International Fresh Produce Association Foodservice Conference Reports Record Buyer Attendance as Event Nears; Andrew Marshall Comments
WASHINGTON, DC & NEWARK, DE - The foodservice realm continues to expand, and with that expansion comes new resources for operators. One pivotal resource has been the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Foodservice Conference, which will be hosting its largest number of buyers in 42 years. Scheduled for July 28–29, over 800 buyers will be in attendance, with an impressive show-out from K–12 school foodservice menu planners, chefs, and procurement officials.
“K–12 school buyers are an important and unique group of attendees that we are excited to have joining us at this year’s Foodservice Conference,” said Andrew Marshall, IFPA’s Staff Liaison for wholesaler-distributor members, and Team Lead for engagement with the K–12 school nutrition community. “These foodservice professionals plan daily menus for the next generation of produce consumers. They want to see new products, talk to growers, fresh-cut processors, and distributors and discuss how best to source, serve, and promote fresh produce on their menus. We look forward to having these foodservice operators join us!”
Nowadays, schools are looking to offer entrée salads, fresh vegetable side-dishes, grab-and-go fruit and veggies, and some are returning to self-serve salad bars in an effort to deliver fresh produce to students daily. Many schools also offer breakfast, in-class fresh fruit and vegetable snacks, and an after-school, weekend, and summer meal program, a press release stated.
The K–12 attendees at this year’s Foodservice Conference will be attending, not only from school districts in California and local to Monterey, but from major city K–12 school districts from across the country. Sponsors of the Forum include, Grimmway Farms, the Healthy Family Project, PRO*ACT, and Taylor Farms.
School menu planners will have the opportunity to network with members of the produce industry, tour local farms, and participate in a debrief that will provide valuable feedback and shared resources. School attendees will also explore the Expo and participate in Foodservice sessions, as well as the Monterey Bay Live! General session that features innovative leaders such as Bruce Taylor, Michel Nischan, and Vincent Huyn.
To register for the event, please click here.
And, for all of the latest news in fresh produce, keep coming back to ANUK.
