AVENTURA, Fla. — From mushrooms to Persian limes to murasaki sweetpotatoes to microgreens and more, exhibitors at East Coast Produce Expo 2026 showcased some of the hottest trends in produce at the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort and Spa, Jan. 12-13.
Canada’s first certified mushroom company, Highline Mushrooms, invited attendees to “Eat Super. Feel Super.” It’s colorful and creative campaign featuring mushroom-headed people in fun poses continues to capture attention.
Nash Produce shared the good news about this year’s sweetpotato crop.
“It looks very good,” says Robin Narron. “This is the best our potatoes have looked in a while.”
She also points to the increasing popularity of murasaki sweetpotatoes, a Japanese variety celebrated for its distinctive purple skin and creamy white flesh that offers a sweet, nutty flavor with a drier, starchier texture than orange sweetpotatoes.
Narron says Nash aims to meet increased demand and is planting additional murasaki acreage this spring.
Topline has added 40 acres to its Canadian greenhouse-grown roma tomatoes farm in the past two years, says Brian DiCarlo.
“With greenhouses, you get quality and consistency,” he says, adding that Topline has steadily grown its retail and foodservice business.
Growers and packers of Persian limes from Mexico, D Produce has packing facilities in three regions along the Gulf Coast. The company says packing in Veracruz, Oaxaca and Tabasco, allows it to produce the best quality organic and conventional limes and offer year-round availability to its retail and foodservice customers.
“Wada Farms sweetpotato crop is right where it needs to be to be a good year for the grower,” says Vice President Joe Esta.
Russets are long this season, he adds.
Thankfully, a solid customer base and strong retail partnerships with grocers including Walmart and Kroger, will move crop along to the consumer, Esta says.
“During COVID people learned to cook, which has been great for potatoes,” he says. “Unlike other commodities, we thrived. I hope the interest in cooking continues because it’s been good for the industry.”
All of Sunswell’s greens are grown hydroponically indoors and reach retail shelves within 24 to 48 hours of harvest, says John Halle.
The Florida-based company with two facilities in Lake Worth and the Fort Myers area started growing nutrient-dense microgreens late last year, says Halle, who adds the interest in microgreens is being spurred by chefs using them in dishes.
Zespri’s Debbie Roger says she’s excited for RubyRed kiwifruit season. RubyRed kiwifruit from New Zealand will be available nationwide beginning in mid- to late April, she says.
A naturally sweet, red-fleshed kiwi with a distinct berry-like flavor, Zespri RubyRed kiwifruit offers a colorful alternative to green or gold kiwis.
Roger says last season’s West Coast trial of RubyRed was a success with all incremental sales.
The line, which recently received a brand refresh, includes lettuce wraps, romaine, green leaf, red leaf and deli leaf.
