Nonfoods

DENVER - Sen. Ken Chlouber, R-Leadville, Colo., has introduced a bill that would ban supermarket discount cards, claiming that stores use the cards to gather information about customers' buying habits and then sell that to other companies.

DENVER - The first case of mad cow disease in the United States may encourage consumers to try buffalo, according to a Reuters report.

DALLAS - 7-Eleven, the nation's leading convenience store chain, is launching a national awareness program, "Better Choices, Better Year," with Atkins controlled-carb products headlining an array of better-for-you offerings.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Select Winn-Dixie, Thriftway and SaveRite pharmacies are now offering the FluMist nasal spray, Jacksonville, Fla.-based Winn-Dixie announced last week.

CLEVELAND - Troubled dairy conglomerate Parmalat is seeking a buyer for its Archway Cookies business in North America, the company told the Associated Press on Wednesday.

Improved quality, line extensions, product innovation, and high margins crown private label as the dairy aisle's royalty.

Today's intense business climate raises the profiles of both strong and weak competitors. Here's a look at how some food retailers fared last year.

Interdental cleaning products--such as floss and toothpicks--are gaining in popularity with aging consumers, as well as the grocers that sell to them.