Nonfoods

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry performed considerably better than the rest of the market in 2008, as measured by the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Averages, outpacing both by at least 10 points, according to a report by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). The study additionally found that CPG manufacturer median sales increased 10 percent last year, down just slightly from 2007 median sales figures.

Discount grocer Aldi is touting its abilities to offer shoppers “smart solutions” with its select brands at prices that the Batavia, Ill.-chain said average 37 percent less than those of traditional supermarkets and 22 percent to 26 percent less than prices at discounters or big-box stores.