AVENTURA, Fla. — East Coast Produce Expo 2026, held Jan. 12-13 at the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort and Spa, boasted a record number of attendees and exhibitors, the latter of which brought a bounty of fresh, flavorful and innovative products designed to meet the needs and demands of retailers, foodservice professionals and consumers alike.
First-time exhibitor Twang has been in the flavoring salts business for 40 years but is a relative newcomer to the produce department. The company showcased its bold flavoring salts in seven varieties including Dill Pickle, Zesty Lime, Classic Chamoy, Lemon Lime, Mango Chile, Chile Lime, and Tangy Tamarind. The seasonings added a bright pop of flavor to cucumber, pineapple and melon samples.
HLB Specialties featured its peeled, polished and refrigerated Drinking Coconuts from Costa Rica and Tap & Sip Fresh Coconut Water from Vietnam — items HLB's Melissa Hartmann De Barros says have gone viral.
Each Drinking Coconut contains between 10-14 ounces of coconut water and comes with its own sustainable straw. It also has a laser-etched arrow pointing to the opening for ease of use. The coconut meat is also edible.
The four-pack compostable packaging lists the health attributes of coconut water including hydration, electrolytes, being a good source of potassium, and it serves as a natural diuretic.
“It's like a sports drink but natural,” says Hartmann De Barros.
Transit time from Costa Rica to the U.S. for the Drinking Coconuts is only four days, ensuring the coconuts are fresh in the year-round program.
HLB's Tap & Sip Coconuts from Vietnam are shipped weekly to the West Coast and distributed throughout the U.S. Each coconut contains about 1.5 cups of pure coconut water. The packaging details how to open the coconut to enjoy the water.
HLB also showed off what it calls “niche exotics” including lychee, rambutan and three different varieties of dragon fruit. The exotics come in a variety of seasonal packages celebrating everything from Lunar New Year to Halloween.
Pure Flavor showcased its Rocco Reds, the chef's tomato. “There's nothing else like it in the market,” says Paul Murracas. “Our specialties are where the growth is.”
The Canadian greenhouse grower also has a facility in Georgia that expedites transport of its greenhouse-grown produce to the Florida market and beyond.
The team at C&B Farms featured a bounty of conventional and organic dry and wet vegetables and culinary herbs.
“Everyone is tight on green onions right now,” says Matt Howard, noting they're a coveted item as a result.
C&B also showcased its organic mini sweet peppers, a new item for the company.
Check out additional coverage from East Coast Produce Expo 2026.
