Nonfoods

CHICAGO -- Parents, not fast-food restaurants, are most responsible for the rise of obesity in American children, according to a new ACNielsen survey.

BOULDER, Colo. - Leading natural and organic foods retailer Wild Oats Markets Inc. today announced financial results for the second quarter and first half ended June 28, 2003.

WASHINGTON -- Supermarket pharmacies continued to experience the fastest retail pharmacy growth rate in 2002, according to a new Food Marketing Institute (FMI) study, "Report From the 2003 Supermarket Pharmacy Survey."

WASHINGTON -- The Food & Drug Administration will no longer require companies that sell snacks and other foods containing the controversial fat substitute olestra to warn that it can cause cramping and other digestive problems, Reuters reports.

WASHINGTON -- The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) are among the supporters of a new proposal by Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, to combat what has become one of the most serious retail security challenges -- organized retail theft (ORT).

Better ingredients, ethnic offerings, and "homemade" center plate entrees are upping the ratings of the 50-year-old TV dinner category.

AUSTIN, Minn. -- Hormel Foods Corp. today announced the acquisition of Sparta, Wis.-based Century Foods International in a $115 million cash transaction. Century Foods International is a manufacturer of nutritional products, dairy proteins and blends, and cheese products.

While VHS dominates educational and entertainment titles for kids, DVD grows its family audience by offering an increasing variety of titles and interactive components.