ORLANDO, FL - The unique force of the Southeast Produce Council is not carried by a single voice—the strength lives in the collective. It is hard to put your finger on exactly what it is about the council—its leadership, Board of Directors, committees, and members—that stirs such loyalty, friendship, and cohesion between its supplier and buyer counterparts. But that “something,” that heart, that energetic charge, is undeniable.

In Part 1 of this series, we heard from members of the SEPC Executive Board about what binds this community together and why Southern Exposure continues to matter in moments of momentum, challenge, and change.

As we continue the conversation, additional voices from the SEPC community share their perspectives on connection, collaboration, and the deeper purpose that defines this organization and the industry it serves.

Maybe in our efforts to speak to the heart of SEPC, we can find those words together. Please join me as we take in the reflections of Mike Tipton, Don Fox, Erin Waters, Matt Hubbard, and Maclaren Oglesby.

Mike Tipton, Board of Directors, Southeast Produce Council and Vice President of Produce and Floral, Schnuck Markets, Inc.

”The Southeast Produce Council has been an invaluable resource throughout my career. Much more than a regional trade group, it is a true community that fosters long-term relationships and serves as an essential hub for the professional growth of many in the industry today. The produce business is fast-paced and constantly changing, from evolving technology to the search for the next innovation to drive the market. The SEPC has helped me navigate these shifts through its consistent presence and dedication to improving the member experience, as demonstrated each year at Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations.

Ultimately, the trusted, personal connections built here allow us to navigate challenges and drive progress together.”

Don Fox, Board of Directors, Southeast Produce Council and Senior Buying Manager for the Tomato Category, Walmart

"I think the excerpt from my story within the SEPC For the Love of Produce Book is relevant: The SEPC is filled with men and women of integrity who recognize a higher calling to everything they do, and they recognize the importance of building genuine relationships along the way. We can all benefit from remembering that the words we use, and the actions that we demonstrate, matter—both to our businesses and the people around us every day!"

Erin Waters, Board of Directors, Southeast Produce Council and Sales Manager, Shuman Farms

“Southern Exposure is more than just an event—it’s where our produce family comes together. It’s a place to connect, have honest conversations, share ideas, and really support one another. That kind of community is special, and it feels more important than ever as our industry continues to evolve.”

Matt Hubbard, Board of Directors, Southeast Produce Council and Senior Director of Sales, Local Bounti

“The Southeast Produce Council has always held a special place in my heart. As a community rooted in faith and family, I was immediately drawn to the people behind the organization and the region it serves. SEPC believes in growing individuals while building a relationship-driven presence across the U.S. Southeast. Those family values resonate deeply with many of our members and serve as a model for the kind of community that reflects the very best of fresh produce and the people who make it possible.”

Maclaren Oglesby, Board of Directors, Southeast Produce Council and Sales Director, Sbrocco International, Inc.

“As a member-driven organization, rooted in giving back to our industry, the Southeast Produce Council serves a critical function. Bringing together stakeholders in the fresh produce realm, providing real connection opportunities, and compelling educational programs make Southern Exposure a must every year. Our industry is built by doers—and the SEPC is supported by those same doers on a volunteer basis. Alongside those efforts are critical leadership development programs such as STARS, STEPP UP, and the NGLA that strive to attract, engage, and promote the next crop of leaders to keep SEPC and Southern Exposure as the premier destination event in our industry. The purpose is clear and so are the results—the value of the council grows year after year.”

Thank you to Mike, Don, Erin, Matt, and Maclaren for contributing their voices to this chapter of the series—and stay tuned as we continue exploring the people and purpose behind the Southeast Produce Council.

TACOMA, WA - Mastering the art of social media as well as sharing the art of fresh in his ongoing series, Shawn Peery, National Vice President Produce at the Albertsons Companies, rolled out back-to-back features inside a Washington Safeway that is leaning into the fresh canvas.

Highlighting everything from the premium citrus category to fresh-cut merchandizing and pristine berry displays across Safeway 1645 in what he headlined as Perfecting the Art of Fresh—Tacoma, WA-style, Shawn treated us to an educated eye in both placement strategy and how pop culture can play into the floor set.

“We’re trying to sell some Sumos this time of the year!” he exclaimed, pointing out to Sumos positioned across different points, while guacamole was also given a healthy—pun intended—spotlight thanks to current events.

“Guacamole—it’s a big weekend for the Seattle team with the Seahawks in the National Championship,” Shawn can be heard explaining. The casual mention is a key one: I can only imagine how these displays look currently, now that the Seahawks are in the Super Bowl!

Pointing out color separation, promos, and the “adventure format,” Shawn makes clear why merchandising and floorplanning in fresh produce isn’t just strategic, it truly is an artform.

“Nice apple display, lots of craftsmanship here,” he said appreciatively.

Shawn returned to the same store in another post to break down a different aspect of the fresh set along the wall, showcasing how the flow of the department matters as much as the items.

“Walking down a wet rack, great hands, great skill set here, very clean, crisp, fresh,” he reflected. “Very, very good. Beautiful pepper sets. Lots of color breaks, great quality, crisp, fresh. And finalize with a potato set, we will sneak over back over here to the value-added wall…”

It’s a more detailed close-up of the value-added component that perfectly closes out his perspective of what it means to bring an artistic eye to the produce department in the Pacific Northwest.

Shouting out brands as well as strategies and sets, Shawn’s back-to-back videos give a trained eye to the department’s extra steps, ensuring no detail goes unnoticed.

FRESNO, CA - California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross is hosting a media availability event during the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California (USA) on Tuesday, February 10 to celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer; a campaign prompted by the United Nations to raise awareness and promote the essential global role women hold in the agriculture industry from production to trade.

California is home to over 45,000 women producers who collectively steward more than 11 million acres of farmland. Women play essential roles across the food system that are critical to food security, nutrition, and economic resilience. Their essential role in every facet of the food and farming system will be celebrated at the World Ag Expo, where more than 100,000 visitors from 70 countries are scheduled to visit. According to the recent release, the event hosts over 1,200 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge technology and equipment over a three-day period, as well as educational opportunities, including talks by agricultural experts and cooking demonstrations by California Grown featuring Golden State produce.

• What: International Year of the Woman Farmer Media Availability/Reception: California food and wine and recipe demonstrations
• Who: California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross
  • Speakers and guests will also include:
  • Alison Needham, Recipe Developer/Creator at California Grown
  • Aida Mollenkamp, Food and Travel Expert, Founder at Salt and Wind Travel
  • Invited guests from throughout the California Agricultural Industry
• Where: Tulare World Ag Expo – Women’s Conference Pavilion
  • Tuesday, February 10, 2026
  • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Pacific) - program to begin promptly at 3 PM with Secretary's remarks

ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $21.33 billion for the retail month of January, the four weeks ended February 1, 2026, an increase of 9.3 percent from $19.51 billion last year.

Net sales for the first 22 weeks were $123.16 billion, an increase of 8.5 percent from $113.55 billion last year.

Lunar and Chinese New Years will occur on February 17, 19 days later this year. The shift negatively impacted January Other International and Total Company sales by approximately 4.0% and 0.5%, respectively.

Additional discussion of these results is available in a pre-recorded message. It can be accessed by visiting investor.costco.com. This message will be available through 4:00 p.m. (PT) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Costco currently operates 924 warehouses, including 634 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 114 in Canada, 42 in Mexico, 37 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 20 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, three in France, two in Sweden, and one each in Iceland, and New Zealand. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.

See the full release here.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Grimmway Produce Group (GPG) released a recap of its 2025 charitable giving efforts, continuing a more than 50-year tradition of supporting the communities where employees live and work.

Aligned with its philanthropic pillars, (food insecurity, employee-driven engagement, and agricultural education), GPG’s charitable activities spanned multiple states, delivering essential financial and in-kind support to community and nonprofit organizations.

Among the 2025 highlights:

• GPG donated more than 3 million pounds of fresh, healthy produce to organizations fighting food insecurity across the country. From supporting food drives at local schools and churches, to making large-scale produce donations to statewide groups, including the California Association of Food Banks, in-kind produce donations were valued at more than $2.3 million.
• GPG coordinated and hosted Brighter Bites Bakersfield’s inaugural fundraiser in Kern County, introducing the program to the local community and building new donor relationships, resulting in a fully funded year of operations. In addition, GPG provided bi-weekly produce donations to improve access to fresh food for underserved students and families.
• The company’s annual Holiday Food Drive broke the previous year’s record-setting contributions, with more than 15,000 items donated companywide; in Kern County alone, donations totaling over 11,361 pounds went to the CAPK Food Bank. These items were donated to food banks and relief organizations in Kern County, CA; Pasco, WA; Oxnard, CA, and Lake Park, GA, and distributed to local families in need.
• GPG employees contributed their time and resources, donating school supplies and backpacks to local students during their annual back-to-school drive event; packing fresh food boxes at Morning Star Fresh Food Bank; and partnering with the City of Bakersfield for the Annual Great American Clean Up.
• GPG’s long-standing College Scholarship Program for employees’ children awarded scholarships to 42 high school seniors, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. The company also provided 67 young people with onsite educational experiences as part of its Kern County internship and summer help programs for Central Valley high school and college students. For the first time in company history, the scholarship program expanded in 2025 to support students seeking vocational or technical education.
• Advancing its commitment to training the next generation of California’s agricultural workforce, GPG again sponsored ag education programs at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal State Bakersfield, and Bakersfield College as well as supported students at the California Youth Ag Expo.

“Our charitable work in 2025 marked one of the most meaningful years of giving in recent memory,” commented Dana Brennan, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, in the recent release. “Through financial support, fresh produce donations, sponsorships, and hands-on volunteer engagement, Grimmway Produce Group strengthened its connection to the communities where we live and work. As we look ahead to 2026, we are focused on deepening these partnerships, expanding opportunities for employee involvement, and ensuring our philanthropy continues to deliver lasting, community-driven impact.”

“Giving back is part of who we are and how we do business,” said Jeff Huckaby, President & CEO of Grimmway Produce Group. “In 2025, our teams across the country stepped up in meaningful ways to support hunger relief, education, health, and local community organizations. As we move into 2026, we remain committed to being a trusted community partner – investing our time, resources, and expertise to help nourish people, strengthen communities, and support the long-term success of the regions that sustain us.”

NEW JERSEY, US - Peter “Produce Pete” Napolitano, a beloved New Jersey produce expert and longtime television personality, died January 26, 2026, at age 80. Known for his plainspoken advice and decades of appearances on NBC 4 New York, he helped generations of viewers shop smarter, cook simply, and eat with confidence.

“Week after week, Produce Pete showed genuine care for the produce community and the work that goes into bringing fresh food to the table," reflected Christian Harris, Chief Operating Officer, Sunkist Growers, in a statement sent to AndNowUKnow. "His enthusiasm, integrity, and love for fruits and vegetables helped inspire countless families and left a lasting mark on our industry.”

His obituary reads as follows:

Peter "Produce Pete" Napolitano, the longtime New Jersey produce man whose plainspoken TV advice helped generations shop and cook with confidence, died January 26, 2026. He was 80.

Napolitano appeared for more than three decades on Saturday editions of NBC 4 New York's "Weekend Today in New York," offering seasonal fruit-and-vegetable guidance and simple cooking tips. His segments were built on the same idea he often signed off with: "If you eat right, you're going to live right!"

Born in Bergenfield, New Jersey, on February 23, 1945, Napolitano frequently spoke on air about growing up in Englewood. His father, an Italian immigrant who came to New Jersey after World War II, opened Napolitano's Produce in Bergenfield in 1959. The young Napolitano worked there as a boy, and he later took over the family business.

Napolitano credited a chance encounter for launching his television career. In a 2023 recollection quoted by New Jersey Monthly, he said a visitor to his store was impressed with the deep knowledge of produce that he had gained from a lifetime in the business. She encouraged him to try TV, and after a segment on local TV, he began his regular appearances on NBC in 1992.

Colleagues remembered him as both approachable and deeply loyal to his viewers. Amy Morris, senior vice president of news for NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47, said, "He was a beloved member of our station family and our viewers felt the same way - visiting him at our Health Expo, our Feeding our Families Food Drives or the many farmers markets across New Jersey where he always felt right at home."

His family life was part of his on-air warmth. Her and his wife, Bette, met as teenagers, remaining together the rest of their lives. Many of her recipes found their way to his on-air segments. She survives him, as do their two children and seven grandchildren.

LAKELAND, FL - In honor of World Wetlands Day, Feb. 2, Publix is excited to announce the completion of two wetland restoration projects.

In 2021, Publix committed $2 million to the National Audubon Society (Audubon) and the National Park Foundation (NPF) to support restoration efforts in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in the western Everglades and the saline glades region of Everglades National Park. Three years later, Publix pledged another $1.1 million to support continued restoration efforts at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Our support of Audubon and NPF has helped restore over 1,300 acres of wetlands in the Florida Everglades. As a result, an estimated 173 million gallons of water are restored to these areas annually.

The work continues

Our ongoing commitment to water stewardship plays a vital role in protecting Florida’s natural resources. The $1.1 million Publix pledged to Audubon in 2024 is anticipated to restore an additional 250 acres of wetlands in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The work is scheduled to be completed later this year.

Why this work is important

World Wetlands Day spotlights the vital role these ecosystems play in our environment. According to Audubon, wetlands act like natural sponges, soaking up rainwater and filtering out pollutants. Healthy wetlands help absorb stormwater surges, reduce flooding in nearby communities and recharge the underground aquifers that supply drinking water to millions of people.

As restoration takes place, more native plants and wildlife begin to return. Wading birds, alligators and even black bears have been spotted in the revitalized areas.

Publix is proud to play a part in restoring wetlands in the Everglades now and in the future.

BROOKLYN, NY - Inserra Supermarkets, a family-owned and operated New Jersey-based company, announced the official grand opening of The Fresh Grocer of Brooklyn – located at 523 Fulton Street, directly across from the Fulton Mall. The store will open on Friday, Feb. 13, creating approximately 140 new jobs for the community.

The Fresh Grocer of Brooklyn will mark the supermarket banner’s first location in New York City, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick off the grand opening day at 7:00 AM. The first 100 customers will receive a free canvas tote and shoppers will be treated to special store samplings and tastings throughout the day.

The new 18,000-square-foot Fresh Grocer on Fulton Street will offer a wide variety of fresh groceries, restaurant-quality take home meals with best-in-market pricing, as well as nationally recognized products and award-winning private label brands Bowl & Basket, Wholesome Pantry and Paperbird. The Fresh Grocer of Brooklyn will also feature locally sourced produce, a full-service butcher with custom-cut meat, a from-scratch bakery and ready-made meals and to-go items — all designed to meet the needs of busy families and shoppers looking for quality and convenience. The store will also provide a wide selection of international products and cheeses, sushi, and frozen, dairy and floral departments.

“We are proud and excited to open the first Fresh Grocer in New York City,” said Lawrence R. Inserra Jr., chairman and CEO of Inserra Supermarkets, in the recent release. “Since 1954, our family has been committed to serving communities with quality products, care and value. This new location reflects that commitment by offering an extensive selection of national brands alongside a wide variety of fresh foods and prepared meals — providing convenience and choice for customers. We look forward to welcoming Brooklyn shoppers and becoming an integral part of the community for years to come.”

Shoppers will find a mural at the entrance celebrating the Inserra family legacy in the supermarket business, and the butcher department will feature artwork inspired by the family’s original New Jersey butcher shop. To celebrate the day, the store team will host a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Demo on the sales floor and tastings of signature baked goods, Patsy’s Sausage, Thumann’s Deli Meats and Cheese, store prepared appetizers and more, giving the community a chance to sample the store’s fresh and signature offerings.

The Fresh Grocer banner, part of the retailer-owned supermarket cooperative Wakefern Food Corp., is an accomplished supermarket specializing in high quality, fresh prepared foods that meet the needs, tastes and traditions of the local community.

The Inserra family and their Inserra Supermarkets are members of the Wakefern cooperative who currently operate 24 ShopRite stores in New Jersey and New York, as well as two Price Rite Marketplace stores and a Fresh Grocer in New Jersey. The Downtown Brooklyn Fresh Grocer is their first grocery store in New York City.

Established in 1954 by Patsy Inserra, Inserra Supermarkets remains true to its roots as a family-owned grocery business committed to serving local communities, with third and fourth generation family members operating the stores and continuing the tradition of caring for and supporting local communities.

The hours of operation for the new The Fresh Grocer of Brooklyn are 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.

ANAHEIM, CA - Winter citrus season is here, and MarthaStewart.com is helping to keep citrus top of mind for consumers. Frieda’s Branded Produce is helping retailers to seize the moment with snackable, affordable citrus varietals that will delight shoppers.

Whether it’s the availability brought on by the winter season, a desire for immune-boosting foods rich in vitamin C, or healthier eating brought on by a "new year, new me," winter is when consumer appetite for citrus is at its peak. Frieda’s winter citrus program delivers everything that shoppers want most right now, including easy snacking, everyday wellness, and real value.

In a recent seasonal produce roundup for MarthaStewart.com, Frieda’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Alex Jackson, noted that “January is prime California citrus season,” with the best-tasting varieties showing up as winter settles in. Frieda’s program is proof. An impressive lineup of specialty citrus, including mandarinquats, limequats, calamondins, Tahitian pummelos, Meyer lemons, and pink lemons, is available now. Most recently back in season in the line-up are Lemonade Lemons and Popjoys® Kumquats.

Circana’s Fresh Produce Category report for 2026 indicates that the brands positioned to lead will innovate around convenience, health, and affordability. Fresh fruit is expected to outpace overall produce growth, with high demand for snack-sized options and unique varieties.

Frieda’s winter citrus program enables retailers to design a practical set that’s tailored to how people are shopping this year:

• Grab-and-go snacking: With sweet, edible rinds and tart, juicy flesh, Popjoys® kumquats, mandarinqauts, limequats, and calamondins give shoppers a refreshing, portion-friendly citrus option for lunchboxes, desk snacks, and quick cravings.
• Extra zest for everyday eating: Meyer, pink, and soon-to-arrive Lemonade lemons fit into cooking, baking, and beverages. They also support post-New Year’s wellness routines with vitamin C, antioxidants, and heart-healthy flavonoids.
• Nature’s answer to the sour-tart-sweet trend: Consumers can’t get enough sour-tart-sweet candies, drinks, and fruits like Frieda’s line of poppable quats. Consumer favorites like mandarinquats, limequats, and Popjoys® kumquats demonstrate that “nature’s candy” will not be outdone.
• Must-try cart stoppers that keep produce departments interesting: Tahitian pummelos bring size, a lemon-lime flavor with hints of melon, plus trial-driving novelty to winter citrus displays.

Calendars and registers are aligned.

Seasonal buzz is key, but Frieda’s winter citrus program is also backed by measurable brand performance.

• Frieda’s Meyer lemons are outpacing growth in the total lemon category and leading branded Meyer lemon growth.¹
• Frieda’s citrus growth is ahead of category growth, year over year (YOY), with 9.4 percent unit growth compared to 6.2 percent for the category.²
• Frieda’s Popjoys® are more than 15 percent less expensive than the next leading competitor based on price per unit, delivering strong value and keeping specialty citrus in reach to more customers.³

Sharpen winter citrus performance with Frieda’s Branded Produce.

With the winter citrus lineup from Frieda’s, retailers can build a set that is right for the season and right for the shoppers. Contact your Frieda’s sales representative today for availability information, assortment planning and merchandising support.

^{Source: Circana, Total U.S. multi-outlet (MULO), latest 52 weeks ending Dec. 28, 2025}

^{¹Unit, volume and dollar sales, as applicable,}

^{²Unit sales across the competitive set, including kumquats, Meyer lemons and limequats (all brands),}

^{³Unit sales and average price per unit.}