I spent last week in Orlando, FL, for SEPC, and it was nice connecting with many of you out there. While I was in Florida, I got a firsthand look at what the late January freeze did to crops in the region and the impact is more significant than the reports suggested.

The Hass Avocado Board has opened its 2026 board nomination period, inviting eligible Hass avocado producers and importers to help guide the future of the U.S. avocado industry. Now, through March 27, qualified individuals may nominate themselves or others for 10 open Board seats, each for three years.

The Southeast Produce Council welcomed a large and enthusiastic crowd the last week in February to its flagship event, Southern Exposure, where attendees celebrated this year’s theme, From Fields to Families.

Southern Exposure 2026 took place from Feb. 25 to March 1, about a week earlier than usual, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, the same venue as last year.

What if your path to better health was paved with the ingredients you already love? Avocados From Mexico is reaffirming its ongoing commitment to improving Hispanic health by continuing its collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, showing how Hispanic health has never tasted so good.

Side Delights announced the launch of Flavorables, a new value-added petite potato line designed to meet growing consumer demand for quick, convenient and flavorful side dishes. Flavorables pairs one-pound of petite potatoes with premium dry seasoning blends from Spiceology, creating a complete, microwave-ready side dish in just five minutes.

The Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure 2026 was held Feb. 25 to March 1 in Orlando, FL. The event featured a record number of buyers, 316 booths and sold-out networking sessions. This year’s iteration featured many familiar events as well as some new ones for attendees to enjoy, including the Tom Page Golf Classic and the Cool Cucumber Pickleball Tournament, as well as the Southern Roots luncheon and the Good Seeds MENtor Program.