MONTEREY, CA - This past week’s PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo 2015 went off without a hitch, bringing together buyers, sellers and suppliers for three days of networking, education and entertainment.

This year's show set a new record with 1,870 attendees, plus a new record attendance of wholesalers and distributers with 484. Over 200 foodservice operators came out, as well as more than 150 of the 189 registered attendees for the Women's Fresh Perspective Reception.

The conference kicked off with the PMA Foundation Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament and the winning first place foursome:

• Anthony D’Amico
• Peter Wilder
• Anthony Valdez
• Joseph D'Amico

For more winners from the Joe Nucci Memorial Golf Tournament, click here.

The conference then wrapped up Sunday with an intimate and busy expo floor.

New products, flavors, and innovations abounded at this year’s Monterey, California show with a select few taking home PMA’s coveted foodservice awards.

Best Product Promo: Misionero Vegetables

Sensory Experience: Mann's Packing Fresh Vegetables

Best of Show: Jacobs Farm

Another exciting highlight for me, were the education sessions held Saturday which offered attendees everything from getting to know your consumer base, to one of my favorites, The New Food Generation Culture: How Consumer Trends are Shaping Your Business.

The guest speaker was Top Chef Judge, James Beard Award-winning author, and restaurateur Hugh Acheson who shared his perspective on the new and trending flavors in fresh produce and food. As produce continues to innovate the center of the plate Hugh shared some of his top picks for produce as well as the consumer’s growing desire for a story to accompany their food.

“They want authenticity and the want a sense of place,” Hugh told the packed room of attendees. “The story of where you come from, what you are growing and why you do it. That’s what they want to hear.”

Hugh also spoke about some of the latest items he has been using in his kitchen and noticing on his favorite menus, everything from foraged vegetables and green strawberries, to sea beans, bitter greens, edible bamboo, sweet potato greens, turnips and cauliflower leaves. Pickling is also taking off in foodservice and helps to differentiate and enhance the flavor options of a dish.

The PMA Foundation Women's Fresh Perspectives Reception on Saturday also drew quite the crowd, and offered the opportunity for women and men to mingle with experienced executives, young professionals and university students participating in Career Pathways. Jill Overdorf announced that Alex Jackson from Frieda’s will be co-chairing with her, as they plan the 2016 event in Del Mar, California.

I’d also like to congratulate the top tier runners who took part in this year’s PMA Foundation 5K Race for Talent with a record 440 registered, the highest number yet!

Stay tuned as we bring you more highlights and some of our favorite products and pictures from PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo 2015.