NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Exhibitors at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations 2024 highlighted the start to new seasons and expanded product lines during the event held Sept. 12-14 at The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
“This is a great show,” said Keith Hahn, director of foodservice sales for The Little Potato Co.
Hahn said the company highlighted its new 4-10 pack for foodservice. Distributors can use it as a master case or split it.
Red Sun Farms showcased its Empress tomato, a high-antioxidant purple tomato. Currently, it is available through test markets.
Another talking point for event attendees is sustainability, said Leona Neill, director of marketing and packaging. Red Sun Farms is looking at alternatives to plastic packaging and pack, tray and film without using PVC.
“We talk [to attendees] about where we’ve come and our move out of PVC packs and into different solutions,” Neill said.
Lipman Family Farms showcased its crinkle sweet peppers.
“We’re trying to push them for barbecue season,” said Shawna Dalyrmple, business development manager and national sales manager.
Dalyrmple said the crinkle sweet pepper is high-flavor with excellent color and very sweet.
“The color attracts people [at the show], and they ask a lot of questions,” Dalyrmpe said.
With a dry summer and a recent hurricane, the team at Nash Produce said sweetpotato harvest is about a week or two behind. Sweetpotato acres are up.
“We expect the crop to be good quality,” said David Bradley, grower accountant and supply chain specialist.
Bradley said the team is also gearing up for a busy Thanksgiving to Christmas season.
Visitors to the Wada Farms booth learned about how the season is shaping up in the middle of the potato harvest. The team at Wada Farms shared what they’re seeing, size profile, quality and more.
“This year’s harvest looks normal,” said Stephanie Bench, sales manager. “The size profile looks the same as last year, and there will be a steady supply.”
The start of apple season in New York was a major talking point for the team at the Yes Apples booth. SweeTango and Rave harvests have already begun.
Rave, an early-harvest apple, starts the season off strong, said Michael Harwood, sales representative.
“It’s a great early apple for late August and early September,” he said.
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