Market Trends

Two of the world’s largest banana suppliers — Coral Gables, Fla.-based Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. and Westlake Village, Calif.-based Dole Fresh Fruit Co. — are in the midst of major campaigns to boost bigger sales of what is often considered the most purchased fresh fruit by U.S. consumers.

Total second-quarter 2010 sales for the Nash Finch Co. were $1.15 billion, compared with $1.22 billion in the prior-year quarter, a decrease of 5.1 percent.

Local farmers’ markets have been increasing in number, seeing a 170 percent increase over the last decade, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In the wake of Seattle’s citywide ban on #6 polystyrene foam trays at grocery stores and foodservice outlets, which went into effect July 1, Metropolitan Market and other area retailers have responded by offering meat tray packaging made from corn-based compostable products.

Mann Packing Co. Inc. and Pactiv Corp.’s Hefty brand are partners in a to help parents provide convenient, affordable and nutritious lunches for kids heading back to school.

Sustainable seafood sourcing is moving to the forefront for a variety of supermarket companies, including The Kroger Co., which has made the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s (GAA) Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification for farmed seafood a key element of its seafood procurement policy, and Delhaize America, whose seven banner groups will soon require suppliers to verify that products come from sources managed for sustainability and encourage local sourcing.

Mintel research has found that more consumers are consuming alcoholic beverages at home instead of in bars or restaurants.

Bottom Dollar Food, a soft-discount grocery division of Salisbury, N.C.-based Delhaize America, said yesterday that it planned to open 15 to 20 stores in the greater Philadelphia market by the end of 2010, resulting in the creation of over 600 jobs in the area.