IFPA’s Foodservice Conference doesn’t miss a beat in Monterey

MONTEREY, Calif. – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) welcomed foodservice professionals from across the supply chain to Monterey this week for The Foodservice Conference, bringing together operators, distributors, menu developers, school nutrition leaders, chefs, suppliers, and solution providers for two days focused on one shared goal: getting more fruits and vegetables on more plates.

From business-building connections and educational programming to product discovery and culinary inspiration, attendees explored the trends, technologies, and partnerships shaping the future of foodservice.

“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,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “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.”

Known as the premier event dedicated exclusively to fresh produce in foodservice, the conference featured a packed schedule of networking opportunities, buyer meetings, educational programming, and a sold-out expo floor showcasing the newest products, menu solutions, and innovations entering the market.

This year’s program highlighted the growing importance of collaboration across sectors, with foodservice operators, distributors, suppliers, K-12 leaders, and college and university dining professionals exchanging ideas on topics ranging from consumer trends and menu innovation to labor challenges, operational efficiency, and produce-forward growth strategies. The day before the conference, more than 130 K-12, college, and university dining professionals took part in field tours to connect directly with growers and learn more about the origins of the food they serve.

The event culminated with the Foodservice Expo, often referred to as the most important afternoon in produce foodservice, where attendees explored hundreds of exhibits, sampled new products, and discovered emerging ideas in the Fresh Ideas Showcase.

Each year, exhibitors are recognized 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 for their Purple Napa Cabbage Hearts 

• Chef’s Choice Award: J. Marchini Farms – Joe’s Produce 

International Fresh Produce Association

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our members’ prosperity by conducting advocacy, connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. IFPA represents member companies from small family businesses to the largest international corporations throughout the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut