CLFP’s 2025 Annual Board of Directors Meeting, held in sunny, scenic Napa, brought together food processing leaders, affiliate partners, and industry experts for two days of valuable discussion, networking, and local flavor.

 

Day one featured the Executive Committee meeting and a lively “Foodies on Foot” walking tour, including a stop at the famed Model Bakery, known for its Oprah-endorsed English muffins. Board members and guest speakers then gathered for a delicious lunch, co-sponsored by Scale Microgrids and ERA Group, before heading into the afternoon Business Session, which included a presentation by John Hewitt of the Consumer Brands Association on the “Ultra Processed Foods Industry Campaign.” That evening, attendees enjoyed a festive reception and dinner, complete with great food, live guitar music—and a special moment as Melvin Ward of Sunsweet Growers, Inc. was recognized for his service and symbolically passed the baton to incoming Chair Mona Shulman of Pacific Coast Producers. Congratulations to Mona on her election as CLFP’s 2025–2026 Chair!

 

Friday’s events began with a breakfast sponsored by Zenith Insurance Company, followed by a dynamic General Session. Topics included workers' compensation insights from Zenith’s Steve Hollinger, regulatory updates from KP Public Affairs, and a robust trade panel discussion with leaders from Greenberg Traurig, the California Canning Peach Association, and The Morning Star Packing Company.

 

Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, and attendees for making this year’s meeting a success!