Tops Friendly Markets has been acquired by members of the company’s executive management team. The transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, but the company expects it will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013.

NEW ORLEANS — Van Solkema Produce Inc., based in Byron Center, MI, introduced its new packaged fresh produce line at the PMA Fresh Summit. The “Oh Boy!” brand pouched bag is designed to merchandise a wide variety of produce items, including sweet cherries, green beans, mini sweet peppers, mixed squashes, Brussels sprouts and tomatoes.

Todd Van Solkema said the zipper seal on the bag preserves freshness and gives the varied products a long shelf life.

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council has made a contribution of $10,000 through The Philippines Red Cross to support relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

Thousands of Filipinos were killed during the storm and millions have been left homeless and without food.

The Nov. 1 storage report for Washington apples was released was officially released Nov. 7. Data were based upon recently received grower feedback. According to the report, figures for this season’s crop were revised to a projected 113.2 million boxes. “Some folks are still picking later varieties, and so this figure is based partly on an estimate,” said Jon DeVaney, executive director of the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association. “Adjustments often happen in our December report as final harvest numbers come in.”

For Farm Fresh Produce Inc., which is based in Faison, NC, sweet potato production and sales were the basis for domestic growth and international market development. The firm has expanded its fresh produce export offerings, but sweet potatoes will remain its core business.

Farm Fresh ships between 800 and 900 40-foot containers of sweet potatoes a year. About 600 of these containers are exported. The firm has a large network of growers who pack the “Farm Fresh” brand, and all Farm Fresh products are GlobalGAP-certified.

Since opening its doors in 1906, Ben B. Schwartz Inc., located on the Detroit Terminal Market, has been on the cutting edge. “The railroad decided to build a terminal market in Detroit,” said Chief Operating Officer Nate Stone. “Ben B. received the first load that ever arrived at the terminal.”