Supermarket & Grocery Industry News

WILTON, Conn. -- As discount and drug stores add more space for food and supermarkets add more nonfood sections, retailers have moved to the muddled middle and shoppers no longer distinguish retailers along channel lines, according to a new study from Cannondale Associates here, "Redefining the Retail Landscape." The study, produced in conjunction with panel provider Lightspeed Research, finds that shoppers choose where to shop based on a retailer's ability to deliver what they're looking for, whether it's the lowest prices, bulk sizes, or unique products.

WASHINGTON -- The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) said yesterday that Kim Jeffery, president and c.e.o. of Nestle Waters North America, will join J.H. Campbell Jr., president and c.e.o. of Associated Grocers, Inc., as leaders of a GMA-Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Joint Industry Task Force on Disaster Preparedness.

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Rich Products here has named Marie Fahey director of channel marketing in the foodservice division.

WASHINGTON, D.C. --The International Fresh-cut Produce Association and the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association are joining forces to create a new United Fresh Produce Association.

MAULDIN, S.C. -- The produce team at regional chain Bi-Lo here is planning to do something special with the more than $36,000 it raised for United Way during an 8-hour produce sale last September, with assistance from its vendors. The group will build a Habitat for Humanity house named after one of its own: Walter, the fictional "picky produce expert" who stocks fruits and vegetables at Bi-Lo supermarkets.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Dragged down by charges related to divesting some operations and related cost-cutting initiatives to improve its supply chain network, fourth quarter profits for Supervalu Inc. here dropped more than 93 percent.

Tesco's finally got a U.S. market plan. Here's what to expect.

Caito Foods feeds more than fresh produce into the supply chain, with seminars that teach retailers how to compete better.