Supermarket/Grocery

ARDMORE, Pa. - Investor relations firm Gregory FCA, based in Ardmore, Pa., has found that institutional investors have increased their holdings in the food retail industry by nearly 11 percent in the most recently reported quarter.

NEW YORK - Leading grocery distributor Fleming Cos. Inc. on Friday confirmed the resignation of two senior executives, but said their move has nothing to do with recent developments that have seen its stock price hit historic lows.

NASHUA, N.H. - Identico Systems on Monday announced that it has been selected by the California Grocers Association (CGA) to offer its True ID fraud prevention services under CGA's new Membership Access Program.

QUINCY, Mass. - The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company is voluntarily recalling all ground beef and store made ground beef patties sold between Sept. 5 and Sept. 14 from stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey after learning that the product may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7.

ARLINGTON, Va. - Michael S. Needler, president and CEO of Fresh Encounter Inc., has been named chairman of the National Grocers Association.

CINCINNATI - The Kroger Co. on Friday announced it has reached an agreement to purchase 18 Raley's stores in Las Vegas.

Despite the myriad challenges of last year, supermarket sales rose 3.5 percent from 2000, when the economy was in decidedly better shape. All departments shared in the advance.

Retailers are turning to high-quality house brands to help polish their image and win the loyalty of a choosier breed of deli shoppers.