Bringing Families Together Through Sweet Onions and Southern Hospitality

Bland Farms, based in Glennville, Georgia, is set to showcase the unifying impact of its renowned Sweet Onions and Sand Candy Sweet Potatoes at the Southern Exposure show in Orlando, running from March 6 through March 8, 2025.

During these three days, attendees will have the chance to learn how this family-oriented company brings people together over wholesome meals.

Delbert Bland, Sloan Lott, Brian Silvas, Jeff Rhoden, and Rich Pazderski will be present at Booth #714 to talk with visitors about the upcoming season, discuss ongoing initiatives, and emphasize the importance of fresh produce in promoting family connections.

Although Bland Farms is eager to highlight its full range of products, the spotlight will be on Sweet Onions, which play a central role in countless home-cooked meals.

The company’s focus this year aligns perfectly with the event’s theme “Family Meals Matter” an idea that resonates strongly with Bland Farms’ heritage.

The company has long believed in making it simpler for families to gather around nutritious ingredients.

Its dedication to this principle is reflected not only in what it grows, but also in its mission to support retailers and other industry partners, so that consumers everywhere can enjoy delicious, high-quality produce.

“Family meals have always been important to us. There’s nothing better than sharing meals with fresh ingredients that bring people closer together. If we can be a part of bringing other families together with our Sweet Onions and Sand Candy Sweet Potatoes, then we’ve done something right.”

Delbert Bland, Owner of Bland Farms

This perspective forms the backbone of the company’s approach, and it resonates deeply with many of the visitors and buyers who regularly stop by their booth at trade shows.

The emphasis on togetherness underscores how Bland Farms views its business as more than just agriculture it is also about cultivating relationships and strengthening traditions that span generations.

In addition to maintaining this family-centered ethos, Bland Farms supports a year-round sweet onion program designed to ensure consistent availability.

This program features Premium Sweet Onions from Mexico, which help bridge the gap between Peru’s Premium Sweets and the celebrated Vidalia Sweet Onions grown in Georgia.

By offering a seamless supply throughout the calendar, the company hopes to meet consumer demand during every season, making it easier for families to cook with nutritious ingredients no matter what time of year it is.

The Southern Exposure show occurs as Vidalia Sweet Onion season approaches, and Bland Farms anticipates strong growth despite a recent bout of uncharacteristic winter weather in Georgia.

“Despite the recent snow, our Vidalia Sweet Onions have bounced back exceptionally well, thanks to their strong root system. While some outer limbs that were exposed sustained minor damage, the new growth is coming in strong.”

Omar Cruz, Agronomist, Bland Farms

This update reveals the adaptability of the crop and underscores how careful cultivation practices help protect future harvests.

The company is confident that families and retailers will continue to see the trademark sweetness and quality that have made Vidalia onions a staple in kitchens nationwide.

“For us, the Southern Exposure show is all about connections. It’s the perfect opportunity for retailers to tap into Bland Farms’ category leadership and proven strategies. We look forward to engaging with retailers, others in the produce industry, and meeting new faces.”

Sloan Lott, Director of Sales, Bland Farms

From the perspective of Bland Farms, the theme “Family Meals Matter” goes beyond a one-time promotional slogan; it is a reflection of how the company prioritizes the people behind every meal.

This is why the team encourages anyone visiting Southern Exposure to stop by their booth.

Whether it is to discuss upcoming innovations, learn about the anticipated qualities of the 2025 Vidalia Sweet Onion season, or simply chat about how sweet produce can bring loved ones closer around the dinner table, Bland Farms wants to ensure that every interaction leads to greater knowledge and stronger connections across the industry.