Deli / Prepared Foods

A slow economy, growing national chains, and a dire need for differentiation have retail executives looking favorably on store brands.

CHICAGO - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. increased its lead over Safeway Inc. in the 2002 Power Rankings, a key performance survey that examines how retailers and manufacturers rate each other in areas that are most important to their ongoing relationships, such as strategy, service and profitability.

Scores of manufacturer promotions ensure the checkout lane will be the big winner this Super Bowl season.

LONDON/ZURICH - Associated British Foods Plc has agreed to buy Novartis AG's food and beverage business for 272.5 million euros ($267.2 million), including the drink brands Ovomaltime and Ovaltine, Reuters reports.

When a shopper picks up a jar of pasta sauce, it's often just a beginning. Many also seek ingredients that will make it their 'own,' and other components to complete the meal.

Despite the myriad challenges of last year, supermarket sales rose 3.5 percent from 2000, when the economy was in decidedly better shape. All departments shared in the advance.

Suppliers are looking to the consumer press to help them spread the word that frozen foods should be an important part of holiday meals.

The chain writes a new song of the South, dancing to a traditional retail tune that plays more to fried chicken lovers than sushi eaters.