Takeaways from SEPC Southern Innovations 2025

Earlier this month, Measure to Improve attended and exhibited at the Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Innovation conference in Charlotte, NC. I was especially proud and excited to share the exhibit with Corinne Carney and Kieran McNeice for the first time. We’re grateful to SEPC for the opportunity to showcase our services, hear first-hand from potential clients about their challenges and support needs, and answer top-of-mind questions about sustainability. Here are some of our highlights and takeaways.

Measure to Improve's First Time Exhibiting at SEPC Southern Innovations Conference

Educational Session Highlights

The educational sessions reinforced what we see every day in our work: sustainability is both a business imperative and a source of competitive advantage. It was great to hear others share that perspective, while also getting some fresh insights into future sustainability and consumer trends.

Sustainability: It’s Good for Business

Kieran moderated a panel of produce leaders who shared how sustainability is unlocking value across the supply chain. Thank you to the panelists: Tyler Simmons (Flashfood), Jonathan Quinn (U.S. Plastics Pact), Jana Fischback (Stemilt Growers), and Justin LaCroix (Ahold Delhaize USA) for their valuable perspectives.

“I appreciate these leaders joining us to share their perspective and insights. Many sustainability challenges, like packaging, can only be solved when the supply chain works together. Our panelists were optimistic about the progress we’ll make over the next five years, and so am I!” – Kieran McNeice

What’s New?

Anne-Marie Roerink, from 210 Analytics, held a session highlighting fast-changing consumer behaviors and market shifts. These insights help our industry better understand how to meet evolving shopper demands and prepare for the future. At Measure to Improve, we are committed to staying ahead of consumer demands, which often signal where sustainability is headed. Anne-Marie’s session reinforced our view that sustainability strategies must evolve in step with shopper expectations.

Southern Roots Women’s Luncheon & Keynote Brunch

The Southern Roots Women’s Luncheon and Keynote Brunch, featuring Dr. Jaime Kulaga, was another standout. Dr. Kulaga’s talk on creating work–life balance and empowering women in the produce industry echoed my personal commitment to building strong, inclusive teams and supporting and cultivating leadership within our industry.

Meaningful Conversations We Had During the Conference

Throughout the conference, we had many conversations around sustainability, and a recurring theme was the diversity of sustainability experiences across the industry. Some companies were just beginning their journey and were looking for guidance, while others had mature programs and were looking to advance them further. Topics like packaging, retailer reporting, emissions reduction, and storytelling came up again and again, reinforcing the need for collaboration and shared learning.

“I enjoyed connecting and offering solutions and insights to many produce growers and suppliers, as well as learning from other solution providers. Everything, from packaging to laser-weeding machinery. Seeing the range of perspectives was a reminder that while some are excelling, there’s a real opportunity to help bring others along on the journey.” – Corinne Carney

Thank You, SEPC

A heartfelt thank you to the SEPC board and staff for organizing this incredible conference. We left with valuable insights, stronger connections, and renewed assurance in our approach. When the produce industry shares knowledge and commits to action, sustainability becomes more than a talking point or buzzword: it becomes the way we all succeed. 

We are already looking forward to attending and exhibiting again next year!