Deli / Prepared Foods

WASHINGTON - Retail prices for food at the supermarket dropped 2.5 percent in the second quarter of 2004, according to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) market basket survey. The informal survey on the total cost of 16 basic grocery items showed a decrease of 99 cents from the 2004 first-quarter survey.

Sales and merchandising may center on the winter holidays, but the time is always right for an exciting hors d'oeuvres assortment.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - Joseph A. Pichler, who will retire later this month as chairman of The Kroger Co., was the recipient of the 2004 Hall of Achievement Award by the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA).

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - The CPG industry's financial performance in 2003 continued to rebound as median net sales rose nearly two percentage points to 6.5 percent from 4.6 percent in 2002, and returns on sales and assets continued to climb for most companies, according to a study released during GMA's Executive Conference here.

Aided by Atkins, great taste, and versatility, sales of soft cheeses are strong despite record-high milk prices.

CHICAGO - If consumers in financial straits have to choose between buying gasoline or groceries, gasoline often wins out, a Food Marketing Institute study has found.

Following a successful pilot, United Supermarkets rolls ahead with a knowledge-based computer-automated ordering system.

NEW YORK - The Orthodox Union has announced it will honor Wakefern Food Corportation and the Campbell Soup Company at its 106th Anniversary National Dinner on May 16 at the New York Marriot Marquis Hotel.