Safeway has dismissed reports it is considering returning to TV advertising in the near future. The supermarket said it was reviewing media planning and buying and was meeting with four agencies, but had not yet taken on anyone new. Greencore has agreed the sale of its subsidiaries Erin Foods, Erin Foods Manufacturing and William Rodgers, valued at £11.9m, to Campbell Soup Company, subject to approval. IGD is conducting a new industry survey into the controversial issue of factory gate pricing. Anyone who wants to take part should contact Tarun Patel on 01923 857141. Marks & Spencer is to launch a Meet The Farmer pilot programme from August. Customers will be able to meet farmers and growers in store to talk about their produce. The scheme will coincide with a summer marketing campaign plugging the retailer's suppliers. UK food and drink companies have been invited to apply for a Queen's Award for Enterprise, to recognise outstanding achievement in one of three categories ­ international trade, innovation or sustainable development. Associated British Foods has completed its acquisition of Unilever's Mazola and associated brands in North America, announced in April. Tesco has refused to comment on reports it is looking to sign a deal with service providers to offer fixed line, internet and mobile services. The multiple did not rule a deal out, saying customers would like to see them enter this market, but no announcements were imminent. The Consumer's Association has criticised the new European Food Safety Authority for having only one consumer representative on its 12-member board, despite a goal of bringing a consumer focused approach to food safety. Logistics provider Christian Salvesen is extending its door to door delivery service for small to medium frozen food manufacturers in the UK. Consignments will be consolidated into temperature controlled vehicles across Salvesen's fleet. Sales of The Famous Grouse scotch whisky rose 360% in Japan over the past three months due to the World Cup, according to distributor Maxxium UK. McDonald's is sponsoring the National Federation of Retail Newsagents' annual news deliverers awards to UK paper boys and paper girls. Real Foods of Australia has appointed Stevens & Brotherton to handle sales and distribution of its Corn Thins product range in the UK. WH Smith News has launched a service on its Connect2U website, advising retailers how to protect their businesses against crime. Security consultants will be available for online advice. It is open to all retailers. The British Retail Consortium and the Food and Drink Federation have welcomed World Health Organisation plans to research possible health effects of the chemical acrylamide. {{NEWS }}

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