Target Expands Organics, Private Label

MINNEAPOLIS -- Target Corp. is focusing on organics, private label and meal solutions as it expands it food offering, the company said yesterday at its annual meeting with analysts. Private label, led by the upscale Archer Farms brand, currently represents 15% of sales in the categories in which it is offered, and plans call for growing store-brand penetration about 2% to 3% per year for the next three to four years. New private-label products are expected soon in condiments, rubs and spices, organic frozens and breakfast items. Plans also call for an organic kids‘ meal to be added to the in-store food-service menu. Preseasoned steaks under the company‘s Sutton & Dodge brand are also due this spring, as are more offerings in the chain‘s self-serve delis.