When Happy Dirt sets up its presence at booth No. 216 at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations show in Charlotte, NC, the company will be building relationships with existing customers, meeting potential new customers and spreading the word about its accomplishments and its mission. Happy Dirt, based in Durham, NC, is making its Southern Innovations debut this year, and one of its goals is to spread the word about its rebranding. Founded by Sandi Kronick in 2004 as Eastern Carolina Organics, the company rebranded itself as Happy Dirt in 2019. “Even though we’ve been around for

Sterman Masser Potato Farms will showcase its premium, newly redesigned Side Delights Petite Potatoes line at both the show and in the New Product Showcase at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations trade show. This year’s event is an opportunity to highlight innovative products that resonate with the post-COVID, return to normal shopping behaviors we see at retail today. The annual trade show and conference highlight the latest innovations in the fresh produce industry, including new product developments, packaging technology and unique brand approaches. Hitting on all three

Nash Produce is looking forward to Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Innovations show for a variety of reasons. “First and foremost, we will be an exhibitor at the show,” said Robin Narron, sales support and marketing director for the Nashville, NC-based company. “This is important to us because we can interact with our current customers and potentially meet new ones. Maintaining these relationships and possibly creating new ones is ultimately why we go to these shows. We want customers to know that we care and will go out of our way to prioritize them and their needs.” While at the show

Ark Foods is celebrating its 10th anniversary in business. Two notable product launches this month honor this momentous year as the company reflects on a decade of inspiring vegetable creativity. Back in 2003, Noah Robbins had a “lightbulb” moment when he first bit into a Shishito pepper. Since then, Ark Foods has shown an unwavering commitment to transparency, sustainability and cutting-edge vegetable innovation, introducing new and exciting vegetables to the table. Keeping with their mission to make fresh food accessible to all, Ark Foods has ignited veggie curiosity in consumers to benefit

Salena Chairez, Samantha German and Tyler Custodio have been named the recipients of the Southeast Produce Council's its newest scholarship program – SEPC Fresh Chefs. Each of these three recipients will receive one $1,500 scholarship toward their educational goals for the upcoming year. In addition to the scholarship funds, each recipient will also be invited to attend SEPC’s Southern Innovations conference and expo, Sept. 14-16 in Charlotte, NC. The SEPC will cover hotel and travel expenses to the event and will also provide an SEPC Fresh Chefs jacket for each recipient. At Southern

The Southeast Produce Council has waved the green flag to announce a powerful lineup of speakers for upcoming Southern Innovations, Sept. 14-16. Held at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC, this year’s conference will continue to build upon SEPC’s “What’s New?” platform, as SEPC members race to discover the latest innovations within the fresh produce industry. Southern Innovations continues to evolve as a growing interest from produce fans in each segment of our industry drives SEPC to deliver creative solutions and inventive perspectives to boost businesses to the finish line