B&W Quality Growers brings expanding leafy greens portfolio to IFPA Foodservice Conference
B&W Quality Growers brings expanding leafy greens portfolio to IFPA Foodservice Conference
As the foodservice industry gathers for the IFPA Foodservice Conference, B&W Quality Growers will be showcasing both its long-established leafy greens program and an emerging product that is generating increased interest among chefs and retailers alike.
The Fellsmere, FL-based company, one of the world’s largest and longest-running growers of leafy greens, is using the event to highlight its expanding water spinach program while continuing to build awareness of its core offerings, including watercress, baby arugula and baby spinach.
“One of the biggest things we’re excited about heading into the summer is the expansion of our water spinach program with the introduction of our new 10-count retail pack,” said Anna Klawitter, marketing manager for B&W Quality Growers. “Water spinach has been a staple in many cuisines for generations, and we’re seeing growing interest from retailers, distributors and chefs looking to bring it to a broader audience.”
The new packaging is designed to make merchandising easier while helping introduce more consumers to a leafy green that has long been popular in international cuisine.
“Our new packaging insulates the product throughout the cold chain so it can be stored at the standard 36–38°F alongside other leafy greens,” Klawitter said. “It also helps introduce consumers to a versatile leafy green that’s becoming increasingly popular across foodservice.”
Water spinach has become an important growth opportunity for the company as chefs continue seeking globally inspired ingredients and menu differentiation.
“We’re seeing tremendous momentum behind water spinach,” Klawitter said. “As more consumers become interested in global flavors and authentic cuisine, chefs are looking for ingredients that deliver both versatility and flavor.”
Visitors to booth No. 511 will find the company’s full lineup of premium leafy greens, including watercress, baby arugula, baby spinach, red watercress and water spinach.
“We’ll be highlighting what makes each product unique while sharing how our growing network, packing facilities and strong in-house distribution network allow us to deliver fresh products multiple times each week throughout North America,” Klawitter said.
The company views the conference as an important opportunity to strengthen existing relationships while introducing its expanding product portfolio to prospective customers.
“The Foodservice Conference is a great opportunity for us to connect face-to-face with customers and industry partners from across North America,” Klawitter said. “Our goal is to strengthen existing partnerships, meet new operators and distributors, and better understand what’s driving menus and purchasing decisions in foodservice.”
Representatives from both the sales and marketing teams are hard at work preparing for the conference.
“We work closely together before the event to identify key customers, schedule meetings and create a plan for following up afterward,” Klawitter said. “The goal is to make every conversation meaningful.”
Those conversations are expected to center on several key issues affecting foodservice operators.
“We expect discussions around menu innovation, product consistency and consumer demand for flavorful, nutrient-dense ingredients,” Klawitter said. “We’ll also be talking about ways to help operators differentiate their menus.”
While products remain at the center of the company’s presentation, Klawitter believes the greatest value of the conference comes from building relationships.
“Foodservice is a relationship-driven industry, and there’s no substitute for meeting people in person,” she said.
Networking has played an important role in the company’s continued growth.
“Some of our strongest partnerships began with a simple conversation at an industry event,” Klawitter said. “Meeting with operators, distributors, brokers and suppliers in one place allows us to exchange ideas and build relationships that continue long after the show ends.”
Looking beyond the conference, B&W Quality Growers plans to continue expanding awareness of its leafy greens portfolio while growing distribution of water spinach throughout both retail and foodservice.
