BAKERSFIELD, CA - Timing is everything, as we in the produce industry know all too well. Such is the delicate balance events and expos must play and, when it comes to the California grape season, the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) plays it well according to Anthony Vineyards. Especially for buyers looking to have their programs locked and loaded.

“The Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure kicks off our season shipping California table grapes at Anthony Vineyards,” Rob Spinelli, Sales, tells me. “Getting back to seeing each other in person and reuniting with those we have missed is something to look forward to now more than ever. And, in terms of timing, the show is great for our team to get to talking and planning with retailers, especially those who look to map out the next four to six months in their programs.”

Continuing its legacy of delivering high-flavor table grapes in both conventional and organic, the team is expanding its reach in offering new varieties out of Coachella, California, with similar plans for Bakersfield, California, harvest as well.

“Our organic program will be back at the end of May and running through Thanksgiving, and come June we will have more Sweet Globes, Autumn Kings in July, and more of our high-flavor varieties consumers know and love,” Rob says.

Anthony Vineyards’ sister company, SunDate, will also be at the expo, ready to meet with industry members just in time for Ramadan merchandising and promotions.

“Another event SEPC lines up perfectly with is preparation for Ramadan specials and promotional opportunities. This holiday is always a moving target, this year happening on April 2, but SEPC always is in a great window for promoting dates, a key item for Ramadan celebrations. All of March will be a great time to promote and ship our year-round, great-quality Medjool dates,” Rob promises.

It can all be found at booth #919 next month at SEPC’s Southern Exposure in Orlando, Florida, March 3–5, 2022.

Anthony Vineyards