Research & Analysis

Three major chains plan to save big with centralized perishables buying, but will their fresh departments start to look like clones?

LOS ANGELES - Ralphs supermarkets and Food 4 Less stores have partnered with the Girl Scouts -- Mt. Wilson Vista Council to help "Build Bright Futures" for girls in Los Angeles County's San Gabriel Valley affected by the instability and insecurity of homelessness.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Progressive Grocer magazine and General Merchandise Distributors Council (GMDC) will honor merchandising excellence in the General Merchandise categories with the second annual Pinnacle Awards.

CHICAGO - With assistance from supermarket industry experts, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) has expanded the ServSafe program to include a new line of training materials developed specifically for the supermarket industry.

LOS ANGELES - The produce industry is showing its concern for regulations that might be considered by Congress as part of food security legislation, the Los Angeles Times reports.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) has announced a new strategic alliance with FoodTrack Inc., providing members with 24/7 food safety surveillance information.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - GMDC members are registering in increasing numbers for the 2002 GM Marketing Conference May 31-June 4 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

NASHUA, N.H. - Identico Systems, a company that specializes in identity verification system, announced that Winn-Dixie has begun testing its True ID system to stop check-cashing and other fraud-related losses.