Babé Farms' Matt Hiltner Discusses IFPA Foodservice 2026 Showcase

SANTA MARIA, CA - Foodservice is one space where fresh produce shines, and Babé Farms’ colorful array of products is a perfect example. With the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Foodservice Conference on the horizon, I got in touch with the supplier’s Matt Hiltner, Marketing Manager.

“Babé Farms will be showcasing our full line of colorful, specialty vegetables, with a special spotlight on what we’re calling the summer of baby squash. We recently kicked off our California-local baby squash season and debuted our new Baby Straightneck Squash, along with our Deluxe Mixed Baby Squash. The mixed pack features Baby Straightneck Squash alongside Baby Green Zucchini, Baby Yellow Summer Squash, and Baby Green Summer Squash,” Matt began telling me. “Aside from squash, attendees can expect to see the vibrant specialty items Babé Farms is known for, from baby root vegetables and specialty lettuces to chicories, crucifers, and more.”

According to Matt, Babé Farms is most looking forward to connecting with buyers and foodservice partners in person.

“IFPA Foodservice is always a great opportunity to hear feedback, exchange ideas, and have meaningful conversations all within a very productive window,” he explained. “This year is especially meaningful because Babé Farms is celebrating our 40th anniversary. We’ll have a new booth backdrop that pays tribute to our history, and we’re proud to be the bar sponsor for the opening reception. It feels like the perfect place to celebrate this milestone with the foodservice community that has supported us for so many years.”

When attendees walk away from the booth, the team hopes they leave with a stronger sense of who Babé Farms is: a family-owned company with 40 years of experience growing specialty vegetables, continuing to innovate and evolve.

“We also want attendees to leave inspired by the color, variety, and versatility our products bring to the plate. Whether they’re looking for visual impact, unique menu applications, or seasonal specialty items, we hope our booth gives them new ideas and a better understanding of what Babé Farms has to offer,” Matt continued.

With a vision trained on long-term growth, Babé Farms announced the recent expansion of its marketing department, which has allowed the company to create more content in-house, including recipes, videos, and social media features that show its products in action.

“A great example is our recent bacon-wrapped grilled baby leeks Instagram reel. It’s a simple application, but that type of content helps give customers ideas, usage inspiration, and a visual story behind the vegetables,” Matt pointed out. “As we celebrate 40 years, we’ve also been introducing more throwback content to our social feeds. Some of the most well-received pieces have been modern recreations of classic Babé Farms photos, including one featuring our Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Lundberg.”

For foodservice buyers heading to IFPA, Babé Farms is one exhibitor whose booth you will want to visit for inspiration in the kitchen and beyond. As the event draws near, ANUK will continue bringing you exclusive coverage.