Viva Fresh: Bigger, bolder, fresher in 2023
By
John Groh, publisher, and Adam Campbell, digital publisher
Viva Fresh: Bigger, bolder, fresher in 2023
By
John Groh, publisher, and Adam Campbell, digital publisher
The Texas International Produce Association's 2023 Viva Fresh Expo returned to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, March 30-April 1. The three-day event combined everything the industry loves: great food, plenty of networking, unique education and building relationships in a vibrant, relaxed and intimate setting.
In addition to shining a light on the importance of Texas as a vital trade corridor and production zone for fresh fruits and vegetables, it puts a large focus on promoting healthy eating and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Frank and Kurt Schuster of Val Verde Vegetable Co.
Maggie Hall, Casey Evans Beltran and Valeria Villaseñor of La Bonanza Avocados.
Mike Gatz of Bushman’s.
Mark Daniels, Stanley Trout and Ross Johnson of the Idaho Potato Commission.
The team at GR Fresh.
Tyler Wolowicz, Angela Aronica, Christine McCullough, William Kopke Jr., Mary McCullough and Damon Francis at the William H. Kopke booth.
Jorge Ruiz of Agri-Packing.
Texas Watermelon Queen Savannah Carr with Summer Walker and Juliemar Rosado of the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
JC Myers and Henry Salcedo of SunFed.
At the HLB Specialties booth were Jack Jackson, Melissa Hartmann de Barros and Andres Ocampo.
Steve Yubeta, Edgar Verdugo, Joe Ange, Karen Guzman and John Gee of Eagle Eye Produce.
Joe Esta of Wada Farms.
Dan Acevedo (third from left) of Greenfruit Avocados stopped at the Latin Specialties booth to visit with Mayra Vazquez, Jorge Vazquez and Sergio Vazquez.
Monica Martinez, Marielle Lujan and Isabel Peña of Frank’s Distributing.
Willie Martinez, Sergio Yepiz and Adrian Vazquez of Frello Fresh.
At the Fresh Texas booth were Charles Becks, Jose Zamora, Judy Clark, Rosemary Cantu, Erin Maggs and Angie Bailey.
Manny Fajardo, Danny Baltazar and Hermy Torres of iDeal HarBest.
Tim Beerup, Tammy Wiard, Manuel Michel and Dan Spellman of the National Mango Board.
Rick Overholt and Pat Young of IFCO.
Promoting Port Laredo’s services at the Viva Fresh Expo were Kent Richard, Alma Saldana Cruz and Arnoldo Lozano.
Luis Gudino and his son, Luis, and Jose Francisco Aldape of SiCar Farms.
Charles Rowland and John Arjona of Fowler Packing Co.
Fernando Figueroa, Daniel Ibarra, Cindy Schwing and Gonzalo Alvarado of Splendid by Porvenir.
At the Yo Quiero! booth promoting their Ultimate Dip Destination line were Kristyn Lawson, Crystal Berry, Tara Murray, Melissa Celeste, Jay Alley and Rudy Belmares.
Representing Avocados from Mexico at the Viva Fresh Expo were Erick Coronado, Alfonso Delgado, Tanya Edwards, Oscar Garcia, Ryan Fukuda and Alejandro Duran.
Brian Silvas and Sloan Lott of Bland Farms.
From Pure Flavor are (front) Liz Tavares, Amber Tober, Tiffany Sabelli and Alaina Wilkins with (back) Paul Murracas, Chris Veillon and Matt Mastronardi.
Jeffrey Onstot, Nick Garcia and Kyle Lane of Westfalia.
Michele Youngquist, Tyann Schlimmer and Lindsey Dalesky of Bay Baby Produce.
Bryan Barsness of Grubmarket with Paul Manfre of Top Katz.
Andy Foster, Melissa Brucker and Anthony Araiza of Calavo Growers.
Jared Lane of Grapeco Farms surrounded by Bill Purewal of PureFresh and Priscila Diaz, Brian Lapin and Matthew Catania of Catania Worldwide.
Kevin Fix and Melina Leija of Bolthouse Farms with Jared Lane of Grapeco Farms.
Joe Spano, Bill Boutros and Ken Paglione of Mucci Farms.
Michael Napolitano, Allan Napolitano and Michael Chirico of McDaniel & Chirico Worldwide.
John Dmytriw, Susie Rea and Debbie Willmann of Index Fresh.
Galen Johnson, Janett Orosco, Teranisha Finley and Ryan Cherry of Mission Produce.
Bryan Roberts and Shawn Caldwell of Sunview Marketing.
Robb Bertels, Crystal Chavez and Chris Olsen of Gold Coast Packing.
Victor Alencastro and Alex Hartman of Tosca.
Brandon Botts and Darrin Carpenter of Chelan Fresh.
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