Martori Farms, a premier grower and shipper of melons, acquired Santa Rosa Produce. The merging of the two well-known farms will increase the supply for high-demand melons and create more than 500 additional jobs at Martori Farms.

While this year’s entire California avocado crop is projected at 306 million pounds — slightly higher than the state’s sub-300-million total last year — Henry Avocado greatly increased its capacity for ripening at its Milpitas distribution center in Northern California. The expansion increases the annual volume there to more than 2 million cartons.

AM Fresh Group and Rio Blanco have combined to establish Terramara Fresh, a joint venture powerhouse of innovative table grape varieties and sustainable farming. For over 30 years, Rio Blanco — through its Terramara investment — has thrived as a competitive farming platform. The new combined partnership will focus on production of a diverse array of premium varieties to offer customers a breadth of high-flavored, disease-resistant and high-antioxidant table grape varieties.

Gotham Greens, a certified B corporation and indoor farming pioneer that operates one of the largest networks of high-tech hydroponic greenhouses in North America, will double the size of its greenhouse capacity from 600,000 square feet to over 1.2 million square feet in 2022.

The Save Mart Cos. announced that Kingswood Capital Management LP has acquired the company. Kingswood is an operationally focused private equity firm based in Los Angeles, with significant experience in the retail sector. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Mission Produce Inc. is a leader in distributing fresh Hass avocados. The company said increased volume is expected by the industry for this year’s California season. Stephen Fink, vice president of North American Sales said, “the season is off to a strong start, with peak harvest expected between May and July. Industry volume is anticipated to be higher than last year at around 306 million pounds, with sizing currently on the smaller side.”

Added volume and smaller overall sizing has been a general refrain among California growers.