Ralph's Market

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. - Supermarkets were one of the few sectors of the food industry actively acquiring or merging with other companies in the first half of 2003, the Food Institute reports. Supermarket companies racked up 20 deals -- up from 12 during the first six months of 2002.

HOUSTON -- The Houston Business Journal reports that the Kroger Co. has chosen Houston as the test market for its new Kroger Dollar Store concept. The Cincinnati, Ohio-based retailer, which is the market leader in the Houston area, already has converted approximately 500 square feet of space into dollar store domains in two of its stores there.