Research & Analysis

Atkins dieters could be a meat manager's best friends, but so far there's been little effort to target this ready-made customer base.

Robesonia, Pennsylvania -- Associated Wholesalers, Inc., a cooperative wholesale food distributor serving approximately 250 supermarkets in the northeastern United States, has awarded Miami-based Ryder System, Inc., a global leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, with a multi-year maintenance contract.

PINELLAS PARK, FLA. -- Several suspected larvae of the Mexican fruit fly have been detected in Manzano peppers from two produce markets in Pinellas County, according to Florida's agriculture commissioner Charles Bronson.

GREENFIELD, Mass. - Following the lead of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Organic Trade Association -- presenter of the "All Things Organic" conference and trade show -- says it will co-locate next year's show with the FMI show.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Dollar Tree Stores Inc., a large $1.00 discount variety store chain, will hold groundbreaking ceremonies this week for two new distribution centers in Joliet, Ill., and Ridgefield, Wash.

BOULDER, Colo. - Wild Oats Markets Inc., a leading national natural and organic foods retailer, announced that financial results for its first quarter ended March 29, 2003 generated net income of $1.4 million, or $0.05 per share, on first quarter sales of $236.0 million.

MARTINEZ, Calif. - Contra Costa County in California is considering a ban on super-sized retailers such as Wal-Mart that sell major nonfood items alongside grocery items, reports the Contra Costa Times.

DALLAS - Bankrupt food distributor Fleming Cos. Inc. on Thursday said it will shut down five wholesale divisions, resulting in the elimination of 800 jobs, or roughly 7 percent of its work force.