Nonfoods

Mainstream chains are taking advantage of hot sales of organics in the frozens aisle.

Behind the scenes, retailers and others in the food chain prepare for the event they hope never happens. Are they doing enough?

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Food Lion, the Southeastern chain owned by Delhaize America, the U.S. division of Brussels-based Delhaize Group, has unveiled a new exclusive line of wines made for the chain by the Canandaigua Wine Co., based in Canandaigua, N.Y.

Behind the scenes, retailers and others in the food chain prepare for the event they hope never happens. Are they doing enough?

BOISE, Idaho -- The hurricanes that rocked the Southeast are still ringing in the ears of Albertsons execs. The chain yesterday cited the after effects of the hurricanes as it revised its 2004 earnings guidance downward, saying it expects earnings from continuing operations in the range of $1.29 to $1.31 per share.

CINCINNATI -- In a deal likely to give the fresh-cut salad market a toss, produce powerhouse Chiquita Brands International Inc. said yesterday it is plunging head first into packaged salads with the acquisition of leading marketer Fresh Express from Performance Food Group Co. (PFG), for $855 million in cash.

EDMONTON, Alberta -- Canadian organic supermarket chain Planet Organic said this week that it is acquiring Newfound Health's 17 franchise stores throughout the province of Alberta. Terms of the agreement will be made public upon completion of the acquisition, Planet Organic said.

AUSTIN, Tex. -- Whole Foods Market is gearing up for the grand opening of a new Austin "landmark store" and world headquarters on March 3. The new 80,000 sq. ft. store, will serve as a key anchor of Austin's downtown revitalization efforts. Its opening coincides with Whole Foods' 25th anniversary.