Bi-Lo Holdings LLC, parent company of the BI-LO and Winn-Dixie grocery store chains, has entered into a definitive agreement with Delhaize Group, under which Bi-Lo Holdings will acquire substantially all of the stores in the Sweetbay, Harveys and Reid’s supermarket chains from Delhaize for $265 million in cash.

Earthbound Farm, an organic food company based out of San Juan Bautista, CA, recently announced the promotions and hires of several staff members.

CRAIG HOPE was promoted to chief customer and marketing officer and is now responsible for leading the marketing organization in addition to the sales organization. Mr. Hope joined Earthbound Farm in 2010 as chief customer officer. He has 25 years of experience in consumer packaged goods sales organizations and previously held the role of customer vice president at Kraft, Nabisco and Distant Lands Coffee.

The Mushroom Council's inaugural "Swap It or Top It" summer promotion will challenge consumers to transform their typical summer grilling recipes into healthier versions, by adding mushrooms. The contest kicks off June 1 and offers participants a chance to win $5,000.  

"The trend is to blend" Mushroom Council President Bart Minor said in a press release. "Mushrooms and meat are a natural pairing, and this contest will elevate the concept with the consumer while increasing mushroom sales."

Domex Superfresh Growers, based in Yakima, WA, is looking forward to a vintage apricot crop from Washington this season.

The industry is estimating approximately 5,900 tons, which is the second-largest crop in the past 13 years. Weather this growing season for apricots has been excellent, which will result in above-average fruit sizing.

The early success of Tops Markets' new upscale Orchard Fresh banner has executives exploring the possibility of adding more locations.

Frank Curci, president and chief executive officer of Tops Markets, said in published news reports that the retailer could open "a handful" of stores in each of its markets in upstate New York.

As Certified Greenhouse Farmers expands its network of controlled-environment growers of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other greenhouse vegetables, the trade association is partnering with Grupo PM, which will serve as the organization’s marketing arm to Mexican growers.