MONTEREY, CA - Before a single dish is plated in a bustling restaurant or a school lunch is served to eager students, a network of unseen hands has already been at work—planning, growing, sourcing, and delivering. Each year, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) brings together the most innovative and committed companies in the foodservice space to learn about and discover the best of the best in what the industry has to offer. The 2025 Foodservice Conference promised to deliver just this, and this it did.

“The foodservice community really showed up in Monterey, once again! Over 1,000 buyers, with new operators and colleges and universities joining us, innovation and consumer trends were front of mind as we collaborated on shaping our plates,” said IFPA Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns. “We are humbled to be associated with an industry that has consumers' health in its hands. From our littlest ones to college students about to enter 'adulting' and restaurants and hospitals, nutritious food unites us all. This community stands ready to fight for fresh and ensure our products are at the center of the plate, always.”

From the business of school nutrition to Navigating the New Foodservice Frontier and a bustling Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception, the Monterey Marriott and Monterey Conference Center opened its doors wide for a determined and passionate group of attendees who sought solutions to today’s challenges and the opportunities to address them.

“The IFPA Foodservice Conference is where relationships are forged and strengthened. It’s not just about products—it’s about partnerships, trust, and innovation,” Julie Olivarria, Vice President, Produce, Sysco, shares. “We come together with vendors who truly understand our needs, discover cutting-edge solutions, and connect with others who share a commitment to elevating foodservice. This event creates a unique space where collaboration thrives and the bar for excellence is raised collectively.”

Also helping buyers from across the foodservice sector inform their strategies was the Fresh Ideas Showcase, which brought the next big ideas and fresh products and services in the sector straight to the viewing pleasure of showgoers.

During Thursday’s General Session titled “Health on the Menu: Navigating the New Foodservice Frontier,” David Henkes, Senior Principal and Head of Strategic Partnerships for Technomic, took us through an engaging presentation of health-forward trends influencing menus, consumer behavior, and operational strategy—particularly in light of emerging factors like GLP-1 medications. He then continued by moderating a panel discussion on how these new findings and influences can be executed and harnessed at the foodservice table.

The day surged ahead with a dynamic foodservice expo—alive with inventive products, beloved staples, bold new services, and reimagined strategies—all sparking spirited dialogue and culminating in a moment that felt like a true inflection point for the industry.

Each year, some of foodservice's best stand out and are recognized for their exceptional show presence. This year’s winners include:

Best in Show: J. Marchini Farms – Joe’s Premium

Runner Up: Melissa’s

Best Product Promo: Coosemans LA Shipping/Essential Mixology

Chef’s Choice: Rijk Zwaan—compressed yellow watermelon

I could go on, but I thought I would let the changemakers in our industry speak for themselves and the IFPA Foodservice event they so cherish:

Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing and Packaging Procurement, Duda Farm Fresh Foods

"The IFPA Foodservice Conference is a valuable opportunity for us to connect directly with our customers and showcase what sets Duda Farm Fresh Foods apart—especially the exceptional taste and quality of our celery. While celery remains our signature product, we’re proud to offer a diverse product line designed to help our partners maximize truckloads and streamline sourcing. With strategically located growing regions across the country, we ensure a reliable, year-round supply of corn, radish, Iceberg lettuce, leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower to meet a wide range of foodservice needs. One of the highlights of the conference is hosting field tours of our fresh-cut celery harvest, which allows us to share the story behind our brand and offer a closer look at the people, processes, and passion that drive the Duda Difference."

Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales, Grimmway Farms

“The IFPA Foodservice conference is truly a one-of-a-kind event. The smaller, more intimate setting encourages real connection, fresh thinking, and impactful conversation with longtime partners as well as new customers looking for innovation. I particularly looked forward to the K-12 segment of this program, which provides dialogue with school foodservice directors across the country, focusing on nourishing the next generation.”

Hannah Roehl, Purchasing Manager, Denny’s

“The IFPA conference is a priority for me as a Purchasing Manager because it offers access to growers, suppliers, and industry experts. It’s an efficient way to strengthen existing relationships, vet new potential partners, and learn more about what is going on in the industry. With challenges of quality consistency, cost stability, and supply chain disruptions, attending IFPA helps me make more informed purchasing decisions.”

Nelia Alamo, Vice President of Marketing, Markon Cooperative

“Markon looks forward to the IFPA Foodservice Conference in Monterey each year. The relaxed setting promotes meaningful connections with foodservice operators from across the country. It’s an ideal venue to share our membership story, product value, and distribution model. Being in Monterey makes it especially convenient for our Salinas-based team to attend, learn, and engage. I’ve attended more years than I care to admit—and it never disappoints.”

Loree Dowse, Director of Marketing, Church Brothers Farms

“For Church Brothers Farms, IFPA Foodservice is a far cry from your standard trade show; it’s an opportunity to show our customers who we are and how we operate. From field and plant tours all week long to our legendary Ranch Party the night before the show, we like to think that customers leave with a deeper understanding of what makes the Salinas Valley—and what we grow here—so magical.”

Gloria Downing, Program Sales Manager, Charlie's Produce Seattle

“IFPA is so important to be able to connect with our current clients, vendors, and potential ones. It’s honestly one of my favorite conferences to attend because everyone is welcoming, and it feels like a family reunion. The sessions are amazing. This year's K-12 was impactful, and I’m excited to see what we can do to help our schools. The Women’s Fresh Perspectives networking event was great. Being around such powerful women and getting advice and insight from them when I am still growing in my career is so valuable. I always feel like my cup has been filled when I come home from this event and look forward to the next year's!”

Every time a plate is placed before me, I’m reminded that it holds more than nourishment, flavor, or freshness—though it offers all of these in abundance. It carries the stories of families, individuals, and companies who rise each day with a singular mission: to feed the world, one exceptional bite at a time.