UNITED STATES - Could it be?! The Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) 2024 Southern Exposure is already upon us, and industry members are more than ready to hit the show floor. Would we be ANUK if we didn’t bring you the latest insights ahead of the event?

Among the companies set to attend is Rice Fruit Company, which will be showcasing its premium assortment of apples during the show.

"As consumer preferences evolve and tastes change with each generation, there will always be an apple variety for everyone,” notes Brenda Briggs, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The benefits of apples to one's health and well-being have remained consistent. Regardless of the variety, we are committed to educating consumers about the advantages of apple consumption.”

The company will be using this show as an opportunity to be a champion of consumer health, helping attendees understand how apple consumption improves well-being. In alignment with the U.S. Apple Association, Rice Fruit is focused on the current Health Benefit campaign, which details the many health benefits that come from adding apples to consumers’ daily routines. 

Rice Fruit’s robust apple portfolio—including newer varieties like Lemonade™, Evercrisp®, and SnapDragon®—will be on display at booth #900.

Also livening up the show floor is BrightFarms.

As Abby Prior, Chief Commercial Officer, stated, “2024 is going to be a breakout year for BrightFarms. Our new greenhouses will provide the capacity to service the increased demand for sustainably grown leafy greens, allowing us to serve more people than ever before.”

Currently operating six greenhouses, BrightFarms delivers fresh, tasty, long-lasting greens to consumers across the Midwest and East Coast. With the construction of three new greenhouse hubs—in Illinois, Texas, and Georgia—being completed later this year, BrightFarms is on pace to 10x its growth by the end of 2025, with the ability to serve more consumers in existing markets, as well as expand its reach further into the Southeast and Texas.

BrightFarms will be drawing attention to its popular line of four Crunch Kit™ salad kits, which have quickly become a staple in the health-seeking consumers’ repertoire. The provider has recently added to this convenient lineup by introducing two new flavors: Mediterranean and Southwest Chipotle. It’s all waiting for you at booth #324!

Last but not least, the Ark Foods team will feature its exceptional bagged pepper program, featuring its lineup of chilis for every occasion, which includes three delicious options: Hot Pepper Medley, Jalapeño Peppers, and Cubanelle Peppers.

“We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of flavor and quality while maintaining our dedication to clean ingredients and supply chain transparency,” said Noah Robbins, Ark Foods Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

Trade show attendees will also see the company's chopped salad kids featuring four tasty flavors in their clean label eats lineup. As Robbins shares, Ark Foods has big plans for 2024 and looks forward to continuing its quest to showcase the magic of vegetables.

Check out the company at booth #228!

For more Southern Exposure insights, be on the lookout for ANUK’s next update!