Matt Mastronardi of Pure Flavor® Discusses Southern Innovations 2026 Showcase

ONTARIO, CANADA - Like many consumers, I have been on a major cucumber kick this year, so when I heard Pure Flavor® would be shining a spotlight on its Georgia Grown Organic Long English Cucumbers at Southern Innovations 2026, my interest was piqued. Matt Mastronardi, Executive Vice President, sat down with me to discuss cucumbers and more.

“Our Georgia Grown Organic Long English Cucumbers tell a bigger story than just great produce. These seedless cucumbers are grown at our Southern Flavor Farms greenhouse in Fort Valley, Georgia. They're crisp, refreshing, consistent, and available year-round,” Matt began. “We'll also be featuring our Southern Grown Tomatoes on the Vine, another great example of premium greenhouse produce grown close to the markets we serve. Through the Georgia Grown program, there's a real connection to the region and its agricultural heritage that we're proud to be part of. Both products reflect what we're building in Georgia: quality produce, grown locally, with the consistency retailers and consumers can count on.”

According to Matt, the Pure Flavor team is most looking forward to the one-of-a-kind conversations that take place at Southern Innovations. Having the opportunity to connect with retailers and industry partners and hearing what's on their minds across the produce category sets the stage for a successful year of collaboration.

“Southern Innovations brings together a community that's genuinely passionate about moving the industry forward, and there's an energy in those conversations that you don't get anywhere else,” Matt added. “For us, it's a great opportunity to talk about what's happening on the ground in Georgia and how locally grown greenhouse produce can help retailers reduce supply uncertainty, strengthen their local sourcing story, and plan with more confidence heading into the year ahead.”

When attendees walk away from the Pure Flavor booth, they will leave with a clear picture of what Georgia Grown means for the company and its retail partners. It is a value proposition about growing closer to the people Pure Flavor serves, supporting regional agriculture, and delivering freshness and flavor consumers can count on every season.

For retailers specifically, this translates to inventory stability, a dependable local source, and a product that elevates shelf appeal year-round. Georgia Grown isn't just a label; it's a commitment to the region and to growing produce in a way that benefits everyone from the grower to the shopper.

“Georgia is becoming a bigger part of the Pure Flavor story every year. We're continuing to invest in growing for the Southeast and strengthening our connection to the region. It's not just about adding acres; it's about deepening relationships with the retailers and communities we serve and making sure we're growing the right products in the right places,” Matt concluded. “We're excited to share more about Georgia Grown and what it looks like when you grow better, closer to the markets that matter most.”

If you will be attending Southern Innovations this year, be sure to visit Pure Flavor at booth #424. Greatness awaits.