SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The National Grocers Association named K-VA-T Food Stores and Food City as Outstanding Marketer and Brookshire Grocery Co. as Outstanding Merchandiser.

Fifty-six percent of U.S. shoppers are more concerned about food safety than they were a year ago, according to a survey from British consulting firm Lloyd’s Register.

Awesome Avocados from Mexico LLC, Good Year Produce Inc., Harvest Market, Midwest Independent Retailers Association, and Tigergood Marketing Inc. are new companies to the Market. Mex Hass Inc and others have changes.

Costco Wholesale Corp., Issaquah, Wash., is the first participant approved by the Food and Drug Administration for its Voluntary Qualified Importer Program.

Rockit Apple, known as the snacking apple due to its smaller size, will be featured at the South by Southwest Wellness Expo.

El Mechudo Produce, Importadora Y Exportadora Nevada Inc., Mondragon Garcia, Tech Smart Farm Corporation, and Zion Market are new companies to the Market. Aloha Organic Fruit, Lam’s Foods Inc. and others have updates.