Fresh Food Management

NEWARK, Del. - More than half of consumers (54 percent) choose supermarkets as their most likely point of purchase for fresh fruits and vegetables during peak growing seasons in their regions, according to results of a recent national survey of 900 U.S. consumers commissioned by PMA and conducted by Opinion Dynamics Corporation in late July.

LINDON, Utah - Electric Aquagenics Unlimited, Inc. (EAU), an innovator in developing products using water electrolysis that disinfect, sanitize, and clean surfaces and foods -- all without toxicity to the consumer or the environment -- said it will commence beta-testing of two production models of its Empowered Water generators in two prominent nationwide grocery store chains.

LANDOVER, Md. - In conjunction with the kickoff of National Food Safety Education Month in September, Giant Food has launched an effort to offer consumers back-to-school food tips for keeping lunches safe.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- It could have been the 50,528,081 pounds of apples sold a year, or the fact that Meijer carries more than 23 varieties. Or it could be because Meijer generally has the freshest produce on the market. Any way you slice it, Meijer is a leader in apple sales and merchandising, and was accordingly given top honors as the 2004 Apple Merchandiser of the Year yesterday by the U.S. apple industry.

BOULDER, Colo. -- Henry's Farmers Markets, a fresh foods grocery store chain owned by Wild Oats, will open its 24th store in Corona, Calif. Aug. 25 as part of an aggressive expansion schedule in the Southwest that includes five new stores this year and an additional 10 by the end of 2005.

ST. LOUIS - As Schnuck Markets, Inc. continues seeking out ways to expand its variety and value-added customer services, the family-held chain is bringing a dozen cuts of bison (or buffalo) meat to St. Louis-area customers.

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Safeway has launched a voluntary recall of green onions that may be contaminated with salmonella. The recalled green onions, also known as scallions, were sold from Aug. 3 through Aug. 7 at Safeway and Pak 'n Save stores in Northern California and Western Nevada.

TYLER, Texas - Brookshire Grocery Co. will open a second unit under the Olé Foods Store banner, in Corsicana, Texas, next week.