Trading Partners

SALISBURY, N.C. -- In conjunction with the ongoing National Energy Awareness Month, Food Lion here achieved a major milestone in its energy conservation efforts: Its 600th store has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR designation. The chain also launched two energy-saving initiatives in its campaign to reduce energy use even further through store employee action.

WASHINGTON -- According to a study released at the recent Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Merchandising, Sales and Marketing Conference, outsourcing of sales and marketing functions among CPG manufacturers is estimated to grow 15 percent per year between 2005 and 2008. This growth will be driven by expected shifts from CPG direct sales to agencies, and growth of representation in new product categories, such as naturals and organics, and retail channels. The study further assigns a quantitative value to the current level of outsourcing at $4.2 billion in annual cost savings.

WASHINGTON -- According to a study released at the recent Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Merchandising, Sales and Marketing Conference, outsourcing of sales and marketing functions among CPG manufacturers is estimated to grow 15 percent per year between 2005 and 2008. This growth will be driven by expected shifts from CPG direct sales to agencies, and growth of representation in new product categories, such as naturals and organics, and retail channels. The study further assigns a quantitative value to the current level of outsourcing at $4.2 billion in annual cost savings.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Larry G. Noble, the former president of retail and foodservice manufacturer T. Marzetti Co., died Sept. 28 at the age of 70.

SALISBURY, N.C. -- In conjunction with the ongoing National Energy Awareness Month, Food Lion here achieved a major milestone in its energy conservation efforts: Its 600th store has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR designation. The chain also launched two energy-saving initiatives in its campaign to reduce energy use even further through store employee action.

Irvine, Calif. and Sterling, Va. -- Merchandising services supplier Retail Merchandising Xpress (RMX) and work force management solutions vendor South49 Solutions have formed a partnership to streamline and improve accuracy and reporting for large scale-projects in the field.

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Safeway, Inc. yesterday launched its 2006 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, with a goal of raising $6 million in October for a range of breast cancer research and treatment programs in its operating areas.

SYRACUSE, N.Y -- The Penn Traffic Co. here said yesterday that president and c.e.o. Robert Chapman has retired from the company and resigned from its board of directors, and that s.v.p. chief marketing and distribution officer Gregory J. Young and Robert Panasuk, formerly e.v.p. at A&P, have been named co-c.o.o.'s to replace him.