RIDGE SPRING, SC - Titan Farms is thrilled to announce the return of its premium Lori Anne peaches, now arriving at retail locations nationwide for the summer season. Known for their exceptional flavor, careful selection, and heartfelt story, Lori Anne peaches continue to represent the very best of Titan Farms’ commitment to quality and tradition.

For many, peaches are more than just a summer fruit—they are a memory. That sense of nostalgia and simple enjoyment is at the heart of the Lori Anne brand.

Named after Co-Owner Lori Anne Carr, these peaches have been cultivated for over a decade with an unwavering focus on taste and consistency. Each piece of fruit is grown in the rich soil of South Carolina, where warm days and humid nights help develop the sweetness and juiciness that define the eating experience. The peaches stay on the tree longer than most, ensuring they are incredibly juicy when picked. From there, every peach is hand-harvested with care, carefully selected to meet the brand’s premium standard.

“Every year, I look forward to getting back into stores and connecting directly with shoppers,” said Lori Anne Carr, Co-Owner of Titan Farms, in the recent release. “Lori Anne peaches are incredibly special to me. They represent family, tradition, and the joy of sharing something truly delicious. Being able to share that story in person, along with tips, recipes, and inspiration, is something I cherish.”

Throughout the season, Lori Anne Carr will once again visit select retail partners for in-store appearances, offering shoppers a chance to learn more about the fruit, how to enjoy it at its peak, and the story behind the name.

According to the CEO and owner of Titan Farms, Chalmers Carr, the care that goes into Lori Anne peaches is what sets them apart.

“This is a peach that means a great deal to me personally,” said Carr. “We are incredibly selective. Only the top portion of our crop earns the Lori Anne name. From how it is grown to how it is picked and packed, every step is done with the intention to deliver the best possible flavor and eating experience.”

Shoppers can find Lori Anne peaches at select retailers, including Harps Food Stores, Central Market, Dorothy Lane Market, Fresh Thyme Market, Lunds & Byerly’s, Harris Teeter, Wegmans, Rouses Markets, and, new this year, Sprouts Farmers Market.

As summer unfolds, Titan Farms invites consumers and retail partners alike to celebrate the season with a peach that delivers not only on taste, but also on story, care, and tradition.

Visit titanfarms.com/ourbrands/loriannepeaches/ to learn more about Lori Anne peaches.

MIAMI, FL - For years, I've heard a reference or a memory stemming from the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) STEP-UPP. I've seen the glowing classes cross the stage as they graduate at Southern Innovations, and heard of the impact the program has had. Last week, I had an amazing opportunity to glimpse through the window as the 2026 STEP-UPP Retail Class completed their hands-on summer tour with industry leaders, this time in Florida.

"One of the greatest strengths of the STEP-UPP program is its ability to connect future industry leaders with every part of the produce supply chain. During this tour, our class had the opportunity to step into the fields, packinghouses, and facilities where the hard work begins and gain a deeper appreciation for the people who make fresh produce possible," Mike Roberts, SEPC Board Ambassador, STEP-UPP Retail Committee Co-Chair, Harps Food Stores, shared in a recent press release. "These experiences help retail professionals better understand the challenges, opportunities, and dedication required to bring fruits and vegetables from the farm to our customers' tables. I am incredibly grateful to our host companies for opening their doors, sharing their knowledge, and investing in the future of our industry. The relationships built and lessons learned during this week will stay with these participants throughout their careers."

As I joined the group for their first night in Miami, I was able to experience the hospitality of the hosts of this program firsthand. Meeting the group at dinner, I heard about their first two outings together and saw not only how memories made were solidifying their bonds with each other, but how open and eager they were to borrow wisdom from guides like Freshway Produce Chief Executive Officer Jose Roggiero.

"SEPC has been great, being a part of it has been a highlight of my career, but also from a human aspect," Jose shared with the group after opening the company's facility to us and sharing insights about the categories they provide.

Jose's parting advice was for the group to stay active with SEPC and to stay in touch with each other, praising the room's potential and the industry's need for their talent.

"One of the most valuable aspects of the STEP-UPP program is the depth of education it provides across the entire produce supply chain. This level of exposure equips participants with practical insights that go far beyond the tour," Gary Baker, SEPC Vice Chairman and STEP-UPP Retail Committee Co-Chair, Merchants Distributors, added in the follow-up release. "As they return to their respective companies, they will be better prepared to make informed merchandising, sourcing, and quality decisions, while also strengthening relationships with growers and suppliers. I'm grateful to the host companies for investing in this education—what was learned this week will have a lasting impact on how this group leads, collaborates, and elevates the produce business moving forward."

STEP-UPP—the Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals—is SEPC's flagship initiative. Specifically structured to cultivate the next generation of retail and foodservice leaders through strategic classroom education, leadership development, and immersive, in-the-field learning, the day I was able to join gave us an in-depth walk through SEPC Level Sponsors Alpine Fresh and Desbry/WP Produce, in addition to Freshway, with the group spending Thursday with SEPC Level Sponsors Crystal Valley Foods, Pioneer Growers, and Southern Specialties. Friday offered a final site visit hosted by SEPC Level Sponsor Del Monte Fresh Produce, closing out a rigorous but informative schedule.

A favorite takeaway from my experience was the overflowing gratitude from all directions of the program; the council to its hosts and sponsors, as well as its participants for making the time in addition to their usual hectic lives; the sponsors for the active eyes and ears who genuinely care to learn and grow from the experience in a way that will further foster supply- and buy-side relationships; and from the group itself, constantly sharing appreciation for their hosts and the SEPC for making everything possible. SEPC explains the STEP-UPP Retail Class as a program designed to bridge the gap between retail operations and field production, and to see it living up to its purpose in real time made me excited to continue to follow every member I had the opportunity to meet as they continue to carve their own career paths.

The council noted that STEP-UPP would not be possible without: Ark Foods, Bay Baby Produce, Blue River Legacy Farms, Bostock New Zealand, Crystal Valley Foods, Divine Flavor, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, JC Tropicals, LK Packaging, Miami Tropical Wholesaler, Nature Fresh Farms, Ray's Heritage, Red Sun Farms, RPE, Shuman Farms, Southern Specialties, Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, and Suja Life.

Be sure to keep an eye out as we continue to keep up with the 2026 class, who are on track to graduate during Southern Innovations this September in Nashville, Tennessee, September 9–12, 2026.

NEW ZEALAND - Zespri has been awarded the Supreme Award at the 2026 New Zealand-China Business Awards, recognizing excellence in the New Zealand-China business relationship.

The kiwifruit marketer has also been named the winner of the Large Business Trade category at the awards, which are sponsored by the New Zealand China Trade Association (NZCTA).

Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake says the recognition reflects the strength of the industry’s long-standing presence in China and partnerships built over many years.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition. This year marks 27 years of operating in China, and these awards are a meaningful acknowledgment of the strong strategic partnerships with leading distributors and retailers, alongside investment in supply chain infrastructure, which have supported Zespri’s growth and helped strengthen our presence in market.

“The awards also recognize our long-term investment in building the Zespri brand, innovation in new varieties, and delivering an outstanding, healthy product to Chinese consumers.”

China is Zespri’s largest single country market with strong demand for high-quality kiwifruit underpinning continued growth and value for growers.

The company has 100 staff based across the Greater China region and works with a wide network of partners to supply fruit to more than 300,000 stores, with total sales of NZ$1.4 billion in the 2025/26 season.

Mr Te Brake says, “China is an incredibly important market for Zespri with significant growth potential. We remain focused on continuing to grow value and working closely with our partners to meet strong consumer demand and ensure the market continues to delivers strong value for growers going forward.”