Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers plans to talk about its popular snaQ program and will roll out its new U-Pick the Flavors campaign at this year’s Southern Exposure expo.

“This builds on the snaQ program that promotes active lifestyles of today’s families,” National Marketing Representative Dan Wohlford told The Produce News Jan. 30. “U-Pick the Flavors conveys the flexibility to choose the flavor of apples and pears that are best for [customers].”

Oneonta began operations in Wenatchee, WA, in 1934 and was Washington’s first exporter of apples. Today, the company offers its domestic and international customers a wide array of quality apples, pears, cherries, stone fruits, table grapes, citrus and other commodities.

Mr. Wohlford and Sales Representative Donna Drury will be available at booth 516. “Although it is early, we will be talking about the upcoming cherry crop,” Mr. Wohlford said. “Also, [we will talk about] the opportunities that are still out there to promote and sell apples and pears.”

The expo’s atmosphere is a relaxed one, and Mr. Wohlford said this will allow Oneonta to spend time with retailers. “We have time to network extensively during the expo, keynote luncheon, workshops, field trips and fellowship opportunities. It also allows us to spend a little more time with our customers in the Southeast and to see their stores.”

Mr. Wohlford said the Southeast Produce Council provides valuable services to the fresh produce industry. “In addition to the opportunity it affords us to be in front of the decision makers for retail outlets, we think the educational component they offer through their STEPP UP program is top notch,” he commented. “That program allows up-and-coming produce professionals from the Southeast an opportunity to see and learn about other aspects of the industry that they might not otherwise be exposed to and some valuable training that they can use in their career now. And that will help them grow as professionals in the future.”

He also praised the council for its charity work and said the programs have had a positive impact in the Southeast region. He cited the RAMP program, which helps bring fresh produce to areas that wouldn’t normally have access to it and the Strong4Life program through Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta — which educates children and parents about the obesity crisis — as two shining examples.

“We feel those, along with the council’s other charitable endeavors for the Southeast region, are great ways to give back and be a source for good,” he added.