Stop & Shop offers 'Orchard Perfect' fruit

QUINCY, Mass. Stop & Shop has teamed up with fresh fruit growers to introduce a new line of specialty fruits called Orchard Perfect, available exclusively at all 389 Stop & Shop stores. The line includes peaches, nectarines, plums, white flesh peaches and white flesh nectarines, will be available at all 389 Stop & Shop stores.

According to Stop & Shop the Orchard Perfect program uses the latest farming practices including packing and shipping systems to provide consumers with the sweetest, juiciest, tastiest fruit available today. Orchard Perfect peaches and nectarines are pre-conditioned with a special "temperature management" process that enhances ripening prior to shipping making these summer fruits taste as if they were just picked.

"This unique ripening process allows us to offer consumers fruit that is juicier, consistent and much more flavorful," said Andrea Astrachan, vp of consumer affairs for Stop & Shop. "Pre-ripening also protects the fruit from internal breakdown, such as discoloration, browning and mealiness. This all-natural process gives our consumers the ultimate eating experience."