Markon to host Salinas Valley customer tours

Salinas, CA – June 4, 2025– As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, education, and customer connection, Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 is proud to host its upcoming Customer Tour series in California’s Salinas Valley—known as the “Salad Bowl of the World.”

Markon started off the year strong with a springtime Yuma, Arizona tour, and is now kicking off the Summer of Salinas, inviting restaurant owner-operators and Markon Cooperative’s member representatives to see the extraordinary care and expertise behind the fresh produce they sell and serve every day.

The first Customer Tour will take place on June 9, with a second scheduled for July, and the final in late August. Each tour offers a unique look into the heart of produce production. Guests typically visit active harvests of romaine or iceberg lettuce, strawberries, broccoli or cauliflower, artichokes, and a value-added fresh-cut processing facility. Walking through these fields alongside the farmers, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, food safety, and sustainability practices behind every carton of Markon produce.

“This experience leaves a lasting impression,” said John Galvez, Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance. “There’s something powerful about seeing the passion and precision the field harvesting crews bring to their work. It helps our customers understand why we are so selective in choosing our supplier partners.”

As Markon celebrates 40 years of excellence in fresh produce, the Customer Tour program continues to be a cornerstone of its value to foodservice operators and cooperative member companies. These tours offer a rare opportunity to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and reinforce the deep connections between farm, field, and fork.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about trust,” said Galvez. “These tours allow our customers to experience the Markon difference—not just in the quality of the product, but in the integrity of the people behind it.”

About Markon
Markon Cooperative, Inc. brings a fresh approach and thinking to all its premium farm-to-table produce, including Markon First Crop, Markon Ready-Set-Serve, and Markon Essentials product lines, so foodservice operators can offer the freshest ideas to their consumers. Based in Salinas, California and nationally known as leaders in quality, consistency, and convenience, Markon serves as the produce purchasing, logistics, information, and marketing partner for its five member distributors (Ben E. Keith Foods, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Nicholas & Company, and Shamrock Foods) and their North American foodservice customers. Markon continues to introduce new products, time-saving, and innovative packaging based on the needs of our members and operator customers. Learn more about Markon’s commitment to providing the highest-quality, safest, and freshest produce at Markon.com.