Research & Analysis

MINNEAPOLIS - Supervalu, Inc. today announced that its Advantage Logistics operation will provide third-party logistical services for the Kroger Co.'s dry grocery distribution center in Denver. Today's announcement is part of an earlier transaction, which included the sale of four Cub Foods stores and the Aurora distribution center to Kroger.

DENVER - Safeway, Inc. has announced the appointment of Scott Grimmett as president of the company's five-state Denver Division.

WILMINGTON, Del. - The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) will organize and host a 5 A Day Foodservice Summit on July 23, 2004, immediately prior to the PMA Foodservice Conference, Tours, and Expo in Monterey, Calif.

LAS VEGAS - The next Dollar Store Expo, to be held June 16 to 17 here, will feature a "Food Pavilion" show within a show, along with items priced up to $5 to reflect the changing nature of the dollar store industry.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - The Sam's Club division of Wal-Mart Stores here is hoping to get a jump start on the Christmas shopping season -- and the competition -- by holding an "open house" in its membership clubs this weekend.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. - Supermarkets will be getting additional competition in fruit and gift baskets this holiday season from Sears, Roebuck and Co., which will be offering products from Harry and David and A.K.A. Gourmet at its www.sears.com Web site.

LOS ANGELES - A federal mediator is expected to meet today with leaders of the union representing 70,000 Southern California grocery workers and executives from three supermarket chains in their first talks since the beginning of a month-old strike and lockout, Reuters reports.

ZAANDAM, Netherlands - Ahold today unveiled a strategy and funding plan designed to rebuild its value over the next three years. The plan includes divesting of retail operations that likely won't maintain the number one or two positions in their markets within three to five years.