Trading Partners

The report, a joint offering from GMA and McKinsey & Co., identifies best practices in customer and channel management, as well as providing insight into key industry trends.

The report, unveiled at the GMA's Merchandising, Sales and Marketing Conference, projects the trend to continue for three years.

Plans are on track for Schnuck Markets Inc.’s new urban prototype unit in downtown St. Louis to open in the spring of 2009, the chain said. About a third the size of the typical Schnucks unit, the new 21,000-square-foot market represents a dramatic departure for the regional grocer.

Less than half of consumers surveyed see Fair Trade products in the stores they regularly shop, said a Fair Trade supplier trade group.

Over 11,000 HEB employees from all parts of Texas headed to Houston and Port Arthur to help after Hurricane Ike struck.

The retail alliance IGA has struck a deal with a Russian distributor for a five-year expansion plan.

The super-natural chain supports local farmers through its Local Producer Loan Program, which makes up to $10 million available annually for low-interest loans to community-based food producers.

Matthew Dodson previously worked for two California State Senators, and one Councilwoman.