NASHVILLE, Tenn. — New product introductions and expanded availability were among the talking points of exhibitors at the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Innovations 2024.
At the Mastronardi SEPC Southern Innovation booth, Wesley Emerson, account manager said the company showcased its Bombs line of snacking tomatoes.
The company also highlighted greenhouse-grown lettuce in its Kentucky and Maryland facilities.
"We're doing hand-cut lettuce," Emerson said.
A longer Vidalia onion season was among the talking points for visitors at G&R Farms' booth.
"We're going to finish up in 2 1/2 weeks," said Steven Shuman, company general manager and vice president.
Shuman said he expects a smooth transition at the start of October to imported sweet onions.
"The [Vidalia] quality is still good," he said. "We have an excellent crop that's held up well. It's a rare thing to have Vidalias go this long."
Cal-Organic and Grimmway Farms promoted its cut vegetable program to attendees. This includes chopped kale, rainbow chard, chopped collards, a stemless kale and kale and carrot blend.
"We just have different variations with our Cal-Organic labels," said Jen Verdelli Hurter, director of Eastern sales. "There has been a lot of interest from retailers and foodservice."
Stella Farms is in the thick of Mexican greenhouse season.
"We had a storm, but came through OK," said Michael Martori, vice president of sales.
Martori said Stella Farms is getting ahead on Costa Rica pineapple, with full volume.
"If one thing isn't going, something else is," he said.
The offshore blueberry season is off to a great start, the team at North Bay Produce told event attendees.
"Quality is really good and we're excited about that," said Sarah Quackenbush, sales manager. "We think it's going to be a good season, and volume is picking up."
Tanimura & Antle celebrated 10 years of its Artisan line of lettuce, and the company debuted a new item for the Artisan pack.
"It's a special curated seed for a proprietary product for the at-home chef," said Derrick Davis, marketing coordinator.
Related:
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., provided a picturesque backdrop to the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Innovations 2024.
(Photo: Christina Herrick)
(Photo: Christina Herrick)
by Christina Herrick, Sep 17, 2024