Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets announced Monday, Feb. 8 that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement that creates a powerful alliance between the two storied independent grocery chains, as it nearly doubles their collective footprint in the Northeast.

IFCO SYSTEMS (IFCO), one of the world’s largest operators of Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) for fresh food packaging, and Walmart, announced the completion of a multi-year business agreement that will expand the retailer’s use of IFCO RPCs and make IFCO Walmart’s exclusive RPC packaging provider for select fresh fruits and vegetables distributed in the U.S.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Church Bros. Farms is offering foodservice customers a new premium pack of Little Gem lettuce under the SweetHearts brand.

Apple sales were up nearly 5 percent year over year from Nov. 7, 2020 to Jan. 23, 2021 while volume stayed relatively flat according to the latest 12 weeks of Nielsen retail scan data. Stemilt’s marketing director, Brianna Shales, and communications manager, Katie Harmon, analyze the most recent data during Fast Facts: The Cast video analysis with the data conveying there is plenty of promotional opportunity retailers can capitalize on in the coming months.

Ready-to-eat coconut brand, Genuine Coconut, recently launched three exciting new products in the North American market.  Their new Fresh Organic Coconut Chunks, Fresh Organic Coconut Toppings, and Fresh Organic Grated Coconut are made with just one ingredient — freshly peeled organic mature coconut meat. 

Lunar New Year, which begins on February 12, 2021, is the perfect time to help shoppers discover new food favorites, and Frieda’s customized Asian vegetable program makes it easy. 2021 is the Year of the Ox, symbolizing hard work and honesty; we think it’s quite fitting, wouldn’t you say?