Produce / Floral

NEW YORK -- Such value-added products as mixed-vegetable side dishes, frozen fruit salads, and packaged ethnic rice dishes are providing retailers with the biggest growth opportunities in the $45.6 billion market for private label foods and beverages, according to "The U.S. Market for Private Label Foods and Beverages," a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts.

WILMINGTON, Del. --Timed to coincide with the release of the Fantastic Four's first movie in July, a collaboration between the Produce for Better Health Foundation and Wal-Mart Stores hopes to find families flying the produce departments at over 1,700 Wal-Mart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets on June 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to "Build a Fantastic You with 5 A Day The Color Way."

GARDINER, Maine -- Associated Grocers of Maine, the biggest private employer here, said last week that it would proceed with a $5 million expansion of its warehouse, according to published reports.

Newark, Del. -- The Produce Marketing Association has called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to delay by one year its nutrition value changes for the voluntary produce nutrition labeling program, to provide the industry more time to conduct its own research.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- One Oakland grocery shopper has lost four dress sizes, simply by incorporating trips to a new store here, Food Farm'acy, into her weekly routine. Others consumers have lowered their blood pressure, boosted their energy, strengthened their immune systems, and boosted their energy.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. said that it is fully cooperating with an antitrust investigation underway across the pond.

Grocers should bone up on what's hot for back-to-school, to exploit key food and nonfoods business during the season's window of opportunity.

Smarter assortments and cross-merchandising teamwork will help nutrition foods and drinks stay in the race.