Seen and heard at NEPC Expo 2024 — Part 1

EVERETT, Mass. — The floral-fabulous Encore Boston Harbor proved a fitting venue for the New England Produce Council's 2024 Produce, Floral and Foodservice Expo, Aug. 19-20, where fresh produce and floral companies from across the country gathered to meet with decision-makers in the New England and Northeast markets and beyond.

Little Leaf Farms showcased its greenhouse-grown lettuces and salad kits at the NEPC Expo. “The Caesar kit is a big hit,” said Hollis O'Brien, who added that the company is set to debut a new Sesame Ginger salad kit in mid-September.

The company also shared how it's “upping” its social game. Little Leaf has worked with influencers and personalities, including Cody Rigsby of Peloton fame and Chef Reactions of TikTok, to spotlight the freshness and flavor of its products through video and social.

Taylor Farms featured its veggie kits that Amanda Knauff says are “getting a lot of interest.” The kits, which combine vegetables with a sauce, are available in a number of varieties including an Air Fry Spicy Maple Brussels, Roast Broccoli Caesar and Sauté Brown Sugar Carrots.

Taylor Farms also touted its Earthbound Farm East Coast leafy green products, which hail from its Virginia greenhouse facility and are set to launch in September. The Virginia greenhouse sits on 14 acres, 9 of which are under glass, said Knauff.

The NEPC Expo provided an opportunity for Taylor Farms to debut the greenhouse-grown East Coast line to a discerning audience.

“The CEA space in the Northeast is twentyfold what it is California,” said Knauff. "If you want to win in greenhouse, you need to succeed in the Northeast.”

Spice World spotlighted its recently harvested new crop of California garlic.

“July is peak season for California garlic,” said Drew Caneza. “It has a very high-flavor profile.”

Spice World also featured its Kickin' Chili Onion Crunch cooking and seasoning blend. The company's Caneza and John Farese said the blend is highly versatile, lending a bold flavor boost to a variety of dishes from seafood to hummus to tacos.

“It's a hot trending item,” said Caneza, adding, “It's important for us to be innovators without straying too far from our garlic core.”

Why is NEPC's Produce, Floral and Foodservice Expo important to New Jersey?

New England represents the state's second-largest market, said Joe Atchison of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

“As the season shifts, we supply things that may not be available in New England. We want to remind people of all the great things New Jersey has available,” said Atchison, who added that the Jersey Fresh brand has name recognition “throughout the Northeast and all the way up to Canada.”

The Little Potato Co. displayed its lineup of specialty spuds, including Little Minis — a 1-pound bag filled with either little mini yellow potatoes or mini red potatoes.

“We've seen a lot of interest in this new product,” said Shelley Henschel, who added that the company's fingerling potatoes are another popular item.

The company, which implemented a brand refresh about a year and a half ago, took the NEPC Expo as an opportunity to showcase its entire potato lineup to give attendees an idea of how the line plays on the shelf, said Henschel.

“We've received a lot of positive response from customers,” she said. “That's what we want our potatoes to do — bring little moments of happiness to busy families.”

J&C Tropicals, an importer and distributor, sampled delicious dragon fruit and ginger crostini while showcasing its array of tropical offerings, including chayote, yellow and pink dragon fruit, mangoes, mamey, rambutan, tropical avocados, yuca and more.

“The Florida season is now on for pink dragon fruit,” said Luis Vega, who explained why Florida is an ideal place to grow the tropical fruit.