Frozen Foods

Starting today, customers at participating A&P supermarkets in New York and New Jersey will be able to enjoy a sweet treat while they shop -- Le Mars, Iowa-based Blue Bunny is providing free samples of the new Sedona Sandwich, along with coupons for the new product. The giveaway runs until July 25.

Weeks after their contract expired, thousands of unionized King Soopers grocery workers in Colorado this week are voting on a new five-year labor deal.

Supervalu is rolling out a labeling program for its independent retailers to help their stores identify products that meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for important health-related attributes such as low-fat, low-cholesterol and low-calorie. Dubbed “Healthy Elements,” the program is piloting in several Supervalu-supplied retail locations this month, with a nationwide launch expected for later this summer.

Bagel-fuls were such a success when they launched last year that Kraft Foods has now come out with Fruit & Cream Cheese varieties of the no-mess frozen breakfast or snack option: Strawberry & Cream Cheese, Apple Cinnamon & Cream Cheese, and Cherry & Cream Cheese.

While retailers continue to adjust the scope, product offerings, design, and merchandising of their store perimeters, center store has remained basically unchanged for decades.

After a recent Kellogg Co. survey revealed that consumers don’t know where to find fiber, and mistakenly believe that products containing “whole grain” provide it, the Battle Creek, Mich.-based manufacturer decided to take decisive action. Its solution: FIBER-pe-dia.

Retail buyers and merchandisers converging in Atlanta for the International Dairy·Deli·Bakery Association’s (IDDBA) ongoing Dairy-Deli-Bake ’09 convention and expo that runs through Wednesday are taking an all-encompassing look at a medley of new product introductions showcased in some 1,500 booths.

The October 2009 issue of Progressive Grocer will feature our editors’ picks for the BEST NEW CONSUMER PRODUCTS introduced since July 2008, providing companies the chance to nominate their new product(s).