Supermarket & Grocery Industry News

MINNEAPOLIS -- Supervalu, Inc. said yesterday that it had completed its cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Milwaukee-based Total Logistics, Inc., a national provider of integrated third-party logistics services and manufacturer of refrigeration systems. The tender offer began Jan. 7 and expired at midnight EST on Feb. 4.

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- Equity One, Inc., a real estate investment trust that acquires, renovates, develops, and manages neighborhood and community shopping centers, has completed the sale of a retail center in North Ellenton, Fla., anchored by Publix and Kmart, for $14.9 million.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Nash Finch Co. yesterday said it will expand its service to commissaries at five additional bases in two additional states, Colorado and Wyoming, effective April 1, 2005.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Regional chain Ingles Markets, Inc. yesterday said that based on its preliminary financial results, fiscal 2004 was the first year the company has exceeded the $2 billion sales level.

BARRINGTON, Ill. -- Willard Bishop Consulting is conducting a total store "super study" with three geographically dispersed supermarket chains ¿ Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle, Matthews, N.C.-based Harris Teeter, and West Sacramento, Calif.-based Raley's -- which company officials say will provide new insights into specific performance of the entire store.

AUSTIN, Minn. -- Hormel Foods Corp. has acquired Arriba Foods, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of Mexican food products, for $47 million in cash. The company was purchased from Chicago- based Arbor Private Investment Co.

WASHINGTON -- Technology, e-prescribing, the new Medicare drug benefit, and business-building opportunities are just a few of the topics that will be covered at the 18th Annual Supermarket Pharmacy Conference, to be held April 9 to April 12 in New Orleans. Hosted by the Food Marketing Institute, the conference will offer pharmacy representatives a global look at current health care issues, as well as an opportunity to review future challenges.

REDDING, Pa. ¿ Redner's Warehouse Markets plans to implement a store forecasting and ordering solution next month to increase order efficiency and reduce out of stocks at its stores.