California-based Talley Farms has named Derek Sass as its new sales manager.
Leveraging 20 years of industry experience, Sass will initially focus on business development for new retail accounts, including US retail chains, mass market, regional chains, independents, and wholesalers servicing retail accounts. He will also be tasked with expanding Talley Farms’ commodity offerings.
“We are pleased to welcome Derek to the Talley Farms family,” said Todd Talley, chief financial officer and co-owner of Talley Farms.
“He is a consummate professional who has spent his entire career working and building relationships within the produce industry. His successful track record in sales and commodities management will serve him well as part of our team.”
Sass was formerly a national account executive with Beachside Produce, where he led the company’s strawberry programme. Prior to that, he was the procurement manager for Markon, where he oversaw quality control and managed multiple commodities.
Celebrating 70 years of farming in the fertile Arroyo Grande Valley region near the central Pacific coast, Talley Farms produces a range of conventional and organic fruits and vegetables, including red and green bell peppers, spinach, heirloom tomatoes, corn, lemons, and avocados.
In addition to commercial sales, the company provides produce for Talley Farms Fresh Harvest, a home-delivery subscription programme serving California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
“We anticipate 2018 to be a year of growth,” Talley added. “Talley Farms has increased its growing capacity over the last couple of years to be able to provide our clients with year-round product availability.
“Derek will play an important role in broadening our customer base as we continue our company expansion.”
