Frozen Foods

PITTSBURGH -- The H.J. Heinz Co., headquartered here, has named Jeffrey P. Berger e.v.p. Berger, who will retain his responsibilities as president and c.e.o. of Heinz North America Foodservice, will take charge of the company's worldwide foodservice business.

NAPLES, N.Y. -- Food makers from around the globe are redoubling their efforts to provide the heart-healthy benefits of fish in their products, according to Datamonitor's Productscan Online database of new products. The number of new foods launched in the United States and Canada that claimed to be high in omega-3 fatty acids nearly doubled between 2002 and 2004.

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- March Frozen Food Month once again provided strong sales growth in the frozen food department, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) here said yesterday. Dollar sales were up 4 percent vs. the prior year during the month of March, and units increased 2.4 percent, according Information Resources, Inc. data cited by the trade association.

The consumer focus on nutrition and convenience has spurred the growth of the yogurt market.

Because of packaging's ability to enhance perishables, fresh suppliers are cooking up clever solutions to address the needs of today's consumers and supermarket operators.

LANDOVER, Md. -- The management of Stop & Shop and Giant Food have announced several major changes that will take place at Giant for the remainder of 2005 and 2006, including selling Giant's headquarters here, and selling or closing several manufacturing operations and distribution centers, which will impact about 500 jobs.

CHICAGO -- The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) recognized the winners of its 2005 Retailer Choice Awards during a special ceremony at the annual FMI Show this week.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Joseph R. Heinen, who helped run the regional 15-store Heinen's Fine Foods supermarket chain begun by his father, died April 30 at his home here at the age of 70, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported. He suffered from a chronic respiratory illness.