IRVINE, CA – The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has unveiled its PMA Fresh Summit plans for this year’s show in Atlanta, Georgia, and they include Top Chef Judge, southern-style restaurateur, and author Hugh Acheson.

“CAC is gearing up for 2016 with exciting plans and looking forward to meeting with retailers in our booth and at show events,” said Jan DeLyser, CAC Vice President of Marketing, in a press release. “Early indicators point to an excellent California avocado crop next season and Fresh Summit provides an opportunity to discuss planned harvest size, timing, and marketing support.”

To enhance and emphasize this opportunity, the commission has welcomed Chef Acheson to provide his signature by showcasing what California avocados can do when fusing them with southern cuisine for attendees to sample.

Chef Acheson is a partner and chef for several Georgia restaurants, including:

• 5&10 (Athens)
• The National (Athens)
• Empire State South (Atlanta)
• The Florence (Savannah)

In addition to currently starring on Top Chef as a judge, Chef Acheson competed in Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, authored the James Beard Foundation award-winning A NEW TURN IN THE SOUTH: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen, and has received a number of other accolades.

According to the commission, Chef Acheson is is a perfect fit for its Fresh Summit booth, where he will both engage with industry members and showcase California avocado recipes he created with the fresh flavors of the south at select times during Saturday and Sunday’s expo hours.

In his latest book, THE BROAD FORK: Recipes for the Wide World of Vegetables and Fruits, he even mentions California avocados.

CAC will also be able to share the latest category sales data and research with retailers, plus updates on the California avocado label project and some of its 2016 marketing program.

“The Commission also is excited that a California avocado recipe has been chosen as one of the 10 finalists in this year’s PMA Fresh Summit Sensory Experience Contest, which will be judged on October 23,” DeLyser added. “Our recipe also will be featured during the Fresh Ideas in Action reception following the judging.”

Supermarket Registered Dietitians, educators, and the media are all invited to visit CAC’s booth for all this, as well as to learn about avocado nutrition qualities, promotable programs, and more.

So while you’re at the PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 23-25, don’t forget to stop by booth #2647.

California Avocado Commission