AVENTURA, Fla. — From the debut of the latest SuperShots to redesigned cabbage displays, exhibitors at East Coast Produce Expo highlighted strategies to stay competitive in 2026. Whether it is preparing for FSMA 204 compliance or capturing the attention of a changing consumer demographic, the unifying message across the show floor was clear: The produce industry is looking to a more branded, data-driven and efficient future.
Visitors to the GS1 US booth had a chance to try their luck at answering questions to win prizes. Questions included “What is FSMA 204?” and “Who is GS1?” with the intention of keeping the conversation going with FSMA 204 preparations. While 2028 seems like a while away, Liz Sertl, senior director of supply chain visibility at GS1 US, says now is a good time to begin the compliance journey.
“Organizations should be thinking about getting started, not just with preparing for the regulation but [also] leveraging the benefits of the regulation, including food safety, food recall, inventory management, food waste and good master data,” Sertl says. “It's not hard to get started. It's just taking that first step [toward compliance].”
Sol-ti debuted two new products, its Electroboost+ and its Mindboost+ SuperShots. Mindboost+ offers 50 milligrams of caffeine through ceremonial-grade matcha and contains lion's mane and ashwagandha. As hydration becomes more of a focus for consumers, Ryan Cooper, director of sales at Sol-ti, says the new Electroboost with electrolytes is a perfect fit for those consumers focused on effective hydration.
Cooper also says Sol-ti focuses on “getting away from single-use plastics.”
Pedro Pablo Rodriguez Payeras, director of PanAmerican Farms, says he enjoyed his time at East Coast Produce Expo, noting that The Packer's Fresh Trends 2026 educational session was informative.
“It's important to find out that men are leading buying,” he says. “It's good to see data on the market and how important [the male buyer] is.”
After unveiling the Grimmway Produce Group last year, which includes Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic Farms, Bunny-Luv, Tasteful Selections, San Miguel Produce and RPE Inc. under one umbrella company, David Verdrager, director of business development for foodservice and export sales with Grimmway Produce Group, says the feedback has been positive. He says he had good conversations at East Coast Produce Expo with buyers.
“In the age of consolidation, more and more buyers are looking for convenience,” he says. “Less stops for trucks and anything to simplify their side of the business.”
Tara Murray, vice president of marketing for Fresh Innovations/Yo Quiero Brands, says she loved that East Coast Produce Expo unveiled the latest Fresh Trends data at the show. She says the presentation from Jennifer Strailey, editorial director for The Packer, left her wanting more.
The Fresh Trends 2026 report looked at how men outspend women in many produce categories, and Murray says she already wants to see a side-by-side comparison of male shoppers of different generations to better understand their behavior.
“It is more interesting that what we do in CPG focuses more on female-centric marketing,” she says.
Eric McClam, founder of City Roots Farm, says he enjoyed the marketing panel as part of the East Coast Produce Expo education sessions. He says what he took away from the session is just how much the produce industry needs to move beyond the focus on health
“We need to look at CPG collectively and what they're doing and how to pull from it,” he says. “Promoting brands as a lifestyle, brands as a premium product to set you apart.”
Vadim Sampedro, sales and account manager with Hippie Organics and Alpine Fresh, says the show was good for Alpine Fresh and Hippie Organics, though most of the conversations with booth visitors were about Hippie Organics.
“People say they love the brand and they want to learn more about the brand,” he says.
Jed Watson, sales manager for Watsonia Organics, says it was a good show for his family's fourth-generation business.
“We've had good conversations and positive feedback from buyers and retailers,” he says. “We're looking forward to what 2026 has in store.”
While many retailers had bright and colorful displays for Valentine's Day or Lunar New Year, PennRose Farms showcased it's redesigned St. Patrick's Day displays and 5-pound cabbage boxes for its Blue Ribbon brand cabbage.
“We have 10% of the market share on cabbage,” says Tyler Hiriak, sales executive with PennRose Farms.
Hiriak says the company debuted the redesigned cabbage boxes last year and had positive feedback from the retailers who used the promotional booking.
“Retailers who utilized the promotion last year want to re-up because they saw a lift,” he says. “[Cabbage] is affordable and fills up a shopping basket.”
Hiriak says, while at East Coast Produce Expo, retailers wanted to discuss organic produce availability as the category continues to grow. He says PennRose has seen double-digit growth in the category, and retailers wanted to discuss the surety of supply as it builds out its 52-week program.
FiveStar Gourmet Foods, known for its premium packaged salads, showcased its single-serve and family-size kits that elevate the category, says CEO Tal Shoshan.
“We have more salad choices than any other competitor,” he says.
At its East Coast Produce Expo Booth, Farm Direct Supply celebrated the first anniversary of its Tropiful brand.
“We have enjoyed building the brand,” says Matt Houmes, produce specialist with Farm Direct Supply. “It's an energetic and vibrant brand.”
Houmes says what's great about the Tropiful, which includes the company's red dragon fruit, yellow dragon fruit, rambutan and pink dragon fruit, is that retailers can build out a customizable program for stores that is easy to execute.
“We can create a program for retail and combine it in an eye-catching display,” Houmes says.
Conversations at the Fox Packaging booth focused on stock programs and private-label packaging.
“Consistent support and consistent participation [of industry events] is important to learn what's happening in the industry to keep our customers informed,” says Victoria Lopez, marketing and business development manager for Fox Packaging.
Lopez says there's been some new developments, such as state regulations on EPR (extended producer responsibility), and Fox Packaging helps its customers understand the implications of those regulations.
Booth visitors also wanted to learn about how produce businesses can better utilize the labor on hand and become more efficient with automation, Lopez says.
Rob Richardson, national sales representative for Farm Fresh Direct, says he enjoyed the education sessions at the East Coast Produce Expo, noting the importance of good marketing.
“I can sell them the product, but it's all about the display,” he says.
Richardson says the other takeaway he got from the sessions was the emphasis on quality.
“Quality always reigns supreme,” he says.
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