzalez, SunFed
- John Grecco, Consentio
- Kyle Lane, Westfalia
- Kyle Morris, Albertsons
- Daniel Rosinski, Progressive Produce
- Charles Rowland, Fowler Packing
- Bailey Slayton, Country Sweet Produce
The next FPFC event is the 2023 FPFC Expo on Thursday, April 27 at the Anaheim Convention Center in the North 100 Hall.
Photo: 2022 FPFC Apprentices (back row) Joseph Cowle of B&C Fresh Sales, Katie Gagnon of Grocery Outlet, Charles Rowland of Fowler Packing, Bailey Slayton of Country Sweet Produce, Kyle Morris of Albertsons, Daniel Rosinski of Progressive Produce, Kyle Lane of Westfalia, 2023 FPFC Chair Michael Schutt of Raley’s, and (front row) Apprentice Taskforce Chair Rachelle Schulken, Jared Bernardi of Bonduelle Fresh Americas, Sandra Aguilera of Calavo, John Grecco of Consentio, Kathleen Ezell of Wonderful Citrus, and Luis Gonzalez of SunFed.
