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The good news is that Kroger Co., the largest U.S. grocer, has announced third quarter earnings have risen. The bad news is that the The Cincinnati-based company, which operates more than 2,300 supermarkets, will be cutting 1,500 jobs as part of a a cost-cutting plan.

Albertson Inc. has accepted an offer from Maxi Drug Inc. that would say goodbye to 80 of its Osco Drug stores in Maine and New Hampshire for the tune of $240 million. Subject to government review, the deal is schedule to be closed sometime in January 2002.

Tyco International has purchased Paragon Trade Brands Inc., the largest manufacturer of store brand disposable diapers and training pants in the United States and Canada, for $565 million, while assuming the Georgia-based manufacturers $85 million debt.

You wont find anybody quoting The Rain Man at Fleming Companies, Lewisville, Texas. Shares of the grocery wholesaler rose more than seven percent Nov. 27 after discount retailer Kmart said its contract with the company would be expanded.

Net earnings are expected to jump 30% at Dutch supermarket giant Royal Ahold NV, the companys chief executive Cees van der Hoeven said Nov. 27. Thats exclusive of goodwill, currency impact and exceptional charges. Per share earnings will be up only 15% because Ahold floated more shares.

Wal-Mart Stores, worlds largest retailer, has decided to cut out the middleman when it comes to sourcing products in China: it¹s setting up a buying office in Shenzhen in southern China, shifting billions of dollars of business away from a longtime agent in Hong Kong, according to a well-p

Despite a sharp drop in third quarter net profit, Israeli food manufacturer Elite Industries said it expected foreign investments to begin to pay off with strong growth seen in 2002.

Fleming (NYSE:FLM) today reported a 52 percent increase in third quarter 2001 net earnings to $22.8 million, or $0.47 per share, after adjustments to exclude strategic plan charges and one-time items, compared to $15.0 million, or $0.37 per share, in the third quarter of 2000.

Topco Associates, Skokie, IL, and Shurfine International, Northlake, IL have signed a definite agreement to merge. Those receiving Shurfine goods, including Shurfine private labels, will continue receiving them.

Private Label Manufacturers Association members who attended the annual PLMA Washington Conference, October 15-16, 2001, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, received detailed briefings on a number of economic and industry issues confronting the country today.

The winners of the Private Label Manufacturers Association Salute to Excellence awards have been chosen. The award in the supermarket category will go to Stop & Shop, Boston, MA. Drug chain honors will go to Uniprix, St. Leonard, PQ.

Two separate presentations featuring the latest in electronics technology and quality assurance will spotlight the Quality Assurance Association Fall 2001 meeting. The meeting is Wednesday November 13, with store tours Thursday, November 14.