SpartanNash Co.

Alleging that classified boards of directors such as Spartan Stores “are an outdated…practice that serves to protect entrenched boards and prevent shareholders from holding [directors] accountable,” an investment group called on Spartan Stores, Inc. to adopt annual elections for its board of directors during its annual shareholders meeting Tuesday.

Retail buyers and merchandisers converging in Atlanta for the International Dairy·Deli·Bakery Association’s (IDDBA) ongoing Dairy-Deli-Bake ’09 convention and expo that runs through Wednesday are taking an all-encompassing look at a medley of new product introductions showcased in some 1,500 booths.