MILLEN, GA - If you're headed to Orlando next week for Southern Exposure, here’s some news that got a few of ANUK’s team members packing for the trip early: The Southeast Produce Council will be unveiling this year’s Power of Produce findings, commissioned by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), at this year's big event!

“We are thrilled to bring the Power of Produce debut to members of the Southeast Produce Council during Southern Exposure,” said SEPC President and CEO David Sherrod. “FMI has built a reputation among our members as one of the most trusted sources in the supermarket business. This collaboration between our associations has been mutually beneficial to both groups, and we look forward to working on more projects with FMI in the future.”

SEPC first collaborated with FMI back in 2017 for Southern Innovations Organic & Foodservice Expo, which was a hit with show-goers. This year, the two are once again teaming up to help the produce industry understand the produce category from all angles, including the food retailer and grower/shipper angles. Specifically, Power of Produce identifies the biggest trends in consumer purchasing and consumption, including new topics like hydroponics, plant-based beverages, and packaging and local sourcing. The 2019 edition even provides strategies to fuel growth, bolster produce merchandising and marketing programs, and improve consumers’ produce shopping experience.

“Our fourth exploration into the Power of Produce provides valuable data and consumer insights that support our grocery members’ strategies, sales, and profits in a $60 billion category,” said FMI Vice President of Fresh Foods Rick Stein. “This year, we will unveil several surprises regarding how and where consumers are purchasing their produce, and we’ll share shopper trends that are decidedly driving growth in the category: organic, locally grown, value-added, produce-based beverages, and private brand products. We are pleased to partner with such a distinguished group of industry professionals and debut this analysis at Southeast Produce Council Southern Exposure.”

According to a press release, the analysis, conducted by 210 Analytics and supported by data from IRI and Nielsen, and research, revealed exclusively during Southern Exposure, is made possible by the generous support of Burris Logistics and Yerecic Label, in addition to the Southeast Produce Council.

Past Southern Exposures have witnessed over 500 buyers and 2,000 suppliers in attendance, and this year, I hope that includes you! Yeah, you! For more information on this year’s show, visit seproducecouncil.com.

For more trade show coverage before, during, and after the events, keep checking back with AndNowUKnow.

SEPC