SALINAS, CA - Looking ahead to the 2026 IFPA Foodservice Conference, Ippolito International is busily preparing for days filled with field tours, an energizing tradeshow exhibition, and the productive customer discussions that ensue.
“The IFPA Foodservice convention is a ‘destination show’ with our customers -- and for good reason,” said Heather Fuller, VP of Business Development, in the recent release. “It’s the right time for customers to be here in the Salinas Valley, as we are in full production. Showcasing our field and value-added operations is what we love to do this time of year!” she added.
Ippolito International’s expertise in the western vegetables category has been the foundation of the company’s success, with foodservice being a key area of growth. “Ippolito’s commodity program is well known, but what is not as well known is the expansive foodservice assortment we produce,” said Bob Polovneff. He added, “Customers who are coming to our docks for their fresh pack needs are easily able to balance their orders with fresh cut. Our fresh cut iceberg and romaine blends, coleslaws, cut vegetables and of course, our flagship Brussels sprouts packs are appealing. Having these products in our wheelhouse provides convenience to our customers.”
On deck for the 2026 IFPA Foodservice Conference will be Brussels Bites®, a recent addition to the Ippolito International foodservice product assortment. Brussels Bites are chopped Brussels sprouts that are pre-washed and cut into bite-sized pieces, resulting in faster cooking times. “One of the foodservice products that we are most excited about is this innovative Brussels Bites® pack. The reception for the new cut has been fantastic! We are turning people’s heads with this!” said Heather. “The reduced cooking time and the easier kitchen prep have made this a game-changer. Brussels sprouts are easier than ever to menu,” she continued.
Chef Todd Fisher, of The Meatery in Seaside, California, will host a demo and sampling event, preparing Maple Bacon Brussels Bites. “As someone who cooks all day, I am always on the lookout for delicious products that are easy and healthy to prepare. Brussels Bites definitely fit that description,” Todd said. “Stop by booth 818 in the DeAnza Ballroom to enjoy the bold and memorable flavors of bacon and maple combined with fresh Brussels sprouts!”
Ippolito International is a second-generation family-owned business and a full-service grower-shipper-processor operating year-round with seasonal operations in California and Arizona. We offer a robust product line of conventional and organic premium quality vegetables under the Queen Victoria brand and are the largest supplier of fresh Brussels sprouts in North America.
Chef Todd Fisher is the creative force behind The Meatery in Seaside, California, named Best Butcher Shop in California 2025. He has a long and deep connection to the Salinas Valley Agriculture world and has been voted Monterey’s Favorite Chef for years. Chef Todd champions premium sourcing, bold flavors, and chef-driven butchery rooted in craft and community.
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Ippolito International
Ippolito International is a second-generation farming company providing year-round supplies of premium quality Queen…
