Frozen Foods

CINCINNATI - Kroger announced plans to introduce Smith's Marketplace, a new store format offering full-service grocery, pharmacy and a full selection of general merchandise, in Utah in June.

MINNEAPOLIS - James Patitucci has joined Nash Finch Co. as its new e.v.p., merchandising and marketing.

Undaunted by today's intense competition, a number of creative independent operators are thriving on their innovation and their imagination.

ST. LOUIS - Aurora Foods Inc. today announced plans to combine operations with Pinnacle Foods Holding Corp. after Aurora's pending reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and its previously announced merger with Pinnacle.

DENVER - U.S. regulators are probing Coca-Cola Co. over accusations raised last year in a lawsuit by a former employee who charged the world's largest soft drink maker with inflating earnings, the company said yesterday, according to Reuters.

JACKSON, Mich. - Dawn Food Products Inc. has completed its previously announced acquisition of the bakery business of Bunge North America, the North American Operating arm of Bunge Limited, for $76 million.

Improved quality, line extensions, product innovation, and high margins crown private label as the dairy aisle's royalty.

SALISBURY, N.C. - Food Lion has teamed with Boston Market Corp. in an arrangement that will bring fresh, ready-to-eat Boston Market home-style meals to Food Lion supermarkets. The new concept debuted earlier this month in a Food Lion in Concord, N.C.