Center Store

HERSHEY, Pa. — Hershey and Ferrero have formed a joint warehousing, transportation and distribution initiative in North America.

The two companies will work together to maximize corporate social responsibility efforts and expect to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption in warehousing and freight, with fewer vehicle trips needed to move products to customers.

Productivity improvements from this initiative are expected to be seen in 2012. This alliance does not encompass manufacturing, selling or marketing activities, Hershey and Ferrero noted.

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration has launched an initiative that is designed to assure the safety of food sold at retail.

The Retail Food Safety Action Plan is designed to improve the way managers of food establishments (i.e., food stores, restaurants, schools and other foodservice opertaions) conduct food safety operations in their facilities and assure that personnel are trained on measures to keep food safe. Additionally, the initiative will expand the oversight of these establishments by federal, state and local public health agencies.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Blue Diamond, known for its almond-based food products, announced that it is moving ahead with its expansion strategy by purchasing 88 acres of land in Turlock, Calif.

Blue Diamond said the Turlock location will help the company meet its increasing global market opportunities and crop supply. The capacity expansion plan includes ongoing operations at the Sacramento and Salida, Calif.-based plants with upgrades planned at both facilities.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Women who smoke have heart attacks at younger ages and are more likely than men to suffer complications months after a cardiac event, according to a new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study released Tuesday.

Although fewer women than men smoke in the United States, the gender gap is decreasing and the U-M findings suggested the toll of smoking is greater on women’s health.

WASHINGTON — After the Federal Trade Commission charged the maker of an alcoholic, carbonated malt beverage with deceptive advertising, the company has agreed to make changes to its product's packaging.

CHICAGO — Mars Chocolate North America is expanding its portfolio with new varieties and snack sizes for some of its brands.

The products, which were unveiled at the National Association of Convenience Stores Show in Chicago this week, will include:

• 3 Musketeers coconut bar: Debuting in December for a suggested retail price of $1.09;

• Dove chocolate singles bars (available in milk and dark chocolate): Relaunching in a wider size (10% increase in weight) in Jan. 2012 for a suggested retail price of $1.09;

DENVER — PepsiCo has entered a partnership with an independent cultural marketing group that will allow the beverage company to develop relevant platforms that will target multicultural shoppers at retail.

EMERVYVILLE, Calif. — Clif Kid on Tuesday announced that its Full Moon Brownie Zbar, will be available for a limited time for families looking to give trick-or-treaters something a little more healthy this Halloween. Full Moon Brownie combines a chocolate brownie with white chocolate chips in a snack bar made with organic ingredients and baked whole grains, plus 12 vitamins and minerals specific for kids.