The Southeast Produce Council will host Southern Exposure 2026 Feb. 26-March 1 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, featuring educational sessions on agriculture challenges and consumer trends alongside new product debuts from exhibitors.
The conference theme, “From Fields to Families: Nourishing Our Nation,” reflects SEPC Board Chair Sloan Lott’s platform emphasizing the connection between agriculture, retail and families who depend on fresh produce.
Educational Session I: The State of Agriculture
Robby Cruz, VP of produce and floral at Target, will moderate a panel exploring agricultural challenges and opportunities with grower leaders Steve Church, chairman of Church Brothers Farms; Sarah Frey, founder and CEO of Frey Farms; and Ashley Rawl, VP of sales, marketing and product development at WP Rawl.
“We are proud to present an exceptional group of grower leaders for our opening educational session, The State of Agriculture, where attendees will gain timely insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping our industry today,” said Sloan Lott, SEPC chairman of the board and director of sales at Bland Farms.
“These growers represent decades of experience and a deep commitment to feeding families across our nation, and we are equally excited to have Robby Cruz guiding the conversation by asking the critical questions that matter most to our industry.”
Educational Session II: The Power of Produce 2026
Rick Stein, VP of fresh foods at FMI, will moderate the second session examining data, consumer trends and produce’s evolving retail role. Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, will deliver consumer and marketplace insights. Panelists include Shanan Cox, senior director of produce at Sam’s Club; Andy Hamilton, CEO of Markon Cooperative; and Chris Keetch, director of produce and floral at The Giant Co.
“Our second educational session, The Power of Produce, remains a cornerstone of the Southern Exposure experience,” Lott said.
“Anne-Marie Roerink will once again deliver invaluable consumer and marketplace insights, while Rick Stein will moderate a distinguished panel of retail and foodservice leaders sharing real-world perspectives from across the produce landscape.”
Naturipe Farms highlights premium berries
Naturipe Farms will showcase premium berry programs and debut a protein-forward snack at booth No. 313. The Salinas, California-based grower expects increased volumes across strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries in the year ahead, giving retailers confidence to support promotions during peak seasons.
Investments in improved varieties, expanded acreage and tighter execution across growing regions are translating into strong, promotable supplies when demand is highest. The berry category is delivering balanced growth, with broad-based volume gains across core items and outsized dollar growth in key segments.
“Southern Exposure has always been an important opportunity for us to connect directly with East Coast retailers and industry partners and have honest conversations about what’s working in produce and what shoppers are asking for,” said Jim Roberts, president of Naturipe Farms.
“Those insights matter. They help guide how we invest, how we innovate, and how we show up with the right berry programs and the right supply at the right time.”
Naturipe will highlight Mighty Reds, its jumbo strawberry program, and Sweet Selections Blueberries. The company will also debut SnackBites, a protein-forward snack to meet growing demand for convenient, better-for-you options. Premium and differentiated berries are fueling incremental value, signaling consumer willingness to trade up and engage with higher-value offerings.
Frieda’s connects buyers with specialty produce trends
Frieda’s Branded Produce will showcase trending tropical flavors and functional foods at booth No. 417, including Popjoys kumquats, Tahitian pummelos, dragon fruit and turmeric. The Los Alamitos, California-based company positions itself as the top-selling specialty produce brand.
“Today’s consumers want delicious produce that’s fun and brings a sense of adventure to daily eating,” said Alex Jackson, VP of sales and marketing at Frieda’s Branded Produce. “We’re coming to Southern Exposure to help retailers and partners bring it to them. Right now, our seasonal offerings have everything that shoppers and diners crave.”
The booth will feature Popjoys kumquats, mandarinquats, limequats and calamondins for snack-sized portions; Tahitian pummelos for a sweet, tangy peel-and-pull experience; a variety of lemons including Meyer, pink and lemonade varieties; and cooking ingredients like dragon fruit, passion fruit and jackfruit. Frieda’s markets itself as the number one selling coconut brand with an assortment of labeled coconuts.
Frieda’s will also showcase partnership capabilities of sister companies Legacy Farms and Cal Fresco, which maintain exclusive grower networks to deliver Western vegetable commodities. Team members from all three companies will be available to discuss strategies for growing sales together.
Mastronardi Produce launches “Pop Its” bite-size cucumbers
Mastronardi Produce launched SUNSET Pop Its bite-sized cucumbers in retail in February following their debut at the IFPA Global Produce and Floral show last October. SEPC attendees will get the first look at a newly redesigned carrier at booth No. 126.
Shaped to fit in a cupholder, the oval package with top seal features new film technology that helps keep the cucumbers fresh and crunchy. The official retail launch will be supported with TV, social media and influencer promotions, with in-store promotions popping up this spring.
“Consumers are increasingly moving away from ultra processed foods, and snacks like Pop Its cucumbers satisfy demand for natural alternatives when it comes to snack and mealtime,” said Geoff Kosar, VP of marketing at Mastronardi. “We’re making it easier than ever before to make fast, simple, healthy choices that don’t compromise on flavor or texture.”
SUNSET Pop Its cucumbers measure up to 2 inches and are sweeter and crisper than conventional cucumbers, ideal for dipping and on-the-go moments. The Kingsville, Ontario-based company has been generating excitement with the product’s convenience and flavor.
Fresh Solutions Network debuts Flavorables
Basin Gold Cooperative, Masser Family of Companies and Michael Family Farms will launch Flavorables, a value-added potato innovation, at booth No. 123. The product will also be featured in the show’s Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals Showcase.
Flavorables pairs premium petite yellow potatoes with pre-portioned, chef-crafted Spiceology seasoning blends in four flavors: Butter-licious, Garlic Parmesan, Cheese Pizza and Greek Freak. Made with premium-grade spices and real ingredients with nothing artificial, the seasonings bring contemporary, chef-driven taste directly into the produce department.
“Flavorables give retailers a clear path to differentiate their assortment and grow value in the category,” said Kathleen Triou, president and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “By pairing premium petite potatoes with chef-crafted seasonings, we deliver a convenient, elevated solution shoppers are actively seeking.”
Retailers receive a complete turnkey marketing and merchandising program including branded floor merchandisers, high-graphic display-ready cartons and POS materials. The marketing program delivers digital assets including social media posts, social-first videos introducing the line and each flavor, and instructional content showing how to prepare Flavorables in the microwave and air fryer. Additional videos inspire home cooks with meal ideas that extend usage beyond the initial purchase.
Fresh Solutions Network will be represented by Basin Gold Cooperative of Pasco, Washington; Michael Family Farms of Urbana, Ohio; and Masser Family of Companies of Sacramento, Pennsylvania.
Bako Sweet showcases heart-healthy packaging options
Bako Sweet will highlight new packaging options and customized programs at booth No. 324. The Bakersfield, California-based company markets itself as the No. 1 brand in sweet potatoes, with category sales up 8.2 percent in volume nationwide compared to 2024.
Bako Sweet sweet potatoes carry the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark. The company offers pink, heart-health packaging on 3-pound and 5-pound mesh bags, with new packaging expanded to include four-count trays and microwavable singles. Products can be merchandised in matching display bins and display-ready cases.
The company is adding a new 3-pound white mesh bag for white sweet potatoes and a 3-pound purple mesh bag for purple varieties, delivering another packaging option for sweet potatoes historically only sold in bulk. All products are triple-washed and available in a range of options from single servings to family size bags.
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