Industry

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market, the world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods, has agreed to be a major underwriter of Chefs A' Field, a 13-part Public Broadcasting System (PBS) cooking series that focuses on sustainable growing practices.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Del Monte Foods Company today reiterated that Fresh Del Monte Produce and Del Monte Foods Company are not affiliated.

NEW YORK - Ending months of speculation, Coca-Cola Co. Wednesday tapped Steve Heyer to become the Atlanta beverage company's president and COO.

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. - Stew Leonard's, known for its "Disneyland of Dairy Stores," has announced plans to open a fourth store in Farmingdale, N.Y.

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Inventory shrinkage from employee theft, shoplifting, vendor fraud and administrative error cost the nation's retailers $31.3 billion last year, according to the new National Retail Security Survey, which analyzed theft incidents from 118 of the largest U.S. retail chains.

November 22, 2002 - PITTSBURGH -- H. J. Heinz Company announced today that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a private letter ruling that Heinz's previously announced spin-off of certain businesses and their subsequent merger with Del Monte Corporation, a subsidiary of Del Monte Foods Company, will be tax free to the companies and their U.S.-based shareholders.

November 22, 2002 - OREGON -- Unionized grocery workers and employers at three large companies here have been unable to reach an agreement in ongoing labor talks, raising the possibility of a strike during the busy holiday season.

November 22, 2002 - WASHINGTON -- Half of Americans (51 percent) say they will serve at least one organic dish this Thanksgiving holiday, according to a survey conducted for the Grocery Manufacturers of America by the polling company.