Nonfoods

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. ¿ Supermarket and consumer goods marketing veteran Steve Michaelson told Progressive Grocer yesterday that he is set to apply the best practices from brick-and-mortar stars Wegmans and Weis Markets in his new role as president of FreshDirect, one of the nation's leading online fresh food manufacturing and delivery services.

PITTSBURGH - H.J. Heinz Co. will open an international research and technical facility in mid-2005 that will be home to the food maker's research and development operations and its quality assurance laboratories.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Taking another step in its asset rationalization plan, Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. has sold its Dixie Packers manufacturing facility in Madison County, Fla., to The Smithfield Packing Co., Inc. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Save-A-Lot, a discount grocery chain based in St. Louis, opened its first store here today.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The sale of Ahold USA's Bruno's and Bi-Lo chains seems to be inching closer, according to published reports.

MATTHEWS, N.C. - Discount chain Family Dollar Stores, Inc. experienced solid sales increases in August and its fourth quarter, although sales in existing stores were down slightly due in part to slower-moving softlines, the Matthews, N.C.-based company said yesterday.

NEW YORK - Retailers from grocery, drug, and mass now have a forum to discuss the booming health, wellness, and self-care movement with key suppliers. Sponsored by Retail Merchandiser magazine, in cooperation with Progressive Grocer and Convenience Store News, the Health & Wellness Summit '04 is being held Oct. 25 and 26 in Miami.

'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em' is the cereal category's modus operandi in the face of the low-carb movement.