Nonfoods

BRUSSELS -- Following a challenging second quarter, the Delhaize Group's management said yesterday it is optimistic about the remainder of the year for its retail banners, including U.S. grocers Food Lion, Hannaford, and Kash 'n Karry.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The USDA new dietary guidelines for children released yesterday, recommending four cups of fruit and vegetables every day with a focus on eating more fruits, were greeted with praise from some corners of the food industry, and pans by at least one consumer advocacy organization.

NEW YORK -- Private Label products are steadily increasing their share of the international marketplace, according to a new report on the market from ACNielsen, a VNU business and sister company of Progressive Grocer. The report, "The Power of Private Label 2005 Executive News Report, " private label items made up 17 percent of total value sales for the 12 months ending the first quarter of 2005, up from the 15 percent level ACNielsen reported in 2003.

Ephrata, Pa. --- After a series of setbacks and construction-related challenges, Redner's Warehouse Markets will finally proclaim the remodeling of its store here complete this weekend.

BOULDER, Colo. -- Natural and organic foods retailer Wild Oats Markets, Inc. here said yesterday it will celebrate the second annual Fair Trade Month in October using educational in-store materials.

ELIZABETH, N.J. -- In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Wakefern Food Corp., based here; ShopRite of Passaic-Clifton, N.J.; and St. Mary's Hospital of Passaic will host a Health and Heritage Fair. The event, which will be held Sept. 30 at ShopRite of Passaic-Clifton from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., will promote wellness and educate adults and children alike on a variety of health issues. Registered nurses, clinical dietitians, physical therapists, and a pediatrician will be present to conduct health screenings and answer questions.

CHICAGO -- As retailers in coastal areas help their customers stock up in this unusually active hurricane season, purchasing patterns from pre-Hurricane Katrina sales, released last week by Information Resources, Inc., might help.

NATICK, Mass. -- BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. said Friday that Alison Gregg Corcoran had been promoted to e.v.p. of member insight and marketing. In the newly created position, Corcoran will not only continue to head BJ's member insight and new club concepts initiatives, but will also take charge of all of the company's marketing operations, among them membership acquisition and retention programs.