Nonfoods

At Bloom, Food Lion's new concept for the future, putting customers first means turning several retail rules upside down.

CHICAGO - Recent consumer research, media reports, and food industry watchers have been questioning the longevity of the low-carb trend, but new sales data reported in Information Resources, Inc.'s latest Times & Trends report, "Carb-Cutting Shoppers," suggest that the popularity of cutting carbs has not yet waned.

Union leaders face the same formidable foe as independents and regional chains, so it makes sense for them to work together for survival.

Consumers are turning to the deli for healthy protein-rich meats, cheeses, and meals, sparking what some hope is the start of the department's day in the sun.

SKOKIE, Ill. - Topco Associates, LLC, a member-owned cooperative based here, has appointed Rob O'Rourke as its new v.p. - produce. In this role, O'Rourke will oversee the development, management, and growth of Topco's produce program and will report directly to Jeff Posner, Topco's e.v.p. and chief procurement officer.

WASHINGTON - The government-appointed Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on Friday proposed its new federal dietary guidelines, which are issued every five years and form the basis of the food pyramid.

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has pledged to ensure that country of origin labeling "is implemented as Congress intended," according to a position paper on the Kerry-Edwards 2004 Campaign Web site.

HOUSTON - The Grocers Supply Co., Inc., a regional distributor based here, announced yesterday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding stock of Fiesta Mart, Inc., a Texas chain that it has supplied since 1972.