CUB FOODS ATLANTA UNIT ADDS HISPANIC DRY GROCERY SECTION

CAROL ANGRISANI

ATLANTA -- Cub Foods is catering to its Hispanic customers with a new international dry grocery section here.

Located in a store on Jimmy Carter Boulevard in the suburb of Norcross, the section consists mostly of Mexican foods, though it has some Caribbean and Asian items. Cub Foods, Stillwater, Minn., is a subsidiary of Supervalu, Minneapolis. Cub officials were unavailable for comment.

The department, which supplements international foods located in-line, is set up in the back of the store, adjacent to the produce and fish departments.

The section consists of three 24-foot-long aisles. Four and one-half gondolas are devoted to Hispanic products, while one and a half are allocated to Asian foods.

Included in the Hispanic section shelving are 4 feet of Casa de Dulce candies; 16 feet of tortillas, fajitas and soft tacos; 4 feet of drinks, such as Valle apricot nectar, guava nectar, Margarita mixes and instant coffee; 24 feet of dried products, including Majare chili pods; 16 feet of El Charrito bagged spices; 12 feet of various Goya products; and about 8 feet of desserts, including Gabi cookies and Marinela fruit bars.

The majority of the endcaps have a Hispanic theme as well. During SN's visit, one had 5-pound cans of green pickled jalapeno peppers from La Costena, while another featured Mexican Coca-Cola at 78 cents each.

Bulk-size products were also available, including a 50-pound bag of Camilla extra long grain rice and a 10-pound bag of Goya black beans.

The Asian section was dedicated to Japanese and Chinese products, including Smack Cup o Ramen, Dynasty plum sauce and Dynasty green tea.