Fresh Farms, a year-round grower, shipper and leader in table grape and vegetable distribution, has hired David Watson as its new senior vice president of sales and marketing. Watson will head the Arizona and California sales teams, leveraging his past experience to complement and improve sales strategies and current processes.

Target Corp. announced its most sustainable store to date, as the site will generate more renewable energy than it needs annually to operate and will test multiple innovations to reduce the building’s emissions. The Vista, CA, store’s retrofit and new features will inform Target’s investments in new stores and remodel programs that support its long-term growth and help guide the retailer’s efforts to achieve its sustainability goals.

Troy Bland, CEO of Bland Farms, described Vidalia onions as “the girl we brought to the dance,” as it’s almost 50 percent of what the company does.

“They are the foundation for the sweet onion category and Bland Farms,” he said. “We are in Peru and Mexico, too, so we can offer a year-round supply of sweet onions, but Vidalia is our favorite girl. It is the main driver for the category.”

The company started growing vidalias in 1982 and currently have 2,000 acres in the ground, supplying approximately 30 percent of the overall market.

Main Street Produce has been growing California strawberries in the fertile Santa Maria Valley for almost 50 years. That legacy has grown out of a commitment to the essentials and elevating the people who put them into practice. “Our fundamental approach remains unchanged; we are committed to investing in growing a premium quality crop,” said Paul Allen, president and sales director for Main Street.

Bob Besix, senior vice president of sales for Giorgio Fresh, died Tuesday, March 8. He was 60 years old.

An industry veteran, Mr. Besix had an extensive career in the produce industry, starting at Ralston Purina squeegeeing the floors in the growing rooms.

Sweet potatoes are no longer just for the holidays. They have been developing into a very popular item on a regular basis. Thanks to very favorable weather conditions during the growing season, the North Carolina new crop sweet potatoes are at peak performance. There is moderate demand on a steady market with a good supply for promoting.