Oviedo, FL-based Duda Farm Fresh Foods announced Dec. 20 that it has donated 40,000 pounds of fresh produce to the Families in Transition (FIT) program, according to a company press release. The fresh produce will be available to children at food pantries at Seminole County public schools, and children will be able to pick up food to take home with them for weekends. The retail value of the donated produce is approximately $30,000.

MEMPHIS, TN -- International Paper and West Pak Avocado Inc. have teamed to produce an innovative box design that is a win-win for both companies. West Pak Avocado wanted to redesign its box and brand, and it looked to International Paper to help create a new box that would stand above the rest.

"Our goal was to provide our customer with a new box style that was stronger and more efficient than current packaging, while also meeting the needs of the marketplace in terms of visual appeal and handling," said Ed Arriaga, International Paper field sales manager.

Highline Mushrooms, one of the larger Canadian mushroom growers, announced the launch of two new stuffed portabella mushrooms -- Rustic Mediterranean and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato -- both of which are available to retailers in a 8.6-ounce (245-gram) pack.

Retail operators Winn-Dixie Stores Inc., based in Jacksonville, FL, and BI-LO, based in Greenville, SC, announced Dec. 20 that they will merge operations to create an organization of approximately 690 grocery stores and 63,000 employees in eight states throughout the southeastern United States.