Private Label

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. here introduced its own brand of organic milk late last month, making it one of the first retailers in the United States to offer shoppers pasteurized fresh organic milk under its own label.

BERKELEY, Calif. -- Extreme value discounter Grocery Outlet said yesterday it plans to feature two of the Lucky private label brand names and signature price reduction programs at its Grocery Outlet bannered stores in the near future.

Disinfectants are shining, as are products friendly to the environment and the nose.

If retailers shift focus away from commodity items and toward specialty products and computer accessories, they can jump-start category growth, according to a SHOPA study.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Seeking to raise the beauty bar, Target based here has introduced a proprietary bath and body department that will feature 20 "exclusive and luxurious" brands.

BENTONVILLE, Ark -- Wal-Mart reportedly will double its SKU count of organic products within the next two weeks, as it pursues the goal of becoming the mass market provider of organic food in the U.S.

CINCINNATI -- The Procter & Gamble Co. here has filed a lawsuit against Vi-Jon Industries, a private label manufacturer of health and beauty products, alleging that Vi-Jon infringed and diluted the unique trade dress of P&G's Crest Pro-Health antiplaque/antigingivitis oral rinse, and also engaged in false advertising of its mouthwash product. The Vi-Jon product is sold in retail stores under store brand names.

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration yesterday issued draft guidance on what the term "whole grain" may include. The guidance will assist manufacturers with what the FDA considers appropriate for food label statements related to "whole grain" content, while also providing consumers a consistent definition.