Supermarket & Grocery Industry News

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Union's highest court today rejected demands from UK supermarket giant Tesco for the right to import Levi's jeans from the United States, the BBC reported.

LONDON - Sales of organic food in the UK are continuing to increase faster than in any other European country, according to a report cited by BBC news.

DALLAS - 7-Eleven Inc. senior executives announced today the company is hosting its first quarterly Product Innovation Day on Jan. 17, 2002, at its headquarters in Dallas.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. and DALLAS - The WorldWide Retail Exchange today announced the signing of a definitive agreement with The viaLink Company, the first of several preferred partners for data synchronization services. viaLink will provide advanced, commerce-level data synchronization services to WWRE members and their trading partners.

CINCINNATI - Chiquita Brands International Inc. today announced that it has reached agreements with bondholder committees in support of a restructuring plan that will reduce Chiquita's debt and accrued interest by more than $700 million and its future annual interest expense by about $60 million.

WASHINGTON - The Food Marketing Institute and The National Council of Chain Restaurants on Monday announced a collaboration on efforts to further develop and support industry policies and programs to strengthen animal welfare and food quality.

MINNEAPOLIS - International Multifoods Corp. today announced two additions to its senior management team: Dan C. Swander as president and chief operating officer, and Daryl Schaller, Ph.D., as vice president of research and development.

WASHINGTON - Changes are being made in U.S. slaughterhouses following accusations from the fast-food industry and animal rights groups.