IFPA Foodservice 2024 showcases ‘creativity of the restaurant sector'

The International Fresh Produce Association’s annual Foodservice Conference brought together more than 2,220 attendees, including produce suppliers, menu innovators, K-12 professionals and more, according to a news release. Held July 25-26 in Monterey, Calif., IFPA says the event also attracted nearly 1,000 buyers and menu influencers.

“It was an incredible two days for this year’s Foodservice Conference,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “The resilience and creativity of the restaurant sector and those who supply it was on full display. While the program featured valuable insights on how to grow fresh produce consumption throughout foodservice channels and identified more opportunities for women to shape the future of foodservice, we also celebrated the chefs and K-12 professionals who consistently develop creative options for fruits and vegetables in schools and restaurants.”

The K-12 Foodservice Forum attracted more than 100 school menu planners and chefs as well newly appointed USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Food and Nutrition Service Cindy Long, who spoke to the importance of foodservice professionals. They serve tens of thousands of meals to children every day, making them the “largest restaurant in any town,” she said.

Education sessions focused on leveraging data, maximizing menus and celebrating chefs and women in the industry.

The expo floor featured new flavors, innovations and menu ideas as well as the IFPA’s largest Fresh Ideas Showcase with 32 entries.

“The expo, year after year, is the showcase for innovation and inspired fresh produce products that meet the ever-changing culinary needs of restaurants and evolving consumer demands,” Burns said. “A heartfelt thank you to our guests, exhibitors, sponsors, our volunteer leaders on the Foodservice Council, the K-12 and chef communities, and IFPA staff for continuing to raise the bar on this conference every time we meet in Monterey.”

IFPA recognized innovation on the expo floor with its annual Expo Awards that included Best of Show winner J. Marchini Farms for its Joe’s Premium; Best of Show runner-up  Avocados From Mexico; Best Product Promo winner Wild About Sprouts for its Alfalfa Broccoli and Kale Sprout line; and Chef’s Choice winner Mission Produce for its Mango Panna Cotta.