Trading Partners

The food industry has thrown its considerable weight behind the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 draft legislation, which is currently still in draft form. Among those publicly expressing their support for the legislation -- along with modifications that they maintain will bolster the final law -- are the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), the United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh), the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and, representing food safety advocates, the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry performed considerably better than the rest of the market in 2008, as measured by the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Averages, outpacing both by at least 10 points, according to a report by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). The study additionally found that CPG manufacturer median sales increased 10 percent last year, down just slightly from 2007 median sales figures.

A program that formalizes and verifies pork industry efforts to operate responsibly has been publicly endorsed by Tyson Foods, Inc., one of the nation’s leading pork processors.

Meijer and Produce for Kids (PFK) are teaming up to help shoppers give money to local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals on behalf of fresh fruit and vegetable growers. Through June 27, participating fruit and vegetable growers will make a donation to the local children’s hospital based on sales of their items at Meijer stores. The more produce purchased at Meijer Stores, the more the Children’s Miracle Network will benefit.

K-VA-T Food Stores plans to deploy a new customer loyalty and promotions management system to more effectively manage pricing strategy, execute at the point-of service, and deliver customer-specific promotions, continuity and analysis.

The Petroleum Convenience Alliance for Technology Standards (PCATS) will hold a free Webinar entitled “Leverage PCATS to Improve Your Bottom Line,” on Friday, June 12, at 2:00 p.m. EDT.

The Liivia Ripening Fruit Bowl is the first product to enhance the fresh fruit experience by effectively ripening fruit as needed, according to the manufacturer, Los Angeles-based Liivia. The product marries an attractive fruit bowl design with patented technology that enables the user to control the ripening process.

With the help of numerous vendor partners, The Kroger Co. is inviting customers to help hungry people in their own communities by joining in "Bringing Hope to the Table," a two-week campaign that runs through June 13. The charitable effort is expected to generate $4 million dollars in cash and food donations to assist 80 local food banks in communities where Kroger's customers and associates live and work. These food banks are members of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization.