Private Label

LONDON - Leading U.K. supermarket chain Asda, a division of Wal-Mart, is extending its George brand to jewelry. The new 360-SKU range of George Jewelry, which was been co-created by Asda's jewelry and George teams, will make up 40 percent of the company's total jewelry offering, Asda has announced.

BOULDER, Colo. - Increased direct-store expenses and softer-than-expected sales in the second quarter led to a drop in Wild Oats Markets, Inc.'s second-quarter net income, the company said in an earnings conference call yesterday morning.

HOMEWOOD, Ill. - Carl Buddig & Co., based here, one of the country's leading suppliers of private label, thin-sliced meats, has been named Supervalu's 2004 "Supplier of the Year." The Minneapolis-based supermarket retailer presents the award annually for outstanding performance.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Legendary Rheingold Beer, a New York-area icon brand, will once again be brewed in its hometown of Brooklyn, according to news reports.

New York - General, rather than ethnic-specific, product appeal is the key to growth in the ethnic cosmetics and beauty care market, according to a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts, "The U.S. Market for Ethnic Cosmetics, Hair Care, and Beauty Products."

The paper goods aisle absorbs consumers with innovation, catchy graphics, and new products, despite competition from other classes, and a pending price hike.

TROY, Mich. - Kmart Holding Corp. here announced this week that it's opening a Kmart Design Group Office in New York to design new products for the mass merchandiser.

NEW YORK - The Orthodox Union has announced it will honor Wakefern Food Corportation and the Campbell Soup Company at its 106th Anniversary National Dinner on May 16 at the New York Marriot Marquis Hotel.