Tops Friendly Markets, based in Buffalo, NY, and Salinas, CA-based Foxy Fresh Produce have jointly launched the "Foxy Dish up Something Fresh" Facebook photo contest. The contest asks Tops customers to submit a photograph of a recipe featuring Foxy Fresh Produce to the Tops Market Facebook page, and be entered for a chance to win one of multiple prizes.

WASHINGTON — After the Food & Drug Administration identified Taylor Farms de Mexico, a processor of foodservice salads, as the common supplier of salads linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, the agency said it plans to increase its surveillance of imported green leafy products from Mexico.

A record 1.5 billion pounds of avocados were consumed in the United States in 2012, reflecting an ongoing dramatic increase in demand. So far, 2013 is on track to eclipse that record.

"It seems we are going to be well over last year's numbers" for 2013, said Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board. He expects "definitely double digit growth."

Salinas-based Taylor Farms Retail and Green Giant Fresh are launching several new products this summer under the "Green Giant Fresh" brand.

Among the new products are shaved Brussels sprouts, French green beans, 40- and 20-ounce Veggie Trays with Hidden Valley ranch dip, and a 40-ounce Veggie Tray with no dip.

Sunkist Growers and Greene River Marketing are teaming up to sell Florida citrus under the "Sunkist" brand in markets across the globe beginning in the 2013-14 season.

"We are looking forward to this association," Patrick Rodgers, president of Greene River Marketing, said in a press release. "Both organizations bring great strengths to each other, and I see tremendous potential in both the domestic and export markets."

Jasmine Vineyards Inc. in Delano, CA, had its first commercial production of proprietary Sweet Celebration grapes last year. This year, the company will have increased production of Sweet Celebration, according to Jon Zaninovich, president of the company.

Sweet Celebration is a patented variety developed by International Fruit Genetics in Bakersfield, CA, of which Jasmine is a licensee.