Supermarket & Grocery Industry News

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Supervalu's third-quarter earnings dropped 15 percent because of increased costs, including a strike at its St. Louis stores and the company's exit from its Denver operations.

ROME - Parmalat Finanziaria SpA executives are engaged in a desperate effort to rescue the foundering dairy products giant in the wake of press reports that it could be facing a hole in its accounts of as much as 10 billion euros (U.S.$12.5 billion), AFP reports.

WASHINGTON - An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration voted this week to recommend that a "morning after" birth control pill be sold over-the-counter, which would make it easier for consumers to purchase.

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. - Fresh Brands, Inc. a supermarket retailer and grocery wholesaler through corporate-owned retail, franchised, and independent supermarkets, today announced the appointment of John H. Dahly as e.v.p., c.f.o., treasurer, and secretary, and Louis E. Stinebaugh as e.v.p. - operations.

WASHINGTON - In an effort to optimize transportation cost savings and service throughout the food retail industry, the Food Marketing Institute and Grocery Manufacturers of America have issued the Manufacturer & Distributor Customer Pick-Up/Backhaul Fairness Statement.

SEATTLE - The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has announced that there are now 100 Alaska salmon products carrying the MSC eco-label distinguishing Alaska salmon as a sustainable and well-managed seafood choice.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Bunge North America's Bunge Foods subsidiary has executed a definitive agreement to sell its bakery business to Jackson, Mich.-based Dawn Food Products Inc., for $76 million.

Retailers here and abroad turn to buying alliances to level their playing field.