NASHVILLE, TN — The Southeast Produce Council kicked off Southern Innovations 2024 with the VIP dinner Wednesday evening, Sept. 11, aboard the General Jackson Showboat.

Mike Roberts of Harps Food Stores and chairman of the SEPC board of directors welcomed everyone on board and thanked them for all their work on behalf of the council.

Brad Franklin, produce manager for Tops Friendly Markets in Towanda, PA, will receive the 2024 Retail Produce Manager of the Year Award.  For his commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, Franklin is one of only 20 produce managers nationwide being recognized by the International Fresh Produce Association with this high distinction.

As a fourth-generation grower/shipper of fresh produce with roots in the gardens of New Jersey, Sonny Boy Produce enjoys a global reach growing, sourcing and delivering quality fruits and vegetables for retailers and their customers to enjoy.

Inline Plastics has unveiled two exciting additions to its Safe-T-Fresh Rounds line that promise to be the talk of every party. These ingenious platters are set to redefine how we savor, serve and store our favorite party bites.

Salix Fruits, a leading company in the import and export of fresh fruits, has observed several significant trends that are transforming the global grape market.

Fruit grown in warmer climates doesn’t always develop a deep orange color and sometimes keeps some green on the skin. As the weather warms in the summer months the skin of Valencia oranges starts to reabsorb chlorophyll, which causes the fruit to turn partially green usually near the stem end — re-greening.