Set against the backdrop of the Southern Exposure conference in Orlando, FL (Feb. 26 – March 1), the SEPC's Southern Roots Women's Luncheon welcomed chef, author and Food Network host Molly Yeh as its keynote speaker. Renowned for her series Girl Meets Farm, Yeh brought her distinctive warmth and perspective to the stage, offering insights into her culinary style and the cultural traditions that inspire her to connect people through food. 

J Schwanke and RJ Pole will launch the new "Behind the Bloom" podcast with special guest Lane DeVries on Feb. 16. New episodes are available first on Schwanke's YouTube channel and uBloom.com.

In the debut episode, Schwanke and Pole speak with DeVries about his career, his leadership role at CalFlowers and his new book, "The Pursuit of Purpose." The "Behind the Bloom" podcast is currently ranked No. 127 in the United States. The podcast is sponsored by CalFlowers and Chrysal.

Harps Food Stores, an employee-owned retailer operating 160 stores across Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma, is rolling out a new postharvest technology designed to reduce broccoli shrink and improve freshness. 

The company has partnered with Verdant Technologies to implement HarvestHold Fresh, which are sheets added to its iceless broccoli supply chain, following a successful pilot in late 2025.

Joolies is expanding national distribution of its Date Pops product line into Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Meijer, The Fresh Market and Hy-Vee. The expansion marks a significant milestone in scaling one of the fastest-growing value-added date formats at retail.

The new placements build on an already robust lineup of more than 45 retail banners, including Target, Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway, Ralphs, Wakefern, Thrive Market and regional independents — positioning Date Pops for continued ACV growth in 2026.

ADS Management, the Westhampton, NY-based parent company of Hapco Farms and Freshouse, is continuing to invest in its mission to support local farmers through strategic grower partnerships and expanded infrastructure across key agricultural regions.

ORLANDO, FL – JOH, a leading food brokerage based in Billerica, MA, which services clients throughout the Northeast, North Central and Mid-Atlantic regions, held a reception for its clients and partners Feb. 26, here, ahead of the annual SEPC Southern Exposure conference. Attendees were treated to a relaxed and convivial atmosphere as they prepared for the festivities of the popular SEPC event.