Naturipe Farms Turns Up the Volume on Premium Berries at SEPC Southern Exposure

Premium berries, strong supply, and a clear read on where the category is headed

Salinas, CA –– The berry category is entering the year with momentum, and Naturipe Farms is bringing premium berries and new products to the forefront at this year’s Southeast Produce Council Southern Exposure conference in Orlando, Florida.

Across strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, Naturipe expects increased volumes in the year ahead, giving retailers confidence to support promotions during peak seasons. Investments in improved varieties, expanded acreage, and tighter execution across growing regions are translating into strong, promotable supplies when demand is highest. The berry category is delivering balanced growth, with broad-based volume gains across core items and outsized dollar growth in key segments, reinforcing berries as a reliable traffic and basket driver.

That matters as younger shoppers continue to reshape how produce fits into everyday eating. Gen Z, in particular, wants foods that are simple, recognizable, and transparent. For them, berries are the snack. Fresh, clean, and easy to trust.

“Southern Exposure has always been an important opportunity for us to connect directly with East Coast retailers and industry partners and have honest conversations about what’s working in produce and what shoppers are asking for,” said Jim Roberts, President of Naturipe Farms. “Those insights matter. They help guide how we invest, how we innovate, and how we show up with the right berry programs and the right supply at the right time.”

At SEPC, Naturipe will highlight its premium berry lineup, including Mighty Reds, its jumbo strawberry program known for size, flavor, and consistency, and Sweet Selections Blueberries, which deliver a reliably sweet bite with a crisp texture and vibrant appearance, making them a premium choice for shoppers who prioritize flavor. Premium and differentiated berries are fueling incremental value, signaling consumer willingness to trade up and engage with higher-value offerings. Naturipe will also debut SnackBites, a protein-forward snack made with real ingredients to meet growing demand for convenient, better-for-you options.

Naturipe uses consumer data, retailer feedback, and category insights to guide innovation, which is why products like Mighty Blues, Mighty Reds, and value-added berry snacks continue to resonate early and often. These programs are designed to solve real needs in-store, whether that is driving trade up, increasing basket size, or reinforcing berries as an anytime snack.

At its core, Naturipe is a retail partner that listens, innovates, and stays ahead of shifting expectations. The goal is simple. Deliver premium berries. Support retailers with supply they can promote confidently. And make it easier to win with today’s shopper.

Visit Naturipe Farms at booth 313 during SEPC Southern Exposure.  

About Naturipe

Naturipe is a grower-owned producer and marketer of high-quality, great-tasting berries and avocados. We are an industry leader in breeding premium berries through robust genetics research. For more than 100 years, Naturipe has produced healthy, deliciously fresh, frozen, and value-added products. Because our diverse grower base shares resources, skills, labor, and knowledge, we are better growers and, in turn, strengthen the local farm community. Our focus on innovation ensures year-round availability of locally grown and Globally Local™ conventional and organic fruit.