SALINAS, CA - Lettuce and leafy greens are on the brain over at Church Brothers Farms. As the supplier ramps up for the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) 2024 Southern Exposure, I recently got in touch with Ernst van Eeghen, Vice President of Foodservice Business Development, who dropped a few show teasers.

“At this year’s Southern Exposure, we will be showcasing Tuscan Salads! It’s the most comprehensive lineup of all-lettuce tender leaf blends in the industry with three new blends: Color and Crunch, Scarlet Butter, and Supreme Green,” Ernst began telling me. “We will also be featuring a new whole leaf option: Burger & Sandwich Leaf. It’s an ideal topper for foodservice operators looking for a hearty crunch and sweet flavor.”

With SEPC Southern Exposure being the first big show of the year for Church Brothers, Ernst explained that the company is looking forward to networking and talking to customers about all of its new items.

“This is a small, intimate show, making it a great opportunity to start conversations and have face-to-face interactions. Like every show, our goal is to identify sales opportunities for both new and existing items,” Ernst continued. “We want people to walk away from our booth thinking that Church Brothers is a perfect one-stop shop for most produce needs, including innovative new items.”

Those looking for a truly differentiated supply will surely be delighted when they come across the Church Brothers booth during Southern Exposure.

“Produce innovation starts at Church Brothers. Not only is showcasing our new items fun, but so is having our local sales support here. Bob Licker, who represents the Southeast for us, is always eager to talk about produce and arguably creates the best produce displays in the industry!” Ernst added.

Our team looks forward to seeing you all next month—fresh produce innovation awaits!