ONTARIO, CANADA - Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) is gathering the industry for what will be many's first trade show of the year. Ensuring it kicks 2024 off right, Red Sun Farms™ is set to unveil two exciting varieties at the council's Southern Exposure: Empress Limited Edition Tomatoes and Mini Mingles.

“Southern Exposure holds significant importance for the Red Sun Farms team. As we prepare to kick off the 2024 trade show season in Tampa, we eagerly anticipate reconnecting, forging new relationships, and presenting developments and technologies our team has meticulously crafted. We are excited about the prospect of establishing fresh relationships that will serve as the cornerstone for ongoing growth and partnership in the years ahead,” Harold Paivarinta, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development, recently shared with me.

And ensuring those introductions get off on the right foot are the two newly branded additions to the greenhouse grower’s portfolio. Empress Limited Edition Tomatoes are snack-sized delights with a rich purple hue, offering superior health benefits and antioxidant richness.

“Red Sun Farms is delighted to unveil our newest tomato variety, Empress Limited Edition Tomatoes! While maintaining the classic taste and sizing of cherry tomatoes, these gems boast a luxurious purple hue both inside and out,” Harold pointed out. “In addition, they contain superior health benefits and antioxidant richness. This distinctive patented approach to plant-based bioengineering seamlessly merges snapdragon genes with tomatoes, crafting an unparalleled and delightful culinary experience.”

Secondly, Mini Mingles are a distinctive variety pack of mini cucumbers featuring traditional dark green cucumbers with a light—nearly white—same size option in the same set. Think the tuxedo version of the gourd offering hitting your produce aisles.

“A new sweet and crisp light green variety offered with the more traditional dark mini cucumbers makes a refreshing, exciting addition to this popular snack,” Harold said.

Each is a new step in setting Red Sun and its retail partners apart in different corners of veg, a move further strengthened by the resilience the grower and its counterpart have shown amid recent challenges.

“The market has been challenging due to extreme weather conditions, crop yield impacted by disease control in the greenhouses, and increasing operational costs. In 2024, our team will continue to use this opportunity to identify efficiencies through technology and automation, as well as innovation in better yielding varieties,” Harold reflected, showcasing the company’s strength and commitment to those it serves. “These changes are big steps and take time to implement, but they are long term improvements that will ensure our operations continue to survive in future markets.”

Needless to say, swing by booth #408 for an exciting stop when on the Southern Exposure show floor in Tampa, Florida, March 7–9.