The BEP Produce Distributor Conference convenes in New Orleans
The Buyers Edge Platform Produce Division recently hosted its annual BEP Produce Distributors Conference — formerly the Produce Alliance National Conference — in New Orleans. Each year, team members, distributors and growers of Produce Alliance, and now the BEP Produce Division, gather from across the country for the annual conference, which gives its network an opportunity to celebrate and strengthen its partnerships, according to a release.
Held March 13-16, the event kicked off with a welcome cocktail party in the courtyard of the Ritz Carlton. On March 14, the group met for a general session to discuss strategy for the future. The general session was followed by a team building experience at the New Orleans School of Cooking, where a Gumbo Cookoff Challenge was held with the team as well as title and platinum sponsors.
After a day of education with the general session and team building, attendees gathered for dinner at the Elms Mansion.
On March 15, the day began with member-to-member breakout sessions and was followed by a grower-shipper sponsor vendor expo with title, platinum and gold sponsors. That evening attendees gathered at Arnaud’s on Bourbon Street for the fifth annual Jerry Ambrogi Charity Dinner and casino night in memory of Jason Erenwert.
David Collins won the raffle and chose to donate the winnings to The Paul Anderson Youth Home in Vidalia, Ga.
“We are always honored to create meaningful experiences and memories with our growing BEP Produce Division family,” the release said. “These are the essential opportunities that bring together the industry’s best and brightest and showcase the hard work and dedication of inspiring foodservice trailblazers.”
The BEP Produce Division thanked this year's title sponsor, GreenGate, and congratulated its new board members: Ted Keany, Keany Gourmet Foods; Sam Mitton, Brothers Foodservice; Angela Reed, Grasmick; David Collins, Phoenix Wholesale; Billy Itule, Willie Itule Produce; Tom LaGrasso III, LaGrasso Bros. Produce; and Chris Vlahopouliotis, Daylight Foods.
