Research & Analysis

BOISE, Idaho - Albertsons Inc. laid off an undisclosed number of employees at its Boise headquarters late last week, citing an "ultra-competitive" environment and the need to lower costs, reports The Idaho Statesman.

WASHINGTON - The interim final bioterrorism regulations released Thursday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were viewed positively by the Food Marketing Institute and other food industry trade groups.

LOS ANGELES - Supermarket chains and union leaders in Southern California agreed to meet in federal mediation on Friday as thousands of grocery clerks voted to authorize a strike if the mediation fails, the Associated Press reports.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Kings Super Markets here yesterday named Jim Meister as president of the 27-unit chain. Meister, who begins work on Monday, had been president and c.e.o. of the chain, but left the company five years ago.

CHICAGO -- Peapod introduced Sunday delivery to the Windy City this week as part of its emphasis on improving customer service. The online grocer has also added a Chicago's Best "aisle," offering entree selections from some of Chicago's most famous restaurants.

NEW YORK -- Several leading food retailers released earnings results today.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Acosta Sales and Marketing Co. has signed a letter of intent to acquire Priority Food Brokers, a leading fresh foods sales and marketing agency serving the Baltimore/Washington D.C. market.

WASHINGTON -- Half of American consumers surveyed say they will eat more low-fat foods and cook more meals from scratch at home in 2004, according to a new survey conducted for the Grocery Manufacturers of America by Phil Lempert on his SupermarketGuru.com Web site.