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BOISE, Idaho -- The hurricanes that rocked the Southeast are still ringing in the ears of Albertsons execs. The chain yesterday cited the after effects of the hurricanes as it revised its 2004 earnings guidance downward, saying it expects earnings from continuing operations in the range of $1.29 to $1.31 per share.

EDMONTON, Alberta -- Canadian organic supermarket chain Planet Organic said this week that it is acquiring Newfound Health's 17 franchise stores throughout the province of Alberta. Terms of the agreement will be made public upon completion of the acquisition, Planet Organic said.

CINCINNATI -- In a deal likely to give the fresh-cut salad market a toss, produce powerhouse Chiquita Brands International Inc. said yesterday it is plunging head first into packaged salads with the acquisition of leading marketer Fresh Express from Performance Food Group Co. (PFG), for $855 million in cash.

BOULDER, Colo. -- Wild Oats Markets, Inc. yesterday reported preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Jan. 1, showing net sales up 11.0 percent in the fourth quarter; and 8.1 percent for the year to a record $1.05 billion.

AUSTIN, Tex. -- Whole Foods Market is gearing up for the grand opening of a new Austin "landmark store" and world headquarters on March 3. The new 80,000 sq. ft. store, will serve as a key anchor of Austin's downtown revitalization efforts. Its opening coincides with Whole Foods' 25th anniversary.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Kroger, Publix, and 14 other supermarket chains have joined forces with major organic food brands to launch an unprecedented $1 million marketing campaign, called "Go Organic! For Earth Day," this April, designed to drive mainstream consumer awareness, in-store traffic, and sales for organic food.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Executives at Ruddick Corp., the parent company of supermarket chain Harris Teeter, acknowledged last week at their annual shareholders meeting that competitive pressures will make it hard to replicate the company's successful performance of 2004.

LONDON -- Sainsbury's is giving new meaning to the term "kid's meal," with a unique partnership that turned student recipes into store-branded products.