Nonfoods

ConAgra Foods’ Marie Callender’s brand is stepping out of the freezer case and onto the shelf to bring consumers the taste of a special, home-cooked meal at work, with the launch of Marie Callender’s Home-Style Creations.

As the introduction earlier this month of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation shows, health and wellness as an issue affecting the grocery industry has reached critical mass (pun definitely intended). The coalition of grocers, nongovernmental groups and CPG companies rolled out a comprehensive, three-pronged attack on the problem of obesity — particularly the childhood variety — that they pledged would proceed in an open, transparent atmosphere, with oversight from such esteemed organizations as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Kroger will expand its convenience store offering here by opening five Turkey Hill Minit Markets this week, according to a published report.

As health and wellness evolves into a major lifestyle shift rather than just a trend, retailers and their grocery supplier partners are working together to address consumer needs in relation to this important — some would say urgent — issue.

Interior construction has begun on a fresh food-focused grocery store adjacent to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, with a Jan. 15 target grand-opening date.

Kellogg Co. late last month held a dedication ceremony to celebrate the completed expansion of its W.K. Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrition Research, the nerve center for the iconic Battle Creek, Mich.-based manufacturer’s worldwide product development, research and innovation initiatives.

Protecting the public — whether from foodborne illness or drunk drivers — is top of mind in two recently introduced center store products.

Kevin G. Fortun, the Kirkland, Wash.-based founder of Stockpot Soups and Fortun Foods, has now launched a new line of products, Fortun’s Finishing Touch Sauces, which transform casual home cooking into restaurant-quality meals.