We deliver confidence in every case.

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2 We deliver confidence in every case. Established in 1985, Markon Cooperative is made up of eight independent North American foodservice distributors who are collectively committed to bringing the freshest, highest quality, and consistently available produce solutions to foodservice providers of all sizes. PIONEERS IN OUR FIELD Since the company s foundation in 1985, Markon has consistently been a step ahead through innovative industry firsts, demonstrating its forward-thinking philosophy and vision of an industry that leads the way in quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

3 Markon offers you unmatched quality, stringent food safety, expert handling and reliability, as well as people who care about your business. We deliver confidence. CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CASE. I am confident that when I see Markon brands in our coolers, the produce is consistently the highest quality available. Markon leads the industry in quality, consistency, and food safety. EXECUTIVE CHEF D. SAWCHUK, EARLS RESTAURANTS 1985 Markon founded Far ahead of its time, Markon Cooperative is created by likeminded, independent foodservice providers to bring the finest, safest produce to the industry First Produce Brand for Foodservice Markon First Crop becomes the first of its kind a brand with specific, measurable metrics for commodity fruits and vegetables.

4 Industry Leading Food Safety We were the first to develop a measurable safety program, to write detailed specifications, and to implement regular field and facility inspections. 5-Star Food Safety Every case of Markon First Crop, Ready-Set-Serve, and Markon Essentials you purchase has met or surpassed Markon s unparalleled standards for food safety our 5-Star Food Safety Program. It s that simple. 5-Star Food Safety is based on specifications, inspections, and information at five key points in the field, at the shipping facility, during transit, at the distributor, and in your kitchen. Ice-Free Broccoli, Cilantro, and Parsley Steadfastly developing new ways to benefit operators, Markon was the first to ship icefree products to reduce mess and waste. 1989First The rest of the industry soon follows suit Food Safety Programs Initiated Long before food safety became a hot button, Markon developed stringent specifications for all growers and shippers packing our brands.

5 Fields Third-party audit reviews (pass/fail) for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Detailed specifications Daily inspections Water testing Grower/Shipper Facilities Third-party audit reviews (pass/fail) for - Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) - Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) (Ready-Set- Serve only) Regular inspections by Markon staff Transportation Temperature monitors on trucks originating in California, Arizona, Florida, and Mexico Distributor Warehouses Dedicated quality assurance staff Warehouse temperature zones keep products at optimum temperatures Third-party inspections DC best practices in accordance with GFSI and third-party audits A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Markon and its partners are collectively implementing specific, verifiable, and measurable initiatives that minimize environmental impact and promote social responsibility. INDUSTRY LEADING FOOD SAFETY Operator Kitchens Trace back to field level Best If Used By dates on Ready-Set-Serve packaging Storage and handling information 1996 First Pre-Cut, Table-Ready Brand for Foodservice Anticipating the need for less in-house labor and higher food safety standards, Ready-Set-Serve is born First Washed & Trimmed Green Leaf and Romaine Washed & Trimmed items enter the market with a splash these pre-cut lettuce items are some of the most frequently used restaurant ingredients.

6 Superior Multi-Unit Service With more than 25 years of experience behind our brands, and the value focus of our multiple growing regions, Markon has earned the trust of thousands of customers in North America. Food Safety Program Initiated The most comprehensive food safety program in the industry, Markon is continuously researching and updating Star metrics to ensure our products are as safe as possible. Carton Onion Packaging Operator customers want options. Many switched from messy mesh bags to clean, easily stored cartons when Markon 2001First introduced this packaging.

7 Our multi-unit team integrates Salinas, Californiabased staff with regional experts located across our international network of member distributors. We will coordinate our team to support your business in whatever way works best for you. The bottom line? Unsurpassed quality, safety, and service for our innovative multi-unit operators. SUPERIOR MULTI-UNIT SERVICE Steps to Your Success Unparalleled purchasing power Contracts built for you Frequency of delivery Unsurpassed food safety National brands Traceability and recall capabilities Boots in the Field Sustainability Real-time information 2002 First 40-Pound Celery Pack Always solutions-oriented, Markon was the first to create lighter, standard sizes to reduce operator staff s heavy lifting Industry Leadership in Center for Produce Safety Tim York was integral in getting this collaborative partnership with the University of Califorinia, Davis off the ground; the organization continues to leverage industry expertise with the academic, government, and scientific communities to research and enhance our collective food safety.

8 , Signature Brands Markon First Crop, Ready-Set-Serve, and Markon Essentials brands are recognized nationally as leaders in quality, consistency, and convenience. The confidence inspired by our brands has been earned by consistently delivering the highest quality products, food safety assurance, and the promise that future needs will be met. Leadership in Buyer-Led Food Safety Initiative Markon and its President, Tim York, become instrumental in bringing together foodservice 2006Industry growers, shippers, distributors, and operators to devise farm-to-fork safety planning.

9 Markon First Crop Markon s first and signature brand that includes traditional whole fruits and vegetables such as apples, broccoli, lettuce, onions, and potatoes. These items must consistently meet a strict set of requirements, including: Dependable quality Reliably high yields Daily field inspections on key items Backed by Markon s 5-Star Food Safety Program Markon Essentials Our No. 2 brand includes the integral ingredients your kitchen can t do without, including bell peppers, citrus, cucumbers, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes. The main focus is value yet we pack quality, food safety, sustainability, and consistency in every box. Reliable yields Backed by Markon s 5-Star Food Safety Program SIGNATURE BRANDS Ready-Set-Serve Ready-to-use, innovative, and economical. Fresh fruits and vegetables that minimize prep work in the kitchen and allow chefs to focus on creativity, flavor inspiration, and presentation. Reliable, delicious, and 100% usable, each of these products satisfies stringent specifications, such as: Consistent plate presentation Time and labor savings Reduced waste/disposal costs Backed by Markon s 5-Star Food Safety Program Member of the Stewardship Index For Specialty Crops Markon actively participates in this project that measures sustainable performance 2008Founding throughout the specialty crop supply chain to provide outcome-based metrics to operators. Turns 25 proudly celebrates a quarter century of bringing healthy, wholesome products to 2010Markon operations across North America.

10 Knowledge Center We equip you with the knowledge you need to supply the right product at the right price for the right menu application. Awards Garden Scholarship to Johnson & Wales University Realizing the importance of health and nutrition education, Markon raffled a scholarship to 2011Markon establish an urban garden Johnson & Wales University was able to improve upon their existing project with this critical funding. to Report Directly From the Fields Markon is the first to send their inspectors out to harvest regions to record live-action videos and bring real-time information about quality, supply 2012First levels, weather challenges, and more to members and operators via YouTube.

11 Information at Your Fingertips Boots in the Field communication of real-time crop & weather conditions from the field via and YouTube Fresh Crop Report weekly overview of the produce market, availability, and quality Specialty Produce Report twice monthly report on how to buy, store, and use specialty produce In Season Produce Report quarterly overview of what s in season and how to use it Trends quarterly report on current trends and innovative ways to use them New Product Communications periodic information on new products as announced Markon on Your Menu website guide to recipes, usage tips, and flavor/texture profiles Ask a Markon Expert direct website response hotline to a Markon Chef or Food Safety Expert Social Media Follow, Like, Watch, Join, or Find Markon s network of business connections Markon Mobile mobile app for on the go access to product information Markon.com the ultimate online compendium of Markon resources KNOWLEDGE CENTER Markon Essentials Brand Markon introduces its Essentials brand, encompassing No. 2 items with a focus on value, quality, food safety, and consistency. Practical 2013Launched produce, ideal when external appearance is not important, but flavor is. FOLLOW twitter.com/markon_produce LIKE facebook.com/markoncooperative WATCH youtube.com/markoncooperative JOIN seedlings.markon.com FIND linkedin.com/company/markon

12 CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CASE. markon.com Salinas, California