NASHVILLE, TN — The Southeast Produce Council kicked off Southern Innovations 2022 with the STEP-UPP and board of directors dinner Wednesday evening, Sept. 21, at Acme Feed & Seed, here.

SEPC Chairman of the Board Rania Nelson of Westfalia Fruit welcomed everyone to the event, and then she introduced Mike Roberts of Harps Food Stores and Gary Baker of MDI, who recognized the STEP-UPP class.

Ocean Mist Farms, a leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., will appear for the first time at Southern Innovations this year and feature its value-added fresh-cut products for retail and foodservice.

Ocean Mist Farms is a fourth-generation family-owned business located in Castroville, CA, but Sept. 21-23 Southern Innovations attendees can find the company in booth No. 611.

The Nickey Gregory Co. is gearing up for the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations show, something it has done every year since the show originated as a fall conference in 2001.

The team at Red Sun Farms could not be more excited to meet with its retailers at Southern Innovations.

“We are committed to supporting our partners in the new year and beyond,” said Leona Neill, director of marketing and packaging for the Kingsville, ON-based company. “Our aim is to exceed their expectations now and in the future. Red Sun Farms is focused on delivering great-tasting, quality produce year-round. We will also continue developing sustainable solutions to align our business with the goals of our retailers.”

Shuman Farms has always led the produce industry in important initiatives such as food safety, cause-marketing, brand advocacy, and more. At this year’s Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations, the team will discuss the meaningful sustainability priorities they are currently focusing on.

Nash Produce has been a member of the Southeast Produce Council and has been participating in Southern Innovations since the show’s origin.

Since the SEPC show brings together a large number of its customers in one venue, it allows Nash Produce the opportunity to spend quality time with individuals in which the team normally spends many hours communicating with over phone, email or video chat.