WATSONVILLE, CA - The California Giant Chef Invitational has been moving the needle on berry consumption at foodservice, and a new launch doubles down on those efforts. California Giant Berry Farms has launched its new California Giant Chef Invitational Academy, a program designed to empower and inspire its past Chef Invitational winners while elevating berries as a menu item.

"We are excited to celebrate the talent of our past Chef Invitational winners," says Tom Smith, Director of Sales. "The Chef Invitational Academy is an opportunity to foster their ongoing culinary development and provide them with a platform to further hone their craft."

This immersive, four-day event will be held in the greater Portland, Oregon, area in mid-July. According to a press release, the Academy will provide the esteemed chefs—Luis Reyes (Sysco, 2018 winner), Travis Peters (The Parish, 2019 winner), Sam Blackburn (Sodexo, 2020 winner), Derek Seigfried (Gordon Food Service, 2022 winner), and Steven Halliday (Gordon Food Service, 2023 winner)—with a firsthand look at the journey of California Giant berries from field to table through exclusive tours of the company's blueberry operations.

Under the guidance of the renowned Chef Rosalyn Darling, the Top Chefs will participate in an exclusive culinary expertise workshop designed to spark fresh inspiration, elevate their culinary skills, and promote blueberries as a menu item.

The Chef Invitational has garnered valued brand partnerships with the chef participants and continues to drive fresh berry consumption. Following its quinquennial, The Chef Invitational Academy seeks to celebrate the talent of past winners while continuing to influence menu development.

California Giant Berry Farms extends its best wishes to the Chef Invitational Academy participants for an enriching and inspiring experience and shares its gratitude for their partnership and contributions over the past years.

Stay tuned as we continue to hear more about this impactful program.