Ocean Mist Farms returned from the 2026 SEPC Southern Exposure show energized by meaningful conversations with retailers and trade partners.  

According to Ocean Mist, events like SEPC provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing customers, engage face-to-face with new prospects, and build meaningful connections with potential partners across the industry. This year’s show was no exception.

In agriculture, experience is often measured in acres, years or harvests. But for Jenny Garley, experience has been measured in moments and opportunities—moments and opportunities full of resilience, risk, mentorship and discovery. As she graduates from the Western Growers Women (WGW) Program, her journey reveals how determination, curiosity and strong influences can shape a career in unexpected ways.

Healthy Family Project welcomed more than 200 produce industry professionals on Feb. 27 for its annual Thank You Reception during the Southeast Produce Council’s 2026 Southern Exposure event. The event celebrated the collective impact made in 2025 through retail and digital cause marketing campaigns supporting families across the country.

For decades, fresh potatoes have operated largely as a commodity category. Labels rotate. Packaging changes. Differentiation often comes down to price alone.

That model worked in a more predictable retail environment. Today, it constrains growth.

Inflation fatigue and cautious consumer spending have reshaped grocery behavior. Shoppers are more intentional with every purchase. They are not simply chasing the lowest price — they are evaluating value. That value equation blends affordability, quality and confidence that the product will consistently meet expectations.

JOH has hired Susan Marshall as retail director for the Pittsburgh/Cleveland region.

Marshall joins JOH with more than 30 years of experience managing sales teams and driving growth. She began her career as a sales representative and later served as a sales supervisor at a leading regional food broker, where she developed a team of sales representatives. Most recently, as sales manager, Marshall led a multi-market team across Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus, OH, successfully implementing comprehensive sales plans and executing new product launches.

Tops Friendly Markets has completed a $2.3 million remodel of its store in Tonawanda, NY, marking the company’s 50th major store remodel in six years. The project is part of Tops’ Capital Improvement Project, which has included more than $100 million invested across its three state imprint.

Tops celebrated the grand re-opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting March 4, 2026.