When Jason Turek talks about the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure expo, he points out that it is by far his favorite trade event.

“I think people are there to spend a few minutes on conversation and spending time outside of the office. We’re really there for goodwill,” said Turek, a partner in Turek Farms, as well as its marketing arm, Cayuga Produce Inc., headquartered in King Ferry, NY.

Kurt Zuhlke has been a leader in the produce packaging industry for generations, but even with all his experience, he never saw a month as busy as December of 2021. He said it was the best month his firm, Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, has ever had in its history.

“It’s usually a good month, but not outstanding,” said Zuhlke, whose firm is headquartered in Easton, PA. “It beat all records — it just blew my mind.”

He attributed that record-breaking month to an increased demand for packaging.

Yes! Apples, a consumer-first brand started by New York Apple Sales three years ago, has become a popular name in the industry and it continues to expand business year after year.

ORLANDO, FL — The Southeast Produce Council held its annual VIP dinner Wednesday evening, March 2, at the Swan Reserve Vue Ballroom, just prior to the opening of the 2022 Southern Exposure conference and trade show, taking place here March 3-5.

As one of the largest garlic and specialty produce distributors in the Northeast, the third-generation family-owned Maurice Auerbach Inc., offers a product line of produce items sourced from around the world.

Packing its products under the AuerPak brand name, the company specializes in garlic, shallots and other specialty items, including tropical and Asian produce. It also handles organic garlic, shallots and tofu.

Ark Foods’ newly introduced line of Fresh Veggie Kits will be featured at SEPC’s Innovation Stations this weekend. The modern farming company brings unique vegetables and vegetable-based creations to the produce aisle, and the new kits are no exception.