Frozen Foods

LAFAYETTE, La. -- WellnessGrocer.com, an e-commerce company here, is extending its new direct-to-consumer service to independent retailers. The Web site, which went live in June, will seek to supply retailers with hard-to-find orders of organic, natural, and gourmet products that aren't always available in large distribution houses.

GAHANNA, Ohio -- Kahiki Foods, Inc., a supplier of such products as appetizers, egg rolls, and sauces to large supermarket chains and club stores as well as foodservice operations in the United States and abroad, is officially opening both a new plant and retail outlet store today here. The plant, at 119,000 square feet over 14 acres, is one of the biggest Asian frozen food facilities in the United States.

MILL VALLEY, Calif. -- Readers of "J The Jewish News Weekly" chose Mollie Stone's Markets as best grocery store with a kosher section, in a recent reader's poll.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- It's a good thing for Wal-Mart that people have to eat. The latest figures from ACNielsen's Wal-Mart Channel Service for the 52-weeks ended May 14, show that growth in food and beverage sales more than offset an actual decline in sales of UPC-coded general merchandise at Wal-Mart supercenters and discount stores over the past year.

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- White Toque, Inc. here, an importer of frozen specialty foods from Europe for the foodservice industry, said yesterday it plans to establish a network of retail stores and distribution centers throughout the country, starting with the Northeastern region.

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. -- Specialty produce supplier Frieda's Inc. made two key changes to its sales and marketing departments, with the promotions of two key staff members.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Just in time for summer, Whole Foods Market here hoping to help intimidated consumers learn that preparing seafood at home isn't really that hard.

NEW YORK -- Such value-added products as mixed-vegetable side dishes, frozen fruit salads, and packaged ethnic rice dishes are providing retailers with the biggest growth opportunities in the $45.6 billion market for private label foods and beverages, according to "The U.S. Market for Private Label Foods and Beverages," a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts.