Shuman Farms announces return of Shuman Farms University
Shuman Farms announces return of Shuman Farms University
With Vidalia onion season set to start sometime in mid-April, Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure is always perfectly timed for the team at Shuman Farms.
“That’s why Southern Exposure is one of the most anticipated shows of the year,” said John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms. “It’s always a treat to reconnect with our friends in the industry, especially on the brink of springtime and in Florida.”
The company’s sales, marketing and operations teams will be on site at booth No. 101, ready to share the latest on this year’s Vidalia crop and collaborate with retail and foodservice partners to plan promotions that help drive sales throughout the spring and summer months.
“We’re excited to announce that Shuman Farms University classes will return in April 2026 with new Vidalia knowledge and consumer insights, Shuman said. “We look forward to sharing what’s new to the Shuman Farms University curriculum this year and how the educational initiative can equip produce teams with the information needed to create excitement with their shoppers around Vidalia onions.”
Enrollees will gain a stronger understanding of Vidalia onions’ product attributes, origin story and the farm-to-table process, plus valuable consumer insights and merchandising tips to help drive sales and inspire consumption.
“In response to evolving consumer trends, new curriculum will focus on creating value and meal solutions for shoppers by showcasing Vidalia onions as a seasonal ingredient that can add exceptional flavor to everyday meals,” Shuman said.
Additional marketing efforts this spring and summer will highlight Vidalia onions’ versatility and ease of use.
“Vidalia onions are sweet and mild enough to enjoy cooked or raw, lending exceptional flavor and a nutritional boost when added to any dish,” Shuman said. “At a time when value and convenience are top of mind, we want to demonstrate to shoppers how simple it is to add Vidalia onions to everyday meals and how far one bag of Vidalia onions can go to provide flavorful, nutritious meals.”
With that in mind, Shuman encourages attendees to visit with the Shuman Farms team at its booth to enroll in Shuman Farms University and learn more about this year’s Vidalia crop and promotional plans.
Also at Southern Exposure, Healthy Family Project will continue its annual photo-op tradition, turning every Polaroid into a meal donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, a local Feeding America partner.
The booth will also celebrate a major milestone — 25 million meals donated — while bringing the From Field to Families: Nourishing Our Nation story to life through a timeline showcasing the organization’s growth since its founding in southeast Georgia in 2002.
As the team prepares for the show, Shuman noted everyone is optimistic about the conversations and opportunities ahead.
“The Shuman Farms team hopes to walk away from this year’s show with fresh insights, strengthened partnerships, new contacts and of course, strong plans to help our retail partners drive shopper engagement and produce department sales in 2026,” he said.
