SEPC unveils Southern Innovations speaker lineup
The Southeast Produce Council has unfurled the banner of triumph, heralding a noble assembly of orators for forthcoming Southern Innovations, Sept. 10-13, to be held at the Charlotte Convention Center in the Queen City. The annual trade show and conference will showcase the latest breakthroughs in the realm of fresh produce — spanning organics, groundbreaking product developments, forward-thinking technologies and pioneering brand strategies.
Research funding addressing industry challenges in 2025-2026
In 2025-26, the American Floral Endowment is funding 12 research projects for a total of $636,525. The four new projects and eight continuing projects focus on topics such as pest management, disease control, post-production and technology in floriculture.
Pure Flavor shines bright at 2025 Leamington Greenhouse Competition
Pure Flavor dazzled at this year’s Leamington Greenhouse Competition, taking home multiple top honors in a field of over 190 entries from leading North American producers.
Known for its premium, greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables — including the award-winning Red Royals and Tiki tomatoes — Pure Flavor wowed judges and consumers alike with its flavor-forward innovations.
The company claimed an impressive list of accolades:
Culinary diplomacy on display at AFP’s Fleet Week superfood breakfast
NEW YORK — Avocados from Peru engaged in a bit of culinary diplomacy May 23 during New York City’s 36th annual Fleet Week, serving an avocado-inspired superfood breakfast to the brave men and women who serve in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines aboard the USS New York.
Grapeco sets sights on new high-flavor grapes for California’s San Joaquin Valley
Grapeco Farms, Delano, CA, has a full line of traditional grape varieties throughout the year, but it’s been expanding acreage of newer, more flavorful grapes to supply a growing demand from retailers.
In particular, Grapeco co-owner Jared Lane highlighted three varieties on the rise at the company: Great Green, Sweet Globe and Bebop.
Officials at Consalo Family Farms see a bright spring ahead
Thanks to a cooperative Mother Nature, who has been very kind to growers across New Jersey thus far this spring, officials at Consalo Family Farms can barely hide their excitement for what is ahead in coming months.
El Sol Brands introduces new plantain chips
As a premiere and leading importer and distributor of tropical roots, fruits and ginger across the United States, officials at El Sol Brands feel it is their obligation to the industry to take the lead when necessary and the opportunity presents itself.
Kapi Kapi expands team with new director of supply chain
Kapi Kapi Growers hired a new director of supply chain focused on strategic growth initiatives to better support its business partners.
In the Trenches: Comfort and convenience are no longer routine
Consumer demands are reshaping the old shopping routines. Antiquated, dysfunctional practices are difficult to shed, but companies must get rid of resistance to change. So, what will happen if these practices continue to be in operation?
North Carolina potato growers cautiously optimistic about 2025 season
There are a lot of exciting possibilities arising in the North Carolina potato industry in 2025.
For instance, the large snack company, UTZ bought a 125,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the western part of the state that it plans to expand, which reduces transportation costs for North Carolina potato growers who supply the company with fresh chip potatoes.