Nonfoods

The initiative, which will bow in the United States by the end of 2010, is part of a worldwide commitment to health and nutrition.

Same store sales rose 6.2 percent in the quarter vs. the year ago, the Pa.-based chain said.

The first item under A&P's new Hartford Reserve brand is apple pie, baked daily in stores.

The milk was judged in a triple blind taste test by an award-winning chef.

The carrot of a short-term membership is tailor-made for today's uncertain economy.

Execs said they expect trouble ahead for foodservice, and the meat, poultry and seafood sectors.

Among the center's clients are retail foodservice operations and retailers developing private label items.

Austin, Texas-the home base of Whole Foods Markets-is drawing smaller-scale natural and organic grocers to compete with the hometown favorite. Both Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage and Sunflower Farmers Market plan stores in the market next year.