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NEW YORK - The market for organic foods and beverages is expected to generate sales of $32.3 billion by 2009, according to The U.S. Market for Organic Foods and Beverages, a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts.

SAN FRANCISCO - Officials here are thinking about charging supermarkets 17 cents for each grocery bag -- paper or plastic -- as a way to keep down the use of plastic bags specifically and cut down on overall waste.

WASHINGTON - American food shoppers are increasingly focusing on their diets as a way to achieve good health, according to a new report released today by the Food Marketing Institute and Prevention magazine.

SEATTLE - In the wake of national headlines about flu vaccine shortages, PCC Natural Markets here is joining forces with several natural food and health product manufacturers to donate "Wellness Baskets" containing natural flu prevention and treatment alternatives to fire stations and food banks throughout the greater Seattle area today.

TROY, MI & HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL ¿ Combine "Sears" and "Kmart" and you get "smart." And smart is what experts have already labeled the November 17 announcement that Kmart and Sears would merge in an $11 billion deal. The new company, Sears Holding Co., gives each retailer the best of both worlds in merchandise, talent and locations.

WASHINGTON - New government limits on the sales of hundreds of cough and cold remedies could cause big problems for the food industry, Marsh Supermarkets s.v.p. of government affairs Joseph Heerens testified today before the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources.

DALLAS - Whole Foods Market plans to carry several items from the Dogswell product line of premium dog treats at stores in its Southern Pacific region.

NEW YORK - From 1999 through 2004, sales of mainstream Mexican and authentic Hispanic convenience foods such as entrees and hand-held items have grown 103 percent, according to "The U.S. Market for Hispanic Foods and Beverages," a new market research report from Packaged Facts.