Trading Partners

WASHINGTON -- At a press conference here yesterday, public interest organizations Shape Up America and the National Consumers League demanded that the federal government act immediately to mandate the same standardized labeling information on beer, wine, and distilled spirits that currently appears on packaging for foods, beverages, and over-the-counter drugs.

SANFORD, N.C. -- The Pantry Inc. reached a new gasoline branding and supply agreement with ExxonMobil Oil Corp.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Several industry movers and shakers spoke yesterday on the importance of retailer and supplier collaboration, during the GMA Merchandising, Sales, and Marketing (MSM) Conference here.

WASHINGTON -- Manufacturers and retailers need to take a holistic approach to better reach consumers, and should revisit the importance of center store to grow their business, according to two new reports issued yesterday by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).

BENTONVILLE, Ark.-- Wal-Mart's 200 supercenters operating in Florida have begun to carry pasteurized-shell eggs, according to the product's supplier.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto of mandatory country-of-origin labeling bill was met with praise by California grocers opposed to the measure due to its burden to grocers, government, and consumers.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Retail nonfoods and pharmacy trade association General Merchandise Distributors Council recognized Norm Loringer, retired from Colgate-Palmolive, with its Lifetime Achievement Award for 2005.

CINCINNATI -- The Kroger Co. yesterday said it honored 81 outstanding minority-owned and women-owned vendors for 2004, as part of its supplier diversity program.