PALM DESERT, CALIF. — West Coast Produce Expo offered attendees breathtaking views, hot temperatures and good vibes while at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa.
At the Topline Farms' West Coast Produce Expo booth, Chris Veillon, vice president of marketing, said the family-owned greenhouse grower is in the heart of its rebranding, touting its unique value proposition and legacy as a low-cost producer for decades. Veillon said retailers rely on growers they know and trust.
“The trust factor is huge with highly perishable commodities,” he said.
Topline plans to highlight the value of harvest with its broad line of produce, offering consistency.
Darryl Bollack, national sales manager for Mariani Nut Company, raved about the overall vibe of the show, noting its “positive aura.”
“Everybody is relaxed,” he said. “The positivity is what it's all about. Everyone has a smile on their face.”
Mariani Nut Company sponsored the event bags, and Bollack said the Mariani Family wants to support all the attendees by providing them something they can use on a regular basis. And, since the company has been a longtime sponsor of the bags, Bollack said he and the Mariani team constantly discuss how they'll top themselves next year.
The team at Farmacopia served up fresh scoops of blueberry and rhubarb ice cream, dubbed “Blubarb,” which featured fresh, Oregon-grown produce at the West Coast Produce Expo booth.
“We're just having fun showing all the great things to do with fruit,” said Shonda Warner, co-managing partner of Farmicopia.
Warner said the Farmacopia West Coast Produce Expo booth highlights the company's Oregon-grown nuts and berries. The vertically-integrated farm also offers kumquats, dragon fruit, citrus, stone fruits, grapes and more.
Visitors to the Giumarra Company's West Coast Produce Expo booth learned more about the company's DulceVida nectarines. Kellee Harris, vice president of retail merchandising, said Giumarra offers custom PLUs in bags and in bulk for DulceVida nectarines.
Harris said Giumarra is wrapping up its Washington state Lemonade apple season and will start its New Zealand import season soon.
First-time exhibitor, De Silva Brothers and Company, an importer, manufacturer and supplier of dried chilis and spices, showed off the company's product offerings at its West Coast Produce Expo booth.
Sajana De Silva, director of sales, highlighted the company's EZ Bombs in Birra, Tinga, Brine and Pozole flavors.
“It saves you half a day,” he said, noting they're perfect for adding to a slow cooker or multicooker for flavor in an instant.