Crush & Crate Northwest
Mike Hatch
About Crush & Crate Northwest
Industry Veterans Launch Crush & Crate Northwest and Inaugural Chehalem Valley Food & Wine Showcase
After decades of shaping the specialty food landscape, longtime colleagues and friends Mark Edwards (formerly of DPI Specialty Foods) and Mike Hatch (current Vice President Business Development at Champignon North America, Inc. ) are teaming up to launch an exciting new venture: Crush & Crate Northwest. Fueled by passion, purpose, and the power of relationships, the duo is kicking things off with a one-of-akind event this fall: the Chehalem Valley Food & Wine Showcase, debuting November 8th, 2025, in Newberg, Oregon, the heart of Oregon wine country.
The event is a celebration of craft, connection, and culinary excellence. Set in the Chehalem Valley—recently named the number one wine destination in the country—the Showcase will blend education, industry networking, and community tasting into one dynamic day.
What to Expect:
- Trade-Only Preview: The day begins with a curated, invitation-only experience for members of the food, wine, hospitality, and retail industries.
- Tasting & Pairing Classes: Exclusive classes will pair regional wines and ciders with artisanal cheeses, offering guests an immersive and educational experience.
- Public Marketplace: In the afternoon, doors open to the public for a walk-around tasting event featuring some of the finest specialty food producers. Guests can sample everything from cheese, local wines, ciders and spirits, cured meats, and olives to chocolate, baked goods, and beyond.
“After more than 35 years in the specialty food business, I’m not ready to simply wind things down,” said Mark Edwards. “Crush & Crate Northwest is a way for us to keep doing what we love—connecting people, sharing exceptional products, and building relationships in a meaningful, personal way.”
Crush & Crate Northwest is more than just a business; it’s a community-driven platform to highlight the best of the Northwest’s food and beverage scene while bridging the gap between producers, distributors, and the public.
Join us in November for a first-of-its-kind experience that brings the spirit of Oregon’s wine country to life—one bite and one pour at a time.
About Crush & Crate Northwest Founded by industry veterans Mark Edwards and Mike Hatch, Crush & Crate Northwest is a relationship-based venture focused on curating unique experiences that connect specialty food producers, distributors, and customers. With a combined 70+ years in the industry, Mark and Mike bring deep expertise and a genuine passion for food, wine, and community.
