The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) celebrated three standout winners at the Foodservice Conference Expo on July 29.
"I continue to be impressed by the creativity and ingenuity that all our exhibitors demonstrate to convey the attributes and benefits of their products and services," said Joe Watson, IFPA vice president of retail, food service, and wholesale. "And the judges for our Best of Show contest found the booths that shined the brightest. I thank them for their help in recognizing outstanding marketing by our exhibitors."
The annual contest highlights Best of Show winners (first and second place) as well as Best Product Promo winners. Booths are judged on staff performance (engagement, professionalism, communication), booth attraction (design, clarity, ability to welcome), and products/messaging (eye appeal, communication, promotion).
Best of Show – first place: Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company
"Accepting the 2022 IFPA Foodservice award has only helped to deepen and fortify our commitment to be the best provider of 100 percent Squeezed Fresh Juice that is authentic and unrivaled. Thank you to the IFPA for your incredible work and partnership." Said Michael D'Amato, director of sales.
Best of Show – second place: Duda Farm Fresh Foods
"We are delighted to have won second place for Best of Show considering all the companies who were in attendance and also put on a great booth presence. This conference is prime time for us to highlight our fresh cut, value-added products and really focus on its convenience for the foodservice industry." Said Nichole Towell, senior director of marketing and packaging procurement.
Best Product Promo: Rijk Zwaan – Red-veined arugula
"One of our biggest points of pride is our focus on innovation and bringing new vegetables to the market, so there are very few awards that mean more to us than this. Winning it two years in a row is really special for us. Part of the reason we are successful at this conference is we look for, and breed for, items that work for food service and not just for our retail partners. We recognize there is a different set of needs for the different industry segments. We look forward to a retail-focused new item at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando and are already working to identify next year's foodservice introduction as we eye a possible "Three-Peat" for IFPA Foodservice." Said David Perie, account manager, retail & food service.
"Our exhibitors are vitally important to advancing produce consumption through food service," Watson said. "They showcase their products and services. Some new, some tried and true. And they have a lot of fun doing it."
The next IFPA Foodservice Conference is July 27-28, 2023, in Monterey, California. The 2023 booth applications are open.
For more information:
Siobhan May
IFPA
Tel: +1 (302) 781-5855
SMay@freshproduce.com
www.freshproduce.com