What an incredible tribute to our hardworking farmers! The Southeastern Produce Council recently honored these unsung heroes at their annual produce show, Southern Exposure, in Tampa, Florida.

The event brought together motivational speakers like Kurt Jones, Southeastern and beyond produce companies that you know from your local produce aisles, and retailers who all share appreciation for produce and our farmers!

Led by David Sherrod, the SEPC's show is not just about showcasing delicious produce; it has heart and soul, and you can just feel it when you're there. Everyone is embodying a genuine enthusiasm for each other while sharing agricultural business from coast to coast.

I always find this event particularly special because it maintains such an intimate and authentic vibe while also delivering valuable industry insights and offers the chance to share exciting business news with each other.

One of the standout moments for me was the Southern Roots Luncheon, where produce icon Teri Miller retired after spearheading this female empowerment group from scratch. It was incredibly moving to witness her heartfelt gratitude for the solidarity among women in the industry, emphasizing the importance of supporting each other in the competitive world of produce. While the men in the industry are fantastic, seeing more women rise through the ranks and make a significant impact has been truly inspiring. (GROUP PHOTO to COME!)

The showcase of produce companies and their offerings was a delight. I had the pleasure of catching up with Rachel Syngo from Melon 1, a dedicated family farmer who ensures our grocery stores are stocked with delicious watermelons, making our summers all the more enjoyable. I look forward to sharing more about her exciting news in a future blog post!

Engaging with the Green Giant™ Fresh team was always a highlight for me, especially because who doesn't love potatoes? They are masters at making potatoes both delicious and convenient. Hearing retailers rave about their products and seeing shoppers comeback for more because of the exceptional taste was truly satisfying.

I also had the pleasure of chatting with companies like Classic Harvest, admiring their beautiful citrus displays, which reminded me of the bag of lemons I recently picked up at Trader Joe’s! Meeting the Fru-Veg team, the growers behind the Kiwi Kings products featuring the THX! labels of farmworkers who picked and packed the products, was particularly enjoyable. We even got into the spirit of International Women's Day and snapped a photo together!

The evening hosted by The Produce Industry Podcast founder Patrick Kelley was another highlight. We were treated to stunning views onboard a boat by our hotel, mingling with industry peers and even meeting the legendary BO JACKSON! Patrick’s live event was a significant milestone, thanks to the sponsorship from THX!, making it an unforgettable evening for everyone.

Speaking of THX!, spending time with their co-founders Martin Casanova and Raul Fernandez was a privilege – and fun! They are the driving force behind providing farmworkers' with more dignity as individuals and making farmworkers' dreams a reality. How? It's easy! Every purchase of a THX! branded product contributes to fulfilling a farmworker's dream! It’s incredible how, without any extra cost to consumers, buying these delicious produce items allows you to scan a QR code and learn about the specific farmworkers' stories and dreams. It’s a life-changing way to support and recognize our farmworkers – who are also our unsung heroes!

What a special event the SE Produce Council held – and they always know how to unite a passionate group of growers and retailers. No wonder it always feels so fun and like I'm part of a family – because we all want to fulfill one crucial mission: nourishing our world with nutritious and delicious fruits and vegetables.

Doesn’t that just make you want to head to the grocery store and stock up?