January 26, 2023 – Newark, DE. and Washington, D.C. – International Fresh Produce Association BB #:378962 has opened the nomination period for the 2023 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program.
Developed to honor the foodservice industry’s most innovative produce performers, the program pays special tribute to chefs and foodservice operators for excellence in the use of fresh produce in the culinary arts. The program is sponsored by FreshEdge.
“We are so excited to continue our support of this award and recognize outstanding innovative chefs and foodservice operators who showcase and bring to life the fresh produce industry each and every day,” said Steve Grinstead, CEO, FreshEdge.
Winning chefs and foodservice professionals will be recognized in nine categories including Business in Industry, Casual & Family Dining Restaurants, Colleges & Universities, Fine Dining Restaurants, Hospitals & Healthcare, Hotels & Resorts, K-12 School Foodservice, Quick Service Restaurants, and Supermarkets & Retail Operators.
Winners will be selected by IFPA and an industry panel of judges. The winners will participate in, and be recognized on stage at, IFPA’s Foodservice Conference, July 27-28, 2023 in Monterey, CA. The nine winning chefs, along with a corporate executive, receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registrations to the event.
“We are privileged to honor the leading chefs and foodservice leaders who are committed to making fresh produce the centerpiece of so many of their delicious meals,” said Joe Watson, VP, Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale, IFPA. “Fresh produce continues to drive success for the foodservice and culinary sectors, and chefs play a critical role in encouraging consumers to explore produce items.”
Since 2008, the program has recognized more than 100 foodservice leaders for their exceptional work to incorporate a variety of fresh produce on their menu. The award also recognizes culinarians for their creativity in using fresh produce in concept development and menu design, their knowledge of fresh produce handling procedures, participation in produce-related special events and community service, and overall recognition by the foodservice community.
Nominations can be submitted through March 10 on IFPA’s website. For more information about the awards program, contact Amy Marshall, IFPA’s Retail & Foodservice Manager, at (302) 607-2108.
?
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)??
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our member’s prosperity by conducting advocacy; connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. While IFPA is built on the legacy of United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association, it is not just a combination. It is transformational. Recognizing the industry required an even more powerful and unified voice, the leaders of the former United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association chose not to merge, but rather to create an entirely new organization to supersede their organizations, effective January 1, 2022.
About FreshEdge
FreshEdge embodies a novel approach to fresh food distribution—combining leading regional produce distributors who can deliver tailored customer service with an extensive selection of fresh produce, proteins, fresh-cut produce, prepared foods and specialty items to meet the ever-changing consumer demand for fresh, local, innovative cuisine. The FreshEdge family of companies delivers customized fresh food distribution solutions to its ever-expanding network of food-centric customers across the United States. For more information, visit www.freshedgefoods.com.
Contact: Siobhan May, SMay@freshproduce.com +1 (302) 781-5855
