Seen and heard at SEPC Southern Innovations 2024 — Part 1

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Southeast Produce Council highlighted new products and technologies at its Southern Innovations event held Sept. 12-14 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Lonnie Gillespie, chief organic officer of Farm Fresh Direct of America, said a big talking point share with SEPC attendees was the availability of all three colors of organic potatoes in a year-round program.

"The year-round [availability] in organics for all three colors is really helpful for retailers because they can get everything in one place," she said.

Gillespie said Farm Fresh Direct of America ships out of Colorado and California and can fill loads with conventional potatoes from both locations, as well as shipping out of Washington and Oregon.

Jeff Richardson, vice president of sales for Great Lakes Greenhouses, said he talked with SEPC attendees about the company's ability to be nimble and address customers' needs, including the ability to create private-label packs.

"It differentiates us," he said.

Richardson said Great Lakes is also trialing cucumbers for pickles and that Persian cucumbers look strong this winter.

"We have a strong program all year round," he said.

Nature Fresh Farms debuted its new branding for its organic strawberries, called Little Obsessions.

Dale Milison, account manager with Nature Fresh Farms, said it garnered great response with attendees at SEPC Southern Innovations.

"We've had people see it at the Innovation Showcase, loved it and had to come over and see it and try it," Milison said.

Ross Johnson, international marketing director for the Idaho Potato Commission, said the crop looks good as harvest begins. He said retailers should expect larger-size potatoes.

"We'll work with retailers to build promotions on larger-profile potatoes and jumbo potatoes," he said.

Johnson said the commission will continue to promote how consumer potato purchases help double basket size for retailers. The average cart is $42 without potato purchases, but when a consumer adds potatoes, carts jump to $86 in value, he said.