RPE, LLC

Ladies and gentlemen, we did it. We've officially cracked the Canadian market! After months of planning, logistics, and probably a few extra cups of coffee,?Farmer's Promise potatoes are now available at Federated Co-operatives Limited —our first official sale in Canada. We're talking?fresh, locally grown, and absolutely stunning potatoes?making their debut on Canadian shelves. Shoutout to?Stephen Hillion, Cameron Oliver, Samantha Cypher, and the entire team?for turning what started as a wild idea into reality. Now, what does this mean for our friends up north??More potatoes. More possibilities. More poutine. Special thanks to our Canadian dream team with?Clifton Smith?on the ground ensuring everything runs smoothly. And of course, a round of applause to our?grower partners in Nova Scotia and Manitoba, proving once again that the best things in life (and in produce aisles) are worth the wait. So, if you're in Canada and see?Farmer's Promise?on the shelf—snap a pic, grab a bag, and tell your friends. Because this is just the beginning. First stop: Federated Co-op. Next stop: Full potato domination.????? #FarmersPromise #CanadianPotatoes #FreshProduce #LocallyGrown #PotatoSupplier #RPECanada #FederatedCoop #NowInCanada #StrongerWithSpuds

Nick Brekken just wrapped up a year of hard work, leadership training, and probably a few too many PowerPoint slides—all culminating in his graduation from?SEPC’s Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA), Class of 2024-25. He was one of only 12 people selected across the fresh produce industry to participate in this program, following in the footsteps of?RPE’s Executive Vice President, Drew Callaghan,?who graduated last year. No pressure, right? "I am incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to participate and grow through such a wonderful program. I appreciate that we are part of a culture that promotes continued education and learning while simultaneously supporting individuals to better themselves." — Nick Brekken Over the past year, Nick tackled?weekly coursework, leadership challenges, and a sustainability-focused final presentation to the SEPC Board of Directors.?The program, led by SEPC’s leadership and?Grinnell Leadership,?is designed to shape the future of our industry by preparing leaders to think strategically, act with integrity, and innovate for the future. We’re lucky to have people like Nick on our team—leaders who push themselves to grow and make an impact. If you see him, tell him congrats (or ask if he’s recovered from all the reading assignments yet). #Leadership #SEPC #NextGeneration #ProduceIndustry #RPE Southeast Produce Council

Potatoes, industry insights, and the chance to meet Nick Brekken in person—truly, what more could you ask for?

Women have always been at the heart of progress—driving innovation, building connections, and shaping industries from the ground up. Today, on International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women who make an impact every day—not just in agriculture but in every part of our business. Their work isn’t just about today. It’s about planting the seeds for a stronger, more inclusive future—one where opportunity isn’t a privilege, but the standard. As the world continues to evolve, so do the opportunities and challenges women face. Recognizing their contributions is just one part of the equation—ensuring they have the space, support, and recognition they deserve is what truly moves industries forward. To the women of RPE and beyond—your work matters, your leadership matters, and your impact is undeniable. Thank you. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenOfRPE #WomenInAg #Leadership #EquityInAction #IWD2025

The countdown to?SEPC Southern Exposure?is on, and Booth 710 is the place to be. From bite-size innovation with?Tasteful Selections?to trusted, flavorful varieties from?Farmer’s Promise, there’s plenty to dig into. Looking to grow your category, explore new trends, or just talk good potatoes? Let’s make it happen. Brian Klesmith, Craig Fields, David Verdrager, Drew Callaghan, Nick Brekken, Rick Estess, and Ross Verner will be there, ready to connect. Stop by Booth 710 and let’s talk spuds, strategy, and fresh opportunities. See you in Orlando! #SouthernExposure #TastefulSelections #FarmersPromise #FreshProduce #SEPC2025

Exciting news—Tim Worden is stepping into a well-earned new role as?Vice President of Account Management! For nearly 15 years, Tim has been a steady force at RPE, LLC, leading with dedication, strategy, and a knack for building strong partnerships. He started as a Customer Service Representative in 2010 and worked his way up, proving time and again that he’s not just growing accounts—he’s growing teams, relationships, and results. Now, as VP of Account Management, Tim will continue bringing people together, strengthening key accounts, and helping shape the future of our sales organization. With his leadership, we know we’re in good hands (and good spuds). Join us in congratulating Tim on this well-deserved promotion! We can’t wait to see what’s ahead. #Leadership #TeamRPE #Growth #Promotion

We believe food tells a story—one of resilience, tradition, and innovation. As we celebrate?Black History Month, we recognize the deep agricultural roots that have shaped Black food culture, including the role of?sweet potatoes?in that journey. ? Brought from Africa during the transatlantic slave trade,?sweet potatoes became a staple in Black cuisine, transforming into dishes like sweet potato pie, candied yams, and rich, flavorful stews. These meals are more than just comfort food; they are a testament to perseverance, creativity, and cultural pride. ? We’re honored to partner with?Alex Bala, aka Thebuttababe on Instagram, who brought this history to life with her?oxtail stew over Tasteful Selections’ Maple Bourbon Sweet Potatoes.????? This dish is a perfect example of how food connects us to heritage, showcasing the creativity and depth of Black culinary traditions. ? As a company rooted in agriculture, we understand the power of food to?tell a story—from the farmers who grow it to the chefs and home cooks who bring it to life.?This month, we celebrate the flavors, history, and hands that have shaped the meals we love. #BlackHistoryMonth #SweetPotatoRoots #FoodTellsAStory Tasteful Selections LLC

Food insecurity is a growing challenge in the United States, with?1 in 7 families?struggling to put meals on the table, according to the latest?USDA Food Security Report. Access to fresh, nutritious food shouldn't be a privilege—it should be a given. That's why we are proud to support food banks across the country, including?Ozarks Food Harvest, by donating?66,004 pounds of potatoes?to help families in need. These donations ensure that no good food goes to waste and that communities have access to the nourishment they deserve. This impact wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of food banks, volunteers, and organizations working to fight hunger every day. Their efforts make all the difference, and we are grateful to play a role in this mission. If you're looking for ways to support food security initiatives, we’ll be sharing resources in the comments. Every contribution—big or small—helps create a future where no one has to wonder where their next meal will come from. #FoodInsecurity #HungerRelief #FoodBanks #CommunitySupport #SustainableAgriculture #FoodAccess #CorporateResponsibility

The Super Bowl isn’t just about touchdowns and halftime shows—it’s when memories are made, traditions are honored, and the simple joy of gathering with friends and family takes center stage. At RPE, LLC we believe that fresh, high-quality produce can be the real MVP of these moments. Our?Tasteful Selections LLC Organic Honey Gold Bite-Size Potatoes?are more than just an ingredient—they’re part of the story, featured here in Melissa Coyle’s recipe for Air Fryer Football Potato Skins. But it’s not just about the food. The success of campaigns like this lies in the power of?influencer marketing. Why does it work? Because it taps into authenticity. Consumers trust recommendations from real people who share their passions. Melissa’s recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a connection, showing how simple ingredients can create memorable moments that resonate beyond the plate. From farm fields to football fields, influencer partnerships help us weave products into the fabric of everyday life. It’s about more than just feeding a crowd—it’s about nourishing traditions, creating new memories, and celebrating the flavors that bring us together. See the full recipe on Melissa's instagram: https://lnkd.in/en8-h9vn #SuperBowl2025 #TastefulSelections #FoodIndustry #Agriculture #GameDayEats #ConsumerEngagement #StrongerWithSpuds #InfluencerMarketing

Turns out, great leadership doesn’t grow on trees—but with the right tools and a little dedication, it sure can flourish.?Kendra Meddaugh?is proof of that. Since enrolling in the?International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Management Fundamentals Certificate Program back in June, she’s been busy sharpening her skills, expanding her industry know-how, and, frankly, setting the bar pretty high. Now that she’s officially a graduate, Kendra’s bringing even more expertise (and probably a certificate worthy of prime fridge real estate) to the team. Leadership development isn’t just a box we check—it’s how we keep growing, adapting, and occasionally impressing ourselves. Congratulations, Kendra. You’ve earned it.