Produce / Floral

The New Hampshire Food Bank has paid tribute to Associated Grocers of New England for its support over the years.

to spur shopper demand for California avocados by spreading the word that the fruit can serve as a replacement for fat in baking, the California Avocado Commission (CAC) has unveiled a national PR effort aimed at encouraging health-conscious bakers to substitute avocado for many traditional baking ingredients, including butter and shortening, by simply replacing these components with an equal amount of avocado.

As gluten-free foods continue to gain in consumer popularity and store-shelf prominence, manufacturers are offering a wider range of products to appeal to those suffering from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, and their families, as well as to shoppers who wish simply to reduce or eliminate their gluten intake. Following are some recently introduced offerings:

Brookshire Grocery Co.-owned and Super 1 Foods & Discount Pharmacy stores is looking to make packing a healthy school lunch easy with its “Super Fun Lunch” box value meals that are prepared and sold in the deli and are based mainly on NuVal scores.

Two of the world’s largest banana suppliers — Coral Gables, Fla.-based Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. and Westlake Village, Calif.-based Dole Fresh Fruit Co. — are in the midst of major campaigns to boost bigger sales of what is often considered the most purchased fresh fruit by U.S. consumers.

Leave it to the talented fresh food team at Publix to roll out a medley of ready-to-eat meals just for kids. Set to launch the last weekend in July, the five fresh meals consist of an entrée, two sides and a drink, for $3.99.

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Inc. (A&P) has a special deal for members of the grocery chain’s Live Better! Wellness Club: free refills on prescription prenatal and children’s vitamins.

The Chiquita Frozen Fruit Smoothies brand is inviting consumers to enter its Summer Fruit Fun Smoothie contest on Twitter for the chance to win a backyard patio makeover.