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.

GOODLETTSVILLE, TN - Dollar General Corporation announced updates to its board of directors.

David P. Rowland has been appointed as the Company’s chairman of the board of directors effective February 4, 2026. Rowland succeeds Michael M. Calbert, who will continue to serve as an independent director on the Company’s board of directors.

“We are excited for David to assume the role of chairman of the board. He has been a significant contributor to our board since joining in 2023, capitalizing on his extensive global marketplace experience and deep financial, risk management and technology expertise,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer and a member of its board of directors, in the recent release. “We also are deeply grateful for Mike’s many years of dedicated leadership and contributions in the role. During his tenure as chairman, Mike guided the board through significant periods of growth and transformation, demonstrating unwavering dedication to strong corporate governance, strategic oversight, and the long-term success of Dollar General.”

Additionally, Warren F. Bryant informed the Company of his plans to retire from the board of directors upon the expiration of his current term at the Company’s 2026 annual meeting of shareholders.

“Warren’s extensive retail experience and strategic and financial acumen have been invaluable since he joined our board of directors in 2009,” said Vasos. “His thoughtful leadership has been invaluable, and we extend our sincere appreciation and best wishes in his retirement.”

For more information regarding Dollar General’s board of directors visit the Company’s Investor Relations site at investor.dollargeneral.com.

SALINAS, CA - Immediately recognizable by its Brussels sprouts program and beloved for its vast portfolio, Ippolito International is ready to showcase a robust lineup at the upcoming Southern Exposure.

“We are known for being the largest Brussels sprouts grower in North America, but we are so much more!” Heather Fuller, Vice President of Business Development, shared with me. “We grow and market almost 40 different commodities, in addition to a lineup of packaged salads, kits, and cut veg.”

The company’s product lines continue to expand, offering industry partners a wider range of value-added salad and packaged vegetable items.

“These new items complement our core commodity programs. Our newest items include washed and packaged baby broccoli, our Brussels Bites Kits, Mini Romaine, and artichoke consumer packs,” Heather noted.

At the show, Ippolito will emphasize the importance of working with customers to provide solutions for their growing businesses.

“This includes problem-solving innovation, expanding existing product lines, and our well-known and reliable quality and service. Ippolito is committed to streamlining supply chains through our one-stop-shop solution. We are a customer-centric company and genuinely look forward to spending some time with our partners in person at the show!” Heather shared.

Southern Exposure, held in Orlando, Florida, from Thursday, February 26, 2026 to Sunday, March 1, 2026, is an ideal venue for Ippolito to connect with these partners.

“We love going to SEPC for several reasons. The show is just the right size to command great retailer and foodservice attendance,” Heather said. “More importantly, we enjoy the personal connections through spending time on the show floor. SEPC always has many fun networking events and opportunities to connect leading up to the show. This event offers the unique opportunity to focus on customers in a smaller, more relaxed venue, allowing retailers more time to spend with their vendors.”

To learn more about the full-service, vertically integrated, family-owned company and its extensive product line, stop by booth #409!

CORONA, CA - With the first month of the new year behind us, strategies and foundations for growth are officially being laid out for the next 11 months. After a year of continued growth across its entire operation, Index Fresh is gearing up to accomplish even more in 2026.

“Leveling up our business took many forms, and 2025 became a near-constant exercise in putting ourselves in our customers’ shoes,” John Dmytriw, Vice President of Business Development, shares with me. “We are grateful for the opportunity to do this work and to partner with so many stakeholders to deliver quality avocados 365 days a year.”

As John explains, the year began with record-breaking price highs out of Mexico, followed by shifting tariff measures in the spring, and Index Fresh responded by dialing up its communication and service capacity to support its partners with reliability and consistency.

“Growth was not limited to sales and operations,” John adds. “Our marketing team completed a brand refresh for our AvoTerra brand, launched new websites, upgraded our grower-focused app, and introduced California Crema GEMs to the industry with resounding excitement. Our sales team grew in all the right ways, adding category experts from both the supplier and buy-side communities, while also recruiting rising talent earlier in their careers to continue investing in and developing the category for the long term. 2025 was also one of our largest years ever for our sourcing teams, which brought in more export fruit from Colombia and Chile than we’ve seen in decades.”

In 2026, Index Fresh will continue to be a reliable, responsive partner focused on supply continuity, service consistency, and commercial flexibility, allowing buyers to have confidence and the options they need as their businesses evolve.

“Index Fresh has been in the produce game for generations, and the company is wired to embrace change, work hard, and chase opportunity. 2025 kept us on our toes, and we are ready to spring into action in 2026 as opportunities present themselves in new and bold ways,” John concludes. “As a grower-owned company, our goals for 2026 are to continue supporting our partners’ businesses and new opportunities with the scale, experience, and agility they need.”

Cheers to the growth Index Fresh experienced in 2025, and all the company is sure to achieve in 2026!