More than 200 produce industry professionals celebrated the ongoing impact of Healthy Family Project’s cause marketing programs at the annual Healthy Family Project reception at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure.

ORLANDO, FL — The produce industry gathered in force the first week in March at the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure 2022 conference and trade show to celebrate "The Marvel of Produce" and reconnect in person with colleagues and friends. For many attendees, it was the first time they had seen one another in a couple of years, as the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic finally seems to be in the rearview mirror.

–Photos taken by Gordon M. Hochberg, John Groh, Craig Levitt, Adam Campbell and Kyle Eberth

ORLANDO, FL —  It was a return to normalcy as the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure expo was bursting at the seams with smiling attendees and exhibitors. Following a rousing keynote address by Tim Tebow, the buzz on the show floor was immediate, palpable  — and lasting — as it remained busy until closing.

Matthews Ridgeview Farms is known for providing great quality and outstanding customer service, which is why it’s been a go-to sweet potato distributor for decades.

ORLANDO, FL — Georgia agriculture was in the spotlight at a reception held March 3, here, ahead of the opening of the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure convention.

The reception featured Georgia Grown foods and was highlighted by a one-on-one interview of former NFL great Anthony (Booger) McFarland by Sarah Walsh of Fox Sports.

FMI—the Food Industry Association released its 2022 Power of Produce report today, revealing 25 percent of shoppers ranked price as the No. 1 factor when making fresh produce purchasing decisions, followed by appearance (19 percent), health benefits (19 percent) and ripeness (15 percent).