'Guiding Stars' programme available for other supermarkets

Rolled out in September 2006, the "Guiding Stars" nutritional rating system now in place at 164 Hannaford Supermarkets, and 106 Sweetbay stores in the US, will be made available for use by other supermarket chains and vendors next year. The Delhaize-owned chain is working out details of the licensing agreement it will to offer.

"We know we have a program that works and has demonstrated results," said Hannaford Senior Vice President, Mark Doiron. "We're optimistic about the opportunity to share it with a broader audience."

"With obesity, and related diseases, continuing to be a serious problem, Hannaford is committed to being a part of the broader public health solution," added Hannaford CEO and President, Ronald Hodge.

"Guiding Stars is currently an in-store navigation system," explained Hannaford spokeswoman Caren Epstein. "It includes signs, shelf tags, an advertising campaign, collateral materials, training materials, a web site, and community outreach, among other elements.... What we're looking at is how it might be modified for other purposes without compromising its integrity."