NEWS WATCH: PRIVATE-LABEL VALUE WINE ENTERS JUNGLE...H-E-B OFFERS SWEET ENDS TO HOLIDAY MEALS...NATURALS HIT PET AISLE AT WILD OATS

PRIVATE-LABEL VALUE WINE ENTERS JUNGLE

finding new success in the private-label wine category. A new economy line called Benton Grove, launched three months ago, has been selling strongly, and nearly 500 cases have sold in three months, said David Schmerr, the retailer's wine and beer director. The line of five varietals -- Chardonnay, White Zinfandel, Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot -- is produced under contract by Delicato Family Vineyards in Napa, Calif. The wines sell for $3.49 per 750 milliliter bottle.

H-E-B OFFERS SWEET ENDS TO HOLIDAY MEALS

SAN ANTONIO -- New private-label cakes and pies have hit the freezer case at H.E. Butt Grocery here. Marketed under H-E-B's "Classic Selections" brand, the frozens line features unique desserts like pumpkin cheesecake, caramel-pecan apple pie and pumpkin streusel pie. Prices range from about $4 to $6.99 for pumpkin cheesecake. Store circulars leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend included coupons for a free 16-ounce container of Cool Whip with the purchase of any Classic Selections frozen cake or pie.

NATURALS HIT PET AISLE AT WILD OATS

BOULDER, Colo. -- Wild Oats Marketplace here has introduced a new, exclusive line of natural pet food. The retailer worked with Natural Pet Nutrition, Westminster, Colo., to develop Pet Promise after discovering that natural food shoppers are highly likely to own pets, yet only 2% of its shoppers bought pet food at Wild Oats. The line, which includes wet and dry food for cats and dogs, contains no animal by-products, growth hormones, antibiotics, rendered animal parts, or artificial additives. Wild Oats, which retains exclusivity rights for six months, reset its pet food aisles, which now feature a new aisle header sign and paw print design on the floor.