GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A fresh new day provides an opportunity for another new leader to make an appearance in the industry, this time at SpartanNash, as the retailer has revealed David Petko has joined the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer. Petko officially stepped into the role on April 12, bringing with him over 25 years of supply chain expertise and distribution logistics experience.
As SVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Petko will be responsible for all aspects of SpartanNash’s supply chain management, according to a press release. This includes warehousing, forecasting, planning, sourcing, procurement, inventory control, transportation, logistics, engineering, budgets, and business plans.
Petko will work alongside the retailer’s executive leadership team, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer Tony Sarsam, to design and implement strategic plans to strengthen relationships with suppliers. Additionally, he will be responsible for driving efficiencies and cost savings in tandem with growing Spartan’s national distribution network.
"David is a results-oriented executive with the energy and passion for challenge and a commitment to enhancing profitability while maintaining a laser focus on customer expectations and building the capabilities of the team," said Sarsam. "This is in direct alignment with our people-first culture and strategic plan. His proven track record of transformational leadership, improved customer and associate satisfaction, and driving top-line sales growth and bottom-line cost savings will be an asset to our organization."
Prior to joining SpartanNash, Petko served as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at C&S Wholesale Grocers from 2019 to 2021. His tenure with the company extends more than 11 years, during which he gained extensive experience in driving operational efficiencies, safety, associate engagement, and innovative problem solving throughout the supply chain.
At C&S, Petko also held the roles of Regional Vice President of Operations, Senior Director ES3/D2S, Director of Operations, and General Manager of two facilities.
Congratulations to David Petko on this new position!
VANCOUVER, CANADA - What better time to bolster your leadership than ahead of a big expansion opportunity? Oppy has set the stage for its showcase at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s (CPMA) Fresh Week, adding Canadian Category Development to Aaron Quon’s role, who currently serves as the Executive Director of Greenhouse.
“I find our team is much more accessible through these virtual portals than busy show days with back-to-back meetings,” said Quon, anticipating more interaction and new relationships that may not have happened in the usual trade show setting. Like many of us, Quon looks forward to the day he can see colleagues in-person when it’s safe to do so. “It allows for more opportunities to connect because anybody can pop in. CPMA does such a great job at bringing everyone together during the convention, I’m really looking forward to this forum.”
Having spent the last 13 years building Oppy’s North American greenhouse business within the sector’s complex and highly competitive space, Quon stepped into his new role just a few short months ago. Continuing to guide the greenhouse team, Quon’s added responsibility is to develop import and off-shore programs for Oppy’s Canadian sales team.
Quon’s focus is to identify opportunities specific to the Canadian market. While some import produce items are not allowed into the U.S., they may pose a significant opportunity for Canada, a press release noted.
“Although we are a global company, regulations apply to certain items that impact our business. While we may not be able to bring them to the U.S. market, our acute focus on Canada holds a lot of exciting connection points,” Quon said.
Quon has teamed up with Oppy’s South Africa-based Grower Relations expert Sila Louw, who brings deep local knowledge of various key categories and international operations, as well as Oppy’s Mexican Sourcing Strategist Sergio Ruiz and Peruvian partner Agroretail to help scan the landscape. Currently looking at countries of origin such as India, Australia, and Morocco along with varieties from grapes, citrus, and stonefruit, Oppy is poised to reframe its Canadian product offerings in the near future.
Having developed a strong organic Peruvian ginger program in the U.S. recently and expansion plans into Canada on the horizon, Oppy plans to feature the category in its CPMA new product showcase. Visit Oppy’s showcase during Fresh Week for a complimentary gift and stop by the virtual booth to meet with the team.
Congrats to Aaron Quon on taking over this new role!
LOS ANGELES, CA - An exciting new partnership is taking form in the fresh produce industry as T&G Global’s JAZZ™ apples are joining with DreamWorks Animation to highlight its highly anticipated new film, Spirit Untamed. The film makes its way to theatres June 4, and is the next chapter in the franchise that began with Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, which premiered in 2002, therefore drawing the attention of several generations of consumers.
“We were thrilled when DreamWorks Animation approached us with this opportunity for JAZZ™ apples,” said Cecilia Flores Paez, T&G Global’s Head of Marketing, North America. “Apples help forge the bond of friendship between Lucky and Spirit, and we couldn’t have asked for a better, or healthier, message to communicate with families. As revealed in the recent Produce for Better Health Foundation’s ‘State of the Plate’ report, nine out of 10 Americans don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables each day. JAZZ™ apples wants to help turn this around by stirring children’s imagination and promoting JAZZ™ as a delicious and refreshing snack.”
The partnership includes co-branded on-pack and point-of-sale material that features custom artwork depicting two of the film’s protagonists: Lucky, a headstrong girl, and the wild stallion, Spirit, whom she befriends. According to a press release, the art features Lucky galloping away on Spirits back while holding an apple, making the seamless connection between JAZZ and the film and inspiring shoppers to load up their baskets.
“The partnership provides JAZZ™ apples with a great opportunity to draw kids back to the apple category and help instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime,” continued Flores Paez. “With their naturally small, snackable size and refreshingly tangy-sweet flavor, they are a prefect pick for a kids’ promotion. We are proud that DreamWorks Animation recognizes the value JAZZ™ apples bring to its Spirit fans, and we look forward to an ‘epic adventure’ and successful partnership this spring!”
The co-branded on-pack and point-of-sale material will all highlight the partnership with 2 lb pouch bags, Kwiklok tags, and other in-store and e-commerce activations.
In addition to the packaging and in-store promotion, the partnership will also spotlight JAZZ apples through public relations, social media, and an extensive digital ad campaign that features YouTube pre-roll ads. Additionally, a dedicated website will offer a store locator as well as Spirit Untamed-themed activities for kids and a kid-friendly recipe inspired by the film, the “Epic Adventure Snack,” which features the horseshoe-shaped JAZZ apples topped with chocolate hazelnut spread and sprinkles—a treat to get any child to eat their fruit.
“With most Americans, including young children, eating fruit fewer than one time per day, these types of innovative partnerships make it easy for families to find and select produce. And by offering simple tips to help families have fun with fruit and vegetables in the kitchen together, we can improve consumption and build healthy habits that last a lifetime,” Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, President and CEO of Produce for Better Health Foundation.
And what better way to get children, and adults, to consume more fruits and veggies than by incorporating this generation-spanning film series?
For more partnerships from across the industry, stick with ANUK.
ROCKINGHAM, VA - Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if innovative thinkers never pushed the boundaries of what was possible? While it is impossible to fully wrap your head around the concept, I know one thing for certain—without those pioneers in fresh produce, like Tim Heydon, CEO of Shenandoah Growers, our industry would be only a faint glimmer of what it has become today. That is why innovation remains a key tenant of Shenandoah’s mission, and why I sat down with Tim to see what Shenandoah’s future holds.
“Early on, I had three fundamental principles,” Tim starts off. “The first was empowerment: meaning empowerment of the individual because that's how you build trust and truly maximize people’s potential. The next was innovation, which meant finding better ways to do things—that's how we evolved our production system. This can only happen when empowerment is present. And then, perseverance. All business is challenging, and produce is no different, particularly because you have so many variables to deal with. All of this is what the company’s foundation was built on.”
These fundamental principles have been the driving force of Shenandoah since Tim started with the company over 23 years ago.
Since March of 1998, Tim has been using his key building blocks of empowerment, perseverance, and innovation to evolve Shenandoah into what it is today. With the tireless dedication of himself and his associates, the company has grown from a 15-person operation with less than $1 million in sales to a highly successful indoor grower with a top-selling herb brand.
One of the threads throughout Tim’s tenure as CEO is the evolution of Shenandoah’s growing practices and sustainability methods.
“As we developed our production system, we started in the fields, then moved to greenhouses, and then we naturally innovated to move fully indoors,” Tim explains. “We use bioponic soil methods, so the best way to think about Shenandoah Growers’ indoor system is working nature indoors. Nature has had millions of years to evolve a fantastic way to grow, and we just want to facilitate that process inside.”
At the heart of these practices is an attention to detail and commitment to providing healthful flavor, while also achieving the best possible products that offer buyers and consumers affordability and accessibility. In that way, Shenandoah’s products are not only environmentally sustainable, but financially sustainable.
“Being organic, sustainable, and affordable is the foundation behind everything we produce. We want everyone to share in healthful flavor, and overall, the vision is to be a substantial contributor in creating a food system that fully meets all of these standards,” says Tim. “That’s why we have the brand That's Tasty™ and why we’ve made everything USDA Certified Organic.”
Tim makes it clear that, while all of these dynamic aspects at Shenandoah’s core are essential driving forces, at the center of everything is the consumer. The needs of the consumer steer the company’s direction, and on a larger scale, shoppers are the one thing that connects everyone across our industry.
“At the end of the day, everyone wins when we focus on the customer and understand what the customer's needs are,” Tim explains. “The consumer is what helps us to develop programs and what drives us to keep innovating.”
Where will this spirit of constant evolution take Shenandoah as it continues to make a lasting impact on the industry? I, for one, am more than excited to find out.
To delve deeper into the world of fresh produce, make sure to keep reading AndNowUKnow.
KERRVILLE, TX - Innovation has once again brought a new level of convenience to the retail sector. H-E-B recently announced the formation of a new partnership with Texas A&M University as it rolls out its Campus+ grocery delivery service. By introducing this platform at Texas A&M, consumers who live on campus will be able to receive grocery deliveries through the H-E-B app right at their doorstep.
“H-E-B’s Curbside and Home Delivery is a favorite throughout the state, making shopping on the go more convenient than ever,” said Lacey Dalcour Salas, Public Affairs Manager, H-E-B. “By using the My H-E-B app or shopping online, H-E-B’s personal shoppers will hand pick your grocery selections and deliver to you curbside, doorstep, and on campus at your scheduled time.”
Those who live on the Texas A&M campus, including students, faculty, and staff, can now use H-E-B’s website or app to choose from eight delivery zones and receive grocery orders to their front door for a $5 fee, according to a press release. The campus delivery option is currently available on the College Station main and West campuses. Additionally, curbside pickup is now free.
“H-E-B is an iconic Texas brand and has been a long-standing partner of Texas A&M University,” said Shane Hinckley, Vice President of Brand Development, Texas A&M. “We’re excited to expand our relationship to include Campus+, which allows us to bring unique services and experiences to the Aggie community, such as campus deliveries.”
H-E-B has been a partner of Texas A&M Athletics since the 2005–06 school year and serves as the “Official Tailgate Headquarters” for football. Since the pandemic interfered with last year’s football season, H-E-B has transformed into the “Official Grilling Zone” to meet any and every Gameday grilling need.
This partnership brings together two iconic Texas names, as H-E-B was started in 1905, when Florence Butt planted the seed of what would become H-E-B in Kerrville, Texas. Since then, H-E-B has grown to more than 400 stores across the state and in 2020 reported over $28 billion in annual sales.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report as more pivotal new partnerships are revealed, so keep reading.
CASTROVILLE, CA - The Virtual 2021 Canadian Produce Marketing Association's (CPMA) Fresh Week event is in full swing, and Ocean Mist® Farms has announced it will be using its platform at the event to highlight its award-winning Season & Steam lineup.
Ocean Mist will be spotlighting its innovative Season & Steam product line throughout the event, which began April 12 and will run through April 16, according to a press release. The main focus of the growers’ showcase will be on the five new products that the company released last fall.
The new Season & Steam items include: Broccoli Florets, Floret Medley, Vegetable Medley, Cauliflower Florets, and Cauliflower Rice. All five products, in addition to the rest of the line, offer convenience, customizable seasoning, and resealable bag technology to maintain freshness—all of which have already grabbed consumer attention as the demand for unique value-added products has continued to increase.
If Season & Steam sounds like the perfect product for your customers, be sure and get in touch with Ocean Mist via its Virtual Expo Platform to schedule a meeting and find out how to get Season & Steam on your shelves.
VALENCIA, CA - Family values and healthy habits go hand in hand, and we know this well in the fresh produce industry. Sunkist Growers put this concept at the forefront of its latest launch, revealing the new three-part YouTube series called Family Segments. The series will be hosted by chef influencers in Canada, giving viewers an intimate window into how families connect with one another over conversations, culture, and of course, citrus.
“So many consumers have continued to enjoy cooking at home and spending quality time with their families, in-person or online,” said Christina Ward, Senior Director, Global Marketing. “Family Segments provides an opportunity to convey Sunkist’s core belief to ‘Share What’s Real’ in a truly authentic way. We hope that showcasing real conversations, real citrus, and real family love will resonate with so many people and inspire them to do the same with their own families.”
The first YouTube segment featured Vijaya Selvaraju and her mom, Meena, and aired on March 11. On April 7, Devan Rajkumar and his mom, Bhano, made their appearance. The third and final segment will air on Sunkist’s YouTube channel and Instagram on April 27, featuring Craig Wong and his mom, Shirley. During each unscripted episode, the chefs invite a family member to share the story behind a beloved citrus-infused recipe that highlights the health benefits, flavor profile, and versatility of U.S.-grown Sunkist citrus, along with other engaging activities.
According to Mintel research, 72 percent of consumers in Canada like to experience other cultures “to break the monotony at mealtime,” a press release noted. In addition, health and wellness is playing a key role in shopper behaviors, as consumers have become increasingly aware of the many health benefits of vitamin C and consider vitamins and minerals a staple to their overall wellbeing. This new series will combine these growing trends and highlight in-season Sunkist orange and lemon varieties. Sunkist’s California-grown Navel, Cara Cara, and orange varieties are currently available at local grocery stores through May and June, while Sunkist lemons are available year-round.
Be sure to stop by the Sunkist booth at the virtual Canada Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Fresh Week show on April 12–16, 2021. The fresh citrus marketing cooperative will be sharing a daily hit of recipe inspiration, retailer resources, and more.
Keep reading the latest reports from ANUK as we cover partnerships, promotions, and more.
ORLANDO, FL - To be able to physically share a space with other industry members is an experience that I will always revel in and cherish, especially after its incredibly ineffable absence. It took me a week to remember how to pack a suitcase, yes, but the rewards were great at the 2021 Southeast Produce Council's (SEPC) Southern Exposure: The Rise of Produce. While I may still be searching for and inscribing the words that express how much the trade show experience meant to me in many ways, I tapped a few industry members who were more than elated to share their own reflections.
Check out what they had to say here in this AndNowUKnow feature...
Megan Zweig, Vice President, DMA Solutions
"There was absolutely nothing about Southern Exposure that was a surprise to me other than the absolutely beautiful weather in Orlando! As one of the first hybrid events of 2021, I'd give the team at SEPC an A+ for navigating a completely unpredictable situation in the best possible way. Do I think we all learned a few things we could do better in the future? Sure! And I am grateful to the team and industry volunteers at SEPC for being pioneers in guiding our industry to optimize tradeshows while we navigate the realities of 2021 together."
Harold Paivarinta, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development, Red Sun Farms, and SEPC Chairman of the Board
"Although circumstances prevented Southern Exposure from breaking attendance records set last year, based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback we've received over the course of the show, the Council delivered yet another impactful event for our members who attended both in-person and virtually. Southern Exposure 2020 concluded as the pandemic was in its earliest days, so it was only fitting that the 2021 event was safely and successfully executed as we begin to move forward toward brighter days ahead. We will take a day or two to celebrate this successful event and get right back into preparing for Southern Innovations in September in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. We are confident a few records will be broken in September!"
Dan Canales, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Processing, Ippolito International
"The SEPC show was [Ippolito's] first step back into the live trade show arena after a year away. Although we're all not back at 100 percent, it is nice to be able to catch up with old friends and business partners and establish new relationships. Call me a bit old school, but I still appreciate the opportunity to talk to people in person and discuss our product lines and new opportunities with them. There's a certain connection that cannot be replicated with a Zoom call."
Kim Andreason, Produce Program Coordinator, Jason's Deli
"The resiliency of this industry over this past year was definitely seen at Southern Exposure. It was wonderful to see everyone again in person and hear stories of how companies were able to come together and pivot through all of the many challenges we have experienced during this pandemic. The excitement of everyone being here and signs of getting back to some sort of normalcy were definitely felt at the event, and SEPC did a great job of bringing us all back together."
Kristin Yerecic Scott, Marketing Director, Yerecic Label
"SEPC Southern Exposure: The Rise of Produce was so phenomenal. It was wonderful to have the produce industry together again, and our team was so pleased with the safety measures the council took to ensure that everyone could get together again for some great education sessions, networking, and camaraderie."
For more details, stats, and reflections on the 2021 Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure: The Rise of Produce, check out the recap here and read what David Sherrod, Teri Miller, and Mike Roberts had to say as well.
A huge thank you to SEPC for the wonderful opportunity, and it was great to see all of our industry friends in Florida!
ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco is once again touting admirable success in the retail sector. The retailer pulled back the curtain on recent growth with the reveal of its March sales results, which showcased several specific metrics on the up and up for the retail giant.
Costco reported net sales of $18.21 billion for the retail month of March, which was the five weeks that ended April 4, 2021. This is an increase of 17.6 percent from its report of $15.49 billion in net sales last year, according to the report.
For the thirty-one-week period ending April 4, 2021, Costco reported net sales of $111.37 billion, an increase of 15.7 percent from the reported $96.25 billion that was seen during a similar period last year.
Comparable sales also show that Costco’s Canadian business was outpacing U.S. operations, as the retailer reported 28.3 percent sales in Canada versus 13.9 percent in the U.S. for the five-week period. For the 31-week period, Costco’s Canadian sales showed 17 percent, while 12.6 percent was attributed to the U.S.
Costco currently operates 807 warehouses, with 559 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 104 in Canada, 39 in Mexico, 29 in the United Kingdom, 28 in Japan, 16 in Korea, 14 in Taiwan, 12 in Australia, three in Spain, and one in Iceland, France, and China. The retailer also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.
As the retailer continues to bolster its growth in the sector, more news will surely emerge. So, keep an eye out for ANUK.
ORLANDO, FL & THE VIRTUAL UNIVERSE - When I stepped into the Swan and Dolphin Resort, the excitement was palpable. The energy felt dynamic and electric. It was like returning home—home to a space we cherish now more than ever and one we have all dreamt of occupying this past year: trade shows. As we were welcomed into Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure trade show, the anticipation that we have felt in these recent months settled into gratitude.
“We thought this year’s Southern Exposure was a wonderful success despite all of the obstacles we’ve faced through the COVID-19 pandemic. We knew it was going to take some time to recoup pre-pandemic attendance numbers, and we could not be more pleased with the participation and support of our members,” David Sherrod, President and Chief Executive Officer, Southeast Produce Council, stated. “We were able to provide a hybrid show experience to our retail and foodservice members who chose to participate, giving them the opportunity to network from any location with our 275 exhibitors/level sponsors.”
Each of the exhibitors participated within the SEPC Virtual Garden, even though, due to travel restrictions, some were unable to exhibit in Orlando.
“There were 403 self-registered buyers for Southern Exposure, including both onsite in Orlando and within the SEPC Virtual Garden. Despite all of those who were unable to attend, we were still able to provide an outstanding buyer-to-seller ratio,” David added.
Themed The Rise of Produce, this 2021 trade show was designed to “restore unity to the produce galaxy” during a time when I believe we all have needed it most and are ready to reconnect, increase our value, and impact the consumer in innovative and diverse ways.
The show hosted a sold-out exhibitor space as well as attendance from over 1,500 industry members. In addition, SEPC’s Virtual Garden—the virtual interactive platform David referred to—allowed buyers and all those in attendance the opportunity to engage with the material and correspond in real-time with onsite exhibitors, sessions, events, and more.
With Star Wars as the thematic backdrop, we all donned our masks—be you Jedi or Storm Trooper—and converged on the fresh produce itinerary, which launched April 5 and 6 and ran through the SEPC Prayer Breakfast on the 9.
“Getting to reconnect with friends and colleagues was amazing! It has been too long since we were all together. It may not have been the biggest SEPC ever but it’s one I will never forget,” Mike Roberts, Director of Produce Operations, Harps Food Stores and SEPC Executive Board Treasurer, shared with me. “The educational sessions were awesome, the expo was great, and all of the social distancing practices in place! It was a great and safe show!”
In order to get into the swing of things on the ground, Southern Exposure kicked off the week with a VIP Dinner on Monday 5, followed by a host of festivities including the Tom Page Golf Classic and STARS and STEP-UPP Dinner.
This year’s Tom Page Golf Classic Winners (two courses at Reunion Resort Golf Courses) were:
1st Place
- Aaron Miller, Howard Litaker, Bill Pollard, Mr. Burch
- Jeff Weaver, Ray England, Michael Bader, John Williams
2nd Place
- Raul Alfonso, Derin Benson
- Kevin Stanger, Dave Barton, Joe Esta
3rd Place
- Jamey Higham, Andy Hamilton, Dave Yeager, Mike Jenks
- Wayne Szabla, Chris Elsie, Meagan Morgan, Austin Mackey
As the week gained momentum, the STARS Breakfast energized the crowd with speakers Megan Zweig, Vice President of DMA Solutions, and Wendy McManus of Connect 2 Potential, who brought soulful insights to eager and hungry industry minds as the organization seeks to inform and advance the careers and paths of the next generation of produce professionals.
The incredible Southern Roots Luncheon also had the women in our produce industry on the edge of their seats (and on their feet) as Sarah Frey, CEO and Founder of Frey Farms, and author of the book The Growing Season, shared her story and wisdom. As Teri Miller, Senior Category Manager, The Fresh Market told me, this was one event for the ages.
“Sarah Frey was OUTSTANDING. She was real, inspiring, and hilarious. I expect this particular session will be talked about for some time,” Teri shared. “The show was therapeutic for me. It warmed my heart to see the faces I’d missed so much, bump elbows with friends, shake hands, or even bear hug. This show continues to encourage conversations that are exploratory and at times opposing. Which is how it should be.”
As SEPC always offers food for thought and business, a plethora of educational seminars brought attendees together along with events like STARS Cocktails and Careers, Produce for Kids, the Retail and Foodservice Reception, and of course the Opening Gala.
To get attendees primed for an exhibitor floor on Thursday afternoon, SEPC hosted a keynote luncheon that was both emotionally charged with authentic connection and appreciation and an opportunity for heartfelt laughter, tears, and awards. Among those many honors presented was the SEPC Lifetime Membership Award presented to Bobby Creel of L&M Companies.
The Terry Vorhees Lifetime Achievement Award, which was posthumous, was given to Martin Eubanks of South Carolina Department of Agriculture, whose family received the award on his behalf.
I think Emily Murracas said it best during a keynote breakfast video greeting: “Tough times make tough people.”
And tough, strong, and resilient we are!
Duncan Wardle, Founder of iD8 & innov8 and former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, echoed that sentiment and took to the stage on Thursday as one of the event’s keynote presenters. Wardle presented innovation tools, ideas, and creative behaviors to give the audience the permission to think differently and address the consumer experience with a deeper vision and strategy.
With the wrap of the keynote and the opening of the exposition hall, industry members were able to truly settle into the fact that we were all finally boots on the ground. Stepping foot on the show floor flooded me with a wash of nostalgia and possibility, and the Star Wars-themed extravaganza was present in even the smallest of details and some of our favorite booths.
Check out some of the award honorees of Southern Exposure 2021:
Booth Decorating Contest Winners
- 1st: LUV by Fresh Directions Intl.
- 2nd: Idaho Potato Commission
- 3rd: Dave’s Specialty Imports, Inc.
Click Connection Challenge Winners
- 1st: Kari Cordero (Lowes Foods)
- 2nd: Adam Brady (Shuman Farms)
- 3rd: Mattie Fisher (John Green Logistics)
Southern Exposure Best Themed Directory Ad
- 1st: WP Produce
- 2nd: Titan Farms
When it came to the coveted Gala Costume Contest Winners, I truly enjoyed David’s response.
“There was awesome participation by our member company families. So many children joined us in costume to celebrate The Rise of Produce. They were all winners,” he expressed.
The Dolphin Grotto and Beach Area hosted the closing party, while those that wanted to extend the show a day longer and soak up the occasion even more attended the SEPC Prayer Breakfast on Friday morning to share their gratitude, camaraderie, and undying support for the industry in which we all work and thrive.
A huge thank you to the Southeast Produce Council team and all those who came out. Whether we air-hugged from six feet away or wrapped each other in big bear hugs, it was an event not to be missed, and we have truly missed all of you!