Attitudes: Retailers

PITTSBURGH -- H. J. Heinz Co. received the highest score from investment analysts in The LOHAS Index ranking of the 50 most environmentally and socially responsible U.S. companies. The index noted that Heinz performed "especially well in diversity, community, and employee relations."

CHICAGO - Strong merchandising was a key factor behind the sales growth of top-performing table wines, according to a new study by market research firm Information Resources, Inc. And apparently, coming from a California-based Vineyard helps, too.

GREENFIELD, Mass. -- The Organic Trade Association's 2007 Annual Fund campaign has raised $528,000 for its public policy, media relations, and advocacy work for the year, the trade group said yesterday.

GREENFIELD, Mass. -- The Organic Trade Association's 2007 Annual Fund campaign has raised $528,000 for its public policy, media relations, and advocacy work for the year, the trade group said yesterday.

WASHINGTON, DC - More than 2,600 retail loss prevention executives are expected to gather at the National Retail Federation's Loss Prevention Conference and Expo in San Diego to hear from peers at companies such as Sears Holding Corporation, Target, Gap, Inc., Abercrombie & Fitch, Starbucks, Beall's, Inc., Walgreen Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, and Limited Brands.

COLUMBIA, Md. -- Mark Kaiser, the former marketing head at Ahold division U.S. Foodservice here, could get up to 30 years behind bars if U.S. prosecutors have their way, according to published reports.

WASHINGTON -- Easter spending is expected to increase this year, with the average shopper planning to invest the most on food for the Easter meal ($37.56) and a new spring outfit ($26.03), according to the National Retail Federation's 2007 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Attendees and speakers at the annual Natural Products Expo West show, held here over the weekend, seemed to be pondering the question of whether getting bigger is indeed better. At a time when Wal-Mart is carrying organics and Whole Foods is acquiring its biggest competitor, the organic and natural food industry is in a period of unprecedented change. The show's booming attendance of more than 47,000 provided clear evidence that the growth of organic and natural products isn't slowing down any time soon.