Nonfoods

Tons of high-margin HBC products are overlooked by most supermarkets because buyers are hamstrung into choosing only the obvious.

WASHINGTON -- In a media briefing held here yesterday, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) detailed several suggestions for improving nutrition labeling on packaged foods and beverages, including specific recommendations for single-serve packages.

NEW YORK -- Although many research studies have documented that Hispanic consumers are more brand loyal than the general population, that doesn't mean that they cannot be lured by a well-planned store label program. That was the message of Ana Lilienfeld, senior director of strategy, and Albert Greenwood, business development manager, for Daymon Worldwide, a private label super-broker, during a session held yesterday here at the Expo Comida Latina trade show.

COMPTON, Calif. -- Ralphs Grocery Co. and its sister supermarket chain Food 4 Less will not be fined for advertising Mexican-grown grapes as California-grown this past summer.

PITTSBURGH -- Green is definitely good for Giant Eagle customer Paul McCormick, who won $500,000 in the Healthy Choice "Green is Good/Giant Eagle Pigskin Challenge," which aired during the nationally televised Pitt vs. Notre Dame football game played here in Heinz Field on Labor Day weekend.

MILL VALLEY, Calif. -- Building on the success of its private label line, specialty retailer Mollie Stone's Markets here is introducing a line of store brand marinades that include several trendily spicy flavors.

Compassion has poured forth from many in the retailing community in the past week, demonstrating the industry's eagerness to do what it can to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Leading frozen vegetable supplier Birds Eye Foods here has named Neil Harrison chairman, president, and c.e.o. He succeeds Dennis M. Mullen, who is stepping down from active management but is making himself available as a consultant to the company.