Packaging

CINCANNATI - The Kroger Co. will begin adding the words "color added" to the labels of all farm-raised fish from the Salmonid family, including salmon and trout, later this week.

YAKIMA, Wash. - Three lawsuits, proposed as a class action, were filed yesterday against Kroger Co., Safeway Inc. and Albertsons, contending that they should tell consumers that farm raised salmon has been dyed pink.

WASHINGTON, DC - Officials of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association and the Food Marketing Institute have announced that they will co-locate their annual trade shows at McCormick Place in Chicago, beginning in May 2004.

Tense times boost demand for greeting cards, and suppliers are coming up with new lines and lower price points to make it easier for people to connect.

NEW YORK - 7-Eleven Inc. said on Thursday it would sell its own beer, Santiago, in U.S. stores starting in June. A Chardonnay and a Pinot Grigio under the new Regions brand will likely be available in August, the convenience store chain said.

Newark, Del. -- The Produce Marketing Association stated a preference for an industry-driven, voluntarysystem for country of origin labeling (COOL) in its comments offered yesterday to the USDA.

JERUSALEM -- Israel declared Bamba, a peanut butter puff snack, a vital staple food today, and the Tel Aviv-area factory that makes them was readying to issue "call-up" orders for its workers to ensure that production goes on even if there is a military attack.

CHICAGO -- Merisant, the marker of Equal Sweetener, celebrated the production of its 30 billionth packet of the sweetener this week.