NEWS WATCH: FOOD GROUPS TAKE STANCE ON PYRAMID...UKROP'S CREATES PRIVATE-LABEL 'STAMPEDE'...KROGER INTRODUCES DISNEY MOVIE CLASSIC DOG FOOD

FOOD GROUPS TAKE STANCE ON PYRAMID

industry joined other groups in positioning themselves after the introduction of the government's new food pyramid. The Food Products Association here said packaged produce and fruit juices can play an important dietary role, while groups ranging from the Grain Foods Foundation to the Peanut Institute called attention to the pyramid's encouragement of whole grains and nuts. Among manufacturers, which have been blamed for Americans' rising obesity rate, Pepsico and Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages touted their role in initiatives aimed at encouraging Americans to be active.

UKROP'S CREATES PRIVATE-LABEL 'STAMPEDE'

RICHMOND, Va. -- Ukrop's Super Markets here has wrangled in a Western-themed "brand bonanza" consisting of private-label price discounts and cash rewards. As part of the April promotion, four shoppers would get $100 for each Ukrop's brand found in their homes (up to $5,000) by a Ukrop's team dubbed "The Stampede." Shoppers would be automatically registered when they used their loyalty card to buy store brands. Also, customers who bought 10 or more Ukrop's private labels in one transaction would get 10% off those brands in their shopping order. The promotion is Ukrop's main private-label push of the year, Scott Aronson, director of marketing and business development there, told SN. The retailer has run similar promotions this time of year since 2000.

KROGER INTRODUCES DISNEY MOVIE CLASSIC DOG FOOD

CINCINNATI -- Kroger here hopes its new chunk-style dog food, Disney's Old Yeller, will tap into pet owners' bond with their animals. Old Yeller, recently introduced in more than 2,500 Kroger stores, takes its name from the 1957 Walt Disney movie classic of the same name that tells the story of a dog winning a boy's love and their shared experiences. The dog food is expected to appeal to fans of the movie and to pet lovers. Kroger is supporting the brand with an ad campaign. The product is sold in 50-pound bags for $9.99 to $11.99, depending on geographic area.