Nonfoods

While snacks, beer, and soft drinks score biggest for Super Bowl, retailers can gain yardage with many nontraditional products, too.

One retailer's firsthand account of devastation and recovery in the face of Hurricane Ivan shows how grocers both give and receive when disaster strikes.

SAN ANTONIO -- Central Market, the successful gourmet spinoff of H.E. Butt Grocery Co. here, continues to build a distinctive own-brand franchise for its seven Texas stores. The retailer last week brought shoppers up to date in its e-mail newsletter, touting an armload of products bearing the CM private label.

FISHERS, N.Y. -- The New York Apple Association in September will roll out a crisp consumer advertising and public relations campaign to promote the 2005 crop.

NEW YORK -- In a sign that manufacturers have upped the ante on their coupon promotions, FSI coupon use was on the rise in the first half of the year, led by a 15.7 percent jump in personal care product coupons, according to the latest Marx FSI Trend Report issued yesterday.

AUSTIN, Tex. -- As the seasonal flavors of the summer harvest become increasingly accessible, Whole Foods Market based here launched a campaign to publicize locally grown fruits and vegetables brought directly to its stores from the field.

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Food Lion, a unit of Delhaize America, based here, said yesterday it has named Brad Smith v.p. of accounting, and Paul LaCroix v.p. of dry category management.

MCLEAN, Va. -- The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), based here, yesterday issued a heartfelt tribute to one of its own -- Gerald E. "Gerry" Thomas, inventor of the TV dinner, who died in Paradise Valley, Ariz. this week of cancer at the age of 83.