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Vidalia Onions

In Georgia, we’re very proud of our famous seasonal treat. We’ve come a long way since the Vidalia onion’s accidental discovery in the 1930s. While still grown with great care, you no longer need to travel to South Georgia each spring and summer to purchase this flavorful, sweet onion.

We are proudly found on shelves across the United
States and select locations in Canada.

Unique Conditions

Cultivated for more than 80 years by growers, the Vidalia Onion is considered America’s favorite sweet onion.

Its distinctive taste is derived from the combination of weather, water and soil uniquely found within 20 South Georgia counties.

Chef Kevin Gillespie

Seasonality

Hand planted, harvested and cured each season, the sweet, juicy bulbs are available within a limited window from April to August.

Distinctive Taste

Impeccable in quality, the Vidalia Onion is sweet and crisp with a distinctive flavor all its own that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Culinary Experience

Considered a favorite sweet onion by chefs and home cooks, the Vidalia onion is known for its sweetness and versatility. From soups to salads to even desserts, Vidalia onions compliments any dish. 

Fun Facts

Vidalia Onions?

State Recognition

In 1990, Vidalia onions were named the Official State Vegetable of Georgia.

Pack Date

Each year, the pack date is set by the Georgia Ag Commissioner. No onion sold before the pack date can be called a “Vidalia.”

Shipment

Approximately 200 million pounds of Vidalia onions are distributed across the country and Canada each year.

The History

of vidalia onions

1940s

The state built a farmers’ market central to Macon, Augusta and Savannah. Word of “those sweet onions from Vidalia” began to spread throughout the state, and a name was born as recognition grew. 

1976 and 1977

As their onion began its ascent to national fame, local support soared. The annual Vidalia onion festival was established in Glennville, Georgia, by 1977 and in Vidalia, Georgia, by 1978.

2018

No longer just a “southern thing,” Vidalias are now sold in 50 states and most of Canada. 

Whole_timeline

1930s

During the Great Depression, farmers had high hopes of onions being new cash crop. Imagine their surprise when what grew was not an instant money-maker but a strange new, sweet tasting onion.

1960s

The state built a farmers’ market central to Macon, Augusta and Savannah. Word of “those sweet onions from Vidalia” began to spread throughout the state, and a name was born as recognition grew. 

1986

The Vidalia Onion Act of 1986 was passed by the Georgia state legislature, trademarking the name “Vidalia onions” and defining the growing region.

Omar Cruz

2017

Aries Haygood

2016

Dean Scott Angle

2015

Jack Hill

2014

Gerald Dasher

2013

B.D. “Buck” Shuman

2012

L.G. “Bo” Herndon, Jr.

2011

Delwin Dowdy

2010

Bob Stafford

2009

David & Danny New

2009

Mose Coleman

2008

Doyle Smittle

2008

Earlie Jordan

2008

R.T. Stanley, Sr.

2007

Bill Brown

2006

Raymond Bland

2005

Bob Redding

2004

Ben Jack McDilda

2003

Bobby Harris

2002

Gale Buchanan

2001

Reid Torrance

2000

W.J. Grimes

1999

Fisher Barfoot

1998

Janice Grimes

1997

Jim Hilderbrandt

1996

Jim Bridges

1995

Lindsey Thomas

1994

Maxwell Smith

1993

Charles McRae

1992

Gerald Achenbach

1990

Tommy Irvin

1991