ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. – Talley Farms, a vegetable and fruit grower located on California’s central coast, today announced that the company has expanded its presence to the Midwest and appointed Anthony Totta as Director of Marketing and Business Development. Totta, an industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience, will lead Talley Farms’ new Midwest office from the Kansas City area, and will be responsible for developing Talley’s bell pepper offerings.
“Anthony understands produce and how this industry works. His experience and insight will prove extremely valuable as we establish a Midwest presence, extending Talley’s reach across the country. We are confident is his vision and his ability to take our pepper program to new heights,” said Ryan Talley, farm manager and co-owner of Talley Farms. “Our peppers have a strong, loyal following, and we believe we can significantly expand our market share by increasing focus on our bell pepper operations.”
Known for its “best in class” thick walled, hearty bell peppers, Talley Farms currently offers peppers during the late summer and fall months, but plans to increase supply and extend seasonal availability to meet demand from both the retail grocery and foodservice sectors of the industry.
Totta has worked with retailers, wholesalers, and grower-shippers throughout the produce industry for more than three decades, most recently as the chief executive officer and owner of produce consultancy Grow My Profits. He was also a founding partner of leading produce consultancy FreshXperts LLC and of the produce marketing company Market Fresh Produce LLC. Additionally, Totta has held positions with Basic American Foods, Blaine Larsen Processing Inc., Affiliated Foods, Gallo Produce Company, White Oak United Super, Pisciotta Fruit and Vegetable Company, Ingles Markets, A & P subsidiary Family Mart, and the Totta family-owned Toppers Food Mart.
“You can rarely find a higher quality, more delicious bell pepper than Talley’s bell peppers,” said Totta. “I appreciate Talley’s dedication to producing premium produce and its commitment to food safety standards. I am thrilled to join the Talley Farms professional team and look forward to working with our associate producers and clients.”
Talley Farms is a fourth generation family-owned growing operation located on California’s central coast in the Arroyo Grande and Edna Valleys. Located just seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, Talley Farms’ moderate climate with warm days and cool ocean breeze at night allows for a year round growing season. The company is committed to healthy, sustainable growing practices and produces more than 40 different varieties of non-GMO fruits and vegetables, including red and green bell peppers, napa cabbage, cilantro, spinach, heirloom tomatoes, corn, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and avocados. Talley Farms operates commercial growing operations under the Talley Farms, Arroyo Grande and Biddle Ranch labels, and also provides produce for Talley Farms Fresh Harvest, a CSA home-delivery subscription program serving California, Arizona and Nevada. Additionally, the family owns and operates Talley Vineyards, one of California’s finest producers of estate bottled chardonnay and pinot noir.
Source: Talley Farms