Trading Partners

The trade group recommends an increase of $380 million for safety in FY09.

The grocer alliance salutes a trio of outstanding retailers for their 'dedication and commitment in everything they do.'

Affected products represent less than one-half of 1 percent of the company's annual production of ready-to-eat cereal.

Electronic coupons are quickly gaining traction with consumers. Some like their paper-saving, environmental benefits, while others enjoy the fact that they don't have to clip -- and remember to bring with them -- a wad of paper each time they shop. For retailers, electronic coupons mean higher redemption rates and faster clearing, each of which translate into more cash, faster.

The Hannaford data breach goes to show retailers that PCI Compliance is not an invincible shield, and even systems managed by one of the industry’s top c.i.o.s can fall prey to a determined hacker. Indeed, the incident, which was caused by a data intrusion into Hannaford's network, has led retail and technology experts to question the validity of the data security standards.

There may be some hope for the future of biometric payments. While Solidus Networks, Inc., the San Francisco-based biometric solutions company that did business as Pay By Touch, ceased processing biometric transactions on behalf of its retailer customers and consumer membership last month, a move it said was due to "lack of funding and current market conditions."

Vendors could include farmers who sell organic foods, landscapers that use innovative techniques to conserve water, or recycling companies.

Manufacturers are holding the line expenditures in economic downturn.