ORLANDO, FL - It is never too early to start planning California table grape programs at retail. Come the whisper of spring, I hear this comment often. With the California Table Grape Commission (CTGC) already bustling with the upcoming season, SEPC Southern Exposure provides the perfect time to elevate the conversation around the popular category during the February 25–March 1 event.

“The California table grape industry grows 99 percent of the U.S.-grown grapes,” President Ian LeMay shares with me. “With over 80 varieties of table grapes grown in California, there is incredible volume of tasty, healthy, and happy grapes for retailers to promote to their customers, summer through winter. The Commission is proud to highlight Grapes from California at SEPC Southern Exposure.”

Looking at the near horizon, California grapes are available starting in May and running through January, with the commission team ready and eager to partner with retailers to ensure they have active promotions from summer through winter.

“Grapes from California are excellent for summer, fall, and winter promotions and sought after by consumers for their incredible quality and impressive health benefits, thus California grapes are a reliable and remarkable product for retailers,” Ian discusses.

When I ask him why the Southeast Produce Council makes such an impact on the CTGC’s operations and the category as a whole, Ian reflects on how SEPC is all about relationships.

“The Southern Produce Council is an important partner for the California Table Grape Commission, and the commission has been a longtime participant in the Southern Exposure show,” Ian explains. “By facilitating opportunities to meet with retailers and foodservice buyers at shows like Southern Exposure, the Southeast Produce Council has helped the commission secure California grape promotion programs that move volume season after season.”

Stop by SEPC Southern Exposure booth #830 and visit CTGC’s Kathryn Hearn, Retail Marketing Manager; Eddie Reynolds, Marketing Director; and Maria Howarth, Senior Global Marketing Director.

The CTGC invites all retailers and foodservice buyers to stop by the booth to discuss how season-long promotions of Grapes from California can move volume and boost sales.

WENATCHEE, WA - CMI Orchards has been named a 2026 SEAL Sustainability Award winner in two categories, earning recognition for Sustainability Innovation for its Planet Positive™ program and Sustainable Products for its carbon negative apples, pears, and cherries. These dual awards underscore CMI’s global leadership in driving regenerative, climate‑positive tree fruit production and advancing sustainability.

Each year, the SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Business Awards recognize 50 of the world’s most sustainable companies for environmental initiatives that demonstrate innovation, measurable impact, and long-term commitment across industries and geographies.

CMI’s Planet Positive™ program was recognized for redefining what sustainability looks like in commercial agriculture. Built on the belief that farming should give back more to the land than it takes, Planet Positive™ integrates carbon negative growing practices, regenerative soil health, waste upcycling, and transparent environmental reporting into CMI’s orchard systems. The program is designed to benefit more than the environment, providing tangible benefits for growers, retail partners, and consumers seeking food produced with integrity and accountability.

“We are deeply honored to receive the SEAL Sustainable Innovation Award in recognition of our Planet Positive™ program,” said Bob Mast, President of CMI Orchards, in the recent release. “At its core, Planet Positive™ reflects our belief that farming should leave the land better than we found it. By cultivating carbon negative orchards, regenerating soil, producing nutrient-rich fruit, upcycling waste, and operating with transparency and trust, we’re helping move the fresh produce industry forward while giving families confidence in the food they bring home.”

In addition to the innovation award, CMI was recognized with a SEAL Sustainable Product Award for producing carbon negative apples, pears, and cherries—tree fruit that offsets and surpasses its on-farm emissions footprint. Carbon negative agriculture plays a critical role in addressing climate change by reducing emissions and actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil.

CMI’s carbon-negative fruit is supported by The Soil Center, a facility that operates a closed-loop system that converts orchard waste into regenerative soil amendments, to assist our growers with enhancing soil health and sequestering carbon in the soil long-term. These practices allow CMI growers to reduce waste, improve orchard resilience, and create measurable climate benefits at scale.

“We are honored to receive the SEAL Sustainable Product Award for our carbon-negative apples, pears, and cherries,” said Rose Vejvoda, Sustainability Manager at CMI Orchards. “This recognition highlights meaningful progress in regenerative agriculture and offers consumers fruit that fully offsets its growing emissions. Between 2022-2025, The Soil Center project generated more than 700,000 carbon credits by storing carbon in the soil, where it delivers lasting environmental value. We remain committed to expanding these practices, increasing sequestration, and strengthening sustainability across our supply chain.”

The 2026 SEAL Sustainability Award honorees include global infrastructure and industrial leaders such as DP World, Hitachi Energy, Saudi Aramco, and Lenovo, alongside fast-growing climate and sustainability innovators including Jupiter Intelligence, 4AIR, Hilti, and EPAM Systems.

As one of the world’s largest grower-packer-shippers of apples, pears, and cherries, CMI Orchards continues to lead the tree fruit industry by pairing scale with stewardship—demonstrating that regenerative, Planet Positive™ farming can deliver environmental progress while supporting growers, retail partners, and consumers alike.

ORLANDO, FL - While there may still be a few weeks until the fast-approaching Southern Exposure, I am already looking forward to touching down in Orlando, Florida, for this year’s show. As industry excitement continues to ramp up, I connected with a few produce aces to discuss the highlights of the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) annual event.

John Shuman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Shuman Farms

“As springtime draws near, all eyes are on Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure in Orlando, Florida. This show is always a prime opportunity for the Shuman Farms team to reconnect with produce industry friends, learn what’s new at retail and in consumer trends, and spend quality time with our retail and foodservice partners. With Vidalia® season right around the corner, we look forward to providing updates on this year’s crop and continuing to pull together innovative promotional plans to help our partners drive sales throughout the spring and summer months.”

Sabrina Pokomandy, Director of Business Development and Marketing, Highline Mushrooms

“Southern Exposure is a highly collaborative show where we can dig into category strategy, shopper behavior, and execution—not just product. The Southeast market continues to value strong partnerships, and that’s where Highline Mushrooms excels: combining insight, innovation, and disciplined execution to grow the mushroom category together."

Jeff Cady, Vice President of Produce and Floral, Northeast Shared Services (Tops Markets, Price Chopper, Market 32)

“The Southern Exposure event stands out because it’s built on real relationships and meaningful conversations. It’s a show where you can get business done, exchange ideas, and connect with people who truly care about the future of our industry in a much more intimate setting than some other shows provide. It is the can't-miss show on the calendar every year.”

Becky Chaitman, Vice President of Marketing and Compliance, Lange Companies

“I’ve attended Southern Exposure for many years, and the value of the show really comes from the people and the conversations. It’s a great opportunity for our team to reconnect, exchange ideas, and stay aligned as the industry moves forward.”

See you all on the show floor! Until then, leave a tab open to AndNowUKnow.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Strengthening its highly experienced marketing team, Sun World International recently welcomed Angelic Meza as its new Marketing Engagement Manager. As she steps into this role, Angelic will serve as a bridge between the company’s retail partners and licensing community in support of Sun World’s significant global growth.

“I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to work on a global scale and serve as a bridge between our licensing community and retail partners,” Angelic shares with me. “The chance to learn from and work alongside our Director of Global Marketing, Elena Hernandez, is especially motivating. Seeing the impact she has delivered makes me eager to contribute as part of a high-performing, results-driven team.”

Angelic joins the team at an exciting period of growth for the company, as it continues to see the success of its branded grape portfolio.

“With the strength of our current portfolio and an exciting pipeline ahead, the opportunities are truly expansive,” Angelic says. “In terms of retail engagement, the growth I envision is not only about increasing our footprint, but about strengthening and deepening our presence worldwide. It’s especially rewarding to hear that our fruit varieties, particularly our grapes like AUTUMNCRISP® are seen as a fun, memorable eating experience, defined by outstanding size, flavor, and quality.”

Angelic brings a wealth of experience to the role, which will support her as she serves as the liaison between retailers and Sun World’s licensing team, overseeing onboarding, communication, and packaging while providing ongoing support.

“In essence, I act as the connective piece that ensures smooth, consistent workflows and strengthens overall engagement. My experience working directly with customers, combined with strong communication, organization, and reliability, enables me to elevate the overall Sun World experience for both our internal teams and our partners,” Angelic adds.

“I feel fortunate to work for such a respected company alongside leaders who are both strong and genuinely empathetic,” she concludes. “Being part of an organization that continues to innovate, grow, and make a meaningful impact, not only within our industry but in people’s everyday lives, is truly special. I’m grateful to be part of the Sun World team, especially during such a meaningful milestone as the company celebrates its 50^th anniversary.”

More exclusive insights from the Sun World team are on the way, so stay tuned!

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - ReposiTrak, the industry leader in food traceability, regulatory compliance, and scan‑based trading, announced a significantly expanded strategic partnership with the National Grocers Association (NGA). Through this enhanced collaboration, NGA has selected ReposiTrak as its strategic partner of traceability compliance management, and the two organizations will jointly deliver new education, training, and resources designed to help independent grocers strengthen financial performance while navigating rising regulatory and operational pressures.

Independent grocers face a perfect storm: inflation, SKU proliferation, labor constraints, and increasingly complex food safety rules. The expanded ReposiTrak–NGA strategic partnership directly addresses these challenges by equipping retailers with practical tools to free up working capital, improve cash flow, and reduce compliance risk—all without adding labor or disrupting store operations.

“For independent grocers, access to free cash flow is the difference between standing still and investing in the future,” said Randy Fields, Chairman and CEO of ReposiTrak, in the recent release. “ReposiTrak has spent decades helping retailers reduce the working capital trapped in inventory so they can reinvest in store upgrades, technology, and growth. We’re excited to deepen our strategic partnership with NGA and deliver the education and resources independents need to compete—and win—in today’s environment.”

ReposiTrak’s platform is used by thousands of retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers to streamline commerce, strengthen food safety programs, and automate compliance with evolving regulations, including FSMA 204 traceability requirements.

“NGA is focused on equipping independent grocers with timely insights and practical tools to help them succeed,” said Greg Ferrara, president and CEO, National Grocers Association. “Through this continued collaboration with ReposiTrak, we will provide education and resources that help our members comply with regulatory requirements and leverage operational strategies that can support long-term performance.”

ReposiTrak will showcase its full technology platform—including its NGA traceability compliance management solution—at booth #2504 during The NGA Show, February 2–3 at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

KEENE, NH - C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC announced it has signed a new supply agreement with Sedano's Supermarkets, Florida's leading Hispanic grocery retailer. This agreement makes C&S the primary supplier for this leading grocery retailer, providing an expansive assortment and mix, as well as distribution, transportation, procurement, merchandising, and retail services for 32 Sedano's Supermarkets.

"We're excited for our partnership with Sedano's Supermarkets — a grocer that has been at the heart of the Hispanic community for more than six decades," stated Eric Winn, Chief Executive Officer, C&S, in the recent release. "The Southeast continues to be an important driver for our long-term growth, and this is another critical partnership that broadens our impact across the region."

"Our stores provide an unparalleled assortment for our shoppers, and we look forward to C&S's partnership in helping us deliver a quality shopping experience to our valued customers for many years to come," said Agustin Herran, Chief Executive Officer, Sedano's Supermarkets.

This exciting announcement follows a series of strategic investments in the Southeast. Last year, C&S, as part of a consortium of private investors, acquired The Winn-Dixie Company from ALDI U.S. C&S made this investment as part of its commitment to the overall Southeast network. In addition, C&S announced an agreement to acquire the Lumberton distribution center from SpartanNash. Subsequently, C&S announced and then closed on our acquisition of the entire SpartanNash Company. C&S also announced a partnership with Atlantic Grocery Supply to provide wholesale supply solutions to retailers in the Caribbean, Central and South America and partner on sales to Florida-based independent retail customers.

"As C&S transforms and expands in the Southeast, our team members are our competitive edge," Eric Winn added. "This is an exciting opportunity to continue driving our legacy of braggingly happy customers in the region as our industry evolves."

ORLANDO, FL - Supported by storytelling, a frontline of retail partnerships, and a team built around collaboration and thought-leadership, Sunkist Growers is ramping up for SEPC Southern Exposure with a full lineup of exciting features.

“Sunkist Growers will spotlight our full-season citrus portfolio with a timely focus on extra-large Navels, Cara Caras, Minneolas, and Lemons,” Cassie Howard, Senior Director of Category Management and Marketing, begins. “Our Cara Cara and California Mandarin programs continue to see strong momentum, supported by branded storytelling like Power with the Pink Orange™ and Sunkist CALI™ Mandarins. On the retail side, we’ve introduced a refreshed suite of eye-catching merchandising bins and grower-forward displays to elevate in-store storytelling— from refreshed display towers and grower bins to versatile quarter bins—designed to capture attention and celebrate the cooperative’s multigenerational farming families.”

As Cassie reflects on the key messaging they want retail and foodservice buyers to walk away with as they strategize show execution, she tells me that Sunkist is a one-stop citrus partner — offering premium quality, rich category insights, and full-coverage support through merchandising, storytelling, and innovation.

“Whether you’re looking to grow your organic citrus sets, spotlight seasonal favorites like Cara Caras and Mandarins, or differentiate your produce aisle with bold display solutions, we’re here to help drive fresh results. For foodservice, our emphasis remains on meeting our customer needs with year-round availability and quality you can count on,” Cassie shares.

Bringing large-format Navels perfect for seasonal promotions, Sunkist’s goal is to help retailers merchandise citrus more dynamically, with tools that educate and inspire.

“Our quarter bins and grower-themed displays were built with this in mind, while foodservice buyers will find opportunities to leverage our bold flavors in both wellness-forward and globally inspired menu innovation,” she expresses.

A show like SEPC Southern Exposure is one of Sunkist’s high points on the roadmap of its year, serving as a key relationship-building platform for the operation’s business.

“From intimate retail conversations to cross-functional collaboration across departments, Southern Exposure is where it's at,” Cassie details. “With every show, we’re able to connect more deeply with decision-makers, highlight relevant in-season programs, and share the stories behind the growers and fruit that make up the Sunkist cooperative. Customers can stop by our booth to see a spotlight innovation in merchandising, but also learn insights on how citrus can support retailers through seasonal shopper milestones like Easter and spring wellness resets. We’re also proud to support SEPC’s leadership development programs, which help cultivate the next generation of produce professionals.”

Find the cross-functional Sunkist team at SEPC booth #111—including representatives from the company’s President’s Office, Foodservice, and both Western and Eastern Sales. Attending team members include: Christian Harris, John Carter, Courtney Carlton, Travis Boyle, Daniel Klausner, Sarah Matejowsky, Bryan Koch, and Kimberly Mangum.

With the show only weeks away, continue checking back with our squad for more on the must-see companies exhibiting at SEPC Southern Exposure 2026. See you all there!