Sore feelings
Sainsbury's membership of the British Retail Consortium is still in question, despite the organisation's leader saying it would be back on track by May. Kevin Hawkins, BRC director general, said he had "amicable and constructive discussions" with Sainsbury last week. JS suspended its membership after Hawkins referred to positive evidence about Tesco's GDA-based labelling during a TV interview, but did not make reference to Sainsbury's Wheel of health system.

M&S sale
Marks and Spencer is selling its US foodstore chain Kings Super Markets to an American investment group consisting of Angelo, Gordon & Co, MTN Capital Partners and Bruce Weitz for $61.5m (£35.4m).

Loss of fizz
Britvic has warned that the carbonated drinks market is continuing to decline. Britvic added that in the 24 weeks to March 19, revenue for branded products was down 3.4%, carbonates were down 7.3%, while stills were up 1.3%.

McBride buys
Household and personal care own-label supplier McBride has acquired the household liquids business and assets of UK own label supplier Sanmex. McBride said the deal was for a consideration of £6.5m plus a further £1m for inventory.

Chequeless
Asda is piloting a scheme that prevents customers from paying for goods by cheque at 21 stores within the M25. The retailer will allow customers to pay by cheque for three weeks but will then only accept cash or cards for eight weeks.

No gluten
Scottish cake manufacturer United Central Bakeries has opened a £250,000 gluten-free production line at its baking facility in Bathgate, near Edinburgh, Scotland.

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