SCHWEGMANN BRAND ENTERS EX-NATIONAL TEA CO. STORES

NEW ORLEANS -- Schwegmann Giant Super Markets here has installed its store brand in the former National Tea Co. supermarkets it acquired last year.

, public relations director.

"We have Schwegmann products in all locations. That's part of the long-range plan, to gradually convert to that label," she said. A procurement official at the chain declined to discuss details on the conversion's progress.

In a visit to a Canal Villere store in New Orleans last month, SN found Schwegmann-brand items in the grocery and frozens departments, as well as Hy-Top, Red & White and Pictsweet private-label products. Schwegmann point-of-sale tags and signs dotted shelves.

Also, a Schwegmann store in Metairie, La., had two shelved end displays near frozens that featured clearance deals on National groceries, SN found. Topped with signs saying "Reduced National Products," they included canned vegetables, ketchup, popcorn, soup, salt, chicken coating, tuna, gravy mix, vegetable oil, tea bags and bulk-sized dry cat food.

National Tea Co., a former Loblaws chain based in Hazelwood, Mo., had 29 stores in New Orleans under the names Canal Villere, That Stanley and The Real Superstore, which are still in the process of being converted to Schwegmann stores, Burge said. Schwegmann already had 18 stores in the city.