While the rest of the country will be glued to their television sets cheering on team USA in the Winter Olympics this month, the associates at Tops Friendly Markets are gearing up for their own Olympics, with a twist.  Over the course of the next several weeks, associates across Tops’ three-state imprint will be challenging one another to a produce themed Olympic competition to see will who will bring home the gold.

“Back by popular demand is our Tops Produce Olympics, something our team members look forward to each time we hold this healthy competition,” said Jeff Cady, director of produce

A good supply of Northwest pears is available right now. Quality is superior on all varieties. The Bartlett market is slightly higher. The market is steady on all other varieties. This is an excellent time to promote pears in weekly ad flyers.

There are 10 attractive varieties of Northwest pears — Anjou, Red Anjou, Bartlett, Red Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, Concorde, Forelle, Seckel and Starkrimson.

Check with your suppliers to secure as many of the variety pears as possible for your promotion. Add in Asian pears as well.

The pear category is perfect for building some nice aggressive displays

Frigid temperatures in Florida are expected to affect crops throughout the Sunshine State.

“Some Florida crops are better prepared than others for the cold,” said Mark Campbell, founder and CEO of ProduceIQ. “Cucurbits, such as cucumbers and squash, are susceptible to cold and don’t need freezing temps to have reductions in yield. Likewise, green beans prefer the warmth.”

He said beans have doubled in price in the past two weeks, from $12 to $24, and are poised to go higher. He expected that cold temperatures will, at a minimum, slow plant growth, reducing the level of harvesting to occur

SpartanNash is inviting grocery store guests to shop from the comfort of their home with free delivery on all online Fast Lane orders exceeding $35 beginning Feb. 1.

"As part of SpartanNash's mission to deliver the ingredients for a better life, we are pleased to offer quick and convenient home delivery for our guests who may be looking to avoid driving during wintry weather conditions or who want to stay safe at home during the pandemic," said SpartanNash Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Amy McClellan.

Through Fast Lane, guests may order from any grocery department

The Giumarra Cos. announced the centennial anniversary of its wholesale produce business, Giumarra Brothers Fruit Company. The company’s wholesale operation was founded in Los Angeles in 1922 by Giuseppe (Joe) Giumarra and his brothers.

At the time of its inception GBF was based at the 7th Street Market in Los Angeles (formerly called L.A. Union Terminal Market), under a canopied area of the market known as “the yard.” The operation sold produce, namely oranges, from a small stall.

Joe Giumarra focused on acquiring produce from growers and would make regular trips to Highland, CA, to source

I saw a LinkedIn post recently that stated “Hi, I’m Duhn-neet, not Damn-neat.” The author went on to talk about how her entire life her name was butchered and when being announced anywhere, the presenter or speaker would often precede her name with an “I’m probably going to butcher this name…” and a laugh. I bet you could count five or more instances in your own life where you were in school, a meeting, or at a conference when the speaker said this exact line.

Our names are at the deepest root of our being. It’s something we were given at birth, and often even before birth. Our name