Power of Produce shows shifts redefining produce purchases
Fresh produce remains a critical growth driver for food retail, with $97 billion in sales and a 2 percent increase in unit sales, according to Circana. FMI - The Food Industry Association’s The Power of Produce 2026, which is based on a survey of consumers about their produce purchases, debuted at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2026 event and reveals the category’s future is increasingly shaped by generational shifts in how shoppers discover, shop and engage with fruits and vegetables.
Florida Classic Growers to showcase premium Florida grapefruit at SEPC Southern Exposure
Florida Classic Growers Inc. invites SEPC Southern Exposure attendees to visit booth No. 207 for fresh sampling of its premium Rubies red grapefruit, including hand-sliced samples and freshly juiced grapefruit.Rubies grapefruit are known for their deep red color, exceptional interior quality and balanced sweet flavor. Backed by generations of Florida growing expertise, the brand represents the company’s commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality citrus to retail partners and consumers nationwide.
Women’s leadership session provides roadmap for career advancement
ST. PETE BEACH, FL – The National Watermelon Association featured a women’s leadership session Feb. 20 at its 111th annual convention, here, which offered advice on how women can best advance their careers.
Harvest Master blends farming roots and brokerage know-how
Harvest Master may be a young company, but its foundation is built on decades of combined experience, deep family ties to farming, and a clear vision for how today’s produce business needs to operate.Formed in July 2024, Harvest Master is a business partnership between Daniel Zaragoza and Esteban Alvarez, who saw an opportunity to create something different in an increasingly complex produce landscape.
Trendspotting: Increasing produce profits comes down to location, location, location
Every retailer in every industry is looking to increase profits, perhaps none more so than the grocery channel where margins are razor thin. For grocers, there may be a big opportunity in the produce (and other perishables) aisle.
Westfalia expands Eastern Seaboard operations with new fresh distribution and ripening center
Westfalia Fruit announced the opening of its newest Fresh Distribution and Ripening Center in Winston-Salem, NC. The strategic expansion, developed in partnership with Foster USA, strengthens Westfalia Fruit’s presence along the Eastern Seaboard while enhancing access to ripe-and-ready avocado programs across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Fowler Farms: Changing dynamics require more communication
Officials at Fowler Farms have a lot to say to attendees of SEPC’s Southern Exposure this year. The Wolcott, NY-based company once again had a solid year in the apples business with good movement and a lot of demand for its quality product, but, with drought conditions throughout the east coast last season, the apples that were produced were a bit smaller than previous years and it is important that customers know what is going on and how to handle it.
Highline Mushrooms showcases category innovation and shopper-driven solutions at Southern Exposure
Today’s consumers are looking for ingredients that simplify meal planning while delivering bold flavor and everyday versatility — and mushrooms are uniquely positioned to deliver. Highline Mushrooms is advancing the category with solutions designed to meet the needs of today’s modern meal assemblers. At SEPC’s Southern Exposure, the company will highlight a range of product and merchandising solutions aimed at elevating the mushroom set and expanding its role across the store.
Generational strength drives Cowart Farms’ strategy at Southern Exposure
When it comes to Vidalia sweet onions, few names in Georgia carry the history and reputation of J. Cowart Inc., better known as Cowart Farms. Based in Lyons, GA, in the heart of Vidalia country, the multi-generational operation has built its Sugar Sweet brand on consistency, quality and a willingness to evolve with the times.
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Running hot in the desert
As February closes, it is becoming clear the Arizona-California desert deal is running approximately three weeks ahead of schedule.A combination of earlier rainfall followed by sustained above-average temperatures accelerated crop development across much of the Yuma region. Fields matured faster than anticipated, compressing harvest windows and tightening the overall production curve. While crews are still cutting and sheds are running steadily, the calendar is effectively ahead of itself.