Content about Cincinnati

CINCINNATI — Kroger announced that it has named Michael Donnelly as SVP merchandising. Donnelly has been president of the company's Ralphs division, based in Los Angeles, since August 2007.

In his new position, Donnelly will lead all merchandising and procurement for Kroger.

CINCINNATI — Kroger reported solid first-quarter results and marked 30 consecutive quarters in which identical-store sales increased, the supermarket retailer announced Thursday.

Kroger said that identical-store sales rose 4.6%, excluding fuel, to about $20.8 billion. Identical stores are defined as supermarkets open at least five quarters.

The company said its first-quarter revenue for the period ended May 21, including fuel, rose 11% to about $27.5 billion, compared with the year-ago period. Excluding fuel, total sales were 4.8% above last year.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Monday named Reuben Shaffer the grocer’s new chief diversity officer, effective immediately.

“Diversity is a core value at Kroger,” stated David Dillon, Kroger chairman and CEO. “We take our commitment to diversity seriously, both because it is right and because it makes us better at our business. When our decision-making is inclusive and reflects the diversity of our customers, we make better decisions.”

CINCINNATI — Kroger has kicked off a two-week campaign that is expected to generate $5 million dollars in cash and food donations to assist 80 local food banks in communities where Kroger's customers and associates live and work.

Kroger said that its annual Bringing Hope to the Table campaign, which runs through June 11, will assist food banks that are members of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. Since 2006, Kroger's family of stores has generated contributions of $25 million in food and funds through the campaign.

CINCINNATI — An Eli Lilly executive was elected to Chiquita's board of directors at the company's annual shareholders meeting.

Chiquita said that Jeffrey Simmons, who serves as Lilly SVP and president of the drug maker's animal health division, Elanco Animal Health, brings more than 20 years of management experience to his new role on the audit committee and the food innovation, safety and technology committee.

CINCINNATI — Pampers has introduced Prints, a limited-edition diaper line.

Pampers limited-edition Prints are available in designs for both boys and girls, including floral and polka dot prints for girls, and argyle and toy car prints for boys. The diapers can be purchased at retailers nationwide through the summer and are available in sizes 1 through 4.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Members of a local coalition in Providence launched on Monday the Script Your Future campaign, which is part of a national effort to educate consumers on the importance of medication adherence.

Elizabeth Roberts, lieutenant governor of the state of Rhode Island, together with the National Consumers League on Monday will launch Script Your Future in Providence to raise awareness among patients about the health consequences of not taking medication as directed.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble's Charmin Sensitive was voted the best new bathroom tissue of 2011 in a study conducted by BrandSpark International and published in the Better Homes and Gardens magazine's third annual Best New Products Awards issue.

The third annual Best New Products Awards are part of the magazine's June issue. Charmin Sensitive will be featured among the 42 winning consumer products in the categories of health and beauty, food and household care.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has announced a string of organizational changes, including the retirement of Edward Shirley, vice chairman of beauty and grooming, after 33 years of service.

Shirley will retire from P&G, effective Jan. 1, 2012. Until that time, effective July 1, 2011, Shirley has been named vice chairman on special assignment, continuing to report to Robert McDonald, P&G chairman, president and CEO. Shirley will be focused on ensuring the seamless transition of the beauty and grooming business, P&G stated.

CINCINNATI — Kroger is committing $250,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to assist storm and flood relief efforts in communities across several Southeastern states.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble announced on Thursday that its beauty and grooming segments posted single-digit increases in net sales during the third quarter.

Beauty net sales rose 5% to $4.9 billion, on 5% volume growth. Organic volume, which excludes the net impact of Zest and minor fragrance divestitures, increased 6%, and organic sales grew 4%. The company noted that volume growth was driven by double-digit growth in developing regions, while volume in developed regions was flat.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble’s Pantene hair care brand has started producing its new shampoo and conditioner bottles made primarily from plant-based plastic.

This material — a first for the hair care industry — is made from sugar cane and will be featured on the Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion collection. The new bottles initially will be launching in Western Europe with expansion plans to the rest of the world over the next two years.