PALM DESERT, Calif. — While West Coast Produce Expo 2025 drew a record 200 exhibitors, 1,500 registrants and some 300 retail and foodservice buyers to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, May 28-30, the event retains an intimacy that fosters networking and meaningful conversation, exhibitors say.
“This is my first time at West Coast Produce Expo,” said John Arjona of Peelz. “I like the smaller shows like this, where you can connect with retailers in a nice, relaxed atmosphere.”
Peelz is a family-owned company that grows citrus in fall and winter, said Arjona. The company showed off examples of its colorful packaging for Peelz mandarins, navels, lemons, cara caras, grapefruit, valencia oranges and more.
“It's all about cherry harvesting this week,” said Rich Mendonsa of the Wenatchee, Wash.-based CMI Orchards. “Washington had a good season, but it won't be fast enough for retailers,” many of whom are eager to meet the demand for summer cherries, given the delayed and short supply from California, he added.
Mendonsa said CMI will have good size cherries in supply from June to early August. “We're really ready for Fourth of July promotions,” he added.
Jim Fountain and Alexandra Grillo of Wholly Guacamole featured the company's Spinach and Artichoke Dip or Spread, Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Spinach Dip or Spread, and Tomato and Basil Dip or Spread. The line comes in 7.5-ounce tubs and minis that include four 2-ounce cups to a pack.
Wholly Guacamole also showcased its line of guacamole with Tajin, including Wholly Guacamole Chile Lime With Tajin. “The new Tajin items are the big thing right now,” Grillo said.
“This is an important show to us in this location, as we're shipping from Canada to the West Coast seven days a week,” said Kelly Hale of Highline Mushrooms. “It just makes sense to be at this show.”
Highline Mushrooms rebranded its products with an aim to increase consumption of mushrooms among 25-to-40-year-old consumers, Hale said. “The whole category has been ripe for a redo.”
A QR code on the packaging takes consumers to recipes and usage suggestions, as well as nutritional information. And a clear package allows shoppers to see the product.
“We were the first in the U.S. and Canada to have the clear till,” said Hale. “Consumers buy with their eyes, and the quality of our product is visual.”
More from West Coast Produce Expo 2025: