Pharmacy

NAPLES, N.Y. -- This was a year of transition for many packaged goods marketers, paving the way for an extremely active year for new products in 2006, according to global business information provider Datamonitor. New packaged goods rollouts in the United States are up 6.5 percent from last year, though Oct. 31, 2005, as the end of low-carbmania has allowed other health-and-wellness-related trends to take hold.

Exclusive-brand programs in fresh categories are paying off for retailers that have a clear, premium point of difference -- but they've got to hit the mark.

Retailers are likely to bag extra dollars like fallen leaves, if they capitalize on an especially rich harvest of timely fall promotions this season.

WASHINGTON -- At a press conference here yesterday, public interest organizations Shape Up America and the National Consumers League demanded that the federal government act immediately to mandate the same standardized labeling information on beer, wine, and distilled spirits that currently appears on packaging for foods, beverages, and over-the-counter drugs.

In a retail world of seemingly infinite choices, any channel is a viable option for the food shopper. Here's a look ahead at some of the most viable.

One Piggly Wiggly operator reaches for premium cachet with a redesign, netting sales gains of 50 percent while retaining its established base.

WASHINGTON -- In a media briefing held here yesterday, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) detailed several suggestions for improving nutrition labeling on packaged foods and beverages, including specific recommendations for single-serve packages.

Compassion has poured forth from many in the retailing community in the past week, demonstrating the industry's eagerness to do what it can to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.