Freska Produce International's Gary Clevenger Shares SEPC Southern Exposure Vision, Retail Opportunities, and Program Updates

As our industry front line continues to build programs driven by high-quality and high-value partners, companies like Freska Produce International are meeting the needs of today’s consumer and customer with strategies built to last. At this year’s SEPC Southern Exposure, slated for February 26 to March 1, Freska will showcase its passion and commitment to its partners and reinforce the future of its supply.

“At Southern Exposure, Freska will be spotlighting our full mango program across seasons and origins, with a strong focus on our Mexican Honey Mango (Ataulfo) deal as Southern Mexico comes on, along with our transition from Peru Kents through the late-winter window,” Gary Clevenger, Managing Member, Freska Produce International, shares. “SEPC is the perfect place to show buyers how we keep mangos covered all year with multiple origins, multiple shipping points, and the market knowledge to help customers time promotions and stay in stock, along with our dried mangos, avocados, and dragonfruit.”

Freska shares that we can expect Mexican Honey Mangos to hold with strong availability in both large and small sizes as the season starts.

Peru Kents will have continued arrivals during the transition window (late winter). In addition, Mexico Tommy Atkins (Reds) will have limited availability starting early February, building into mid-to-late March, with sizing expected to peak large to medium. Gary emphasizes that many factors can impact the current state of the market, but this is how the category currently stands for Freska.

“We also have the added value of shipping flexibility with multiple shipping points to keep customers covered and freight-efficient,” Gary informs me, for example, Mexico through Nogales, Arizona, and McAllen, Texas; and Peru Reds through Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Oxnard, California.

Expect to experience Fair Trade options, organic offerings, and Freska’s dried mango line that's 100 percent organic with no additives—just natural organic mango slices. The company’s Mexican avocado program will also be a strategic focus, executing on steady availability and consistent quality.

“For our California avocado program, we bring our partners the market insight that helps growers and buyers plan with confidence,” Gary explains. “And we are very excited about our dragonfruit program, featuring reliable supply and specifications built for retail and foodservice.”

“We want buyers to walk away with one clear message: Freska is built to be a year-round, solutions-first partner—backed by supply continuity, logistics coverage, and real market intelligence,” Gary describes. “A year-round availability mindset that plans transitions early ensures customers are not scrambling between seasons. Freska helps customers make smarter buying decisions with real-time market feel—timing, sizing, and promotion windows. When you work with Freska, you are not just buying fruit, you are gaining a partner that helps you manage the category all year.”

The Southeast Produce Council has been a relationship-builder for Freska, creating a place where conversations turn into long-term partnerships.

Stop by booth #718 at SEPC Southern Exposure and meet Tom Hall, Freska’s Sales Director, and learn more about the amazing program behind the team.