Supermarket/Grocery

Cincinnati -- Associates working at Kroger stores in the Atlanta metro and surrounding area have ratified new labor agreements with UFCW Local 1996. The contracts cover 23,598 associates working in 163 stores in the Atlanta area and 12 in Savannah.

By Mark Bower, Voltage Security

Most U.S. retailers make their first international foray in contiguous markets such as Canada or Mexico for obvious reasons. However, for those interested in massive growth potential who have a long term perspective a more exotic market beckons.

Matthews, N.C. -- Harris Teeter announced Thursday it has launched a new, yearly payment option for its Express Lane Online Shopping program.

In addition to the $4.95 per order option and the $16.95 monthly option — already in place for shoppers who frequently use the service — shoppers can now choose to pay $99.95 for the entire year, allowing them to place as many orders as they would like throughout the year without incurring additional charges.

Dole and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze are launching two simultaneous Peel the Love Banana Cabana Tours in 2014.

Dole said that the tour aims to reacquaint Americans with “the fun, whimsy and versatility of bananas and offer compelling new ways to add fresh produce to summer meals, snacking, parties and entertaining plans.” Since separate tours launching Memorial Day Weekend covering the Eastern and Western portions of the U.S., Dole will be able to visit banana fans in 26 cities by Labor Day.

By Andy Couch, DJM Real Estate

Leading online grocer FreshDirect has selected Single Touch Systems to leverage the technology-based mobile media solutions provider’s Reminder Messaging Product.

The messaging program includes implementing order status, delivery status and service notifications.

Post Holdings plans to acquire Michael Foods and its related entities for $2.45 billion. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2014, subject to customary closing conditions.

Michael Foods is a leading packaged goods company providing value-added food products and service solutions to customers in the foodservice, retail and food ingredient channels. The company holds leading market positions in each of its three segments and produces a broad range of value-added egg products, potato products and cheese and dairy-case foods.