Reiter Dairy, Akron, Ohio, is exiting the ice cream business after more than 40 years. David Adamsen, group vice president of parent Dean Foods, said "business is good, but the company has decided we can offer our customers more advanced packaging and other things we aren't able to do in Akron." The move will eliminate about 25 jobs, or 7% of the work force.
Somewhere Beyond Le Mars
Word is Wells' Dairy is looking to move its offices out of Le Mars, Iowa. The maker of Blue Bunny is searching for a more accessible location not too far from Le Mars, which is near the northwest corner of the state.
Lifeway Up 25%
Revenues rose sharply in the third quarter for Lifeway Foods, Inc., Morton Grove, Ill. The manufacturer of kefir cultured products and Hispanic drinks said sales totaled $3.83 million, up $762,113 from the same 3-month period last year.
Organic Growth at HEB
H.E. Butt, the upscale Texas supermarket chain, has become a member of the Organic Trade Association, one of the only non-specialists that has. H.E.B. has developed its own nutritious/natural food sections, with 14 units now featuring the operation.
WestFarm Strike Eases
WestFarm Foods, Seattle, says most of its operations were running as normal in November, with many union employees having left the picket lines and returned to work. A King County Superior Court issued a temporary restraining order to limit the picketing activities of Teamsters Local 66 members at plants and headquarters.
