News

7 chefs to earn honors for incorporating produce into recipes

United Fresh has opened the nomination period for the 2016 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program that honors the foodservice industry’s most innovative produce performers.

November 18, 2015

United Fresh, an association that drives policies to increase consumption of fresh produce, has opened the nomination period for the 2016 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program that honors the foodservice industry's most innovative produce performers, according to a company press release.

The program, sponsored by PRO*ACT, LLC since its launch in 2008, has honored 44 chefs and foodservice operators for exceptional work in incorporating fresh produce in menu development, proper food safety and handling, engaging in community outreach and building an overall positive dining experience with fresh produce as a centerpiece, said Tom Stenzel, United Fresh President and CEO.

"Thousands of talented chefs work hard every day to find innovative ways to delight diners with menu items featuring fresh produce," he said.

Chefs will be honored in each of the following business categories:

• Business in Industry.
• Casual and Family Dining
• Colleges and Universities
• Fine Dining Restaurants
• Hotels and Healthcare Industry
• K-12 Foodservice
• Quick Service Restaurants.

Winners are selected by a panel of United Fresh member representatives. Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 15, 2016, and nomination information is available online here.

"Fresh produce continues to drive success for the foodservice sector, and chefs play a critical role in encouraging consumers to explore produce items," said Max Yeater, president of PRO*ACT. "We are proud to continue to support this exceptional program and honor leading chefs who are making fresh produce the highlight of their menus."

The seven winning chefs and their corporate executives receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registrations to United Fresh 2016, held June 20-22 in Chicago. The winners will be honored at the Retail-Foodservice Celebration Dinner, and the chefs also will participate in the education program at United Fresh 2016 to share their views on produce trends in foodservice. In addition to their support of the program, PRO*ACT also will make a donation to a charitable organization of each winner's choice.