Market Trends

SALEM, Ore. - A Washington food industry group is mounting a major campaign to block Oregon from requiring labels on genetically engineered foods, The Associated Press reports.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - More than half of supermarket operators say that pharmacy operations are a very important part of their business strategy, and nearly 70 percent say that it will be an important component by 2004, according to a new FMI report.

ZAANDAM, The Netherlands - Royal Ahold on Friday said it has assumed full control of Disco Ahold International Holdings (DAIH), its former Latin American joint venture company with Velox Retail Holdings (VRH).

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Ahold-owned Tops Friendly Markets has said it will test Toys "R" Us displays in six of its stores beginning next month to gauge customer interest in the mini-toy store concept that Giant Food has rolled out in some of its stores, The Buffalo News reports.

LAKELAND, Fla. - Publix Super Markets Inc. has made an equity investment in Crispers LLC, a Florida restaurant company that targets the health-conscious customer with a variety of salads, sandwiches and soups in a quick-serve format.

AUSTIN, Texas - Leading organic and natural foods retailer Whole Foods Market Inc. on Wednesday said quarterly earnings rose by a strong 37 percent, boosted by store openings and expansions and lower interest expense.

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Mexican grocery chain Gigante is facing resistance from city officials in Anaheim, Calif., who object to a proposed store in Orange County because of zoning concerns and the fact that it is "too Hispanic for the location," The Orange County Register reports.

INDIANAPOLIS - Regional chain Marsh Supermarkets Inc. on Tuesday said its fiscal first quarter profits fell, due in part to a 2.9 percent decline in sales at its grocery stores open at least a year.