“This is a great show because it will be the first New York Produce Show since our Long Island and New York locations have opened up,” said Anthony Serafino, president of Exp. Group. “We’ll be putting a nice focus on our multi-location model, celebrating our 20th year and really showcasing our organization at our hometown show.”

Headquartered in North Bergen, NJ, Exp. Group has evolved from a regional tropical produce distributor into a national player with operations in multiple states. The company’s newest base in Texas strengthens its import network and enhances logistical capabilities for serving retailers and distributors nationwide.

“Our Texas operation is moving very well,” Serafino said. “We’re promoting that along with our New York and New Jersey advancements. And we’re even hoping to share some new expansion news at the show.”

Exp. Group is known for its energetic, interactive booth, and this year’s setup will continue that tradition. 

“We like to make it very interactive,” Serafino said. “Our booth is designed around engagement — with team members from Texas, New York and New Jersey all there to meet clients. We’ll also be serving our coffee, which has become something of a tradition. People look forward to it every year.” 

The company’s Exp. Group Insights podcast will also return for a live taping from the show floor, featuring interviews with industry leaders and conversations about the latest market trends. 

“We did a first live trial in Anaheim, and it was tremendously successful,” Serafino said. “We’ll be doing another one in New York, talking about what’s going on in the industry and what people are expecting in 2026.”

Serafino will also be a featured speaker at the show’s Global Trade Symposium, participating in a logistics panel. 

“Logistics is such an important part of our business,” he said. “We’re making a big investment in our logistics fleet — adding assets, expanding our infrastructure and ensuring we have the right resources to serve clients efficiently.” 

Recently, Exp. Group added part of its fleet to Texas, enhancing the company’s ability to move tropical fruits quickly and reliably across the southern corridor. 

“Logistics separates us from the competition,” Serafino said. “Reliability is everything, and that’s something we’re doubling down on.”

For Exp. Group, the New York Produce Show is more than just a trade event, it’s a homecoming. The company plans to have 20 to 30 team members from across its locations in attendance, making it its most personnel-heavy show of the year. 

“It’s our biggest show in terms of people we bring,” Serafino said. “Since it’s local, we integrate our internal and board meetings that week and even hold our company holiday party. We bring in new hires, new location managers and transportation specialists to connect with our partners.”

The timing of the New York show — nestled between Thanksgiving and the holidays — makes it one of the most important points on the produce calendar.

“Operationally, it’s perfectly timed,” Serafino said. “Retailers and vendors are discussing contracts for the first quarter of 2026, so the conversations are immediate and relevant.” 

He added that the show’s growth each year mirrors the company’s own expansion. 

“Every year we try to showcase something different,” he said. “We hope this year people stopping by and visiting will have a lot to see.”

Looking ahead, Serafino said 2026 will be a year of continued expansion and acquisition for Exp. Group. 

“We’re hoping to add another location in 2026,” he said. “Every year we try to add something new — whether it’s a product line, a facility or a new logistics capability. We’re negotiating acquisitions now that will help us expand our distribution network and strengthen our supply chain.”