Ocean Mist Farms was presented with the IFPA Foodservice Conference’s Chef’s Choice Award at the annual show in Monterey on Friday, July 28.

The award-winning dish was developed for the artichoke giant and prepared at the show by Tony Baker, Ocean Mist’s longtime corporate chef. According to Baker, artichokes are “the incredible edible thistle — healthful, nutritious, fun to eat and easier to prepare and cook than most people think.”

Natural Delights has partnered with Tajín for its new Medjool Date Strips with Chile Lime. Available now, the product marries the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, otherwise known as “swicy” — a top trending flavor profile in 2023.

According to DLG Research in 2021, Tajín was shown to boost produce sales by 46 percent when displayed next to produce items. As a result, the brand expects excellent response to the new product and its packaging, which prominently showcases the Tajín bottle and fresh Medjool dates.

Last week IFPA Foodservice Conference attendees enjoyed temperate Monterey, CA, where they had an opportunity to network at a bevy of events beyond the conference, opening reception and expo. From IFPA's Women's Fresh Perspectives Happy Hour and the Fresh Avenue Mixer to the Church Bros. Ranch Party and Tanimura & Antle's Laguna Seca Raceway Cocktail Reception, the opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues was ever-present.

The Kroger Co. opened a new spoke in Independence, KY. This facility opening means customers can tap into Kroger's fresh items, unique Our Brands products and national brands, as well as individualized offers — all delivered directly to their door.  

With a relatively new management team now firmly in place, Canada-based Highline Mushrooms is intent on being the No. 1 mushroom brand in the region with regard to growing practices, products and packaging.

“We want to be known for our innovation and quality and our sustainability efforts and be the top brand in North America,” said Jose Cambon, who was appointed as the new chief executive officer late last year after having been in the fresh mushroom business in Australia for a dozen years. “Our ownership structure is very supportive of these goals.”

The Southeast Produce Council named Hudson Mcgehee, son of Genuine Georgia's Will Mcgehee, as this year's SEPC Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship recipient.