Trading Partners

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Consumer packaged goods manufacturers' best opportunities to boost holiday sales in 2007 lie with seasonal flavors/packaging and convenience foods, according to new research conducted for the Grocery Manufacturers Association by Ernst & Young LLP and The NPD Group.

TORONTO -- Loblaw Cos., Ltd. here posted a same-store sales increase of 2.8 percent for the third quarter of fiscal 2007, excluding the impact of lower tobacco sales. But gross margin at the Canadian retailer plummeted about CAN $60 million (US $60.7 million) compared to the year ago period -- representing 0.7 percent of sales -- which the company attributed to such factors as targeted price reductions to provide value to customers and changes in sales mix.

Category management is helping the center store rebound from lackluster sales performance -- but the recovery still has a ways to go.

As perishables category management evolves, sharper lines are being drawn between the trading partners that are fully on board -- and those that aren't.

OMAHA, Neb. -- ConAgra Foods, Inc. here said it has resumed production of its Banquet and private label pot pies at its Marshall, Mo., plant, more than a month after the company recalled the products due to salmonella contamination.

As perishables category management evolves, sharper lines are being drawn between the trading partners that are fully on board -- and those that aren't.

Category management is helping the center store rebound from lackluster sales performance -- but the recovery still has a ways to go.

OMAHA, Neb. -- ConAgra Foods, Inc. here said it has resumed production of its Banquet and private label pot pies at its Marshall, Mo., plant, more than a month after the company recalled the products due to salmonella contamination.