“SEPC is a great show for us every year to build our Fresh From Florida retail program and to meet with our existing partners,” said Susie McKinley, director, division of marketing and development for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Tallahassee, FL. “In addition, we will contact current and potential partners before the show to set up meetings in Orlando.”

Fresh From Florida is a label that identifies Florida-grown, raised, harvested or produced food. The label is used to promote Florida agriculture and support Florida farmers. With that label comes the promise of fresher and more flavorful fruits and vegetables, as well as optimized nutritional value.

The Fresh From Florida team will be at booth No. 905, and include Tom Gray, Jonathan McDaniel, Mike Burke and Dan Murphy, who are set to meet with Fresh From Florida members that are also exhibiting at the show.

“We will have pamphlets covering our membership, logo incentive program, retail program and farmer selfie opportunities,” McKinley said. “We will also have branded promo items to giveaway, along with Fresh From Florida signage.”

Among the topics of conversations that those representing the booth expect to be bandied about are the latest news and updates about tariffs, trends, new products and the Power of Produce results.

“The Power of Produce presentation is always a highlight, and we look forward to learning about the current report,” McKinley said. “We have been exhibiting at this show for years and the quality of attendees and the Power of Produce make this a must-attend event.”

Networking remains an important aspect of the SEPC show for those attending and the Florida Department of Ag is no exception.

“We are participating in some one-on-one meetings, and we expect to see current and potential retail partners, as well as potential Fresh From Florida members,” McKinley said. “This is a great event for networking.”

With over 1-million followers, the Fresh From Florida brand is growing in the consumer sector, and is not slowing down.

“We will continue partnering with retailers we haven’t worked with in the past, and expanding into new markets,” McKinley said. “This show helps us do that. We will reinforce existing relationships, meet potential partners and recruit more Florida growers to sign up as Fresh From Florida members and let them know how we can help them deliver quality to their customers.”