BENTON HARBOR, MI — Arkansas tomatoes weren’t ready to ship and so Gary Margolis, president of Gem Tomato and Vegetable Sales Inc., based in Boca Raton, FL, and with sales offices in Arkansas, took the chance for very early preseason preparation in Michigan.

Here in lush, spring-green rolling countryside, Margolis has a refuge from the travel and pressures of a 12-month fresh tomato deal.

J.P. Dulcich & Sons, a grower of premium California table grapes, announced its newest variety — the Green Emerald, a proprietary green seedless grape — is available only through Sunlight International Sales.

Beginning on June 12 with a match between Brazil and Croatia and lasting until the finals are played a month later, the World Cup is sure to spawn many celebrations, even in the United States, where soccer is not considered a major sport.

Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board, said globally the World Cup is huge. “It’s the second most watched sporting event globally, only behind the Olympics.”

Delhaize Group has completed the divestment of the Sweetbay, Harveys and Reid´s operations to Bi-Lo Holdings for a cash amount of $246 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments.

As part of a previously announced Federal Trade Commission settlement, Bi-Lo Holdings LLC agreed to sell 12 supermarkets in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to settle charges that its acquisition of 154 stores from Delhaize America would harm competition in several local markets in those states.

Well-ŸPict and Meijer are once again partnering with Produce for Kids for the 12th annual Get Healthy, Give Hope campaign to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for children’s organizations, including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Domex Superfresh Growers is looking forward to a sweet Washington state apricot crop this season.

The industry is estimating approximately 5,200 tons, which is about a 9 percent increase over what was shipped last season. Weather this growing season for apricots has been excellent and will provide above-average sizing and flavor.