In addition to education sessions, networking events and an exhibitor expo, Southern Exposure included an Innovation Station on its show floor, where exhibitors, such as Shuman Farms, were invited to showcase new products. Grown in the same soil as Vidalia onions, the Georgia-based sweet onion grower’s new Real Sweet Rubies, available mid-May through July, were featured, as were Grimmway Farms’ new Cal-Organic Organic Carrot Chips and dips in three varieties: Ranch, Hummus and Guacamole.
In addition to education sessions, networking events and an exhibitor expo, Southern Exposure included an Innovation Station on its show floor, where exhibitors, such as Shuman Farms, were invited to showcase new products. Grown in the same soil as Vidalia onions, the Georgia-based sweet onion grower’s new Real Sweet Rubies, available mid-May through July, were featured, as were Grimmway Farms’ new Cal-Organic Organic Carrot Chips and dips in three varieties: Ranch, Hummus and Guacamole.
Trinity Fruit Company’s Angela Hernandez, Jackie Nakashian and colleague served up samples of the company’s two new juices: Mandarin and Pomegranate. Both feature a 120-day shelf life and a fresh-squeezed, not-too-sweet flavor. The juices are launching at East Coast retailers now.
At the Ontario-based greenhouse grower Pure Flavor, Chris Veillon touted the company’s Cloud 9 bite-size tomatoes, which won the International Taste Institute’s Superior Taste Award last year. Pointing to Cloud 9 tomatoes, he said, “You should be able to taste that summer tomato flavor year-round.” Veillon then discussed the importance of marketing fresh, flavorful and healthful products that are also convenient.
“Packaged, convenient, microwavable items are driving value,” said Fresh Solutions Network’s Kathleen Triou, who added that the company’s Side Delights potato brand meets consumer demand for all three attributes. She further noted that the company has a long history in the value-added space, launching convenient potato items in 2008.
At Sunview, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mitch Wetzel revealed that the company will debut two red grape varieties later this year. Also at the booth and ready to talk California grapes was Sunview’s Ryan Debuskey and Shawn Caldwell.
Greenhouse grower Mucci Farms featured new, plastic-free packaging for its tomatoes and peppers. Stephen Cowan discussed the merits of the company’s Sweet Point peppers, as well as the company's Sapori and Vero tomatoes, being in the new sustainable packaging.
Mariani Nut Company’s Matt Mariani showed off the company’s lightly roasted Marcona Almonds with sea salt and olive oil — Mariani’s “fastest growing item,” he said. Mariani’s Larry Griffith spotlighted the company’s Hickory Smoke Flavored Savory Almonds.
Soil-based indoor farmer Soli Organic (formerly Shenandoah Growers), which recently revealed its ambitious expansion plans, featured its range of leafy greens and herbs. Soli’s Scott Dault and Steve Wright introduced the company’s new sustainable packaging with a removable film that makes the tray 100% recyclable. “It’s as good as it can get,” said Wright of the packaging.
At The Wonderful Company, Kat Hulstrand and Michael Celani featured Chili Roasted Pistachios, Sea Salt & Vinegar Pistachios, and Honey Roasted Pistachios — all without shells.
At Nature Fresh Farms, Conor Chivers talked about the Ontario, Canada-based greenhouse grower’s new branding and “state-of-the-art” strawberry facility. The company also showcased its tomatoes on the vine and mini cucumbers.
