Research & Analysis

ATLANTA - The Coca-Cola Co. yesterday promoted the head of the retail division of its key North American unit to run the entire unit.

NEW YORK - Nash Finch Co. a supermarket operator and wholesale food distributor, yesterday boosted its quarterly dividend to 13.5 cents per share from nine cents, according to Reuters.

BOULDER, Colo. - Wild Oats Markets, Inc. stock fell yesterday after the chain said earnings fell 68 percent, according to an AP report. The natural food retailer attributed the drop to supply chain changes, which offset a 14 percent rise in sales in the latest quarter.Shares of Wild Oats closed at $13.26, down $1.14, or 7.9 percent, on the Nasdaq.

WASHINGTON - Parmalat USA Corp., a unit of Parmalat Finanziaria SpA, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Southern District of New York today, listing assets and debts of at least $100 million each, Dow Jones Business News reports.

TUCSON, Ariz. - Wild Oats Natural Marketplace here has begun offering biodegradable containers in its deli sections that resemble regular clear plastic made from petroleum products, but the tubs are really made from cornstarch that's said to break down in seven weeks if composted, the Arizona Daily Star reports..

SAN FRANCISCO - Talks between representatives from the union and supermarket companies involved in a four-month strike and lockout in California extended into an 11th day on Saturday, marking the longest stretch of bargaining since the dispute began, Reuters reports.

BOISE, Idaho - Albertsons Inc. on Friday announced major changes in its senior leadership ranks and organization structure, including new programs to promote customer service, quality and new format development.

LAKELAND, Fla. - Publix Super Markets Inc. has expressed interest in sister supermarket chains Bruno's and Bi-Lo, which were recently put up for sale by Royal Ahold, according to a report in the Lakeland Ledger.