Tops Friendly Markets announced a “Free Thanksgiving” initiative to provide local shoppers with a hassle-free holiday as they gear up for their celebrations. The retailer is launching this new effort to extend extra savings to shoppers and ensure they don’t need to compromise this Thanksgiving.

Avocados originated in the highlands that connect south central Mexico and Guatemala and were domesticated around 7,000 BCE. It is actually a fruit and was referred to as an “alligator pear.” Mexico produces the most avocados in the world, representing 30 percent of the product.

The Southwest International Produce Expo took place at the JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ, Nov. 7-9. This year’s event was the most exciting to date as the FPAA and the Fresh Produce & Floral Council partnered to host the Desert Classic Golf Tournament; attendees also enjoyed the fast-growing SWIPE Expo, showcasing the best and brightest of the industry.

Progressive Produce is a year-round grower, packer and shipper of fresh produce. The company regularly grows thousands of acres of potatoes, onions, asparagus, citrus and other fruits and vegetables throughout North and South America, offering its produce 365 days a year.

Organics is a big part of what it does, and the company deals in organic potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, hard squash, asparagus, citrus, Brussel sprouts, herbs and other leafy greens.

Ball Seed, North America’s leading horticultural distributor, is pleased to announce the launch of a new website devoted to cut flower growers and the flower farmer audience. Visit the Ball Cut Flowers website to learn about top plant classes that consumers crave in the fresh floral market, and explore a wide range of grower resources, plant culture and videos for production success.