Center Store

BOISE, Idaho - Pharmacy sections in Colorado Albertsons stores will start using the Sav-on Drugs name in a rebranding strategy launched this month. Albertsons-owned Sav-on also has freestanding locations in 15 states, although none in Colorado, and the grocer has no current plans to open any.

SYDNEY - While rumors swirl of dissension in the ranks, Australian retailer Coles Myer, Ltd. said yesterday it has fired Steven Cain, head of its food, liquor, and fuel divisions, after little more than a year at the helm of a business accounting for about 80 percent of Coles' earnings, according to published reports.

TORONTO - CoolBrands International, Inc. said yesterday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the yogurt business of Kraft Foods, Inc. for about U.S. $59 million.

DALLAS - La Familia Distributors, Inc., a privately held company that sells Hispanic foods and consumer products, has announced plans to open six "club stores" in North Texas in 2005, according to published reports.

COLTON, Calif. - A partnership between Stater Bros. Supermarkets and Hormel Foods is helping to provide meals for needy families this holiday season.

WOODBURY, N.Y. - Weight Watchers International will reprise its Pick of the Season campaign in 2005, and is inviting produce suppliers to recommend participants.

NEW YORK - Gourmet Garage will open its fifth store in Manhattan, at 1245 Park Ave., between 96th and 97th streets, in February.

WASHINGTON - The Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) yesterday appointed Monica Gonzalez the new director of scientific and regulatory policy. Gonzalez will manage GMA's public policy objectives for food safety, recalls, traceability, and other issues.