Next Big Thing, a cooperative of dedicated growers at orchards from Nova Scotia to Washington state, is coming off a roller coaster of a year.

Titan Farms has named Ross Williams as its new president, effective immediately. Williams brings extensive experience and proven operational expertise, positioning Titan Farms for continued innovation and growth.

In his role as president, Williams will oversee daily operations, lead cross-functional teams and drive the execution of the company’s strategic goals. With a deep understanding of Titan Farms’ values and a focus on quality, sustainability and innovation, Williams is well-equipped to guide the company’s ongoing success.

Sustainabloom, a program from the American Floral Endowment, announced the release of three new comprehensive guides designed to help the industry understand the role and importance of social sustainability. These new guides, developed by researchers at NC State University, offer valuable insights into key areas such as employee continued education, health benefits and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Mark Schindele, Target's executive vice president and chief stores officer, will be retiring after 25 years with the company. Adrienne Costanzo has been named Schindele's successor. Target also made a number of additional changes across its executive leadership team.

Brett Craig, executive vice president and chief information officer, will retire after 15 years at Target. With his departure, Prat Vemana will take on the role of chief information and product officer and remain on the leadership team.

Chile remains one of the largest fruit exporters in the world, sending more than 2.6 million tons of fruit annually to more than 100 countries across the globe.

As of mid-January, the country was in the heart of the Chilean cherry season and expects to have promotable volumes into February.

In fact, as of Jan. 5, Chile exported 15,021 metric tons of cherries to North America (more than 3 million boxes), which represents a 58 percent increase from what was sent to North American at the same time last year.

Alexis Taylor will become the International Fresh Produce Association’s chief global policy officer, effective Feb. 18. Taylor, who has most recently served as the under secretary of trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will join the organization after nearly two decades of public service in trade and agriculture policy.