Nonfoods

Aromatica Organics, which bills itself as America’s first organic spice company, has launched a line of spices providing recession-challenge consumers with a cost-effective way to add flavor one meal at a time.

In a down economy, price sensitivity can trump loyalty. Without loyal customers, however, businesses can lose a substantial revenue stream, higher profit margins and enthusiastic referrals.

Ingles Markets, Inc. yesterday posted higher sales (excluding gasoline) for the three- and nine-month periods ended June 27,2009, vs. the same periods of the previous year. Net income was lower for the three- and nine-month periods, however, which the Southeast regional grocer attributed to increased costs related to store development, general economic conditions, and costs associated with the company’s refinancing in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

Though it probably doesn’t gladden the hearts of kids, the back-to-school shopping season tends to give the economy an annual boost.

Americans want an easier way to assess the nutritional value of their food, according to a new survey from Guiding Stars Licensing Co. (GSLC) The survey, conducted by New York-based Kelton Research and drawing on the responses of 1,000 individuals, found that 74 percent of people hold negative views of the Nutrition Facts Panel on their food products.

Casting itself as a champion of consumer choice, Philadelphia-based deli meat supplier Dietz & Watson is slicing into Sarasota, Fla.-based Boar’s Head with a full-bore challenge to discontinue its historical practice of demanding exclusivity as the premium deli brand in supermarket delis.

Price volatility, weather/natural disasters and product recalls are the leading industry risks facing the food system, agribusiness and beverage industries, according to a recently released risk management report by Chicago-based Aon Corp. probing emerging issues, key challenges and opportunities.

Carla R. Cooper, a former SVP at PepsiCo and 28-year CPG veteran, has joined the board of directors at Daymon Worldwide, the Stamford, Conn.-based private label broker and consultancy.