NEWS WATCH: TOPCO'S FLORAL SALES BLOSSOM...MOLLIE STONE'S PARTNERS WITH PEET'S

TOPCO'S FLORAL SALES BLOSSOM

tes' blossoming floral sales spurred the move of its floral division from West Palm Beach, Fla., to Miami, the port of entry for most cut flowers from South America, officials told SN. Currently, the wholesaler's floral program is experiencing record sales, they said. For years, the floral offering has been a key component of Topco's perishables program. The floral lineup includes a large variety that changes season to season, with selected items marketed for the holidays. This year, two new items -- flower vase arrangements and African violets -- will be featured for the holiday season. "Whether it's something new for the season or a holiday-related item, we are constantly looking for new ideas for our members," said Mike Waters, director of floral for Topco, a food industry cooperative.

MOLLIE STONE'S PARTNERS WITH PEET'S

MILL VALLEY, Calif. -- Mollie Stone's Markets here has announced an agreement with specialty coffee roaster and marketer Peet's Coffee & Tea to open a licensed retail location within a Mollie Stone's Market in San Bruno, Calif. The location will offer artisan baked goods, fresh coffee and tea, and packaged whole-bean coffees and teas. The Peet's store is currently scheduled to open this winter. Deluxe Foods, a single-store independent based in Aptos, Calif., recently opened a similar Peet's kiosk within its store.