SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Have a Plant will succeed Fruits & Veggies — More Matters as the new consumer marketing message from the Produce for Better Health Foundation to promote fruit and vegetable consumption.

Vidalia onions are now shipping to retailers, and the Vidalia Onion Committee is celebrating its new marketing campaign, The Sweet Life.

Medicaid beneficiaries with diet-related chronic illnesses can receive prescriptions and coupons for fresh produce as a part of a pilot with a Giant Food store in Washington D.C.

Hanford, Calif.-based Flavor Tree Fruit Co. LLC now is focusing on specialty items for the California summer fruit deal, and perhaps its biggest is its Verry Cherry plum – a high-brix fruit cross between various cherry and plum varieties, said Maurice Cameron, president.

Index Fresh, Riverside, Calif., is again shipping Gem avocados, to complement full-size hass avocados grown in California.

PHILADELPHIA — The growing interest in plant-based diets is an opportunity the produce industry needs to seize, PMA CEO Cathy Burns said April 11 during her address at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Connections Retail event.

Central Market, Wegmans, Heinen’s, Gelson’s, Trader Joe’s and Market Basket scored highest in customer satisfaction in the latest ranking of grocery stores by Consumer Reports.

Taylor Farms, Salinas, Calif., has purchased Earthbound Farm from France-based Danone SA.

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella (Calif.) Inc., is introducing a line of five seasoned pistachio kernals.

MONTREAL — Mann Packing, Mucci Farms, Schur Packaging Systems and Mastronardi Produce took home product awards from the Canadian Produce Marketing Association convention and expo.