Nonfoods

QUINCY, Mass. - Based on the success of a pilot, Ahold-owned Stop & Shop said it plans to install a deli ordering kiosk solution in more than 200 stores by the first quarter of 2008.

ROCHESTER, NY -- Wegmans Food Markets has just rolled out private label brie cheeses in three flavor profiles -- mild, medium, and intense -- and is introducing Fromage Flights, consisting of cheese and other food accompaniments, for the 2007 entertaining season.

HARLEYSVILLE, Pa. -- The popularity of local foods among consumers has been touted in the media and proclaimed by supermarkets in the past year. But new research from the Natural Marketing Institute here suggests that artisanal foods - or those products that are seen as unique or exclusive -- may be an even stronger draw.

HARLEYSVILLE, Pa. -- The popularity of local foods among consumers has been touted in the media and proclaimed by supermarkets in the past year. But new research from the Natural Marketing Institute here suggests that artisanal foods - or those products that are seen as unique or exclusive -- may be an even stronger draw.

WASHINGTON -- Restaurant industry sales are expected to reach $558 billion in 2008, a 4.4 percent increase over 2007, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2008 Restaurant Industry Forecast, which was released yesterday.

WASHINGTON -- Restaurant industry sales are expected to reach $558 billion in 2008, a 4.4 percent increase over 2007, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2008 Restaurant Industry Forecast, which was released yesterday.

PURCHASE, N.Y. -- PepsiCo and international food and beverage company Strauss Group this week have signed an agreement to jointly acquire Sabra, the top-selling and fastest-growing maker of hummus, eggplant dips, babaganoush spreads, and Mediterranean salsa, available in individual and family packs.

LONDON -- Tesco's Fresh & Easy concept in the U.S. is the most innovative supermarket/neighborhood market concept, according to Planet Retail, a global firm that offers "e-intelligence on global retailing." Planet Retail yesterday named the Tesco division as one of the winners of its Innovation Awards, a global list that includes concepts from a variety of industries, including supermarkets.