Crystal Valley Foods' Katiana Valdes Discusses New Packaging Design and What Sets Southern Exposure Apart

MIAMI, FL - Marking a continued commitment to innovation, Crystal Valley Foods has a new look to showcase as it counts down the days until Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) 2026 Southern Exposure.

“As we head into our 32nd year in business, we continue to focus on innovation and investing in the future. Last year we refreshed our logo, and this year we are rolling out our new packaging design. It is essentially an evolution of our previous packaging ‘look,’ but bolder, more modern, and designed to show off the product and optimize the brand on the shelf,” Katiana Valdes, Marketing Director, shared with me. “On every bag or label we also included a QR code where customers and consumers will be able to scan to get recipes and more product information.”

Southern Exposure, which takes place February 26–March 1 in Orlando, Florida, is perfect timing for Crystal Valley Foods, with winter and spring being great for promoting many of the company’s imported items.

Green asparagus sourced from Caborca begins this month, along with white asparagus, and French beans will be on full display at booth #801. Likewise, Crystal Valley will showcase its blueberries, which will begin to be sourced domestically in the coming months.

“The SEPC is one of our favorite shows because it is the perfect size to allow for great interaction with customers, potential customers, and peers. The expo, where we are able to showcase our product, is always well attended by buyers from a variety of channels across the country, and we are often able to meet new prospective customers and vendors,” Katiana pointed out.

While originally designed for the Southeast market, Katiana observed that Southern Exposure has become more of a national show, drawing retailers and foodservice buyers from all over the country who want to escape to the warm Florida weather.

“The expo is an important part of the weekend, but SEPC also does an excellent job making sure that all parts of the conference, like the gala and other collaborative and educational events, are a great place to do business as well,” she concluded.

Be sure to find out for yourself by joining the industry in some southern hospitality SEPC-style February 26–March 1.