This Saturday, UC Davis will host the 110th Picnic Day! It's a fantastic day to visit campus for the biggest open house you've ever seen. Visit the Picnic Day website to see the complete schedule. The Robert Mondavi Institute will host hundreds of visitors to taste olive oil, honey, and ice cream. There will also be winery tours, grapevine giveaways, and wine barrel-making demonstrations. I invite you to visit us!

Up next, Forum: Breeding the Best Strawberries on May 17 will highlight the strawberry breeding program at UC Davis, which has been breeding better strawberries since the 1930s. You'll hear about their fascinating work and taste four of their current strawberries. Our colleagues at Guittard Chocolate company will also offer a taste pairing at the post-event reception. It will be a delicious evening you won't want to miss.

In September, the Olive Center will host the International Olive Sustainability Conference. The program includes research and projects on sustainable farming, olive oil production, soil health, and the utilization of by-products from around the world. Engaging with olive industry professionals through tastings and networking events will be a unique opportunity. Find out more at the conference website.

Each year, food science students participate in product development contests. You can read about three team finalists in various industry competitions. We'll be rooting for them in the finals! Please read about the teams and their innovative products.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and hopefully, we will see you soon!

Sincerely, 

Ned Spang
Director, Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science
Associate Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology

View the entire April 2024 newsletter.