LOS ANGELES, CA - Tampa, Florida, get ready because the produce industry is about to arrive! Set for March 7–9, 2024, this year’s Southern Exposure event put on by the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) will host many buyers, suppliers, and more. Among them is the Giumarra Companies, which boasts an exciting interactive booth.

“We will be sharing our new avocado bag designs at our booth, as well as in our Bright Ideas Fresh Arrivals showcase at the event,” says Kristina Lorusso, Vice President, Retail Partner Services. “A highlight is our new compostable organic avocado bag, which will be available to ship in spring. We will also showcase some of our other key programs at SEPC, including berries, melons, and stone fruit.”

The bag has a compelling design and is 100 percent plastic-free, a message that strongly appeals to environmentally conscious consumers, Kristina details. All of Giumarra’s new avocado bags are supported by customized marketing programs and designed to help retailers generate excitement around the avocado category.

“Besides promoting our products, we will have an interactive booth inviting SEPC attendees to share their produce heroes. SEPC’s theme for this year’s event, ‘Produce: The Unseen Heroes,’ really spoke to our team. We are excited to recognize our harvesting, picking, packing, transportation, and service colleagues and invite our fellow industry members to do the same,” adds Kristina. “Everyone’s job in the produce supply chain is important in helping bring fresh fruits and vegetables to consumers’ tables.”

In drawing further attention to the importance of farm workers, Giumarra will also host an “Ask Us Anything: Fair Trade Certified™” hour in partnership with Fair Trade USA™.

Veronica Lewis, Business Development Manager, Retail Partnerships for Fair Trade USA, will be present alongside Giumarra staff to answer any questions from attendees about the benefits and implementation of a Fair Trade Certified produce program for grocery retailers. The event will take place from 1–2 p.m. at Giumarra’s booth #315.

“We look forward to the opportunity to see our retail partners and share updates and details about our fresh produce and retail opportunities at Southern Exposure in collaboration with Giumarra, a Fair Trade Certified supplier,” says Veronica. “Fair Trade Certified programs give brands and retailers a way to connect with consumers and clearly communicate their values. It allows them to tie the stories of impact to their promotions and key selling moments. Consumers care and want to shop their values—one retailer who shared their shopper card data identified that their most loyal consumers are shoppers who purchase fair trade.”

Giumarra’s team noted that the company offers a variety of Fair Trade Certified produce from Mexico, including avocados, asparagus, grapes, melons, and peppers.

For the company, Southern Exposure is a chance to highlight the efforts of its employee “produce heroes” and the individuals across the industry who bring fresh produce to shoppers daily. It is also a chance to strengthen its relationships with current and potential partners.

“SEPC’s Southern Exposure provides an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our diverse range of fruit and vegetable programs to our valued customers. We aim to strengthen our connections with our current retail, foodservice, and wholesale partners while attracting new business opportunities,” explains Gary Caloroso, Business Development Director. “This event is not only enjoyable, but it also serves as an educational and significant opportunity for us to network within the produce industry.”

If you want to learn more about Giumarra’s produce and service offerings and take part in all the engaging activities the supplier has in store for attendees, make booth #315 a stop on the show floor.