From Farm to Fork: Your Essential Guide to the IFPA Foodservice Conference 2025 in Monterey!
Imagine stepping into a vibrant hub where the freshest produce from fields just miles away meets the most innovative culinary minds in the foodservice industry. Picture a place where chefs, distributors, and growers converge to explore the future of flavor, sustainability, and supply chain excellence. This isn’t just a vision; it’s the dynamic reality of The Foodservice Conference, presented by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). Often remembered as the PMA Foodservice Expo, this annual event is the premier gathering for anyone dedicated to bringing the freshest fruits and vegetables to every plate outside the home. Scheduled for July 31 – August 1, 2025, in beautiful Monterey, California, this conference is more than a trade show; it’s a comprehensive industry experience, a critical nexus of game-changing insights, strategic connections, and unparalleled opportunities to literally taste the future of foodservice.
Nestled in the heart of California’s “Salad Bowl of the World,” Monterey provides the perfect backdrop for an event so intrinsically linked to the land. The conference unfolds at the Monterey Conference Center, a modern facility boasting ample space for its bustling expo floor and impactful educational sessions. This isn’t merely about observing products on display; it’s about engaging directly with the source. Walk the show floor and witness live demonstrations of innovative produce applications, discover new varietals of fruits and vegetables, and discuss sourcing directly with the very growers and shippers who bring these ingredients to life. The IFPA Foodservice Conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to streamline your supply chain, find reliable partners, and gain insights that can significantly impact your menu development and operational efficiency. It’s where a chef discovers a new, unique vegetable to be the star of their next seasonal dish; where a school nutrition director finds a way to introduce healthier, more appealing produce options to students; and where a major foodservice distributor identifies new partners to meet evolving consumer demands. For any professional involved in foodservice operations (commercial and non-commercial), culinary development, produce distribution, fresh-cut processing, or growing and shipping—anyone looking to optimize their produce offerings, reduce costs, enhance menu creativity, or gain a significant competitive advantage—attending the IFPA Foodservice Conference 2025 is not merely an option; it’s an indispensable strategic imperative that directly influences menu innovation, supply chain resilience, and profitability across every facet of the industry.
The foodservice landscape is continually evolving, driven by shifting consumer preferences for health, convenience, and global flavors. Diners are increasingly demanding fresh, wholesome, and sustainably sourced ingredients. At the same time, operators face challenges from supply chain complexities, labor shortages, and the need for greater efficiency. The IFPA Foodservice Conference is meticulously designed to address these multifaceted dynamics head-on. It’s where an operator can learn about the latest in fresh-cut processing to minimize waste, explore new produce varieties that align with trending dietary preferences (like plant-forward dishes), or connect with technology providers offering solutions for better inventory management and traceability. The conference consistently features top culinary talent and industry thought leaders who share insights on how fresh produce is at the heart of menu transformation. Discussions delve into vital topics such as navigating new health-focused trends, understanding Gen Z’s evolving definitions of “healthiness,” and leveraging data to optimize your business. IFPA, as the leading global association, leverages its deep connections across the entire fresh produce supply chain to ensure this event delivers actionable insights and fosters critical connections. If you’re a professional striving to enhance product quality, streamline operations, create innovative menus, or gain a significant competitive edge in the dynamic foodservice sector, attending this annual event offers a practical, inspiring, and profoundly strategic experience that directly contributes to your success and shapes the very future of how we eat.
The Fresh Nexus: Venue, Time, and Cost
The Foodservice Conference is an annual event organized by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), born from the merger of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association.
The 2025 Venue: Monterey Conference Center, Monterey, California For its 2025 edition, The Foodservice Conference will return to its well-established and highly effective location:
- Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940, USA.
The Monterey Conference Center is strategically located in the heart of downtown Monterey, offering:
- Prime Location: Situated on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, just steps from the historic Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This provides attendees with a stunning backdrop and ample opportunities for local exploration outside of conference hours.
- Connected Facilities: The Conference Center is often integrated with nearby hotels, creating a convenient campus for attendees.
- Relevance to Produce: Being in Monterey, adjacent to the Salinas Valley (often called the “Salad Bowl of America”), offers a direct connection to the source of much of the nation’s fresh produce, providing a tangible link to the industry.
- Accessibility: Monterey is served by Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) for regional flights, and is within a reasonable driving distance of larger international airports like San Jose (SJC) and San Francisco (SFO).
The Annual Harvest: When and For How Long The Foodservice Conference is an annual event, making it a consistent and crucial gathering for the produce and foodservice industries.
- When It Happens: The 2025 IFPA Foodservice Conference is scheduled for July 31 – August 1, 2025.
- While the main expo floor and general sessions run on these dates, there are often pre-conference activities, forums (like the K-12 School Foodservice Forum), and special events that may begin a day earlier (e.g., July 30).
- Duration: The core exhibition and educational conference span two intensive days. This concentrated format is designed to maximize networking and learning opportunities for busy professionals, ensuring efficient use of their time.
Investing in Freshness: Cost of Participation Attending The Foodservice Conference is an investment for professionals seeking to advance their business and culinary offerings within the produce and foodservice sectors.
- For Attendees (Operators, Chefs, Distributors, etc.): Registration fees vary based on membership status with IFPA and the timing of registration.
- Individual Conference Registration: For 2025, an individual pass for IFPA Members is typically around $1160 USD. For Non-Members, it’s approximately $1690 USD.
- Group Discounts: Significant savings are available for organizations registering multiple attendees. For example, for 3-9 passes, IFPA Members might pay $1110 per person, while non-members pay $1620. Even larger discounts apply for groups of 10 or more.
- Special Passes: Specific rates are available for Educator Passes (around $420) and Student Passes (around $185), demonstrating IFPA’s commitment to education and future talent.
- Early Bird Savings: Registering early often provides substantial discounts, typically saving several hundred dollars per attendee. For 2025, members could save $270 per attendee by registering before July 2, 2025.
- For Exhibitors (Grower-Shippers, Processors, Suppliers): Exhibiting at the conference is a key way to gain visibility and connect with buyers. Booth costs vary by size and location.
- Exhibitors gain access to a highly targeted audience, including hundreds of foodservice buyers and menu influencers. Booth pricing is available directly from IFPA’s sales team.
- Exhibiting includes access to the expo floor, buyer sourcing meetings, and opportunities to showcase new products and innovations.
The pricing reflects the high value of direct engagement with influential buyers, the quality of educational content, and the unique networking opportunities in this critical sector.
The Plate of Possibilities: Key Product and Service Categories
The Foodservice Conference is dedicated to showcasing the entire spectrum of fresh produce relevant to the foodservice industry. The “expo” portion is a dynamic showcase of innovations in categories such as:
- Fresh Produce Varieties & Innovations:
- New and trending fruit and vegetable varietals, specialty produce.
- Organic, locally grown, and sustainably sourced produce.
- Value-added produce: pre-cut, pre-washed, ready-to-use fruits and vegetables, meal kits incorporating fresh produce.
- Plant-forward ingredients and solutions for vegetarian/vegan menus.
- Fresh-Cut & Processed Produce:
- Specialty cuts, diced, sliced, and shredded produce for efficiency.
- Individual portion packs, blends, and mixes.
- Techniques and technologies for extending shelf life and maintaining freshness of processed produce.
- Technology & Equipment for Foodservice Produce Handling:
- Washing, sorting, and grading equipment for produce.
- Storage and refrigeration solutions specifically for fresh produce.
- Packaging innovations that enhance freshness, reduce waste, and improve handling.
- Traceability and food safety technologies.
- Inventory management and ordering software for foodservice.
- Supply Chain & Logistics:
- Transportation solutions for fresh produce (e.g., cold chain logistics).
- Distribution services for foodservice operators.
- Warehousing and fulfillment specific to produce.
- Flavor & Culinary Application:
- Showcasing how fresh produce can be creatively incorporated into menus across all foodservice segments (fine dining, casual, institutional, K-12, healthcare).
- Demonstrations of trending applications for specific fruits and vegetables.
- New ingredients that complement or enhance fresh produce dishes.
- Food Safety & Quality Assurance:
- Solutions for maintaining the highest standards of food safety from farm to fork.
- Certification programs and compliance services.
- Marketing & Merchandising for Foodservice:
- Strategies for promoting produce-centric dishes to consumers.
- Educational materials and resources for foodservice staff on produce handling and utilization.
The exhibition floor is where attendees can find solutions providers ranging from large-scale grower-shippers and fresh-cut processors to technology innovators and logistics experts, all focused on getting more fresh produce on the plate.
The Green Connection: Visitor and Exhibitor Count
The IFPA Foodservice Conference consistently attracts a highly influential and targeted audience, solidifying its position as the premier event for produce in foodservice.
- Visitor Count: The conference typically draws a significant number of attendees who are key decision-makers in the foodservice produce supply chain. Recent editions have seen over 2,200 attendees, with a substantial portion having direct purchasing influence. This highly qualified audience includes:
- Foodservice Operators: From commercial restaurants (fine dining, casual, quick service) to non-commercial operations (K-12 schools, colleges, hospitals, corporate dining, hotels, resorts, stadiums). A large number of K-12 school menu planners and chefs (often over 100) attend the dedicated K-12 Foodservice Forum.
- Distributors & Wholesalers: Key players in getting produce from growers to operators.
- Chefs & Menu Developers: Influencing what goes on menus and how produce is utilized.
- Grower-Shippers & Processors: Producers and suppliers of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Brokers & Consultants: Facilitating business relationships and providing strategic advice.
- Industry Product/Service Providers: Companies offering solutions in technology, packaging, logistics, and food safety.
- Retail Foodservice Buyers: Retailers with foodservice operations within their stores. Notably, over 80% of attendees have direct purchasing influence, making this a highly productive event for business development.
- Exhibitor Count: The expo floor is a bustling hub featuring a wide array of companies showcasing their produce and solutions. The conference typically hosts over 190 to 200 exhibitors. These exhibitors primarily consist of:
- Grower-Shippers: Presenting their latest harvests, varieties, and sustainable practices.
- Fresh-Cut Processors: Highlighting their value-added produce solutions.
- Transportation & Logistics Companies: Showcasing cold chain and delivery expertise.
- Packaging Solutions Firms: Displaying innovative ways to preserve freshness and enhance shelf appeal.
- Technology Providers: Offering software and equipment for efficiency and food safety.
- Specialty Ingredient Suppliers: Introducing new ingredients that pair well with fresh produce. The focused nature of the event ensures that every exhibitor is directly relevant to the foodservice produce sector, leading to highly productive interactions.
The Fresh Perks: Benefits of Attending
Attending the IFPA Foodservice Conference in Monterey offers a powerful array of benefits for any professional or business within the fresh produce and foodservice industries:
- Direct Access to Fresh Produce: Experience and sample the freshest produce directly from the fields of California and beyond. Discover new varietals, innovative cuts, and the latest in value-added products.
- Unparalleled Networking with Key Buyers: Connect face-to-face with hundreds of high-volume foodservice buyers, including chefs, menu developers, and operators from major restaurants, schools, and institutions. Engage in pre-scheduled “Buyer Sourcing Meetings” for targeted interactions.
- Strategic Market Insights: Gain critical insights into shifting consumer health trends, operator challenges, and the evolving role of fresh produce on menus. Learn about emerging Gen Z preferences and how they impact demand for “real” and “wholesome” food.
- Cutting-Edge Education: Participate in dynamic general sessions, panel discussions, and forums led by industry experts. Topics cover everything from supply chain optimization and food safety to culinary innovation and sustainability.
- Innovate Your Menu: Discover creative and profitable ways to incorporate more fresh produce into your menus, enhancing flavor, nutritional value, and customer appeal.
- Source New Partners & Solutions: Explore a diverse expo floor featuring growers, processors, logistics providers, and technology companies. Find new suppliers, compare options, and streamline your supply chain.
- Elevate Your Industry Knowledge: Stay abreast of the latest research, data-driven insights, and best practices in the foodservice produce sector, ensuring your business remains competitive and forward-thinking.
- Celebrate Excellence: Witness the prestigious Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards, recognizing chefs and operators for their outstanding use of fresh produce. Gain inspiration from leaders in the field.
- Connect with the Source: The Monterey location offers a unique opportunity to be immersed in a major produce-growing region, providing a deeper understanding of the journey from farm to fork.
- Targeted Learning for Specific Segments: Benefit from specialized forums like the K-12 School Foodservice Forum, offering dedicated content and networking for specific industry segments.
For any professional looking to enhance their produce offerings, strengthen their supply chain, or simply be at the forefront of fresh food innovation, the IFPA Foodservice Conference is not just an event; it’s an indispensable annual gathering that delivers tangible business solutions and invaluable connections.
Your Coastal Retreat: Nearby Hotels for IFPA Foodservice Conference 2025
Attending the IFPA Foodservice Conference in Monterey provides the added benefit of being in a beautiful coastal city known for its charming hotels and scenic views. The Monterey Conference Center is centrally located, offering easy access to numerous accommodation options. IFPA typically partners with hotels to offer preferred rates, so always check the official conference website first.
Here are some excellent hotel options near the Monterey Conference Center for your stay during the IFPA Foodservice Conference 2025:
- Directly Connected or Steps Away from the Monterey Conference Center:
- Monterey Marriott: Often the official headquarter hotel, it’s directly connected to the Conference Center, offering maximum convenience. It features modern amenities, dining options, and often great views of Monterey Bay.
- Portola Hotel & Spa: Also directly adjacent to the Conference Center, the Portola offers a nautical-themed luxury experience, a spa, and multiple dining venues. It’s a very popular choice for conference attendees due to its immediate proximity.
- Short Walk to the Conference Center (Downtown/Wharf Area):
- Hotel Pacific: A charming all-suite hotel located just a few blocks from the Conference Center, offering spacious accommodations.
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa: While a slightly longer walk or a very short drive/taxi ride from the Conference Center (located on Cannery Row), this upscale hotel offers stunning oceanfront views and amenities, making it a popular choice for those wanting to be right on the water.
- Monterey Bay Inn: Another excellent option on Cannery Row with great views, within a reasonable walk or quick ride.
- Hotel Abrego: A comfortable hotel situated a bit further inland from the main waterfront, but still within a very reasonable walk or short drive to the Conference Center.
- InterContinental The Clement Monterey: Located right on Cannery Row, offering luxury and direct access to the oceanfront recreation trail, a short drive or pleasant walk to the conference center.
- Slightly Further Out (requiring a short drive/taxi):
- Many other hotels and motels are available along Munras Avenue, a primary thoroughfare leading into downtown Monterey. These often offer more budget-friendly options while still being a quick drive to the conference. Examples include Best Westerns, Holiday Inn Express, etc.
General Booking Advice for The Foodservice Conference:
- Utilize Official Hotel Blocks: IFPA’s official website will provide details on negotiated hotel rates for attendees. Booking through these official channels often guarantees better prices, ensures legitimate reservations, and sometimes includes perks like shuttle services if applicable. Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails from third-party hotel booking companies not endorsed by IFPA.
- Book Early: Monterey is a popular destination, especially in the summer. Hotels, especially those closest to the Conference Center, book up quickly. Secure your accommodation as far in advance as possible to ensure your preferred choice and rate.
- Consider Transportation: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the most convenient airport. For those flying into San Jose (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO), a rental car or shuttle service will be needed for the drive to Monterey. Once in Monterey, many downtown attractions and the Conference Center are walkable, but taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.
- Enjoy Monterey: Factor in some time to explore Monterey’s attractions, like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and Cannery Row.
By planning your accommodation effectively, you ensure a comfortable and efficient experience at the IFPA Foodservice Conference, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the invaluable opportunities for product discovery, strategic learning, and essential networking that this critical event provides.
Ready to Add More Green to Your Plate? Plan Your Visit!
The IFPA Foodservice Conference is the ultimate destination for anyone committed to elevating fresh produce in the culinary world. It’s where the latest trends meet practical application, where vital connections are forged, and where the future of fresh, flavorful food is shaped. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover innovative products, and propel your business forward at the very heart of the foodservice produce sector.
To learn more about the IFPA Foodservice Conference 2025, including specific dates, venue details, registration information, and to plan your essential visit, please go to the official website: