- Hershey Foods reportedly is considering expanding its product line beyond its traditional candy, gum and mint business, and moving into the snacks category. In addition, the company is preparing to bring out a line of sugar free products.
While the company is keeping a lid on its exact plans, this move is ironic considering it was just a few months ago that it looked likely that Hershey would be sold to a snack company.
- The Procter & Gamble Company has announced that it will purchase US market share data from ACNielsen effective July 1, 2003. Financial details were not disclosed.
"This decision is a reflection of ACNielsen's commitment to developing a market measurement solution that provides an accurate and comprehensive view of our brands' success in the marketplace," said Rob Steele, president of P&G's North America market development organization. "We look forward to leveraging ACNielsen's solutions to help P&G stay in touch with our consumers."
The decision means that P&G is ending its US relationship with Information Resources, Inc., though Steele says that P&G is “open to exploring a potential relationship in the future."
- Whole Foods Market, Inc. announced that it will be added to the NASDAQ-100 Index effective December 23, 2002. The NASDAQ-100 Index is composed of the 100 largest domestic and international non-financial stocks on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization.
- Carrefour SA announced that it will sell its Services Auto Carrefour chain of auto repair shops to its rival in the business, Feu Vert, for an undisclosed amount.
