Frozen Foods

Among the many educational and inspirational events at the just-finished New York Fancy Food Show was an eye-opening look at the state of that industry, based on research carried out by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), Mintel International, and SPINS.

:Baby food is on real roll these days, helped along by collaboration between suppliers and retailers, according to Dianne Jacobs, s.v.p. U.S. infant nutrition at Nestlé/Gerber.

Whole Foods Market, the natural and organic foods retailer widely saddled with the nickname “Whole Paycheck,” is trying to live down its high-priced image with a new national program of discounts, coupons, shopping tips, and budget recipes.

Helped in no small measure by its still-burgeoning food sales, particularly in the perimeter, BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. said yesterday that June 2008 sales soared by 18.8 percent to $1.05 billion, from $887 million in the year-ago period. June 2008 comparable-club sales jumped by 16.5 percent, including a contribution from sales of gas worth 8.2 percent. The company attributed merchandise comparable-club sales growth of 8.3 percent to a higher-than-expected mix of low-margin consumable items such as paper products, HBC, and household chemicals.

In addition to its partnership with commercial refrigeration systems manufacturer Hill Phoenix on the design and installation of the first next-generation CO2 refrigeration system in North America at a newly remodeled store in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Price Chopper has other environmentally friendly irons in the fire.

Loblaw Cos., Ltd.'s new eco-friendly Loblaw Superstore in Scarborough, Ont. is the grocer's second-ever environmental flagship store, and its first in Ontario. The company has described the May 7 location opening as "a continuation of [its] long-term commitment towards environmentally responsible green retailing."

The private label line is aimed at children with allergies.

The bakery supplier said 'unprecedented rises' in raw materials, energy, and operating costs prompted the price hikes, effective today.