Jim DiMenna, president and chief executive officer of JemD Farms, told The Produce News Southern Exposure never fails to impress. “Southern Exposure is one of the premier events in our industry. Every exhibitor shares equal footing with 10x10-foot booths,” he said. “By not having monster exhibits, everyone has an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations without all the distractions.”

The company, which grows and markets a host of premium greenhouse produce, is headquartered in Kingston, ON, with operations in Michigan, Georgia, Texas and Mexico. This past July, JemD broke ground for its new greenhouse facility in Dublin, VA.

Booth 418, which will be manned by DiMenna, Chief Operating Officer Carlos Visconti, Director of Sales and Business Development Harold Paivarinta, Sales and Procurement Manager Jim Cathey, Marketing and Public Relations Manager Sabina Pokomandy, and Sales Program Manager Kyle Moynahan.

Attendees at this year’s Southern Exposure will have a chance to find out why JemD Farms’ ‘Artisan Series’ line of specialty produce has been such a marketplace hit. (Photo courtesy of JemD Farms)“Members of our team have been involved with Southern Exposure dating back to the very first show in Lakeland, FL,” DiMenna went on to say. “We serve on various committees, and Harold is on the board of directors of Southeast Produce Council. Terry Vorhees and the team at SPC continually put together a schedule packed with must-attend events that provide many occasions to network in a relaxed atmosphere. We are entrenched in the region, working with many great retail and foodservice partners. Everyone at JemD looks forward to Southern Exposure each year as the event has delivered tremendous results for our business.”

The Virginia facility is being built in three phases. Servicing the entire East Coast, JemD plans to ramp up operations in Virginia this September. Upon completion, DiMenna said, operations will occupy a footprint of more than 50 acres. The final phase of construction is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

“[Phase 1] construction will be in its final stages during the show, and we are very excited to soon offer our Virginia-grown, conventional and organic greenhouse produce to our retail and foodservice partners in attendance,” he added.

Visitors will have a chance to learn more about Red Sun Farms Virginia, and the “Artisan Series” line of specialty produce will also be showcased. “Red Sun Farms Virginia will be our first foray into the organic category as well, so we hope to duplicate the success of our conventional programs with many existing and new partners,” DiMenna said.

JemD has experienced another year of record-breaking sales with its “Artisan Series” line. “Everyone is aware of our industry position in regard to commodities. But it’s our ‘Artisan Series’ line that continues to garner a lot of interest and support with partners and consumers alike. The specialty and snacking tomato sub-category is the fastest-growing segment in tomatoes, and we are at the forefront with our current lineup of flavorful and colorful tomato options,” DiMenna said.  

“Samples of our full ‘Artisan Series’ line are always available at our booth for tomato aficionados attending Southern Exposure.”