Research & Analysis

DETROIT - Farmer Jack Food Market has announced a variety of freshness guarantees and shopping conveniences as part of its newly-launched "We're Thinking Fresh" initiative, designed to transform the entire chain into a fresh new atmosphere focused entirely on customer service and fresh food products.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - In the guise of giant ears of corn, butterflies, and tomatoes, demonstrators, along with organic farmers and chefs, marched on Monday in protest of a meeting of more than 100 agriculture officials from around the world.

NEW YORK - The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved over-the-counter sales of the popular heartburn drug Prilosec, opening the way for a planned fall launch of the drug by Procter & Gamble Co., the company announced. P&G has branded the drug Prilosec OTC.

HOUSTON - Commerce, Calif.-based 99 Cents Only has announced plans to open 75 of its discount stores in the competitive Texas market within three years, the Houston Chronicle reports.

CHICAGO - McDonald's Corp. on Thursday became the first major fast-food chain to ask its meat suppliers to phase out the routine use of growth-promoting antibiotics in animals.

WASHINGTON - The Food Marketing Institute here has announced that Rich Savner, director of public affairs and government relations, at Pathmark Stores in Carteret, N.J., will serve as chairman of FMI's Communications Committee.

MILAN, Ill. - Eagle Food Centers Inc., which owns and operates 59 supermarkets in Illinois and Iowa, announced today that it will commence a sale of substantially all of the assets of its operating units through competitive bidding procedures under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

MELVILLE, N.Y. - The Hain Celestial Group, a natural and organic food company, has acquired privately held Acirca Inc., owner of the Walnut Acres brand of organic fruit juices, soups, pasta sauces and salsas.