2015 FPFC Northern California Expo Highlights


Wed. April 8th, 2015 - by Jessica Donnel

PLEASANTON, CA - Yesterday’s Northern California Fresh Produce & Floral Expo went off with flying colors, thanks to the wonderful range of attendees and impressive planning by the FPFC.  

Dan Acevedo and Kevin Leap from West Pak Avocado playing "Hot Avocado"

More than 200 companies exhibited at this year's sold out show, with an attendance of over 1,200 and even a waiting list. The event offered an intimate and friendly atmosphere with a workable floor.

One of the best parts of the one day show is its convenience to California retailers who won't need to travel far to meet with produce companies and suppliers.

Lisa Davis, Director of Business Development, Edge/CMC, Scot Olson, Director of Produce & Floral, Southern Division, Grocery Outlet, and Julie DeWolf, Director of Retail Marketing, Sunkist

And this year's show did not disappoint on retailer attendence. AndNowUKnow talked to Carissa Mace, President of the Fresh Produce and Floral Council, about the event and the wide array of people who came out to experience the show.

Carissa Mace, President, the Fresh Produce and Floral Mace said, “This year’s event brought together a bevy of vendors that span some of the best companies in produce. Retailer attendees also run the gamut with bigger chains like Raley’s, Safeway, Save-Mart, Walgreen’s, Grocery Outlet, Berkeley Bowl, and more.”

The show was also filled with delicious and innovative new products, including everything from new snacking solutions, to expanded organics, to every flavor of fresh juice you can imagine.

Ken Silveira, President, Mastronardi Produce - West and Greg Corrigan, Director of Produce, Raley's Supermarkets

This year’s winners for the best in show were: 

For Produce

  • CDS Distributing

For Floral

  • B-Fresh Floral

CDS Distributing is a San Francisco, California-based company with over 30 years in the produce industry. B-Fresh Floral is a grower and bouquet company based in Carpintera, California that has been growing for 46 years.

Samitha Reddy, Regional Produce and Floral Buyer, Whole Foods Market, Taryn Wolf, Whole Foods Market, and Jim Fox, Director of Sales, North Shore Sales & Marketing

We’re right in the heart of show season! So stay tuned for a year of innovative and exciting showings from companies across the board.

Fresh Produce & Floral Council