Nonfoods

WASHINGTON - Consumer prices jumped by 0.3 percent in January, the largest increase in nine months, The Associated Press reports. However, food prices declined by 0.2 percent, the best showing in six years.

LANDOVER, Md. - Giant Food Inc., a member of the Ahold USA group, has announced that its Giant Pharmacies is expanding its electronic prescription service through a partnership with DrFirst, a Rockville, Md.-based company that provides products and services to the healthcare community.

NEW YORK - McDonald's Corp. on Thursday dismissed as "senseless" the filing of an amended lawsuit in New York alleging the fast-food chain sells foods that are more hazardous than customers expect, Reuters reports.

MILWAUKEE - Although customer satisfaction dropped slightly in the last quarter and has been flat in the past year, household spending should rebound somewhat, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), a leading indicator of consumer spending.

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - General Mills Inc. has raised the price it charges wholesalers for its cold cereals by 2 percent, The Associated Press reports. Rival Kellogg Co. recently introduced a similar price increase.

Last summer's wave of product recalls dampened demand for deli meats in many areas. Will the setback be only temporary?

Consolidation has extended to the private label industry, and the number of manufacturers is expected to shrink, perhaps dramatically.

Employee ownership and a culture of excellence keep the Florida retailer on everyone's short list of best supermarket companies.