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).

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.