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Increasingly, chains that traditionally have not been major forces in food retailing are making bigger commitments than ever to fresh — including meat, produce and dairy — in an effort not only to help solve the nation’s growing health crisis and expand Americans’ access to nutritious food options, but also to create new reasons for customers to shop their stores.


Ever see the movie “Pleasantville,” where the kid and his sister get sucked into their TV set and become trapped in a late-1950s sitcom? As the two introduce 1990s sensibilities to inhabitants of the fictitious town, the people and their surroundings slowly transform from black-and-white to color. The film is a metaphor for enlightenment, innovation and discovery.



Yogurt and yogurt drinks have become a powerhouse category, with Greek-style yogurts boosting category sales. Mintel International Group estimated that category sales reached $4.4 billion across all three channels in 2010, and there is still room for growth.


HICKSVILLE, N.Y. — Available now for the food service industry — but coming soon to a major retailer — is Kozy Shack’s new Coffeehouse Blends pudding. The gluten-free treat comes in three flavors: caffe latte, cappuccino and caramel macchiato.


NEW YORK — Market share for many environmentally friendly cleaning products has suffered in a tight economy, when consumers are more likely to choose products based on price.


Independent brands, such as Method and Seventh Generation, have held on to their sales. “The consumers for those brands are usually early adopters who have a higher income and are less likely to shop price,” one industry analyst said.


NEW YORK — Crystal Light is looking to shake up the beverage category with a new line of "mocktails."

The Crystal Light Mocktails, available in appletini, margarita and mojito flavors, pair together the flavor of summer beverages with low calories. The new Crystal Light line also touts packaging developed by Landor Associates.

The new line will be available nationally in September in time for the Labor Day holiday.

MELVILLE, N.Y. — Hain Celestial expressed its continued commitment to a "back-to-basics approach to product labeling."

Delivering fresh food to underserved communities doesn’t necessarily mean giving up shelf space.