Sustainability

CINCINNATI - The Kroger Co. today announced that its chairman of the board, Joseph A. Pichler, will retire on June 24, 2004, the date of the company's annual shareholders meeting. The board of directors plans to elect David B. Dillon, Kroger's c.e.o., to the additional position of chairman.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that it plans to revamp its regulations for bioengineered foods next year. The new rules are considered to be broader than the existing regulations.

RALEIGH, N.C. - Food Lion announced today that 101 of its stores have earned the Energy Star designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Energy Star label means these Food Lion stores are some of the most energy-efficient retail facilities in the United States.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Natural and organic foods retailer Wild Oats Markets Inc. today announced it will donate $10,000 to Friends of the Peak to fund directional signage for the Ring the Peak Trail system, which will eventually connect existing trails on Pikes Peak in a contiguous ring.

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.

MAYNARD, Mass. - A shopper in Maynard, Mass., was surprised to find a black widow spider in a bunch of grapes she bought from her local supermarket.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - John P. Mackey, chairman, president and c.e.o. of Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market, has been named the 2003 Overall National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year.

AUSTIN, Texas - Whole Foods Market will announce today that it is adopting humane animal treatment standards, becoming the first supermarket chain to do so.