NASHVILLE, TN - I caught Logan Bohannon, Produce Supervisor at Town & Country Supermarket, between stores—literally.

Dialing into our call from his car, the moment is the epitome of the produce buy-side life; it never stops for anything. Having covered a produce manager's shift at one of his farthest locations before a two-and-a-half-hour drive home, Logan points out it’s all in a day’s work.

"There are some weeks where my job ends up being less about produce," Logan said, and it highlights the commitment and coordination necessary for his position in SEPC's STEP-UPP retail program. "To be able to go on the trips, or even be able to sit down for a couple of hours and do some of the coursework that we have, allows me to step back and focus on produce in the moment. That's definitely been the biggest return—just visiting the growers, visiting the packers, and being able to learn so much about their businesses."

And what's stayed with him most, Logan said, is the welcome extended by the growers and packers hosting the class.

"The gratitude—all of the growers and packers, and the hospitality that they've shown us—they've been so excited to have us at their facilities and show us their businesses," Logan said. "It's been really, really cool to see, and everybody's been so welcoming. It definitely makes you appreciate the community that SEPC has fostered, and makes me want to be able to give back into that as much as I can wherever I can."

Logan first encountered SEPC last year at the organization's spring show in Orlando, where the STEP-UPP program's presence was hard to miss.

"Since getting accepted, the one thing that's really stood out to me is just being able to connect with everybody in the class—everybody from different wholesalers and retailers, and their perspective of the business, in addition to the growers," Logan said. "That was definitely something I wasn't expecting."

Coordinating that time away hasn't been simple. With just himself and Town & Country's Produce Director covering 29 stores, every multi-day trip means leaning on others to help cover the department, not to mention coursework online in between.

"There's definitely been some crazy weeks," Logan said. "That’s produce; it is what it is! But I'm also mindful of the fact that it's just this year—this is the only time I'm going to go through the program. While it may be a little bit of an extra commitment at times, I was also aware of the time until it was over."

Nine years into a produce career that began almost by accident, Logan said the classmates and connections he's picked up along the way have become as central to the experience as the fields and packhouses on the itinerary.

"It's crazy because it's really not that much time that we've all spent together," Logan said. "But definitely some long days on the bus and dinners that have helped us become a little family."

It is a description I have heard from every participant in this year’s class.

As the 2026 STEP-UPP graduates prepare to cross the stage at SEPC's Southern Innovations in Nashville, TN, this September, Logan said the return on the commitment has already made itself clear.

"It is so worth it to get out there and experience everything that they've shown us and build those relationships," Logan said. "I'm grateful for it."

Congratulations to Logan and all the buy-side members moving into a new chapter of their produce careers from the launch point of the 2026 STEP-UPP!

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Sunbelt Produce Distributors Inc. The company, operating from Georgia, failed to make prompt payment to 20 produce sellers in the amount of $1,922,775 for produce that it purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from Feb. 2023 to Feb. 2024, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

Sunbelt Produce Distributors Inc. has been barred from operating in the produce industry until March 13, 2027, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA and posts a USDA-approved surety bond. The company’s principal, Bernard Chapman Syme, was ineligible to be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until March 13, 2026, and now only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant PACA violations and impose restrictions on those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval. By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For more information, contact the PACA Investigative Enforcement Branch at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].

WASHINGTON, DC - Equitable Food Initiative, the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, and retailers, is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the people, cultures, and traditions that are essential to the U.S. agricultural industry. A new digital cookbook featuring beloved recipes from different countries honors those in the food supply chain.

The impact of Hispanic and Latin American contributions extends across every link of the modern food supply chain, from the field to the boardroom. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hispanic professionals represent 78% of U.S. crop farmworkers, nearly 30% of agricultural managers and supervisors, and 27% of all other agricultural occupations. Furthermore, more than 83,000 Hispanic farm producers manage over 36 million acres of U.S. farmland. Beyond primary production, Hispanic leaders and decision-makers are driving innovation as executives, logistics directors, and retailers across the global food sector.

Those numbers reflect only part of the story. Hispanic and Latino American agricultural professionals bring knowledge, leadership, skills, and cultural traditions to farms, packing facilities, offices, produce operations, and buyers across the country. This workforce represents a wide range of vital roles that keep the industry running.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, EFI is creating an opportunity to celebrate some of those traditions through food. EFI’s new digital Hispanic Heritage Month cookbook is free and brings together favorite recipes complete with photos. The collection celebrates foods that carry personal and cultural meaning while giving colleagues, friends, families, and others throughout the fresh produce industry a way to experience the traditions represented in the agricultural workforce.

The cookbook complements EFI’s broader collection of free Hispanic Heritage Month resources. Companies looking for ways to engage employees, customers, and communities can find:

• First-person video stories that introduce Hispanic and Latin American agricultural professionals and offer a window into their career journeys, experiences, and accomplishments across the fresh produce industry.
• Worker profiles and features that put faces and personal experiences alongside the essential work involved in growing, food safety, marketing and communications, training, and ultimately bringing fresh produce to market.
• Ready-to-share graphics and communications materials that make it easier for organizations to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month across social media and other channels.
• Ideas for workplace engagement that can help companies create opportunities for employees to share, learn about, and celebrate Hispanic and Latino American cultures and traditions.

“Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month means honoring the rich tapestry of cultures, histories and distinct traditions that shape our daily lives. Food is at the heart of our current jobs, but also of our heritage,” said Alexandra Martinez, EFI’s senior digital marketing and sales associate. “These recipes are a beautiful gateway into diverse Hispanic and Latin American traditions, as well as a tribute to the professionals in the industry. This month, we invite everyone to celebrate together through food, while giving rightful, active recognition to the people whose multifaceted skills sustain us all.”

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. EFI encourages growers, retailers, and other fresh produce companies to use the month as an opportunity to recognize Hispanic and Latino employees, share worker stories, and create meaningful opportunities for cultural learning and connection.

To access the new digital cookbook, visit equitablefood.org/HHM/#recipes. For additional Hispanic Heritage Month resources and worker stories, visit equitablefood.org/HHM.

LONDON, UK - BLOOM FRESH, a global leader in fruit breeding and genetics, announced two strategic leadership appointments designed to strengthen customer engagement, accelerate market development, and support growing global demand for its branded fruit varieties. Effective immediately, Fiachra Moloney assumes the newly created role of Director of Growth and Market Development, while fresh produce industry veteran Jennifer Sanchez, DBA, joins as Chief Marketing Officer.

The appointments reflect BLOOM FRESH's continued investment in customer partnerships, brand development, and international market expansion as demand for differentiated fruit varieties continues to grow worldwide.

Fiachra Moloney to Lead Strategic Growth and Consumer Market Development

During his tenure as Chief Marketing Officer, Moloney helped elevate BLOOM FRESH's global market presence and strengthen engagement across the fresh produce value chain. He led the successful launch of the BOOMBITES™ Red Berry Grapes brand, spearheaded the relaunch of the iconic Cotton Candy™ brand, and expanded grower, marketer, and retailer engagement initiatives across BLOOM FRESH's global network.

In his newly created role, Moloney will focus on driving growth across key strategic markets, including Europe, China, India, and Southeast Asia. He will lead consumer market development initiatives aimed at identifying new commercial opportunities, strengthening strategic partnerships, and driving the continued expansion of BLOOM FRESH varieties and brands.

"Fiachra has made an outstanding contribution to the business and has been instrumental in helping position BLOOM FRESH for long-term growth," said Josep Estiarte, Chief Executive Officer of BLOOM FRESH, in the recent release. "As our business continues to expand globally, this new role enables Fiachra to focus on developing market opportunities and strengthening strategic relationships that create value for our growers and partners around the world."

Jennifer Sanchez Appointed Chief Marketing Officer

Sanchez joins BLOOM FRESH with more than two decades of fresh produce industry experience spanning brand marketing, customer engagement, market intelligence, and commercial strategy.

She is widely recognized for helping build and grow leading produce brands through leadership roles with Driscoll's, Green Giant® Fresh, and Sun World International.

Throughout her career, Sanchez has worked closely with growers, marketers, retailers, and commercial partners to develop premium produce brands that create value across the supply chain while driving consumer demand and business growth.

Based in the United States, Sanchez will lead BLOOM FRESH's global marketing organization, overseeing brand strategy, consumer marketing, customer engagement, market intelligence, and communications. Positioning the Chief Marketing Officer role in the U.S. reflects the company's commitment to strengthening collaboration with key retailers, growers, marketers, and commercial partners throughout the Americas while supporting the continued growth of its global business.

"Jennifer brings exceptional industry expertise, deep customer insight, and a proven track record of building successful produce brands," said Estiarte. "Her experience will strengthen our engagement with retailers, growers, marketers, and consumers while helping drive the continued growth of our brands and business worldwide. As we continue to expand our presence in key markets, Jennifer's leadership will be instrumental in shaping our next phase of growth."

Positioned for Continued Global Growth

Together, Sanchez and Moloney will help ensure strong alignment between BLOOM FRESH's marketing, customer engagement, and growth initiatives.

"Jennifer and Fiachra bring highly complementary strengths that will help BLOOM FRESH better serve growers, retailers, marketers, and consumers around the world," added Estiarte. "By strengthening both our marketing leadership and market development capabilities, we are positioning BLOOM FRESH for the next stage of sustainable global growth while continuing to create value for our customers, partners, and licensees."

SAN ANTONIO, TX - As communities across the country recognize Hunger Action Month this September, Brighter Bites is proud to announce a grant from Superior HealthPlan that will help provide San Antonio children and families with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as nutrition education, throughout the 2026–27 school year.

The investment comes at a critical time for local families. According to Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap study, 27.7% of children in Bexar County live in food-insecure households, a percentage that has climbed steadily over the past four years. Superior HealthPlan’s support will help Brighter Bites address this growing need by bringing healthy food and nutrition resources directly to families at seven San Antonio schools.

Through the partnership, approximately 1,300 families will receive 20 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables every other week throughout the school year. Students at participating schools will also receive CATCH nutrition education designed to build the knowledge and habits that support healthier eating at school and at home.

Representatives from Superior HealthPlan and Brighter Bites celebrated the partnership with a check presentation on July 31, 2026.

“Hunger Action Month is an important reminder that addressing food insecurity takes more than putting healthy food within reach. Families also need the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make healthy choices part of everyday life,” said Amy Priebe, Chief Operating Officer, Brighter Bites, in the recent release. “Brighter Bites pairs fresh produce with evidence-based nutrition education, and our research shows this approach helps families build healthier habits and reduce food insecurity. We’re grateful to Superior HealthPlan for investing in that work across San Antonio.”

The seven participating schools serve predominantly Medicaid-eligible student populations, reflecting the need for accessible, health-focused resources in these communities. By bringing fresh produce and nutrition education directly to schools, Brighter Bites reaches families in a familiar and convenient setting while helping remove barriers to nutritious food. The seven participating schools are: Compass Rose Ingenuity, Compass Rose Legacy, Harmony Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Jubilee Highland Hills, KIPP Somos Primary, and Pearce Elementary.

Brighter Bites’ evidence-based model pairs produce distribution with nutrition education to create lasting changes in the way families eat, cook, and shop. By giving families both fresh produce and the knowledge and tools to use it, Brighter Bites works to make healthier choices more accessible and sustainable.

Learn more about Brighter Bites here.

IMMOKALEE, FL - Lipman Family Farms is headed to Nashville for the Southeast Produce Council Southern Innovations, September 9-12 at the Music City Center. Lipman is excited to turn the Nashville spotlight on its strength as a vertically integrated supplier for Southeast and East Coast buyers.

No matter where you are, Lipman is local. Its large national footprint includes its own farms and local partner growers, making for a supply network that is unmatched. Lipman’s nearly 80 years of farming in Florida, coupled with 30 years of local grower partnerships, allows for a solid, trusted supply model year-round.

This farming advantage paired with Lipman’s strategic value-added operations ensures reliable delivery every day. Now, with new fire roasting and kettle cooking capabilities, Lipman is able to offer even more value-added within their model.

“Trust starts with knowing your food’s story,” said Amy Holcomb, director of sales for Lipman Family Farms, in the recent release. “With our own growing operations, strong relationships with local growers, and our expansive value-added capabilities, we have a unique ability to connect the journey from seed to shelf. When a customer asks for a customized program, we can trace it back to its source and deliver across our North American network.”

With winter tomato season around the corner, Florida tomatoes and vegetables are on the minds of many attendees. The deep-red and intensely flavorful Crimson tomato, a Lipman exclusive, will be a highlight at Southern Innovations. Year after year, the Crimson is a focus area for the company’s R&D team. The vine-ripened variety continues to evolve and improve with every season, and this year’s crop is the best yet.

“We don’t grow for growth’s sake. Every regional location is an important part of our commitment to customers,” said Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms. “We know we have people counting on our products, and we’ve built the company to make sure they won’t wait for long.”

Southern Innovations attendees are invited to hear what the company can do for their produce program. Meet Lipman’s national and regional sales team at the Lipman display in booth 614. To learn about Lipman Family Farms or get in contact with sales ahead of the event, visit lipmanfamilyfarms.com.