Trading Partners

CHICAGO -- In an encouraging turnaround after years of sluggish sales, center store products experienced 3.1 percent growth in the 52 weeks ending Aug. 12, 2007 across food, drug, mass channels including Wal-Mart, on par with total consumer packaged goods sales growth, according to a report from Information Resources, Inc. here.

GREENFIELD, Mass. -- Sales of organic coffee are growing rapidly, according to new the Organic Trade Association's (OTA's) 2007 Organic Manufacturer Survey. U.S. retail sales of organic coffee in 2006 increased 24 percent to $110.3 million, the trade group reported.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Food retailers, wholesalers, and restaurants will soon be able to review detailed supplier safety auditing and certification records online through a new alliance among the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), Muddy Boots Software, and Agentrics. SQFI, a division of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), plans to launch this service in early 2008.

CHICAGO - Most retailers view collaboration with their trading partners as key to the success of their businesses, according to a joint survey released yesterday from global strategy and technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- As a "gathering storm" of economic pressures continues to negatively impact the nation's economy and slow consumer spending, it could cause a serious ripple effect on the manufacturing supply chain, according to research and analysis from leading accounts receivable insurer Euler Hermes ACI.

LONDONDERRY, N.H. -- Leading organic yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm here said yesterday it's set to convert the remainder of its dairy product line to organic by the end of the month.

LONDONDERRY, N.H. -- Leading organic yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm here said yesterday it's set to convert the remainder of its dairy product line to organic by the end of the month.

LONDONDERRY, N.H. -- Leading organic yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm here said yesterday it's set to convert the remainder of its dairy product line to organic by the end of the month.