Nonfoods

Washington, D.C. -- The United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association, based here, announced it has surpassed its 2005 membership goal of 150 new members as a result of new programs, the excitement and success of the United Produce Show at FMI, and the growing opportunities to change government policy to help children consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.

CHICAGO -- In the same month that Interstate Bakeries Corp.'s Wonder brand has launched its White Bread Fans 100% Whole Grain bread, Sara Lee, based here, yesterday introduced nationwide a similar concept: Soft & Smooth Made With Whole Grain White Bread -- a product that the company describes as looking, smelling, and feeling like white bread, but providing a "good source of whole grains." The idea behind both new breads is to allow consumers who love white bread, particularly kids, to receive the health benefits of whole grains.

WASHINGTON -- Self-regulation remains the best way to ensure marketing that fosters healthy children's lifestyles, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) said on Friday during the second day of the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Health and Human Services Public Workshop on Marketing, Self Regulation, and Childhood Obesity. However, the trade group issued several recommendations to the National Advertising Review Council and the Children's Advertising Review Unit (CARU) to make self-regulation an "even more effective tool."

MINNEAPOLIS -- General Mills will give away $35,000 in products to a retail bakery operator in a recently launched "Free For All" Sweepstakes that will award a $25,000 grand prize plus a trip to the 2006 American Bakery Expo Trade Show to one winner, in addition to four $2,500 first prizes.

NEW YORK -- Stop & Shop, Publix, Meijer, and Kroger are among the supermarket operators conjuring up special events to promote tonight's release of the latest book in the hugely successful Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," by J.K. Rowling.

NEW YORK -- The hundreds of booths comprising the just ended 51st Fancy Food Show here, did not only represent the broad selection of specialty foods now available, but also the specialty industry's response to Americans' evolving focus on consuming healthier foods.

DAYVILLE, Conn. -- Albert's Organics, Inc., a subsidiary of natural foods and supplements distributor United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has completed the acquisition of Roots & Fruits Cooperative, a Minnesota-based organic wholesale distributor of fresh produce and other perishables.

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- A mentally unstable man arrested earlier this week here for the possession of three pipe bombs told police he tampered with baby food products and returned them to local retailers, alarming area consumers and retailers in the area in what might turn out to have been a costly hoax.