Southeast Produce Council, Inc.

What Southeast Produce Council, Inc. does

Southeast Produce Council, Inc. (SEPC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit regional trade association founded in 1999 and headquartered at 242 North Masonic Street, Millen, Georgia. It serves produce farmers, shippers, retailers, foodservice operators, students, and charitable organizations across the Southeast United States (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia). The organization's core offering is a portfolio of two flagship annual tradeshows — Southern Exposure (Orlando, March) and Southern Innovations (Nashville, September) — anchored by SEPC University educational programming, leadership development tracks (STEP-UPP retail and foodservice, NGLA, Southern Roots, Good Seeds), and multiple scholarship programs (SEPC Member Scholarship, Vorhees Vision, Nolan Family Foundation, STARS). The technology footprint is limited to the WildApricot membership management platform and a standard website; SEPC is not a technology company and its competitive position rests on community, content, and event programming rather than software.

SEPC operates a hybrid membership, sponsorship, and event-registration revenue model. Corporate memberships are sold in five tiers priced from $750 (2–4 members) to $3,750 (17–20 members) on a fixed June–May annual cycle with no proration; individual memberships are $400 and charitable-organization memberships are $500. Event revenue is generated through exhibitor booths ($4,050 each), attendee fees ($1,575–$1,675 general; $5,375+ group), and complimentary retail/foodservice slots. Sponsorships are structured as Gold ($15,000+), Silver ($10,000–$14,999), and Bronze ($5,000–$9,999) levels, with an additional Future of Industry program at Harvester/Sustainer/Planter tiers ($15,000/$10,000/$5,000). Paid onsite Produce Inspection Training delivered through a partnership with International Produce Training adds a $7,000–$10,750 per-session training revenue stream. The go-to-market is event-driven: two major in-person conferences anchor member acquisition, retention, and sponsorship renewals. SEPC's marketing channels include the website, email newsletters through WildApricot, social platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Linktree), virtual SEPC University sessions, and earned media through AndNowUKnow.

Name

Southeast Produce Council, Inc.

Legal name

Southeast Produce Council, Inc.

Website

https://seproducecouncil.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Southeast Produce Council, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit regional trade association founded in 1999 that organizes produce industry events, education, networking, and scholarship programs for growers, shippers, retailers, and foodservice operators in the Southeast United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Millen

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Corporate Membership Dues: Annual corporate memberships sold in tiers based on company size: 2-4 members ($750), 5-8 members ($1,500), 9-12 members ($2,250), 13-16 members ($3,000), 17-20 members ($3,750). Membership term runs June through May annually.
2. Individual Membership Dues: Individual memberships entitle one member access to SEPC events at $400 per year. Some program exclusions may apply.
3. Charitable Organization Membership: Members who are employees of pre-approved charitable organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) pay $500 for 1-2 members.
4. Event Registration Fees: Revenue from conference registrations including exhibitor booth fees ($4,050), general attendee fees ($1,575-$1,675), group registrations, and activity fees for golf tournaments, pickleball, and session tickets.
5. Sponsorship Packages: Gold ($15,000+), Silver ($10,000-$14,999), and Bronze ($5,000-$9,999) sponsorship levels with benefits including booth locations, sponsor credits, logo placement, and event recognition. Also includes Future of Industry sponsorship tiers (Harvester $15,000, Sustainer $10,000, Planter $5,000).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Southeast Produce Council, Inc. (SEPC) is a non-profit regional trade association that operates a portfolio of membership-based programs and annual events supporting produce farmers, suppliers, buyers, and consumers in the Southeastern United States. Its core offerings include two flagship annual tradeshows (Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations), tiered corporate and individual memberships, leadership and educational programs (STEP-UPP, NGLA, LINKS, Southern Roots, Good Seeds, SEPC University), scholarship programs, and a charitable initiative called SEPC Cares.

Product overview

Southeast Produce Council, Inc. (SEPC) is a trade association serving the produce industry, founded in 1999 and headquartered in Millen, Georgia. Rather than a single product, SEPC operates a portfolio of membership-based programs and annual events designed to support produce farmers, suppliers, buyers, and consumers in the Southeast. The core offerings include two flagship annual events: Southern Exposure (Orlando, FL) and Southern Innovations (Nashville, TN). Supporting these events is SEPC University, which provides educational sessions on sustainability and industry trends. Professional development is delivered through STEP-UPP (retail and foodservice tracks), the Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA), LINKS networking program, Southern Roots (women's leadership), and Good Seeds (faith-based mentorship). SEPC also administers multiple scholarship programs (SEPC Member Scholarship, Vorhees Vision Scholarship, Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship) and the STARS program for agricultural students. Recognition programs include the Terry Vorhees Lifetime Achievement Award, Unseen Hero Award, and Lifetime Membership Award. The SEPC Cares initiative coordinates charitable partnerships. Membership tiers range from individual ($400/year) to corporate (2-20 members, $750-$3,750/year).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Southern Exposure Annual premier buyer-focused tradeshow and conference for produce industry professionals, connecting exhibitors with retail and foodservice buyers through exhibitions, educational sessions, networking, and entertainment.
• Southern Innovations Annual innovation-driven tradeshow and conference showcasing technological breakthroughs, new product innovations, educational sessions, and networking opportunities for retail and foodservice produce buyers.
• Corporate Membership Annual tiered corporate membership (2-4 members $750; 5-8 members $1,500; 9-12 members $2,250; 13-16 members $3,000; 17-20 members $3,750) providing booth space, complimentary event access, and member scholarship eligibility.
• Individual Membership Annual individual membership providing access to SEPC events for $400 per year, with some program exclusions.
• Charitable Organization Membership Annual membership for employees of pre-approved 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, priced at $500 for 1-2 members.
• STEP-UPP Retail Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals (Retail track) providing produce professionals with strategic orientation, personal leadership development, and hands-on field experience through plant tours and produce inspection training.
• STEP-UPP Foodservice Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals (Foodservice track) offering produce industry understanding through strategic orientation, personal leadership development, and supplier-side field experience.
• Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA) Year-long professional development program for up-and-coming leaders in the produce industry, featuring conscious leadership methodologies, monthly virtual sessions, and in-person programming focused on the next era of agriculture; accepts 20-25 participants annually.
• LINKS Networking Program Learning, Interacting and Networking with Key players in the Supply chain - educational leadership program connecting Southeastern growers and shippers with retail/foodservice providers in a non-competitive environment.
• Southern Roots SEPC's leadership program for women in produce, cultivating genuine relationships by equipping, elevating, and inspiring women through meaningful experiences held at Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations.
• Good Seeds MENtor Program Faith-based mentorship program planting seeds to encourage industry leaders with faith-based principles in the workplace, at home, and in communities, held at Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations.
• SEPC University Annual educational programming at Southern Exposure and Southern Innovations featuring industry research presentations, including the annual 'What's New?' consumer research study by 210 Analytics, sustainability webinars, and trend analysis sessions.
• Produce Inspection Training Personalized onsite produce inspection training offered in partnership with International Produce Training at member facilities. Sessions are available in one-day ($7,000), two-day ($9,000), or three-day ($10,750) formats customized to company grade standards, including trainer hotel, airfare, and meals.
• STARS Scholarship Program Southeast Top Agricultural Recruits Scholarship program recruiting outstanding students majoring in agriculture at Southeast-based land grant universities (minimum 3.2 GPA), supporting 20+ students annually with career opportunities in the produce industry.
• SEPC Member Scholarship Scholarship program awarding $1,500 to 45 students ($67,500 total in 2026) for children and grandchildren of SEPC corporate members in good standing.
• Vorhees Vision Scholarship Scholarship named in honor of founder Terry L. Vorhees, awarding $10,000 to first-place recipient, $1,500 to second place, and $1,000 to third place for college students with produce industry family connections.
• Nolan Family Foundation Scholarship One-time $5,000 scholarship established to memorialize Jim Nolan, awarded based on GPA (3.0 or higher), references, and quality of ethics-themed essay.
• SEPC Cares SEPC's charitable initiative supporting non-profit organizations through time, energy, and resources, with partnerships including Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Bridge the Gap Ministries, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Nazareth Child & Family Connection, Palmer Home for Children, Paul Anderson Youth Home, and Society of St. Andrew.
• Corporate Sponsorship Program Annual corporate sponsorship program with three tiers: Gold ($15,000+, includes $1,500 sponsor credit, premium booth, 1st right of refusal for branding), Silver ($10,000-$14,999, includes $1,000 sponsor credit), and Bronze ($5,000-$9,999, includes $500 sponsor credit). Also offers Future of Industry levels: Harvester ($15,000), Sustainer ($10,000), Planter ($5,000).

Quantifiable outcome

• 45 scholarships totaling $67,500 awarded to members' families in 2026
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International Produce TrainingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEPC has partnered with International Produce Training, led by Mr. Paul Manol, to offer Produce Inspection Training courses for quality control personnel, produce buyers, and other professionals. The partnership provides personalized onsite training at member facilities with customizable one-, two-, or three-day sessions adapted to company grade standards.
• 210 Analytics, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner210 Analytics, led by President Anne-Marie Roerink, provides SEPC's annual 'What's New?' consumer research study and monthly performance reports. This research is a cornerstone of Southern Innovations and provides members with data-driven insights into produce consumer trends.
• Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for ChildrenminorOthersSEPC Cares initiative partners with Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. The committee coordinates programs and events for children with life-threatening illnesses. Committee Chairs: Kim Flores & Megan McKenna.
• Bridge the Gap MinistriesminorOthersSEPC Cares initiative partners with Bridge the Gap Ministries to reach people with the life-changing Gospel while educating men and women on the importance and benefits of eating fresh produce during recovery. Committee Chairs: Derek Ennis & Chris Dove.
• Children's Healthcare of AtlantaminorOthersSEPC Cares initiative works with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta on programs and events to fight childhood obesity, including the Strong4Life Superhero Sprint each June in Atlanta. Committee Chairs: Blair Greenhill & David Sherrod.
• Nazareth Child & Family ConnectionminorOthersNew SEPC Cares charitable partner providing services including Family Foster Care, Adoptions, Transitional Living Services, Level II Therapeutic Residential, Short Term Care, Individual and Group Outpatient Therapy, and Outpatient Substance Abuse Therapy. Committee Chairs: Jose Roggiero & Steve Pinkston.
• Palmer Home for ChildrenminorOthersSEPC Cares initiative works with Palmer Home for Children to coordinate efforts for children in need, including the annual Palmer Home Radiothon, Hope Grows Garden, and Ag Literacy Programs. Committee Chairs: Kristin Yerecic Scott & Tim Graas.
• Paul Anderson Youth HomeminorOthersSEPC Cares initiative works with Paul Anderson Youth Home (PAYH) to coordinate efforts including Goodness Garden and annual PAYH Bike Ride and Golf Tournament. Committee Chair: Mark Shuman.
• Society of St. AndrewminorOthersSEPC Cares initiative works with Society of St. Andrew to reduce waste by using leftovers from food shows and other projects to help feed the hungry. Committee Chair: Jose Roggiero.
• The Produce NewscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-sponsor of the Terry Vorhees Lifetime Achievement Award, SEPC's highest honor for individuals who have displayed consistent excellence over a career in produce.
• Music City Center (Nashville)minorOthersVenue partnership for Southern Innovations 2026 at Music City Center, 201 Rp. John Lewis Way South, Nashville, TN 37203.
• AndNowUKnowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry news partner providing coverage of SEPC programs including NGLA launches, STEP-UPP retail classes, and award announcements.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Western Growers Association: Regional trade association representing fruit, vegetable, and tree nut growers primarily in California, Arizona, and Colorado. The most direct analog to SEPC in operating model — membership dues, annual conventions, educational programming, advocacy — but serving the West Coast/ Southwest produce industry rather than the Southeast.
• Texas International Produce Association (TIPA): Regional produce trade association representing growers, shippers, and retailers in Texas and the Southwest, best known for hosting the Southern Texas Produce Convention. Closely comparable to SEPC as a regional council organizing a major annual produce expo with educational programming and networking for a defined geography.
• New England Produce Council (NEPC): Regional produce industry trade association serving the Northeast US, hosting an annual Produce, Floral & Foodservice Expo plus networking and educational programming. Closely comparable to SEPC in being a regional council running a single flagship annual expo plus year-round networking for growers, retailers, and foodservice members.
• Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA): Trade association representing Florida's fruit and vegetable growers on legislative, regulatory, and industry issues, with membership programs and annual events. Directly comparable to SEPC in serving the produce industry in a Southeastern state, with overlapping grower membership and a regional advocacy/event model.

Broad incumbents

• International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA): Formed in 2022 from the merger of Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh, IFPA is the dominant national trade association for the global fresh produce and floral industry, running the largest produce expos and member programs. Comparable to SEPC as the apex produce trade body serving overlapping grower/shipper/retail/foodservice members, but operating at much larger national and global scale with broader programming.

Emerging players

• Center for Produce Safety: Nonprofit foundation funding produce-specific food safety research and disseminating best practices to the produce industry through annual symposia and working committees. Comparable to SEPC in serving produce industry stakeholders with research-driven educational programming and industry convening, but focused narrowly on produce safety rather than broad networking.

Regional players

• California Fresh Fruit Association: Trade association representing California fresh fruit growers on labor, water, pest, and regulatory issues, with annual meetings and member advocacy. Comparable to SEPC as a regional produce trade body but focused on a single commodity segment (fresh fruit) within a specific geography, with a more advocacy-heavy model.

Others

• Produce for Better Health Foundation: National nonprofit organization promoting fruit and vegetable consumption for public health, operating consumer marketing campaigns (Fruits & Veggies for Better Health) and industry partnerships. Comparable to SEPC in being a produce-industry-aligned nonprofit with educational programming, but operating at a national consumer-advocacy level rather than regional member-services level.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/southeast-produce-council-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Southeast Produce Council, Inc.