TAMPA, FL - Although SEPC’s Southern Exposure is widely known as an industry trade show, couldn’t we just call 2020’s event a party? From the Mardi Gras garb to exclusive segments like the Southern Flavor Cocktail, attendees and exhibitors were no doubt partying like it’s 1999. An impressive list of Georgia growers, packaging suppliers, and retailers came together for the Southern Flavor Cocktail event with a theme of celebrating everything Georgia Grown. Pure Flavor® was one of many companies in attendance for the special event, and we heard nothing but high praises.

“We took the opportunity of being at Southern Exposure in Tampa to bring together like-minded partners who fondly and enthusiastically promote Georgia Grown fruits and vegetables throughout the Southeast,” said Chris Veillon, Chief Marketing Officer of Pure Flavor and event Co-Organizer. Pure Flavor completed phase one of its Georgia greenhouse project 15 months ago and currently grows tomatoes and cucumbers in Peach County, GA. “The result was a great event that featured a wide variety of attendees from all over the region.”

Pure Flavor and the Genuine Georgia Group, in collaboration with Shuman Farms, L&M, Herndon Farms, Leger Farms, Royal Foodservice, Pratt Industries, Crawford Packaging, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture ‘Georgia Grown’ program hosted the Southern Flavor Cocktail in Tampa, Florida, on February 27th.

In addition to the party, attendees were also treated to a special guest appearance by MLB Hall of Fame (2005) Member Wade Boggs.

“The evening was a dynamic networking event, bringing suppliers and retailers together to demonstrate the power of Georgia Grown brands and promote the quality of our region,” said Duke Lane III, Partner, Genuine Georgia Group and event Co-Organizer. “Having Wade Boggs with us was a grand slam. His storytelling and charisma were amazing. He really humanized Hall of Famers.”

With event partners who produce everything from peaches to tomatoes to sweet onions to watermelons and leafy greens, the Georgia Grown program was well represented at the event.

“Georgia is home to a robust variety of premium quality produce and the Southern Flavor event was the perfect fit for our Georgia Grown members to meet with buyers from major retailers across the country,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black. “The ability to leverage partnerships to attend events such as this allows us to expand the reach of the Georgia Grown brand on a national level and beyond.”

While the goal was to bring together growers and retailers, event organizers also recognized the need to support local charities who rely on donations to be able to take care of those in need.

“The Southern Flavor Cocktail reception at Southern Exposure was a great way for those of us growing crops in Georgia, and others within the industry, to come together and celebrate the impact our region makes in agriculture and the produce industry,” said John Shuman, President and CEO, Shuman Farms. “Shuman Farms was honored to be a part of this event and we’re looking forward to it growing every year.”

An additional highlight to the night was a $2,500 donation from the event organizers to Barbara Sayles, Florida Director for the Society of St. Andrew, according to a press release.

“Giving back to the Society of St. Andrew (one of SEPC's key charitable organizations) is part of our responsibility and we were proud to help support the incredible work it does every day in its mission to feed America's hungry,” said Duke Lane III.

Who said you can’t party to promote change? Well, whoever it was has never worked with Pure Flavor.

Pure Flavor