Kitchen Pro Series: Guide to Produce Identification, Fabrication and Utilization

About Brad MatthewsPaul Wigsten

Paul Wigsten is the produce buyer at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park NY. Mr. Wigsten also owns and operates Wigsten Farm in Pleasant Valley NY with his family. In 2002 Wigsten Farm was awarded the Agri-Business Award by the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation. Along with Mr. Matthews Mr. Wigsten was awarded the 2006 Glynwood Harvest Good Neighbor Award. Brad Matthews is the director of purchasing and storeroom operations at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Directing a storeroom staff of more than two dozen Mr. Matthews is responsible for all purchases on the college's Hyde Park NY campus including more than $6.5 million of food products for the college each year. Mr. Matthews and his staff must assure the value of those purchases through proper receipt evaluation storage and timeliness of deliveries. He also oversees the distribution to the 41 kitchens and bakeshops of all food coming into the CIA campus.