During the recent Southern Innovations show, SEPC held its Southern Roots Women's Luncheon. Southern Roots is the council’s leadership program for women in produce. Dan’l Mackey Almy and Megan Zweig, both of DMA Solutions and co-hosts of the Self Smarter Podcast, spoke about self-discovery and personal development, a topic that was back by popular demand.

Equipped with double the defect sorters and pear-protecting specifications, Stemilt’s new automated pear packingline aims to put freshness back into every box of Stemilt Rushing Rivers pears. Stemilt Facility Manager Don Reeves said this state-of-the-art pear line will increase all around consistency for a box-opening experience that puts quality and flavor first.

Natural Grocers was recently awarded "Best Supermarket" in 2024 by a readers' choice vote presented by Newsweek. Expert panelists and contributors selected 15 businesses as finalists for public voting, resulting in Natural Grocers securing the top spot among the final top 10.

Coming in behind the organic retailer were (in order of ranking) Harris Teeter, Aldi, Wegmans, Trader Joe's, Lidl, Meijer, Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods Market and Hy-Vee.

Bako Sweet has a promising 2024 sweet potato crop that has benefited from favorable growing conditions despite challenges posed by extreme summer heat.

Avocados From Mexico has named award-winning television host and cookbook author chef Pati Jinich, star of Pati’s Mexican Table, as its first ever Avocado Culinary Ambassador.  

Eagle Eye Produce ships over 1 billion pounds of premium, fresh produce annually, making it one of the most important players in the Idaho produce game.