Nonfoods

SKOKIE, Ill. -- Topco Associates LLC here recently notified its suppliers that they'll now be expected to be certified under a program that assures their food safety and quality management systems are fully documented, verified for effectiveness, and audited annually for compliance by an independent body.

SKOKIE, Ill. -- Topco Associates LLC here recently notified its suppliers that they'll now be expected to be certified under a program that assures their food safety and quality management systems are fully documented, verified for effectiveness, and audited annually for compliance by an independent body.

WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Produce Association here is forming an international advisory council to assist in understanding member needs, identifying challenges and opportunities for members in the international arena, and delivering enhanced value to members in the global produce community.

WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Produce Association here is forming an international advisory council to assist in understanding member needs, identifying challenges and opportunities for members in the international arena, and delivering enhanced value to members in the global produce community.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. New research from The Nielsen Company finds that half (49 percent) of U.S. consumers are reducing their spending to compensate for rising gas prices, up four points from June 2007. Consumers are also battling high gas prices by combining shopping trips and errands (70 percent), eating out less (41 percent), and staying home more often (39 percent).

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Dole Fresh Fruit and Dole Fresh Vegetables, subsidiaries of Dole Food Co., Inc. here, made further enhancements to its marketing operations.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Spartan Stores here is gearing up for a $3 million remodeling of the Felpausch Food Center Paw Paw location at 847 South Kalamazoo St. The project will be the third major remodeling of a Felpausch supermarket since Spartan Stores acquired the chain, according to press reports.

WASHINGTON -- The "Take a Peak into MyPyramid" campaign, created to provide millions of Americans with education and guidance on eating more nutritious foods, marks its first year in grocery stores this month, The Grocery Manufacturers and Food Marketing Institute said yesterday.