Nonfoods

Minneapolis -- SimonDelivers, Inc. here recently launched a Twin Cities exclusive by providing customers with freshly prepared take & bake pizzas from Davanni's.

PITTSBURGH -- In an effort to boost profits, the H.J. Heinz Co. intends to focus on its best-selling foods, including its brand-name ketchup, while selling off underperforming businesses such as its seafood, vegetables, and frozen foods in Europe.

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Global sales and marketing firm Daymon Worldwide here said yesterday it will kick off a high-level international event centered around private label, to coincide with next year's FMI Show in May. Keynoting the event will be Dr. Victor K. Fung, a renowned supply chain management expert.

MIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass. -- Cirelli Foods, one of New England's largest-family owned broadline foodservice distributors and owner of the 17,000-square-foot Cirelli Marketplace retail operation, has named Jay Cirelli president and c.e.o.

AUSTIN, Tex. -- Whole Foods Market yesterday helped launch a campaign aimed at preventing childhood obesity, juvenile diabetes, and other diet-related health problems, in partnership with parents, and food companies.

ZAANDAM, Netherlands and BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Ahold has sold its indirectly owned stake of 33.3 percent in the Central American Retail Holding Co. N.V. (CARHCO) joint venture to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the two companies said. The investment is Wal-Mart's first in the region. The transaction amount wasn't disclosed by either party.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. yesterday appointed James D. White, 44, as s.v.p., corporate brands. He will oversee the company's entire corporate brands organization including its marketing, manufacturing, finance, and outside sales functions.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Wegmans here has begun carrying "value-priced" Top Care branded private label products in its HBC section, including skin care, children's cough and cold, first aid, oral care, and foot care items, said Wegmans director of consumer affairs Mary Ellen Burris in her online column at http://www.wegmans.com.