Fresh Concepts LLC

?? Fresh Friday is back! Leeks may look like oversized green onions, but they have a milder, slightly sweet flavor that makes them perfect for soups, stir-fries, and roasting! ?? The Ancient Romans believed leeks strengthened the voice; even the great Roman emperor Nero (nicknamed Porrophagus, AKA leek-eater) ate them regularly to maintain his strong speech-giving voice. ?? Give leeks some love in your next dish—your taste buds, and maybe even your voice, will thank you!

President Trump has now confirmed that tariffs under the USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement), including produce, will not take effect until April 2nd. Tomatoes out of Florida will be tight for the next three to four week which is pushing buyers west to Mexico. Already short on supply due to the transition, Mexico will see much higher prices this week and lighter supply, particularly on rounds. We are also seeing short supply on Yellow Squash, premium sized Green Bells, Pickles, Shishito and Caribe Pepper. Avocado industry supply remains tight following limited border crossings last week and the national holiday in Mexico on March 17. With Easter and Cinco de Mayo approaching, inventories will remain tight, and prices are likely to stay elevated into May. Transition has started and you will see growers moving into Huron, Oxnard and Salinas. We have a heat advisory in effect for Yuma that will begin this Sunday. The temperatures will reach the high nineties throughout all next week. This can cause increased insect pressure, mildew, internal burn and crop fatigue. Overall, for now, supplies are looking good, but with transition in full swing, we will also see the normal issues with supplies and quality as we go through this process. Lettuce is already seeing tighter supplies and lighter weights. You can expect to see that market to continue to rise and yields continue to decrease while growers are making their transitions. Cauliflower has also tightened up and that market is already escalated. We also know that bugs will be a potential issue, especially on Cilantro and Kale, so we will continue to keep a close eye on that. To add some good news, Broccolini has really improved. Insects will be something that the fields will battle throughout March. Aphids are likely to target Arugula, Kale and Cilantro so we will be monitoring those items closely. We will keep an eye on those items and all leafy greens and keep everyone updated on any issues. Growers will, as always, do their best to prevent any supply gaps and will try to get everyone the best quality but some issues should be expected in the coming weeks.

March is Women's History Month! Throughout the month, we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the foodservice and produce industry. Today, we recognize Michelle Elwonger, Vice President of Supply Chain at Metro Diner! ?? What does success in the produce industry look like to you? What are you most proud of? ?? Success in the produce industry is about consistency—delivering fresh, high-quality produce on time, every time, so operators can focus on running great diners. With confidence in their supply, they can dedicate their energy to exceptional food, smooth operations, and outstanding guest experiences. I take pride in making produce one less thing they have to worry about, allowing them to focus on what they do best. ?? What would you tell young female leaders who are just starting to work? What would you like them to know? ?? Building relationships is just as important as building knowledge. A strong network opens doors, provides support, and creates opportunities in ways you can’t always predict. People do business with those they trust, so invest time in making genuine connections. ?? Who inspires you or has been a mentor to you, and why? ?? Kristen Brooks is an undeniable powerhouse in this industry. Her depth of knowledge, relentless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to her team, clients, and partners set her apart. She exemplifies what a true leader should be, setting a standard of excellence that inspires everyone around her. She is someone I deeply respect and strive to emulate in my career.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! ?? McMenamins Pubs & Breweries is serving up two Irish classics: Corned Beef & Cabbage and Irish Lamb Stew— ?????? both made with the freshest ingredients that bring a wee bit of magic to every bite! Pair your meal with a pint, and in true Irish spirit, you'll be jigging happily all the way home ?? Cheers! *Available at most locations.

It's that time of the week—Fresh Friday! Today, we're taking a look at the papaya. ?? Once considered a specialty item, papayas are now available year-round in many supermarkets, thanks to imports from Mexico, Central America, and Hawaii. Plus, with more vitamin C than an orange, just one papaya provides over 150% of the daily recommended intake! Did you know? The black seeds inside a papaya are edible! These peppery, slightly spicy morsels can be dried and used just like black pepper.

President Trump has now confirmed that tariffs under the USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement), including produce, will not take effect until April 2nd. With that, we will continue to see strong production out of South Florida on several items, with good quality and availability across multiple commodities. Mixed Hot Peppers, particularly Caribes, were the lightest in supply. Markets are firmer today on Tomatoes, Yellow Squash and Green Bells with Pickles being one of the tightest this week. The Offshore Table Grape season has improved, with stable supply. Melons have also turned the corner, showing excellent volume and quality out of the ports as well as crossing through Nogales. Banana and Pineapple availability remains limited; shippers are asking we continue to be flexible in pineapple sizes. The Avocado industry continues to experience tight supply and elevated pricing following last week’s market disruption. This week, growers are focused on rebuilding inventories, with a short window to further replenish stocks before Holy Week in week 16. Transition is once again right around the corner. We will see growers transition to Oxnard, Huron and of course Salinas. The weather has been a constant challenge in Yuma, but it does look like a warming trend is on the horizon and hopefully set to stay this time. Overall supplies are looking good, but with transition on the horizon, we will see the normal issues with supplies and quality as we get closer to the actual transition dates. Broccolini is still on the alert list since some growers have increased the price due to very limited supplies. Endive, Escarole, Cilantro, and Spinach remain escalated, with supply shortages driving market conditions. Bok Choy, Fennel and Leeks remain at the extreme trigger level. Red Cabbage is still slightly escalated and looks like it will remain that way through transition. Aphids are likely to target Arugula, Kale and Cilantro so we will be monitoring those items closely. Growers will, as always, do their best to prevent any supply gaps and will try to get everyone the best quality but some issues should be expected.

March is Women's History Month! Throughout the month, we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the foodservice and produce industry. Today, we recognize Lilah Taha-Rippett, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at First Watch Restaurants! ?? What does success in the produce industry look like to you? What are you most proud of? ?? When I think about success in produce, it really comes down to two things: our partnerships and our people. I'm incredibly proud of the genuine connections and collaborative relationships we've built with our suppliers and customers. Equally, I'm proud of the First Watch team, particularly their role as culture-keepers. They embody our values both within and outside the company, and that's a testament to the strong foundation we've cultivated. ?? What would you tell young female leaders who are just starting to work? What would you like them to know? ?? My biggest piece of advice? Don't overthink it. Trust your instincts, be bold and take action. ?? Who inspires you or has been a mentor to you, and why? ?? I've been fortunate to have two great sources of inspiration. First, my father, who was an Olympian for Lebanon and had the honor of being there the first time the Lebanese flag was raised. He instilled in me the importance of trusting my gut. Secondly, we couldn't do what we do without our growers and pickers. Their incredible grit and determination fuels my own drive and reminds me of the importance of the work we do.

Big news from Las Vegas! Fresh Concepts LLC has been honored as Vendor of the Year at Landry's Annual Leadership Conference at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas! What started as a 50/50 test with just 16 restaurants in the Midwest has grown into a powerhouse partnership, now serving nearly 300 Landry's properties—including restaurants, Golden Nugget Casinos, hotels, and even professional sports facilities. Through every market challenge (looking at you, romaine and potatoes ??), Fresh Concepts LLC has delivered consistent value, earning the trust of both corporate and field teams. We’re proud of this recognition and excited to continue growing alongside Landry's.

Happy Fresh Friday! What's better than a fresh, crisp, juicy roma tomato? A fresh, crisp, juicy roma tomato in a homemade salsa! Read on to learn how to make an unbelievably flavorful pico de gallo: ?? 2 lbs roma tomatoes, diced ?? 1 medium red onion, diced ??? 1 Serrano pepper, diced ?? 1 handful cilantro, finely chopped ???? 1 lime, juiced ?? 1 tsp kosher salt ?? 1 tbsp olive oil Mix all of the ingredients together and enjoy! ???

We are beyond honored to announce that Fresh Concepts has been recognized as Landry's Vendor of the Year at the Landry's Leadership Conference in Las Vegas! HUGE thank you to Caitlin Webster for driving sales with Landry's and Constance Tenorio for expertly managing the account. Along with all the teams behind the scenes, your hard work makes this award possible!