Nonfoods

CHICAGO - IGA announced today it has become a member of Topco Associates LLC, the Skokie, Ill.-based cooperative that supplies procurement, quality assurance, packaging, and other services exclusively for its member-owners, which include supermarket retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice companies.

ZURICH - Nestle SA's chief executive today said the company has no plans for a major deal, following reports that the company is considering a $22 billion bid for General Mills, according to Reuters.

MINNEAPOLIS - Dale Riley, head of Roundy's ailing Rainbow Foods operations, based here, announced his resigation yesterday, according to published reports.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. - Kraft Foods, Inc. has abandoned its plan to reduce some portion sizes, saying consumer research shows shoppers prefer to have the choice of whether to go with smaller packages.

BOISE, Idaho - Albertson's, Inc. reported first-quarter 2004 earnings from continuing operations today of $56 million, or 15 cents per diluted share -- 3 to 5 cents above company guidance and four cents above First Call Consensus. In the prior year's quarter, earnings from continuing operations totaled $173 million, or 47 cents per diluted share.

Aided by Atkins, great taste, and versatility, sales of soft cheeses are strong despite record-high milk prices.

As experts link diet with diabetes prevention and maintenance, supermarkets are gearing up to capitalize on the message.

AMSTERDAM - Dutch retailer Ahold will reportedly begin looking at takeovers again in 2006, the retailer's c.f.o. was quoted as saying, Reuters reports.