Consultant

Bypassing the middleman is becoming an option for more nonfood executives looking for the best deals -- but it also leaves the execs open to cross-cultural pitfalls.

FRESNO, Calif. -- After a two-and-a-half year stretch as v.p. of produce for Topco Associates in Skokie, Ill., Rob O'Rourke is returning to the company he founded in 1993 with his brother John, RJO Produce Marketing here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Deloitte Consulting, LLP to conduct its inaugural "Industry Review of Retail Marketing Trends" study, which will take an in-depth look at emerging consumer trends affecting the traditional CPG marketing mix return on investment, as well as research strategies currently in use to identify models of success in shopper marketing.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Penn Traffic Co. here said this week that Tod A. Nestor is has been named to the position of s.v.p. and c.f.o., effective immediately.

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. -- An investment group made up of both local and out-of-town parties is considering purchasing Ahold division Tops Markets here -- and well-known grocery industry consultant Burt P. Flickinger III is not only advising the group on the deal, he's also a member.

PG steps further into the future with the launch of its virtual trade show on retail technology.

CHICAGO -- Quick-service restaurants have been aggressively improving and promoting their salad offerings, and their efforts appear to be paying off, according to new consumer research from foodservice market research and consulting firm Technomic here.

CHICAGO -- Quick-service restaurants have been aggressively improving and promoting their salad offerings, and their efforts appear to be paying off, according to new consumer research from foodservice market research and consulting firm Technomic here.