Market Trends

Safeway and Albertson's on Tuesday offered their 28,000 unionized workers in Northern California a contract that includes a proposed wage increase the union has said for several months is unacceptable. The union said a strike is very probable as early as Oct. 8.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WIN - news) willrollout a multi-million dollar ad campaign in 14 states to communicate a new ``Real Deal'' brand position.

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 21, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. (Nasdaq:MARSA - news; Nasdaq:MARSB - news) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to sell the assets of Convenience Store Distributing Company (CSDC) to McLane Company, Inc.

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon have caused consumers in the Northeast to forego eating in restaurants and return to supermarkets, increasing sales of home meal replacement items and comfort foods.

SUPERVALU INC. on Thursday announced results for the second quarter of fiscal 2002, which ended September 8, 2001. The company reported sales for the second quarter of $4.7 billion, net earnings of $52.1 million, earnings per share of $0.39 and cash earnings per share of $0.46.

ConAgra Foods, one of the world's largest packaged food companies, reported record first quarter sales and earnings for the period ending August 26, 2001.

Fleming announced on Wednesday the successful opening and initiation of service from its newest distribution center in South Brunswick, N.J.

The Kroger Co. on Wednesday reported earnings of $0.32 per diluted share excluding costs related to a merger and one-time expenses, for the second quarter ended August 18, 2001. These results represent an increase of 19% over the second quarter of 2000, on the same basis.

The Pepsi Bottling Group on Wednesday announced that its Board of Directors has elected John T. Cahill, 44, CEO. The Board also approved the promotion of Eric J. Foss, 43, to president of PBG North America.

Tesco, the UK's biggest supermarket chain, is planning to create up to 20,000 jobs worldwide within the next year as it expands its international operations.

The Penn Traffic Company has launched three programs to help victims of the recent national tragedy.

Nash Finch Company (Nasdaq: NAFC - news), a Minneapolis-based food retailer and distributor, today announced the company has gained the business of several market-leading customers representing $70 million in sales on an annual basis.