Nonfoods

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. - Shaw's Supermarkets Inc. plans to eliminate about 307 jobs at some of its stores, according to local reports. The news comes just months after the Shaw's and Star Market chains were acquired by Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons.

ZURICH - Nestle SA's chief executive today said the company has no plans for a major deal, following reports that the company is considering a $22 billion bid for General Mills, according to Reuters.

MINNEAPOLIS - Dale Riley, head of Roundy's ailing Rainbow Foods operations, based here, announced his resigation yesterday, according to published reports.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. - Kraft Foods, Inc. has abandoned its plan to reduce some portion sizes, saying consumer research shows shoppers prefer to have the choice of whether to go with smaller packages.

BOISE, Idaho - Albertson's, Inc. reported first-quarter 2004 earnings from continuing operations today of $56 million, or 15 cents per diluted share -- 3 to 5 cents above company guidance and four cents above First Call Consensus. In the prior year's quarter, earnings from continuing operations totaled $173 million, or 47 cents per diluted share.

As experts link diet with diabetes prevention and maintenance, supermarkets are gearing up to capitalize on the message.

AMSTERDAM - Dutch retailer Ahold will reportedly begin looking at takeovers again in 2006, the retailer's c.f.o. was quoted as saying, Reuters reports.

As consumers go grill crazy in rising numbers, meats are set to sizzle this summer.