MONTEREY, CA - Fresh produce is an enduring industry. This is a resounding sentiment that hits more like a mantra, a calling, a badge of honor. In a time when costs are high, demand is changing, policies are in flux, and the nature of today's traditional farmer is being simultaneously redefined and undefined, produce companies continue to come together. And they build the solutions that will carry our industry to and past the horizon ahead and strengthen the roots of today. Events like The International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Foodservice Conference create a meeting place for such conversations, relationship-building, and standard-setting. This July 23–24, foodservice companies from across the supply and value chain opened their doors, booths, and conversations to fuel change across the industry.

"On my flight to Monterey, I bumped into a member who was surprised I was coming to the conference with everything else going on in our industry. I replied that 'there's no place else I'd rather be than with our members' and the conference—as always—proved that. From seeing guests connect to being part of key conversations to the energy on the Expo floor, IFPA's role in putting networks and relationships to work every day to solve challenges and create opportunities for fruits and vegetables was strong and inspiring," said Cathy Burns, Chief Executive Officer, International Fresh Produce Association, to the produce community. "A heartfelt thank you to our guests, exhibitors, sponsors, program and tour participants, and the staff team for their engagement and effort to make this year's conference one to remember."

Held at the Monterey Conference Center and Portola Hotel & Spa, this year's show followed Wednesday's K-12 and College & University Mini Expo and Welcome Reception with two full days of programming built around the foodservice buyer.

Thursday opened with Buyer Sourcing Meetings, a structured, speed-dating-style format connecting suppliers directly with operators and distributors, followed that afternoon by the Women's Fresh Perspectives Reception and an evening Networking Reception at Custom House Plaza in Monterey State Historic Park.

As we dove into Friday’s full day, IFPA brought the floor to life: the Fresh Ideas Showcase spotlighted new products introduced since last year's event, while "Breakfast With Purpose," introduced by IFPA's Andrew Marshall and facilitated by M. Jill Overdorf, Sandy Curwood, Steve Grinstead, and Jonathan Deutsch, opened the day with a candid conversation between grower-shippers and foodservice operators on the wins, the friction points, and the road ahead.

The Foodservice Expo followed, filling the Portola ballrooms with more than 190 exhibitors spanning the supply and value chain, from growers and shippers to distributors, technology providers, and logistics partners.

Each year, IFPA Foodservice Conference exhibitors are recognized by the association for exceptional creativity, innovation, and engagement on the show floor. The 2026 Expo Award winners were:

• Best in Show: Mastronardi Produce^®
• Best in Show Runner-Up: Ippolito International
• Best Product Promo: Hitchcock Farms' Purple Napa Cabbage Hearts
• Chef's Choice Award: J. Marchini Farms—Joe's Produce 

The excitement generated here will continue to power the vision ahead. Read more from our friends…

Monique Mueller, Director of Communications, Bee Sweet Citrus

“Year after year, the IFPA Foodservice show brings together the produce industry for a thoughtful, well-planned event. The Bee Sweet Citrus team appreciates the opportunity to connect with our industry peers, showcase our seasonal products, and learn what’s trending in the foodservice sector.”

Loree Dowse, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Church Brothers Farms

"Our foodservice business is about the long game: partnership, collaboration, and opportunity. This week gives us a chance to deepen that by seeing our customers face to face, getting our collective boots dirty, and figuring out how to grow together."

Billy Martin, Director of Retail Sales, Crunch Pak

“One of the best parts of IFPA Foodservice Conference is spending time face-to-face with customers, partners, and friends across the industry. Those conversations spark new ideas, and it was great to share some of the new products and concepts we’re working on while talking through solutions together. Shows like this remind us that innovation starts with relationships.”

Ron Mondo, President, Ippolito International

"This year's foodservice show did not disappoint! We spoke with customers on the show floor as well as in our fields and facilities this week. We heard more customers ask for convenience this year. We are ready to support those needs with our line of fresh-cut salads, slaws, and more. Our Brussels sprouts line continues to grow and our Bites pack is leading the charge with more convenience than ever. Having Chef Todd Fisher at our booth gave everyone a chance to try them. All in all, it's been another great IFPA show!”

Wesley Emerson, Account Manager, Mastronardi Produce®

“Two days in Monterey, countless conversations with partners who care about quality, freshness, and flavor as much as we do. That's a wrap on the Foodservice Conference.”

Kim St George, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Bolthouse Fresh Foods^™

“It’s always energizing to reconnect with our foodservice partners at the IFPA Foodservice Conference and come together as an industry to share ideas and innovations. On the Bolthouse Fresh front, we were excited to showcase our new carrot snack packs and Carrot Shakers with Tajin at the K–12 mini expo. As schools prepare to welcome students back, we’re proud to offer a healthy, flavorful snack solution that helps schools serve nutritious options students will genuinely enjoy.”

Jeff Fulton, Vice President of Sales and Product Management, Ocean Mist® Farms

“The 2026 IFPA Foodservice Conference was another great opportunity to connect with foodservice distributors and operators and showcase our portfolio of premium fresh vegetables. We've had a busy week hosting customer tours and meetings, and we always appreciate the opportunity to welcome our foodservice partners to our growing region. Getting them out into the fields allows us to share firsthand updates on crop conditions, harvest timing and seasonal availability, while giving them a deeper understanding of how we're working to deliver the quality, consistency and supply they depend on year-round.”

A huge thank you to IFPA for having us once again, and for continuing to bring the industry together at the crossroads of momentous occasions.