Nonfoods

SPOKANE, Wash. -- At a time when San Francisco and some other cities are considering imposing fees on grocery bags to cut down on pollution from bag waste, Yoke's Fresh Markets here is set to become the first grocery chain in the nation to offer 100 percent degradable plastic bags that the company says are just as strong as nondegradable bags and can still be reused.

NEW YORK -- While many of the banners under Boise, Idaho-based grocer Albertson's umbrella may feel like local grocers to shoppers, it is the unified action taking place behind the scenes that will sharpen the retail conglomerates competitive edge in coming years, Felicia Thornton, the company's e.v.p. and c.f.o. told attendees at the Banc of America Securities 2005 Consumer Conference yesterday.

NEW YORK -- Kroger Co. intends to throw its own weight around to compete against big supercenter competition, said the chain's c.f.o., Michael Schlotman, yesterday at the Banc of America Securities 2005 Consumer Conference here.

SPOKANE, Wash. -- At a time when San Francisco and some other cities are considering imposing fees on grocery bags to cut down on pollution from bag waste, Yoke's Fresh Markets here is set to become the first grocery chain in the nation to offer 100 percent degradable plastic bags that the company says are just as strong as nondegradable bags and can still be reused.

Washington, D.C. -- The United States is claiming victory in a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute with the European Union over the use of regional food names linked to many well-known cheese, wine and meat products.

Washington, D.C. -- The United States is claiming victory in a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute with the European Union over the use of regional food names linked to many well-known cheese, wine and meat products.

BOISE, Idaho -- Shares of Albertson's, Inc. tumbled yesterday to 15-month lows after the retailer reported fourth quarter earnings that fell below expectations. Shares on the New York Stock Exchange dropped 4.31 percent, closing at $19.97.

BOISE, Idaho -- Shares of Albertson's, Inc. tumbled yesterday to 15-month lows after the retailer reported fourth quarter earnings that fell below expectations. Shares on the New York Stock Exchange dropped 4.31 percent, closing at $19.97.