Theft and organized retail crime have pushed Target to close nine stores across four states, effective Oct. 21. The company cited crime as a concern for its employees and customers as well as a significant factor contributing to unsustainable business performance.

Kissabel, an innovative range of apples with pink to intense red flesh, has arrived in North America. These apples with an amazing appearance and wonderful flavor are grown by Stemilt Growers, the United States partner of the IFORED program for production of the Kissabel range.

BelleHarvest, one of Michigan's oldest grower-owned distributors of fresh apples, is celebrating the overwhelming success of its local Michigan vegetable program. This achievement not only reaffirms its unwavering commitment to providing fresh, locally sourced produce but also marks an exciting turning point for the company as it embarks on an expansion journey. Additionally with that expansion, BelleHarvest introduced Nick Teriaca, who will play a pivotal role in driving the program's ambitious growth plans.

The University of Minnesota said fans of its Honeycrisp, Zestar! and SweeTango apples will love the newest addition to its family tree: Kudos brand MN33 apples.

Kudos is a red apple with a unique combination of traits, including an excellent crisp, juicy texture and a sweet, well-balanced flavor with occasional tropical overtones. It was developed by crossing the University of Minnesota hits Honeycrisp and Zestar!, making it a sibling of the popular SweeTango apple.

Marianne Santo, three-time president of the Eastern Produce Council and category manager of Wakefern Food Corp., died Sept. 24. She was 61.

"A devoted board member and leader of the Eastern Produce Council, Marianne was so passionate about the produce industry and its people, was a mentor to so many and lifted everyone up whenever she had the opportunity," said EPC's Susan McAleavey Sarlund and Theresa Lowden.  

Pacific Trellis Fruit, a year-round grower, shipper and marketer of premium fresh fruit, will be adding donut peaches and extra sweet nectarines this coming year to its successful inaugural offering of imported specialty plum varieties to create a full line of premium stone fruit during the Southern Hemisphere season.