FRESNO, CA - Two top-performing brands are entering the spotlight during Southern Exposure as Fowler Packing Company showcases its Peelz Citrus lineup and Samsons® grape program, including the coveted Sorbet variety.

“The show’s timing makes it the ideal setting to connect with partners and plan for domestic and import citrus, as well as the upcoming California grape season,” shares Maile Frelinger, Director of Business Development, ahead of the show. “As the industry comes together at this key planning moment, Fowler is sharing what’s next in grape innovation—expanding our premium offerings and building excitement for the seasons ahead.”

With a commitment to operational excellence from farming and packing to logistics and execution, Fowler Packing Company takes an intentional and disciplined approach to growth. Backed by state-of-the-art operations and the expertise of its team, Fowler is strategically positioned to consistently perform at an elite standard.

“What truly sets Fowler apart is our people,” Maile says. “Technology and AI may support the work, but they will never replace the experience, accountability, and pride our team brings to the job. At Fowler, people are the engine. When great people, great product, and disciplined execution come together, the results speak for themselves, and that’s what keeps us leading in fresh produce.”

From citrus to grapes, Fowler’s partners can expect bold flavor, trusted quality, and premium programs designed to elevate the category.

“After an unprecedented year in citrus, Southern Exposure feels especially meaningful. It is a moment to connect, align, and look ahead together, while being respectful of the time and sacrifices our partners make to be there,” Maile explains. “Southern Exposure allows for meaningful, focused time with partners. It’s a chance to reconnect with our Peelz and Samsons partners, have honest conversations, and strengthen relationships without the noise that often comes with larger trade shows. We also recognize that this is the busiest time of the year for everyone involved. That’s why we’re incredibly intentional with how we use the time we’re given.”

Building a foundation for future growth, Fowler Packing plans to continue investing in the momentum of its core brands, expanding the reach of Peelz citrus and the success of its Samsons® grape program while investing in next-generation grape and citrus varieties, including organics. The supplier is also fortifying its import citrus program to complement its year-round offerings, entering an exciting new phase for both its citrus and grape categories.

To learn more about Fowler Packing's portfolio and ongoing growth, stop by booth #620 during the show!

BAKERSFIELD, CA - An exciting addition is being made to Anthony Vineyards portfolio. I spoke with Rob Spinelli to learn more before the company attends SEPC’s Southern Exposure later this month.

“This will be the first year we’ll have Cotton Candy coming out of the Coachella Valley,” Rob, Sales, tells me. “We’re partnering with the Grapery, who will be the exclusive marketer, and that will bring an early California option of Cotton Candy to the market.”

With hopes for the program to begin in early June, the addition of Cotton Candy to the company’s portfolio further aligns with Anthony Vineyards’ mission to deliver a diversified portfolio with consistent supply to its partners.

“We begin our season early in May, which gives retailers another option outside of Mexico. That’s really big on the organic front,” Rob adds, while noting another differentiator for the supplier. “We’re also one of the largest organic grape shippers during the California season.”

Anthony Vineyards has been moving away from traditional varieties like Flame and Sugraones, with RUBY RUSH®, Honey Pop, Sweet Globe, and Autumn Crisp grapes also available during the Coachella harvest.

SEPC Southern Exposure, held February 26 - March 1, offers Anthony Vineyards an ideal opportunity to network with the buying community and the industry at large.

“We’re traveling all the way from California for a reason,” Rob says, “and that’s because of how well-attended SEPC is by all facets of our industry.”

To see the team and learn more about Cotton Candy from Coachella, California, stop by booth #515.

PHOENIX, AZ - Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. announced that Don Clark has been appointed as the company’s new chief merchandising officer and Amanda “Mandy” Rassi has been appointed as the company’s chief customer officer. In conjunction with Clark’s appointment, Scott Neal, the company’s current chief merchandising officer, will be retiring from the company.

“We are very excited to welcome Don Clark and Mandy Rassi to our executive leadership team as we continue to fulfill our purpose to help people live and eat better,” said Nick Konat, president and chief operating officer of Sprouts, in the recent release. “Don’s combination of outstanding specialty retail and grocery experience along with his experience in CPG leadership and brand building will enhance our ability to be the market leader in driving health-forward, differentiated offerings for our customers. We’re also creating a new chief customer officer role to deepen our ability to understand and serve our unique customer base. Mandy’s extensive experience in leading strategy and growth through the customer – building insight capability, leading customer strategy and personalization and loyalty, and driving growth with target customers – will strengthen how Sprouts understands and grows our health enthusiast customer across all channels.”

Konat continued, “I want to thank Scott Neal for the contribution and impact he has made to Sprouts. He’s driven outstanding growth in our business while driving further differentiation in our product offering, helping us become the best place to launch and grow brands. I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Clark will report to Konat and oversee Sprouts’ perishable, non-perishable, and merchandise operations functions. Clark has over 25 years of experience in CPG and retail merchandising, including service as executive vice president, chief merchandising officer of Giant Eagle, Inc. and senior vice president, merchandising at Whole Foods Market, Inc. Clark most recently served as chief executive officer of Cerebelly Inc., a manufacturer of brain-focused baby food.

Rassi will also report to Konat in this newly created role to oversee Sprouts’ marketing, external communications, personalization/loyalty, eCommerce and consumer insights functions. Rassi has over 20 years of experience in CPG and retail marketing, having most recently served as senior vice president, chief marketing officer of The Michaels Companies. Prior to joining Michaels, Rassi held a range of marketing and analytics leadership roles at 84.51° and The Kroger Co., where she most recently served as vice president and head of marketing. She also served at Procter & Gamble, culminating in her role as senior director of brand insights and analytics for the North America club and home specialty business.

DELTA, BC - WINDSET FARMS® ARIA™ Tomatoes - Sweet Brilliance has been recognized with two prestigious honors at the PAC Global Awards, a program celebrating the world’s top designers, innovators, and changemakers in packaging and beyond.

Judges praised ARIA Tomatoes’ premium packaging design, noting how beautifully it reflects the exceptional quality of the tomatoes inside. Windset Farms received the following distinctions:

• Brand Marketing: Specialty Fresh – Best in Class
• Brand Marketing: New Brand, Food – Award of Distinction

Recently launched to market, ARIA Tomatoes embody Windset’s art and music inspired branding approach. The name “ARIA” stays true to this creative direction, where flavor takes center stage. Delivering remarkable sweetness and consistent quality, ARIA Tomatoes pair outstanding taste with eye catching, premium branding that immediately signals excellence.

Beyond packaging recognition, ARIA Tomatoes have also earned international acclaim for flavor, receiving a 2026 Superior Taste Award from the International Taste Institute.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by PAC Global for our efforts,” said Randi Church, Marketing Manager at Windset Farms, in the recent release. “These awards are a testament to our team’s dedication to bringing new flavors to the grocery store and meeting consumer demand for unique, groundbreaking branding. We remain committed to innovation, both in taste and in how we present our products to shoppers.”

Look for Windset Farms, ARIA™ Tomatoes in stores now and bring Sweet Brilliance to the table every day of the year.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Consumers are watching prices in the produce section, but organic continues to land in shopping carts. Trends show that organic fruits and vegetables are a growth driver and no longer tied to special occasions or diet considerations. It’s a mature category boosted by weekly habits.

Defining Value Beyond Dollars

Consumers’ belief in the value of fresh produce continues to benefit organic fruits and vegetables. The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2026 report finds that more consumers are eating at home as prices rise, and the pound-for-pound value of produce is high. Despite price pressures, nearly two-thirds, or 63%, of respondents in The Packer’s report say their produce consumption has remained consistent over the 12 months, or even slightly increased.

Other findings include:

• 34% of all organic produce buyers indicated they are willing to pay up to 10% more
• Another 31% said they are comfortable paying 10% to 24% more.

“Value isn’t only about price,” said Bianca Kaprielian, co-CEO of Creekside Organics, in the recent release. “It’s about flavor, freshness, and that little moment of joy when you get home and know you’ve made a great choice.”

Health and Nutrition Remain Foundational Drivers of Food Decisions

Health and nutrition strongly shape how shoppers define value in produce. People want healthy food, and the produce aisle is the natural place to find it. Fresh Trends 2026 reports that 55% of men purchase organic produce for nutrient content and health, while 48% of women cite food safety and avoiding chemicals as key motivations.

More broadly, Creekside Organics sees that fruits and vegetables are essential to everyday well-being. Produce is a priority on shopping lists, and shoppers tend to stick with healthy eating when it’s easy and dependable.

Creekside focuses on making organic produce an easy yes. The company invests in organic programs built around core items with consistent, repeat-purchase appeal. Retailers benefit from reliable, year-round availability of key products instead of short-term opportunities. Through strong retail and wholesale partnerships, Creekside ensures high-quality organic produce is consistently on shelves, giving shoppers healthy choices week after week.

Respecting Shopper Values with Real Substance

Many shoppers link organic produce with trust, care and responsibility, a connection that is especially true of Gen Z and millennial consumers, who purchase organic produce at higher rates.

Creekside co-CEO Brenda Haught said, “Millennials and Gen Z are values-driven shoppers. They care about origin, fairness, and the people behind the food. We’re excited to reach more of them!”

For shoppers who buy with their values, Creekside Organics has a lot to offer:

• Fruit and vegetables are grown by Creekside’s own family farms and trusted partner growers.
• As a certified woman-owned business, Creekside represents ownership and leadership that many shoppers want to see and support.
• Creekside has ranches and products that are Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) and Fair Trade Certified.

The Creekside story is backed by multiple seasons of substance. Looking ahead, the company believes the next phase of organic growth will reward companies that can clearly demonstrate their values.

“Our story only matters when it’s backed by real practices and real people,” said Kaprielian. “We don’t just grow and sell organic. We’re deeply rooted in it.”

MIAMI, FL - Relationships drive the produce industry. Bruce Letchworth, a member of the Continental Fresh sales team, builds them the old-fashioned way: by telling the truth early, doing what you say you’ll do and treating people right.

Letchworth’s big personality and refreshing honesty have made him a natural ambassador for Water For All, Continental Fresh’s initiative supporting clean water and sanitation projects in Latin America.

“People don’t mind bad news,” Letchworth said in the recent release. “They mind surprises. I try to communicate clearly and do what I say I’m going to do.”

Raised on old-school courtesy and a love of the outdoors, Letchworth lives in Central Florida on family land, with easy access to oysters, fully permitted alligator hunting, frog hunting and fishing. He loves to host large Friday night fish fries for crowds that easily reach 30 to 40 people. This tradition mirrors the way he works. He brings people together, treats them right, and keeps relationships strong.

You see Letchworth’s hospitality mindset in his work for Water For All. When selling specially labeled mangos, cucumbers and butternut squash, Letchworth’s open communication and timely follow-up provide a steady presence in a supply chain that changes quickly. He effortlessly delivers on his goal to provide “higher-than-expected customer service” while connecting everyday produce to clean water in Latin America.

“Relationships are what make this industry work,” said Letchworth. “I try to work as a problem solver, not just a sales rep. I’ve done a lot in this industry, everything from forklift operation to produce selection to inventory management. With the relationships I have across the East Coast, I can reach out to suppliers, trucking contacts or help with logistics issues.”

Helping Customers Help Water For All

For Letchworth, the Water For All mission isn’t just a talking point for making the sale. It’s a purpose he feels deeply, and he carries it into his day-to-day customer conversations.

“It’s easy to talk about something when you believe in it,” Letchworth said. “Clean water changes everything for these communities.”

Letchworth has seen firsthand how small investments in infrastructure can lead to life-changing outcomes. One story he likes to share is about a young woman who grew up carrying water. When the taps turned on in her community, she had time to attend school. Eventually, she earned a master’s degree.

Making Space for Purpose and Passion

At produce events, Letchworth is known for memorable conversations and for serving fresh alligator meat (with mango salsa made from Water For All mangos). The crowd-pleasing appetizer created curiosity and conversations, bringing more people to the mission behind the label.

Albert Perez, CEO of Continental Fresh, said Letchworth is a living example of how relationships and service should work in produce.

Bruce brings out the best in all of us! He exemplifies what it means to “Be In Business To Make A Difference,” says Perez.

For Letchworth, Water For All is a natural extension of how he works. By building trust, keeping his word and looking for opportunities to help, he’s helping to make life better for customers and for people in communities throughout Latin America.

For more information about Continental Fresh produce and its Water For All initiative, visit: www.continentalfresh.com.

CHELSEA, MA - Gold Bell is excited to announce the expansion of its fresh produce offerings with the addition of a new line of conventional hot house and specialty bell peppers. The expanded lineup includes:

• Conventional Hot House Bell Peppers (Red, Orange, Yellow) — 11LB bulk
• Mini Sweet Peppers — 12 x 1LB
• Rainbow Bell Peppers — 8 x 3CT

This launch complements Gold Bell and Morning Kiss Organic’s existing organic bell pepper and vegetable program, giving customers greater flexibility, expanded pricing options, and the convenience of sourcing a complete bell pepper assortment, and a full line of vegetables, from a single trusted supplier.

Delivering More Choice and Value

By adding conventional bell peppers alongside its established organic offerings, Gold Bell and Morning Kiss Organic continue their commitment to meeting diverse customer needs. Whether customers prioritize organic certification, value-driven conventional options, or a combination of both, they can now streamline procurement and maximize efficiency with one comprehensive produce partner.

“Our goal is to make it easier for our customers to access the full range of high-quality vegetables they need,” said Pat Palermo, Gold Bell Procurement and Sales. “By offering both organic and conventional bell peppers, we’re providing more flexibility, more value, and more opportunity for growth in the category.”

A Colorful Boost of Nutrition

Bell Peppers are among the most nutrient-dense vegetables in the produce aisle, delivering both vibrant color and exceptional health benefits:

• High in Vitamin C: Red, orange, and yellow Bell Peppers contain significantly more vitamin C than oranges, supporting immune health and skin vitality.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Bell Peppers are packed with carotenoids and other antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Excellent Source of Vitamin A: Particularly red Bell Peppers, which support eye health and immune function.
• Low in Calories, High in Flavor: Naturally sweet and crisp, peppers offer a healthy, versatile ingredient for fresh snacking, cooking, and meal prep.

Mini Sweet Peppers provide a convenient, snackable option for consumers seeking healthy grab-and-go choices, while Rainbow 3CT packs offer eye-catching merchandising appeal and a vibrant mix of flavors.

With strong retail appeal, versatile packaging formats, and proven consumer demand, the expanded bell pepper program is designed to drive category growth and simplify sourcing.