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SEPC’s STEP-UPP Foodservice class gains invaluable insights during spring tour

Last week, the Southeast Produce Council successfully hosted its STEP-UPP Foodservice class for an immersive spring tour, offering participants a deep dive into the produce supply chain and fostering vital grower-retailer partnerships.

STEP-UPP (Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals) serves as SEPC’s flagship educational initiative. The program is designed to provide rising leaders in the retail and foodservice sectors with a 360-degree view of the industry through a blend of strategic leadership development and hands-on, field-based training.

The educational journey kicked off Tuesday, March 17, when participants engaged in a series of facility, farm and field tours hosted by SEPC level sponsors Fresh Del Monte Produce, Sunripe Certified Brands, Wish Farms and Florida Classic Growers. The momentum continued Wednesday with additional on-site experiences courtesy of SEPC level sponsors Pioneer Growers and Duda Farm Fresh Foods, providing the class with a comprehensive look at modern agricultural operations and logistics.

Class pictured with Stewart Mann of Pioneer Growers after a successful tour of 
their facilities.

The tour concluded Thursday with a final visit to SEPC Future of Industry sponsor Southern Specialties. This closing leg allowed participants to reflect on the complexities of the supply chain before heading home with newfound expertise.

SEPC extends its sincere gratitude to the Future of Industry sponsors whose generosity makes these educational milestones possible: Divine Flavor, Fresh Alliance, Mid-State Produce, Nature Fresh Farms, Nickey Gregory Company, NPC Foodbuy, RPE, Shuman Farms, Southern Specialties, Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable and Vick Family Farms.

“Our Florida trip was a great success, despite a few travel complications. We saw excellent engagement from our students and a real desire to immerse themselves in learning about growing and supply chain processes. The students really came together as a group, and they supported each other through every step of the trip," said Heather Hart, STEP-UPP Foodservice Committee co-chair of Baldor.

“Despite a very hectic travel day due to weather delays, our students used the time to push through challenges, which helped them better appreciate each other and the anomalies that define our industry. Because of those hardships, the group quickly came together and immersed themselves in the learning process. After three full days visiting a wide range of SEPC partner growers, packers and shippers, their attentiveness and thoughtful questions were clear signs of genuine engagement," said David Verdrager, STEP-UPP Foodservice Committee co-chair of RPE.

The journey for the STEP-UPP Foodservice class of 2026 is far from over. These professionals will officially celebrate their graduation during Southern Innovations in September in Nashville, TN.

Ibsen Granada, Julie Velasquez and Carmen Davila of Del Monte with SUFS class of 2026.
Ibsen Granada, Julie Velasquez and Carmen Davila of Del Monte with SUFS class of 2026.
The class enjoyed watching the cargo ship set sail for Costa Rica for a Del Monte pineapple shipment.
The class enjoyed watching the cargo ship set sail for Costa Rica for a Del Monte pineapple shipment.
Jon Esformes of Sunripe answers a variety of questions from the class.
Jon Esformes of Sunripe answers a variety of questions from the class.
Nick Wishnatzki of Wish Farms details the berry harvest and packing process.
Nick Wishnatzki of Wish Farms details the berry harvest and packing process.
Class pictured with the Duda team after an informative tour of their farms and some tasty samplings.
Class pictured with the Duda team after an informative tour of their farms and some tasty samplings.
Class enjoying fresh from the field celery at Duda Farms.
Class enjoying fresh from the field celery at Duda Farms.
Members of the Southern Specialties team pictured with the class following a tour of their packing and cold storage facilities.
Members of the Southern Specialties team pictured with the class following a tour of their packing and cold storage facilities.
Class with members of the Florida Classic Growers team in one of their CUPS protected units.
Class with members of the Florida Classic Growers team in one of their CUPS protected units.
Laura Tambone of Sunripe Certified Brands takes the class through their grape tomato packing shed.
Laura Tambone of Sunripe Certified Brands takes the class through their grape tomato packing shed.
Nick Wishnatzki and Miller Townsend of Wish Farms took the class on a tour of their office including a treehouse and packing facility.
Nick Wishnatzki and Miller Townsend of Wish Farms took the class on a tour of their office including a treehouse and packing facility.
Steven Callaham showing the class the citrus bloom.
Steven Callaham showing the class the citrus bloom.
Stewart Mann of Pioneer Growers explains how their corn and green beans are washed and packed.
Stewart Mann of Pioneer Growers explains how their corn and green beans are washed and packed.
Charlie Eagle of Southern Specialties give an informative presentation about their imports.
Charlie Eagle of Southern Specialties give an informative presentation about their imports.
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