Supermarket & Grocery Industry News

CHICAGO -- If current trends continue, 50 percent of kids in the United States will be overweight by 2010, but healthier products aimed at children may just turn this around, according to a new report by market research firm Information Resources, Inc., based here.

WATFORD, England -- International food and grocery expert IGD yesterday released its 'Ten to Watch' list of outstanding food retailers the world over, and the ranking included two U.S. food retailers, Whole Foods and Wegmans.

TROY, Ohio -- John T. McDonough, previously president of Hobart Foodservice here, has been named president of ITW Food Equipment Group (FEG)/North America.

BOSTON -- A new survey commissioned by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) here showing the key role that bargain hunting plays in American middle-class consumers' lives yielded the information that such consumers say they're most likely to find high-quality bargains online, at discounters or at warehouse clubs, but very rarely at traditional department stores or neighborhood boutiques.

COLTON, Calif. -- Regional independent Stater Bros. Friday presented a check for $156,210.24 to the Children's Fund of San Bernardino County to assist abused and at-risk children.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Tom Berg has been promoted to v.p. of business development at Spartan Stores here. Since coming to Spartan in May 1980, Berg, most recently director of new business development has held various positions in the general merchandise, corporate brands, and marketing departments.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Supermarket operators in Ohio, take heed: Six Wal-Mart Supercenters are coming to a neighborhood near you on May 17. The stores are located near Cincinnati (Forest Park and Fairfield Township), Springfield, Bowling Green, and Upper Sandusky. Three of the stores are new facilities, and three are expanded or relocated stores.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Katherine Frisina, a former legislative aide to Sen. John Carey (R-Ohio), has joined the Ohio Grocers Association as director of government relations and public affairs, where she'll be responsible for managing OGA's government and media relations.