There could be some major benefits for southern receivers of fresh produce from offshore countries resulting from a new six-month pilot program that kicked off Oct. 1.

The program allows for the clearance of cold-treatment perishables, such as blueberries and grapes from Peru and Uruguay, through south Florida.

The National Weather Service in Hanford, CA, has issued a hard freeze watch for the central and southern San Joaquin Valley of California effective Wednesday night, Dec. 4, through Friday Morning, Dec. 6. Low temperatures are expected to range from 22 to 27 degrees Fahrenheit in most rural areas, which is cold enough to cause damage to citrus crops.

Roundy’s Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 11 Dominick’s stores from Safeway Inc. in a $36 million cash and lease assumption transaction. The stores will be converted to the Mariano’s banner, Roundy’s growth banner, in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Tops Friendly Markets announced the acquisition of Tops Holding II by a group of senior managers closed Dec. 1.

The Nov. 12 episode of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” included a segment dedicated to creating nutritious family meals using fresh fruits and vegetables. Apples from Sage Fruit were among the featured items as part of The Biggest Loser’s Farm Fresh partners.

She graduated high school a year early; worked for a casting company in New York City at age 16; lived in Paris; studied abroad in Amsterdam; toured the country as a musician; and packed her bags at the drop of a hat to move cross-country for her career.

To refer to Anya Kaats, a New York native and the 25-year-old brand manager of Mamma Chia, as ambitious could be the understatement of the year.