KINGSVILLE, ON - When Mastronardi Produce® debuted its greenhouse grown lettuce years ago, it took the category by storm, adding a wave of value for its partners and expanding the possibilities of what the SUNSET brand could do. As we approach the 2024 International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Foodservice Conference, the company is leveling up its leadership in the category once again, providing a thriving program for its partners across the buy-side.

“Our vision for the 2024 Foodservice Conference centers around optimal flavor, reliability of supply, and consistent availability,” Dean Taylor, Vice President of Business Development, shares with me. “We are highlighting greenhouse grown lettuce supplied in bags, trays, or in large format bags to fill the varying needs of our foodservice partners. Above all else, Mastronardi Produce wants to inspire people with flavor and provide incredible-tasting, fresh, greenhouse grown vegetables all year long. We want to help provide that WOW flavor experience with innovative and flavorful produce.”

Mastronardi is bringing a host of advantages for foodservice operators, allowing them to build menus and create a flavor experience for their customers that is best in class.

“By growing our produce in a protected and optimal environment, we can make sure we bring people the very best tasting fruits and veggies all year round. With our crops protected from animals, weather, and other conditions, we can focus on pushing the boundaries when it comes to flavor and new flavorful products—and on bringing you the most mind-blowingly tasty produce you’ve ever tried,” Dean details.

The company’s washed and bagged, greenhouse grown lettuce from Kentucky is available through its Backyard Farms® program, which emphasizes the importance of freshness, minimizes food miles, and ensures peak freshness.

"The convenience of washed and ready-to-eat, safe, and reliable supply cannot be overstated,” Dean expresses. “Choosing greenhouse grown products, such as Backyard Farms lettuces, provides our foodservice clients with a culinary solution as well as a dependable and secure supply year-round. The lettuce that we are featuring here at the Foodservice Conference is available in various pack sizes, including larger format bags, allowing each foodservice establishment to select what best suits their requirements and minimizes waste.”

In addition to the surety of quality supply, the ready-to-eat lettuce options also save time and effort for foodservice operators as it eliminates the need for washing, trimming, and preparing the lettuce before use.

“We understand the need not only for convenience but also a flavor that can be counted on so that the end consumer has a great eating experience,” Dean tells me. “Mastronardi Produce has a dedicated team with decades of foodservice experience, ensuring reliable programs delivered nationwide. This expertise underscores our commitment to exceptional customer service and along with an assurance in flavor and quality, sets us apart in the industry.”

To discover more about the Mastronardi Produce foodservice program, please visit booth #204 at the IFPA conference this week!