Center Store

GARDINER, Maine -- Associated Grocers of Maine, the biggest private employer here, said last week that it would proceed with a $5 million expansion of its warehouse, according to published reports.

Newark, Del. -- The Produce Marketing Association has called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to delay by one year its nutrition value changes for the voluntary produce nutrition labeling program, to provide the industry more time to conduct its own research.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Food is an important ingredient in Wal-Mart's recipe for success moving forward, according to president and c.e.o. F. Lee Scott--but that future might be tasting decidedly more upscale.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- One Oakland grocery shopper has lost four dress sizes, simply by incorporating trips to a new store here, Food Farm'acy, into her weekly routine. Others consumers have lowered their blood pressure, boosted their energy, strengthened their immune systems, and boosted their energy.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. said that it is fully cooperating with an antitrust investigation underway across the pond.

NEW YORK -- Wild Oats Markets probably isn't too wild about its latest rating frm Standard & Poor's here. The credit rating service on Friday assigned a 'CCC+' corporate credit rating to the super natural, a 'CCC+' rating to the chain's $115 million 3.25% convertible bonds due 2034. The outlook is negative, S&P added.

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Food Lion here is gearing up to encourage its shoppers to participate in the "Hunger Has a Cure" campaign from June 7 through July 7, to support local food banks affiliated with the America's Second Harvest network. All monetary and food donations stay in the communities where given to feed the hungry.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. and NATICK, Mass. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. and BJ's Wholesale Club both racked up sales increases this past month -- but BJ's saw room for improvement as the company hoped for improved weather in the coming weeks.