The Southeast Produce Council's annual Southern Innovations conference and trade show this fall will focus on "What's New" in the fresh produce industry, highlighting the latest innovations from organics and new product developments to technology and unique brand approaches. "We are eager to support our members by providing fresh opportunities to market innovative and services, a mission that is crucial as we emerge from the recent pandemic," said Mike Roberts of Harps Food Stores, who is the council's treasurer as well as conference chairman of Southern Innovations 2021. "Through our 'What's

The Southeast Produce Council is currently accepting nominations for its Next Generation Award. The deadline to submit nominations is 5 p.m. Eastern time Friday, July 16. Nominations will only be accepted for SEPC members 39 years or younger who have been employed in the produce industry for at least four years and have made a significant contribution to the industry. To qualify for this award, members must also be in "good standing" with the SEPC through regular attendance and contributions to the council. SPEC member companies who are in "good standing" may nominate an employee who is not

The Southeast Produce Council held its first STEP-UPP Virtual Classroom within the SEPC Virtual Garden on Wednesday, April 28. STEP-UPP, which is an acronym for Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals, is SEPC’s flagship program giving retail and foodservice produce professionals a greater understanding of the industry through an emphasis on strategic orientation, personal leadership and hands-on field experience. The session included a welcome by STEP-UPP Committee Co-Chairs Mike Roberts of Harps Food Stores and Gary Baker of Merchants Distributors, followed by

The Southeast Produce Council has announced its officers for 2020-21. They are Harold Paivarinta of Red Sun Farms as chairman of the board of directors, Raina Nelson of Renaissance Food Group as vice chairman, Tim Graas of Associated Wholesale Grocers as secretary and Mike Roberts of Harp's Food Stores as treasurer. Two new members of the board were also announced: Mark Shuman of Shuman Farms and Jeff Tant of Performance Food Group. The announcements were made Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 23, via the SEPC Virtual Garden, during which outgoing Chairman Brandon Parker of Shuman Farms virtually

The Southeast Produce Council's Executive Committee announced Aug. 9 that Southern Innovations 2020, which was to be held Sept. 16-19 in Savannah, GA, has been postponed until next year due to growing concerns and restrictions surrounding COVID-19. Southern Innovations 2021 is already set to be held at the same venue in the fall of next year. "It is with a heavy heart that we have had to make this decision," said David Sherrod, SEPC president and chief executive officer. "Our sincere desire was to provide a beacon of shining a light for an in-person event to provide hope and healing for our