PALM DESERT, Calif. — Scores of produce industry professionals soaked up the sun, fun, educational and networking opportunities at the 2023 West Coast Produce Expo, May 19-20, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.
The conference and trade show kicked off May 19 with golf, pickleball, farm tours and BizMatch meetings followed by an outdoor evening reception filled with delicious food and meaningful conservation.
The Wonderful Co.'s Erika Descoust
“This is a great show. We've seen quite a few customers — and not just local customers, but customers from all over,” said Erika Descoust of The Wonderful Co. “Last night's reception was a great networking opportunity. We got to see as many or more customers in a casual [setting] as we have today [at the trade show].”
From left: Kim Crowther and Lonnie Gillespie of Farm Fresh Direct of America
Farm Fresh Direct featured its Ugly Duckling No. 2 organic potatoes. “It makes organic affordable,” said Lonnie Gillespie.
Jason Domenico of RPE
RPE is aiming to help retailers and consumers get ready for grilling season with its American Chophouse microwavable potatoes. “We have good supplies for Father's Day and summer grilling season. Despite the flooding in California, now the spring crop is coming on strong and we're in a position to promote volume and make up for what we lost in the first part of the year,” said Jason Domenico of RPE.
Audrey Desnoyers of Oppy
“We're showing off our Ocean Spray items, Envy and Jazz apples. We're also really excited about the start of the Zespri Sungold Kiwi season,” said Audrey Desnoyers of Oppy. She also touted Eco Farms conventional and organic avocados with supplies of hass avocados coming from California, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia. Oppy combined with Eco Farms in 2020. “[The partnership] really grew our avocado production, as well as our boots on the ground in California, and expanded our growth in the category,” Desnoyers said.
Kelly Morris of WestRock shows of integrated packaging solutions.
Kelly Morris of WestRock showcased the company's integrated packaging solutions for packaging. From ideation to execution, WestRock provides the industry with a one-stop shop for sustainable packaging solutions, Morris says. “Our design team works with customers to deliver their brand identity and then we bring in the automation component to reduce cost,” Morris said.