WENATCHEE, WA - In an industry built on relationships, face-to-face interactions are invaluable. Fresh produce trade shows give industry members the opportunity to maximize value; potential connections are seemingly endless. The Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations event is quickly approaching, and our supply-side friends are ready.

“We will be showcasing our full lineup of conventional and organic apples and pears, along with innovative programs designed to help our retail partners drive sales and strengthen shopper engagement,” Loren Foss, Vice President of Strategy at CMI Orchards, began telling me.

Highlights of CMI’s Southern Innovations showcase include:

• Apple Crush™, a digital discovery tool that helps shoppers identify their ideal apple variety based on their taste preferences, creating a more personalized shopping experience
• Planet Positive™, a consumer-facing sustainability brand, which highlights CMI’s carbon-negative fruit and provides education around regenerative agriculture and sustainability practices

Loren shared that in addition to showcasing its dynamic portfolio, CMI is looking forward to networking with industry partners and suppliers while learning about the latest trends and innovations shaping the produce industry.

“One of the most valuable aspects of Southern Innovations is the opportunity to connect face-to-face with retail partners, share the latest crop updates and insights from the field, and discuss opportunities for growth,” Loren said.

CMI looks forward to showcasing how innovation, sustainability, and consumer engagement can work together to create growth opportunities for retailers. As they connect with attendees, the team looks forward to sharing what’s in store for the upcoming apple and pear season.

“We want to show retailers that we're a strategic partner committed to helping grow sales and engage consumers both in-store and online,” Loren concluded. “Visitors will learn about innovative programs like Apple Crush™ and Planet Positive™, which help retailers connect with younger generations and sustainability-minded shoppers. They'll also discover merchandising solutions and category-building strategies designed to drive shopper engagement and increase produce sales.”

The opportunity to connect with leading produce operators awaits at Southern Innovations 2026. Will you be there?

BENSON, NC - North Carolina sweetpotatoes have long been a source of pride for the state’s agricultural industry. Now, they are officially in the running to be named one of the coolest things made in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC) announced today that North Carolina sweetpotatoes have been selected among 88 nominees in the NC Chamber’s seventh annual Coolest Thing Made in NC competition. The statewide contest celebrates products made in North Carolina and the people and industries behind them.

North Carolina sweetpotatoes are competing in the Large Business category, joining a field of recognizable North Carolina-made products from companies including Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Butterball, Coca-Cola Consolidated and others.

“This nomination is really a recognition of the family farms who produce, pack, and ship and make North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry what it is,” said Michelle Grainger, executive director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, in the recent release. “Sweetpotatoes are part of the agricultural identity of our state, and generations of North Carolina farmers have worked incredibly hard to build and sustain this industry. We think that makes North Carolina sweetpotatoes pretty cool, and we hope the produce industry and sweetpotato fans everywhere will help us prove it.”

North Carolina has held its position as the nation’s No. 1 sweetpotato-producing state since 1971. Today, the Commission represents more than 300 sweetpotato growers, along with the packers, processors and allied businesses that support the industry.

Unlike many seasonal crops, North Carolina sweetpotatoes are available year-round, thanks in part to post-harvest curing and storing. That year-round availability, combined with their versatility and nutritional density across retail, foodservice and processing applications, has helped make the crop an important part of both North Carolina agriculture and the broader U.S. produce industry.

Voting is open now here, and the public may vote once per day through Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Semifinalists will be announced Sept. 9, followed by additional rounds of public voting. The three winning products will be revealed Oct. 1, ahead of National Manufacturing Day.

“We certainly know where our vote is going,” Grainger added. “But more importantly, this is a fun opportunity to shine another spotlight on North Carolina agriculture and the people who grow the food we put on our tables three times a day every day.”

EAGAN, MN - TA Dedicated, a TFI International company and one of North America’s largest dedicated transportation providers, and Chiquita Fresh North America L.L.C., one of the world’s most recognized produce brands, are celebrating more than two decades of success built on innovation, reliability, and supply chain excellence.

“We are pleased to recognize 20 years of working with TA Dedicated,” said Manrique Bermudez, Director of Logistics at Chiquita, in the recent release. “This milestone reflects two decades of supporting Chiquita’s transportation needs, and we’re glad to mark the occasion together.”

“Strong, dedicated collaborations aren’t measured only in years. They’re measured in performance,” said Melissa Suedbeck, Vice President of Operations at TA Dedicated. “Our teams have worked side by side with Chiquita to solve problems, navigate disruptions, and support their transportation needs. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and are excited about what comes next.”

For more than 150 years, Chiquita has built a long history in the fresh produce industry, from introducing bananas to American consumers to advancing refrigerated shipping, specialized ripening processes, and temperature-controlled transportation. For the last 20 years, TA Dedicated has supported Chiquita’s transportation operations in the U.S.

Over the past two decades, the companies have navigated a range of logistics challenges, including hurricanes, labor disruptions, changing transportation markets, and broader supply chain disruptions, while supporting the movement of fresh bananas to grocery retailers across the country.

Today, TA Dedicated manages transportation operations that move Chiquita products from U.S. ports to grocery chains and supports reverse logistics operations for shipping containers. Dedicated fleets, onsite operations, and cold chain expertise help support the reliable movement of Chiquita products through its U.S. distribution network.

MOSS LANDING, CA - Muzzi Family Farms has added Bertha Briseño to its sales team and Zuleyma Valdez to sales and analytics, strengthening the company’s customer account coverage and sales planning capabilities as it expands its branded fresh produce portfolio.

Both Briseño and Valdez join Muzzi from The Salad Farm, a former joint venture in which Muzzi Family Farms was a founding partner. Their familiarity with The Salad Farm’s customers, products, and operations provides continuity as Muzzi brings products previously marketed through The Salad Farm directly to foodservice and retail customers under the Muzzi Family Farms, Dominic’s, and Lisa Mia brands.

“We are excited to bring Bertha and Zuleyma on board as our company continues to grow and evolve,” said Greg Heinz, Chief Operating Officer at Muzzi Family Farms, in the recent release. “Bertha has extensive produce sales experience and a proven track record in customer management, while Zuleyma’s background in analytics and customer support will strengthen the information and service we provide to our customers.”

Briseño brings more than two decades of fresh produce sales experience to Muzzi. In her new role, she will focus on customer account management, sales execution, and coordinating customer needs with Muzzi’s operations and supply teams. Her longstanding industry relationships and knowledge of customer programs will help Muzzi maintain service continuity while identifying opportunities to expand existing accounts.

Valdez will support Muzzi’s sales organization through customer reporting, sales analysis, and demand insights. By combining customer support with data analysis, she will help the sales team better evaluate account activity, anticipate customer needs, and identify opportunities for growth.

“Bertha brings the produce experience and customer relationships that keep business moving day to day, while Zuleyma brings the analytical insight that helps us plan ahead,” said Paul Mocettini, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Muzzi Family Farms. “Together, they strengthen our ability to understand what customers need, respond quickly and connect our sales efforts more closely with supply and operations.”

The additions support Muzzi’s continued expansion across organic and conventional leafy greens, fresh-cut vegetables and commodity produce. With processing and shipping operations in Salinas, California, and Yuma, Arizona, the company provides year-round supply to foodservice and retail customers across the US, Canada, and beyond.