Supervalu Inc., which is one of the larger supermarket companies in the country, has made it known that it plans to nearly double the number of Save-A-Lot stores that it operates over the next five years. Currently, it operates about 1,200 stores from coast to coast in urban, rural and suburban environments.

Save-A-Lot is a smaller-format, discount chain that claims to offer savings of as much as 40 percent compared to a conventional grocery store. It offers limited SKUs throughout the store, including in the produce department.

Diesel fuel prices are not expected to climb to the dizzying heights reached in 2008, but after declining in 2009, the U.S. Energy Information Administration has predicted increases over the next two years.

The National Watermelon Association will "kick off" the domestic watermelon season when its 96th annual convention returns to the state of Texas for the first time in 17 years.

The convention, which will have a National Football League theme, will take place Feb. 17-21 at The Fairmont Dallas and will offer several unusual and even once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for football fans, Bob Morrissey, executive director of the association, told The Produce News.

ORLANDO, FL -- Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack has appointed six members to serve on the National Mango Board for three-year terms beginning immediately and ending Dec. 31, 2012.

Produce prices are high, business is competitive and independent retailers are prospering in the Kansas City area, according to local industry leaders.

Ed Baloian, chairman of Baloian Farms in Fresno, CA, will be honored Feb. 27 with Ag One's 2010 Community Salute Award in recognition of his more than 60 years of devoted service to the California produce industry and his commitment to his community.

The Baloian family has been in the produce business since 1923, when Mr. Baloian's father, Charles, started a full-service produce business. Brothers Ed and James Baloian joined their father as partners in the business in 1945 upon returning to Fresno after serving in World War II.