International Fresh Produce Association Names 2023 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award Winners; Greg Corsaro Comments
WASHINGTON, DC & NEWARK, DE - The connection between fresh produce and foodservice is one of mutual admiration, and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is celebrating nine leading chefs and foodservice professionals to spotlight the relationship between the two sectors. These names will be honored during IFPA’s Foodservice Conference on July 27–28, in Monterey, California, as part of the Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program sponsored by FreshEdge®.
“Fresh produce continues to drive success for the foodservice and culinary sectors, and chefs play a critical role in encouraging consumers to explore produce items,” said Greg Corsaro, President and Chief Operating Officer, FreshEdge. “We are proud of our continued commitment to this exceptional program that honors culinary professionals who are making fresh produce the highlight of their menus.”
The program honors chefs and foodservice operations for their produce innovation, creativity, and all-around excellence in the use of fresh produce in the culinary arts.
The 2023 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards winners are:
- Business and Industry: Jeffery David Marlow, Chief Culinary Officer - Executive Vice President, Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
- Casual and Family Dining Restaurants: Jason Smith, Chef Proprietor, 18 Restaurant Group
- Colleges and Universities: Travis Robert Johnson, Senior Executive Chef, Levy Restaurants at Notre Dame
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Maggie Trujillo, Culinary Director / Chef, Aqua by El Gaucho
- Hospitals and Healthcare: Santana Diaz, Director of Culinary Operations and Innovation, UC Davis Health/Hospital
- Hotels and Resorts: Abel Ace Cabral, Executive Chef, The Grove Country Club
- K-12 School Foodservice: Jeanne Reilly, Director of School Nutrition, RSU #14 Windham Raymond Schools
- Quick Service Restaurants: Kyle Markt, Head Chef, Farmer’s Fridge
- Supermarkets and Retail Operators: Maria Schlueter, Culinary Manager, Oryana Co Op
Winners were selected from nominations submitted by produce companies and foodservice operations. IFPA reviewed each nominee's incorporation and creativity of fresh produce into menu development, use of food safety protocols for proper produce storage and handling, produce-related outreach or special events, and recognition among peers and/or by their company.
Want to see these aces receive their awards in person? Click here to register for IFPA’s Foodservice Conference.
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