Supermarket & Grocery Industry News

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. -- Specialty produce supplier Frieda's Inc. made two key changes to its sales and marketing departments, with the promotions of two key staff members.

PLEASANTON, Calif. and CINCINNATI Ohio -- In a nod to the seriousness of the spread of the illegal drug methamphetamine, Safeway Inc. and the Kroger Co. said yesterday they will begin moving certain over-the-counter pseudoephedrine (PSE) medications to what they called secure locations in the store, such as behind in-store pharmacy counters.

NEW YORK -- According to a national study, consumers are increasingly trusting food retailers and manufacturers to provide them with information on nutrition, health, and cooking. Conducted this month by knowledge services company FIND/SVP, among 1,000 consumers, the study found that 78 percent of those polled would have confidence in nutritional advice from a food retailer.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Magruder's Supermarkets, a 10-store independent chain with roots dating back a century this month, began building a wireless infrastructure in every store to provide flexibility in the locations and movement of intelligent devices throughout each location, and minimize points of failure in the communication infrastructures to these devices.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Buy For Less, a regional grocery chain with locations throughout central Oklahoma, plans to install point-of-purchase coupon dispensing and in-store advertising solutions in all 10 of its locations.

MAULDIN, S.C. -- The 2005 Bi-Lo Charity Classic, held June 13 the Upstate of South Carolina, was a record-breaker, according to Bi-Lo. The supermarket chain said it has raised over $4.5 million in this year's 22nd annual golf event, breaking the tournament's record of $3.7 million set last year.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Supervalu, Inc. yesterday named long-time executive Mike Jackson president and c.o.o. at its annual shareholders' meeting. Jackson most recently served as the wholesaler-retailer's e.v.p., and president of distribution food companies. His new position takes effect immediately.

KINGS ISLAND, Ohio -- Nash Finch Company unveiled an extensive IGA retailer market development program at a meeting of more than 120 IGA member retailers held here yesterday.