Nonfoods

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - KFC Corp. here is pulling its highly publicized new ad campaign that touted its chicken as being healthy.

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. - Sales at the nation's grocery stores last month grew 3.4 percent compared to the same period last year, the Food Institute reports. Total sales in October 2003 reached $38.2 billion. Meanwhile, growth at the nation's eating and drinking places is more than doubling the small gain seen at food and beverage stores.

In its 15 years of existence, category management has become indispensable to the industry, yet its glory days may still lie ahead. Experts in a 'virtual roundtable' assembled by Progressive Grocer analyze the current state of the art and look to its future.

As perishables become an increasingly important part of the supermarket mix, so will category management, but some major obstacles must be overcome first.

Megaretailers are increasingly turning to custom-made national brands and promotions to differentiate themselves from the competition.

Getting category management programs off the ground can benefit independently owned supermarkets and their shoppers alike.

WASHINGTON - McDonald's has shut its 24-hour vending machines that were being tested in Washington, D.C., The Associated Press reports. Only the DVD rental service offered by the kiosks remained active.

WILMINGTON, Del. - The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) will organize and host a 5 A Day Foodservice Summit on July 23, 2004, immediately prior to the PMA Foodservice Conference, Tours, and Expo in Monterey, Calif.