Frozen Foods

Annual per capita consumption of seafood will fall to 15.8 pounds in 2009 from 16.3 pounds in 2007, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Twenty-five thousand pounds of meat were donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in Charlotte, N.C.

No-fuss milkshakes have become a reality with the advent of MolliCoolz Shakers, which allow consumers to prepare their own thick, creamy shakes at home without a blender, or even an ice cream scoop.

Larry Pierce has joined Spartan Stores as its new v.p. of center store merchandising. With extensive sales and merchandising knowledge, Pierce most recently worked for Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) Great Lakes Business Unit, where he held a variety of management roles, including v.p. of sales for the Meijer team, v.p. of supermarket sales, and v.p. of sales.

Giant Eagle holds an investment stake in the grocer.

The club chain logged solid sales growth in such departments as bakery, breakfast foods, dairy, and deli.

The grocer said it plans to roll out additional savings programs to help people cope during tough economic times.

Stellar high-margin perishables sales helped push comps to their highest in 15 quarters.