NEWS WATCH: CROSSMARK PROMOTES EXECUTIVES...WINE SALES UP 5% IN 2005...BILL TARGETS JUNK FOOD IN SCHOOLS

CROSSMARK PROMOTES EXECUTIVES

re has named John Simmons president of private label. Simmons previously managed the company's Wal-Mart division and is now responsible for managing Crossmark's store-brand business. Succeeding him is Ty Alford, who was named vice president, retail operations, Wal-Mart Team. Crossmark provides business services to consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers.

WINE SALES UP 5% IN 2005

SAN FRANCISCO - Wine sales in the United States grew 5% in 2005 to an estimated 703 million gallons, reflecting wine's nearly universal popularity, the Wine Institute here reported. California wine, which accounts for about two-thirds of all wine sold in the U.S., grew sales 3% to 441 million gallons. Wine also has benefited from the Supreme Court's decision on direct-to-consumer sales; the hit movie "Sideways"; and introduction of affordable, easy-to-drink wines. Wine's consumption has grown steadily since 1991, when its health benefits gained attention.

BILL TARGETS JUNK FOOD IN SCHOOLS

WASHINGTON - Saying sugary and fatty foods are in part to blame for rising child obesity rates, House and Senate lawmakers introduced the first federal measure to cut the amount of junk food sold in schools. The bill would apply the same nutritional standards that govern school lunches to food sold in schools and force the U.S. Department of Agriculture to limit the amount of sugar, fat and sodium in school food and limit portion sizes. Major CPG companies opposed the bill, which is supported by the Parent Teacher Association and health-related groups.