ST PETE BEACH, FL – The National Watermelon Association capped off its 111th annual convention Feb. 21 with an awards banquet, here, where the 2026 National Watermelon Queen was crowned and a new slate of officers was installed, including the naming of just the second female president in the association’s storied history.

As the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure approaches, Happy Dirt, the Durham, NC-based, farmer-owned company, is heading to the show with momentum, strategic focus and a strong outlook on its upcoming North Carolina season.

While the company will not have a booth this year, its leadership team sees that as an opportunity rather than a limitation. 

Rice Fruit Co., located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s apple country, receives, stores, packages and markets fruit for more than 40 farm families in the surrounding areas.

Later this month, Rice Fruit Co. will be attending Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure to reconnect with longtime colleagues, meet new industry partners and engage in meaningful conversations across the produce supply chain. 

Want some excellent high-volume sales in the produce department? Then jump on the California navel orange wagon right now. Advertise them and move plenty of volume.

HLB Specialties, a leader in the tropical fruit industry and an importer of produce from Mexico, is advising customers of potential transportation delays due to ongoing unrest in the country.

Nickey Gregory Co. is gearing up for a strong presence at the upcoming Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure, with a diverse, cross-departmental team attending and a clear focus on relationship-building, fresh-cut growth and regional supply conversations.