Trading Partners

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."

LAFAYETTE, La. -- WellnessGrocer.com, an e-commerce company here, is extending its new direct-to-consumer service to independent retailers. The Web site, which went live in June, will seek to supply retailers with hard-to-find orders of organic, natural, and gourmet products that aren't always available in large distribution houses.

GAHANNA, Ohio -- Kahiki Foods, Inc., a supplier of such products as appetizers, egg rolls, and sauces to large supermarket chains and club stores as well as foodservice operations in the United States and abroad, is officially opening both a new plant and retail outlet store today here. The plant, at 119,000 square feet over 14 acres, is one of the biggest Asian frozen food facilities in the United States.

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.

CHICAGO -- As more supermarkets take on targeted marketing, the last thing they may be thinking about is whether or not their shoppers are obese or diabetic. But a new report from Information Resources, Inc. here suggests that since chronic sufferers are strongly influenced by their health conditions, retailers and manufacturers have an opportunity to develop relationships with them while simultaneously driving product sales across categories.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Consumer packaged goods manufacturers are responding in a major way to an increasingly obese and more health-conscious nation, according to new survey data released here by the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In aiming to more accurately reflect the scope and function of its mission, the Grocery Manufacturers of America has changed its name to the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Kmart, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation, said today it promoted Peter Whitsett, 39, to senior vice president and Kmart merchandising officer, effective immediately.