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?