🌱 Our recap of Southern Exposure 2025

🌱 Good afternoon, and welcome to today's fresh newsletter! 

In today's email:

• Southern Exposure 2025 Recap: Produce Means Family

• Mushroom Council Unveils New Leadership & Opens 2026-28 Nominations

• Trivia: This Fruit is a Collection of Many Individual Berries Fused Together

• Fresh Picks: Our Handpicked Produce Content from the Web

• IFPA Advances Women’s Leadership in Produce and Floral

• Consumer Connection Conference: Shaping Produce Trends

• Mariani Nut Company: A Family Legacy of Growth, Quality, & Sustainability

• Tip of the Day: Trade Processed Snacks for Fresh Produce

EXPO RECAPS

Southern Exposure 2025 Recap: Produce Means Family

The Southern Exposure 2025 event, organized by the Southeast Produce Council, took place at the Orlando World Center Marriott from March 6-8, bringing together nearly 3,500 produce professionals under the theme "Produce Means Family."

This was the first time the event was held at this venue, offering a streamlined experience where most activities took place under one roof.

With 307 exhibitors and 659 retail, wholesale, and food service buyers, the setup facilitated natural, unscheduled interactions beyond formal meetings.

Attendees experienced a blend of professional engagement and personal connections, reinforcing the event’s reputation for fostering both business and industry camaraderie.

The expo floor was buzzing with new product showcases, including organic mango fries and innovative greenhouse tomatoes, which sparked interest and conversation.

As the event wrapped up with the Al Finch Memorial Prayer Breakfast, participants departed not just with business cards and potential deals but with strengthened relationships that will continue to drive their businesses forward until next year’s gathering.

We took lots of pictures and videos, so make sure to check out our full event recap through the link at the bottom of this section, and stay tuned for the final video edit as well.

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FOOD INDUSTRY

Mushroom Council Unveils New Leadership & Opens 2026-2028 Nominations

The Mushroom Council announced new leaders and opened nominations for the 2026-2028 term during its meeting in San Antonio.

Chris Alonzo (Pietro Industries) and Tony Stachurski (Kitchen Pride) joined the council, while Michael Stephan (Monterey Mushrooms) was elected Chair, with Pat Jurgensmeyer (J-M Farms) as Vice Chair, Laura Matar (Giorgio Mushrooms) as Secretary, and Jack Guan (Terra Garden) as Treasurer.

These leaders will drive market strategies, research, and innovation in the mushroom industry.

The Council is seeking new members, requiring producers with an annual output of over 500,000 pounds.

Nominations, segmented by region, close on May 1, 2025.

These changes aim to strengthen the sector and support its sustainable growth.

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TRIVIA

The _____ contains an enzyme called bromelain that breaks down proteins and was used by indigenous peoples as a meat tenderizer.

Said fruit is actually a collection of many individual berries fused together.

On the other hand, they take nearly two years to grow from planting to harvest and is a symbol of hospitality.

📸 Seen and heard at SEPC Southern Exposure 2025 — Part 1 | The SEPC Southern Exposure 2025 highlighted industry trends, new products, and expert insights, including Chef Jeff Henderson’s inspiring journey. Exhibitors showcased innovations like sustainable packaging, Cosmic Crisp apples, and Vidalia onions, driving consumer engagement. (ThePacker.com | March 10, 2025)

🌪 Secretary Rollins Surveys Fire and Hurricane Damage in Western North Carolina | Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited North Carolina to assess damage from wildfires and Hurricane Helene, meeting with the U.S. Forest Service and local leaders to coordinate recovery efforts and support affected communities. (USDA | March 7, 2025)

🌱 More Effective Disease Control in Your Vegetables Via Crop Rotations | Crop rotation is a key strategy for controlling vegetable diseases, preventing pathogen buildup in the soil, and reducing the risk of foliar infections, requiring planning based on pathogen identification, selection of resistant crops, and expert advice. (GrowingProduce.com | March 7, 2025)

📉 Trump Delays Tariffs for Goods Covered Under Mexico, Canada Trade Deal | President Trump delayed the 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada under the USMCA for one month, set to expire on April 2, justifying them with the fentanyl crisis, while economic uncertainty and trade tensions persist. (ThePacker.com | March 6, 2025)

🍋 Fresh Gourmet Co. Expands Premium Lemon, Lime Juice Line | Fresh Gourmet Co. expands its premium lemon and lime juice line with Italia Garden, offering high-quality organic and conventional options, made in Italy, to meet the growing demand for authentic and sophisticated ingredients. (TheProduceNews | March 6, 2025)

EXPANSIONS

Creekside Organics Expands Fruit World’s Citrus

Creekside Organics and Fruit World have merged in a 50/50 partnership to expand their citrus offerings, providing both organic and conventional options like heirloom navel oranges, mandarins, and blood oranges.

This collaboration aims to meet growing consumer demand for fresh, healthy produce while supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices.

Retailers will benefit from a streamlined ordering process, a diverse citrus selection, and merchandising support to enhance in-store displays.

The companies emphasize transparency, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, aligning with the preferences of Millennials and Gen Z shoppers.

Their joint efforts also include consumer education on the health benefits of citrus and creating visually appealing produce sections to drive higher sales.

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MELON

Martori Farms Expands with Azhderian Acquisition

Martori Farms, a leading melon grower and distributor, has announced the acquisition of V.H. Azhderian & Co., a historic player in the industry.

This move expands Martori Farms into California’s San Joaquin Valley, a prime agricultural region.

Founded in 1915, Azhderian built a legacy of quality and innovation in melon packing and shipping. As part of the transition, industry veteran Berj Moosekian will lead California operations, ensuring a smooth integration.

The Los Banos facility will serve as a key hub for cooling, storage, and distribution, enhancing efficiency.

This strategic acquisition strengthens Martori Farms’ position in the market, blending tradition with modern production to meet growing consumer demand for premium melons across the U.S.

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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Mariani Nut Company: A Family Legacy of Growth, Quality & Sustainability

Nestled in the small town of Winters, California, Mariani Nut Company has grown from a modest family operation into one of the largest privately held nut processors in the world.

Founded in 1972 by cousins Jack and Dennis Mariani, the company initially focused on walnuts before expanding into almonds when Jack’s brother Martin joined the business.

What began as a small processing facility serving the Mariani family’s orchards has since evolved into a vertically integrated operation, sourcing nuts from a vast network of growers and supplying products to major retailers, food manufacturers, and international markets.

The family’s farming history dates back to the Santa Clara Valley, once a flourishing region for orchards before the rise of Silicon Valley pushed agriculture out.

Anticipating these changes, the Marianis relocated their farming and processing operations to Northern California, where the climate and soil proved ideal for nut cultivation.

Sustainability has also played a significant role in Mariani Nut Company’s development.

The company has committed to environmentally responsible practices, investing in renewable energy and waste reduction initiatives.

In 2024, Mariani Nut installed solar panels capable of generating 100% of the power needed for its processing facilities.

Traditionally, nuts were stocked in the baking aisle of grocery stores, reinforcing the idea that they were primarily ingredients for cakes, cookies, and breads.

The Marianis recognized the untapped potential in promoting nuts as standalone snacks and versatile cooking staples.

They worked closely with retailers to reposition nuts within stores, highlighting their role in healthy eating trends.

The company prides itself on delivering premium nuts that are carefully selected and minimally processed to preserve their natural flavor and nutritional value.

Many workers have remained with the company for decades, a testament to the strong relationships and fair treatment that have defined the business since its inception.

Through a combination of strategic diversification, sustainable practices, and strong partnerships, Mariani Nut Company has positioned itself as a leader in the nut industry.

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TIP OF THE DAY

Trade Processed Snacks for Fresh Produce

Many consumers rely on packaged snacks because they are convenient, but fresh produce can be just as easy and much healthier.

Create a "Snack Swap Challenge" where customers commit to swapping at least one processed snack per day for a fresh produce-based option.

Provide easy, grab-and-go alternatives like:

• Instead of chips → Crunchy bell pepper or carrot sticks with hummus.

• Instead of sugary granola bars → Banana with almond butter.

• Instead of candy → Frozen grapes or dates.

Promote this campaign in-store with snack swap stations, where shoppers can sample fresh alternatives and share simple swap ideas through social media and email.

By showing that healthy snacks can be just as convenient and satisfying as processed ones, you create a fun, engaging way to boost produce sales while reinforcing the benefits of fresh, whole foods.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

IFPA Advances Women’s Leadership in Produce and Floral

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is enhancing its commitment to women’s leadership in the produce and floral industries through mentorship, networking, and advocacy.

Its Women’s Fresh Perspectives Portfolio offers year-round programs to support women at all career stages.

Key events include The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference (sold out for the third consecutive year), The Washington Conference: Focus on Advocacy Breakfast (June 11), The Foodservice Conference reception (July 31), and a Women’s Breakfast at the Global Produce & Floral Show (October 18).

Additionally, IFPA’s 2025 Mentoring Program pairs industry veterans with rising talent.

CEO Cathy Burns emphasizes that these initiatives help women grow while strengthening the industry as a whole.

IFPA continues to promote leadership, inclusion, and professional advancement for women.

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