<p style="text-indent:0px; line-height:12px;"><span style="font-weight:bold;line-height:130%"> Washington, DC</span><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">By Jordan Okumura<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">04.03.13</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>United Fresh has named six of the country's most exciting chefs and foodservice professionals representing an array of culinary styles and backgrounds to be honored this May as part of the United Fresh Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program. The program, sponsored by PRO*ACT LLC and now in its sixth year, honors chefs and their companies for their innovative and influential use of fresh produce in the culinary arts, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"For six years now, we at PRO*ACT continue to be amazed at the creativity, dedication and insight shown by the honorees in this program," said PRO*ACT President Max Yeater. "We are so proud to be a sponsor of the Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards and we thank all of the nominees and all of the chefs who work so hard to increase the consumption of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>"These winners have made extraordinary dishes that feature fresh fruits and vegetables mainstays on their menus, and for the important role that they play in showcasing our industry, we are proud to honor them," said United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel. "We appreciate their tremendous commitment and recognize PRO*ACT's generous support in honoring these winners and their positive impact on our nation's dining habits."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>The winners were selected from nearly 120 nominations submitted by produce companies and foodservice operations across North America. A panel of produce and foodservice industry leaders reviewed each nominee's success in meeting criteria that included demonstrated incorporation of fresh produce into menu development, use of protocols for correct storage and handling of produce, leadership in produce related community service and special events and recognition by their company and industry peers.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The six winners will participate in panel session, Restaurant Flavors and Trends from the Best which will take place on Thursday, May 16 at 2:30 p.m.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>The 2013 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award winners are:</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Business in Industry & Colleges: Chef Joshua Distenfeld, Executive Chef, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Casual & Family Dining Restaurants: Chef Christopher John Raucci, Corporate Chef, Ted's Montana Grill, Atlanta, GA</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Fine Dining Restaurants: Chef John Johnson, Regional Executive Chef, St. Louis, Pinnacle Entertainment Company, St. Louis, MO</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Hotels & Healthcare: Chef Chad Tyler Brodkin, The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, Benchmark Hospitality International, Blacksburg, VA</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>K-12 School Foodservice: Kevin LaPittus, Director of Child Nutrition Services, Encinitas Union School District, Encinitas, CA<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Quick Service Restaurants: Chef Ethan Kawasaki, Executive Chef, Caf Zupas, Sandy, UT</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>The United Fresh Produce Association will formally recognize the six winners at United Fresh 2013, the association's annual convention and expo in San Diego, May 14-16.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.unitedfreshshow.org/page.cfm/Link=1/t=m/trackLogID=67874_75CDDB274B" target="_new">United Fresh</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
