EXECUTIVES AT KROGER CO., Cincinnati, and Ralphs Grocery Co., Compton, Calif., said there is no truth to trade reports that they are discussing a possible acquisition of Ralphs by Kroger. Industry observers in southern California have speculated about a merger for several months.
eral projects. Food Distributors International, Falls Church, Va., whose members supply food to the armed services, prisons and other federal institutions, supports Lott's hardball tactics. In a statement, the FDI said the proposed executive order would shut out nonunion companies from the bidding process, driving up costs that are eventually borne by the taxpayer.
AHOLD, Zaandam, Netherlands, said its wholly owned subsidiary in the Netherlands, Ahold Institutional Food Supply, has announced an agreement in principle to acquire all shares of the Dutch wholesaler and restaurant supplier Van der Spek. Van der Spek, which had 1996 sales of 180 million guilders, is a subsidiary of Campina Melkunie, a manufacturer and marketer of dairy products.
THE FOOD MARKETING INSTITUTE, Washington, said syndicated columnist Phil Lempert will lead a special session at its annual convention May 7 at 9 a.m. at the Ballroom, Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Chicago. Lempert will lead a panel of retailers who will interact live with consumers in a five-city satellite feed about safety, meal solutions, convenience and changing lifestyles. Following that session will be a presentation on safety hosted by John Walsh of the "America's Most Wanted" television series.
