Supermarket & Grocery Industry News

WASHINGTON - An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration voted this week to recommend that a "morning after" birth control pill be sold over-the-counter, which would make it easier for consumers to purchase.

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. - Fresh Brands, Inc. a supermarket retailer and grocery wholesaler through corporate-owned retail, franchised, and independent supermarkets, today announced the appointment of John H. Dahly as e.v.p., c.f.o., treasurer, and secretary, and Louis E. Stinebaugh as e.v.p. - operations.

WASHINGTON - In an effort to optimize transportation cost savings and service throughout the food retail industry, the Food Marketing Institute and Grocery Manufacturers of America have issued the Manufacturer & Distributor Customer Pick-Up/Backhaul Fairness Statement.

SEATTLE - The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has announced that there are now 100 Alaska salmon products carrying the MSC eco-label distinguishing Alaska salmon as a sustainable and well-managed seafood choice.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Bunge North America's Bunge Foods subsidiary has executed a definitive agreement to sell its bakery business to Jackson, Mich.-based Dawn Food Products Inc., for $76 million.

Hy-Vee c.e.o. Ron Pearson credits the autonomy of the chain's employees for making it so successful. The corporate culture empowers associates at all levels to make decisions and rewards them for it. The company revolves around its store directors, who are permitted to make all decisions about store operations, including whether to buy from Hy-Vee's warehouse.

As beef prices reach record highs, retailers need to stock up on alternative proteins or risk losing considerable sales and consumer interest in one of the supermarket's most influential profit centers.

New products are jolting coffee and tea sales, not to mention consumers' palates.