SALINAS, CA - Naturipe Farms is excited to highlight its Southeast-grown berries at this year’s Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure conference in Orlando, Florida. With a focus on excellent volumes, expanded acreage, and innovative new products, Naturipe continues to deliver premium berries through advanced breeding programs.

Naturipe’s new blueberry varieties, such as Patrecia and Colossus, are thriving in the Southeast, a press release stated. These varieties require fewer chill hours and perform well in warmer climates, making them ideal for the region. Additionally, Naturipe’s larger-than-life blueberries, Mighty Blues, are a consumer favorite, celebrated for their exceptional size, flavor and firmness.

“The Southeast is home to some of Naturipe’s most innovative, forward-looking projects, including test plots with the University of Florida,” said John Johnston, Director of Premium Products. “Southeastern berries have evolved greatly since we began growing in the region, resulting in two of our best products: Mighty Blues and Sweet Selections Blueberries.”

The conference will also highlight Naturipe’s Sweet Selections Blackberries, specially bred to taste sweeter and contain fewer seeds than traditional, conventional blackberries, as well as new packaging options designed to give retailers the flexibility to reach a broader customer base. Naturipe’s latest value-added product, Berry Buddies, will also be on display in Naturipe’s booth. Berry Buddies come in three varieties: Berries and Pancakes; Berries, Cookies, and Cheese; and Berries, Pretzels, and Cheese.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to celebrate the launch of Berry Buddies, which formally hit the markets at the end of last summer,” said Steven Ware, Vice President of Value-Added at Naturipe Farms. “Berry Buddies are a direct response to the demands of consumers, further highlighting Naturipe’s commitment to truly meeting customers where they’re at. They have a little something for everyone – be sure to stop by and try them!”

Naturipe’s breeding program, which has introduced over 55 new varieties in the past 15 years, continues to lead the industry with an emphasis on high-yield, premium-quality berries. Recent investments by our grower owners are accelerating the pace of new variety development to meet the increasing demand for superior fruit.

To learn more about Naturipe’s innovations and premium berry offerings, visit booth 833 at Southern Exposure 2025.