MINNEAPOLIS -- Nash Finch Co. here said gains from new wholesale accounts pushed sales to record levels for the first quarter ended March 25. Sales increased 0.9% for the 12-week quarter to $623.6 million, while net income rose 4.6% to $2.7 million. According to Al Flaten, president, "The sales gain for the quarter was principally due to the addition of new wholesale accounts, while improved results from corporate retail operations contributed to the earnings increase." He said further improvements in sales and earnings were hindered by sluggish sales, increased competitive pressures in certain retail markets, continued low margins in the company's convenience-store wholesale business in the Southeast and weather-related problems in its California produce operations.
