Frozen Foods

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- March Frozen Food Month once again provided strong sales growth in the frozen food department, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) here said yesterday. Dollar sales were up 4 percent vs. the prior year during the month of March, and units increased 2.4 percent, according Information Resources, Inc. data cited by the trade association.

Because of packaging's ability to enhance perishables, fresh suppliers are cooking up clever solutions to address the needs of today's consumers and supermarket operators.

The consumer focus on nutrition and convenience has spurred the growth of the yogurt market.

CHICAGO -- The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) recognized the winners of its 2005 Retailer Choice Awards during a special ceremony at the annual FMI Show this week.

LANDOVER, Md. -- The management of Stop & Shop and Giant Food have announced several major changes that will take place at Giant for the remainder of 2005 and 2006, including selling Giant's headquarters here, and selling or closing several manufacturing operations and distribution centers, which will impact about 500 jobs.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Joseph R. Heinen, who helped run the regional 15-store Heinen's Fine Foods supermarket chain begun by his father, died April 30 at his home here at the age of 70, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported. He suffered from a chronic respiratory illness.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Dole Food Co. has redesigned its Web site to better serve consumers and customers.

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- The Seattle division of Safeway Inc. opened a new $175 million distribution center yesterday in Auburn, Wash., that will serve 300 Safeway stores in five states.