Reflections on the 2026 SEPC Southern Exposure Show from Ocean Mist Farms President & CEO, Chris Drew

At this year’s SEPC show, the theme “From Fields to Families” underscores a growing reality in today’s marketplace: consumers want fresh, wholesome meals – but they are more time-starved than ever. Ocean Mist Farms was excited to showcase how its premium, convenience-driven vegetable offerings are helping retailers meet the demands of today’s busy shoppers.

For modern families, dinnertime doesn’t happen in isolation. It comes after long workdays, school pickups, sports practices, and packed calendars. While parents are committed to serving nutritious, flavorful meals, limited time often makes scratch preparation unrealistic. Ocean Mist Farms is focused on closing that gap.

By growing premium-quality vegetables and transforming them into ready-to-use meal solutions, the company removes the most common barrier to fresh cooking: prep time. Its convenience portfolio includes their award-winning Roastables line – oven-ready vegetable kits designed to go straight from package to pan – as well as their new first-to-market Heartichokes line, offering simplified, approachable artichoke options tailored for today’s consumer.

These solutions are specifically designed for on-the-go consumers who are seeking:

• Fresh options without lengthy or messy prep
• Convenient shortcuts they can feel good about
• Flavor-forward vegetables that feel homemade
• Easy ways to incorporate more produce into weekly meals

For retailers, this represents a meaningful growth opportunity. Shoppers increasingly gravitate toward value-added produce that simplifies mealtime while maintaining premium quality and taste. Ocean Mist Farms’ Roastables and Heartichokes lines deliver on that expectation, helping retailers capture incremental sales while reinforcing fresh department relevance.

As growers, innovators, and busy families ourselves, we understand that convenience is no longer optional – it’s essential. Our Roastables and new Heartichokes products are designed to help retailers serve today’s time-pressed consumers with premium vegetables that save time without sacrificing quality.

With more than 100 years of family farming expertise, Ocean Mist Farms continues to evolve its offerings to reflect how families actually live and cook today. By handling the washing, trimming, and flavor development, the company gives consumers valuable time back – making it easier to choose fresh over takeout or heavily processed alternatives.

Ocean Mist Farms’ message is clear: it’s not just about vegetables — it’s about helping families gather around the table – even on their busiest nights – while empowering retailers with solutions that reflect the realities of everyday life.