Retail & FoodService

Cerberus Capital Management and Bain Capital are possibly interested in buying Matthews-based Harris Teeter, as the grocer continues to explore a sale, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. …

KeHE Distributors announced that it will expand non-ambient warehouse space within its US system to keep pace with rapid growth in its Fresh and Frozen product categories. In addition to this expansion, KeHE is implementing technology and infrastructure enhancements that will enable ongoing quality improvements in its distribution centers. Distribution centers impacted include: Dallas TX, St. Augustine FL, Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Romeoville, IL. …

U.S. grocer Whole Foods Market Inc. says it could open 40 or more stores and eventually tally $1-billion in annual sales in Canada as part of a wider expansion that continues unabated. …

Topco Associates LLC announced that Paul Matthews, 56, has joined the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, reporting to Randy Skoda, President and CEO. Matthews will oversee procurement of Topco’s corporate brand and perishable products as well as the company’s logistics, supply chain management and quality assurance areas. …

Innovation is trending for good reason: business leaders know it is a key to overcoming market challenges such as today’s foodservice environment. Those challenges include rising food costs, increasing scrutiny over menu labeling and trans fat initiatives, lingering economic stagnation, and consumer demand for value and variety. This summer, foodservice and produce industry leaders will come together to explore how innovation – and a healthy dose of fresh produce – can help sustain and grow their businesses when the Produce Marketing Association’s 2013 Foodservice Conference & Exposition convenes July 26-28 in Monterey, Calif., USA. …