Nonfoods

WASHINGTON -- Faced with stiff competition, food retailers are making an effort to stand out from the crowd by rolling out target market-focused stores, and offering more specialty services, according to "Facts About Store Development 2005," the Food Marketing Institute study released yesterday.

MONROVIA, Calif. -- The checkout line snaked around most of the perimeter, and scores of curious and enthusiastic shoppers swarmed the aisles last Friday, the opening day of Trader Joe's first New York City store.

LOS ANGELES -- Kroger-owned Ralph's Grocery Co. plans to enhance its existing coffee offerings with the introduction of on-site cafes.

LOS ANGELES -- The Kroger Co.'s Ralphs division here has joined forces with American Express Incentive Services (AEIS) for a consumer promotion that debuts the grocer's first-ever customized movie card.

DUNCAN, S.C -- The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) has awarded the Cryovac Food Packaging Division of Sealed Air Corporation, based here, a handful of its 2006 Top Packaging Awards.

COPPELL, Texas -- Minyard Food Stores, Inc. here expects to debut its new Hispanic-centric Carnival flagship store in mid-summer, s.v.p. of strategy and marketing Poul Heilmann told Progressive Grocer yesterday. The ground-up store, to be located in the Oaklawn section of southwest Dallas, will incorporate the many new ideas Minyards has implemented in four recent Carnival remodels.

ATLANTA -- Coca-Cola North America yesterday said that Coca-Cola Blak, its new premium blend of Coca-Cola, natural flavors, and coffee essence, will roll out to supermarkets and convenience stores across the United States on April 3.

AUSTIN, Texas -- After operating on a partial basis for the past few months, Whole Foods Market here cut the ribbon on a rebuilt, 50,000-square-foot store in Metairie. La. yesterday.