GEORGIA CUBS TEST BULK BINS

LISA SAXTON

LITHIA SPRINGS, Ga. -- Cub Foods' Georgia division here is testing modular bulk candy bins.

Ken Lanhardt, director of produce and floral operations, said the modules are plastic with a dome lid and their own scoops.

Lanhardt said the displays aren't the only thing being tested; so is the product inside. Instead of wrapped candy, Cub is trying out bulk chocolate products. The test began in Mid-March and is being conducted in two stores.

"For instance," said Lanhardt, "we are experimenting right now with chocolate-covered peanuts, and chocolate-covered banana

chips, but it's not wrapped.

"It's all being supplied by Golden Stream out of Indianapolis," he said. "They're doing different programs with chocolate and they'll also have gummi bears."

For the test, Cub will offer six varieties of chocolate products with one price and the candy will be displayed in the bulk foods section, which is adjacent to the produce department.

"It's just one more vehicle to try to sell more candy," said Lanhardt. "And there will be different items. For instance, in the summer, we'll have trail mixes, such as California trail mix and tropical trail mix.