Trading Partners

Many Americans fail to check their homes for recalled food products, a new study by Rutgers University's Food Policy Institute has found. The study was based on a survey of 1,101 Americans interviewed by telephone from Aug. 4 to Sept. 24, 2008.

Tennessee Grocers won’t be allowed to sell wine anytime soon, as the push to bring wine bottles to Tennessee grocery stores died yesterday in the Tennessee legislature. Proponents of wine sales in grocery stores on Wednesday acknowledged defeat for this year's session, but they vowed to press on next year.

“What steps have you taken to manage your business during the economic downturn?” The answers to this question and many others about the specialty food business were the subject of a joint Webinar presentation last week by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) and Mintel International.

Sabra Dipping Co., manufacturer of a wide range of refrigerated Mediterranean dips and spreads, has designated May Mediterranean Month and is gearing up to inspire Americans with the tastes and experiences of the region during the month.

The economic downturn continues to put stress on consumers, causing accelerated changes in basic purchasing patterns.

The Guiding Stars Licensing Company (GSLC) has joined forces with the Brand Marketing group at Cone, Inc., which will provide media relations and ongoing strategic marketing communications support for the Scarborough, Maine-based licensing arm of the pioneering “Guiding Stars” nutrition navigation system that initially rolled out at Hannaford Supermarkets in 2006 before spreading to sister Delhaize banners and beyond.

Specialty food sales at retail totaled $48 billion in 2008, which represents an 8.4 percent increase over 2007.

BJ's Wholesale Club said yesterday it would expand payment options to members by accepting government-issued food stamp benefits via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments, making it the first wholesale club to do so chainwide. The company now accepts EBT payments at all 180 of its clubs across 15 states.