Aug 29, 2024

Markon annual summit attracts foodservice customers

A foodservice cooperative’s annual summit attracted customers.

Markon Cooperative recently brought some of its customers together at its annual Markon Summit.

The three-day event brought together more than 200 representatives from their exclusive member companies that include Ben E. Keith Foods, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Nicholas & Co., and Shamrock Foods Co.

The summit was Aug. 21 in Monterey, California.

The Markon Summit is renowned for its focus on fresh produce. The event featured an engaging program designed to deepen attendees’ understanding of produce through various activities. Participants enjoyed tours of the Salinas Valley and engaged in educational sessions aimed at enhancing their produce knowledge and skills, according to a news release.

Highlights of the event included field tours of fresh produce, educational sessions and mini trade shows.

Attendees explored the Salinas Valley, witnessing firsthand the hard work that goes into growing, packing, and harvesting fresh produce they provide to operator customers.

The sessions provided valuable insights into fresh produce management and industry trends.

In the trade shows, participants had the opportunity to connect with supplier-partners and explore Markon brand products, including Markon First Crop, Ready-Set-Serve, and Markon Essentials.

“The Markon Summit has been the pinnacle event for our membership,” Andy Hamilton, the company’s CEO, said in the release. “For 19 years, we have strived to deliver an experience highlighting the value of Markon fresh produce. Featuring our Markon-brand items and valued supplier partnerships, these action-packed days leverage the bountiful harvest of the Salinas Valley to provide unparalleled training and tools.”

This year’s programming included practical lettuce cuttings, dynamic educational settings, and a closing session designed to consolidate the learnings into actionable insights for members.

“We look forward to this event every year,” Hamilton added. “The Markon team deeply appreciates the support of our supplier partners and sponsors who contribute to its success.”

The Markon Summit continues to be a vital platform for industry professionals to expand their knowledge and network within the fresh produce sector, according to the release.

Based in Salinas, California, Markon Cooperative Inc. serves as the produce purchasing, logistics, information and marketing partner for its five member distributors and markets a full line of conventional and organic fruits and vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, apples, grapes and melons, to foodservice operators.