Produce / Floral

Anthrax in the flour? Smallpox in the watermelon? We pray it won't happen, but we all know it can. Here's how food retailers are girding for the terrorist threat.

WASHINGTON - American consumers believe that the food they eat can make a significant difference in their health, but many admit that their own diet needs improvement, according to Shopping for Health 2001, just released by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Prevention magazine.

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. - Coca-Cola Co. has agreed to buy Odwalla Inc., producer of fresh fruit and vegetable juices, dairy-free shakes and spring water, for $181 million, Odwalla said on Tuesday.

Vitasoy USA, producer and marketer of soy beverages and tofu, has announced the appointment of Thomas Osetek to president and CEO.

General Mills (NYSE:GIS - news) today reported record results for its fiscal 2002 first quarter. Sales for the 13 weeks ended Aug. 26, 2001, grew 6 percent to $1.77 billion, fueled by 5 percent growth in the company's worldwide unit volume.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, the member companies of the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) continue efforts to provide major financial contributions as well as truckloads of food, beverages and other essential needs for the victims of this tragedy.

Farmer Jack Supermarkets in metrolitan Detroit, Lansing and Toledo, will accept donations to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Citrus industry leaders told U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman onWednesday they are worried U.S negotiators willtreat the industry like a sacrificial lamb in worldtrade negotiations.

Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE: KFT - news), a global leader in branded foods and beverages, today announcedthat it has purchased the It's Pasta Anytime! convenient meal business and certain assets from Borden Foods Corporation.

While some retailers have yet to embrace 3-D CAD technology, others are quickly becoming dependent on its ability to review colors, materials, fixtures, lighting programs, and even merchandising plans.