The Food Institute Report back issues from September 2003:
Food company merger activity heavy prior to Labor Day weekend.
Sep 01, 2003 ... A flurry of mergers and acquisitions in the food industry was disclosed prior to the start of the Labor Day weekend. Chiquita Brands International, Inc. sold its interest in a Florida citrus joint venture, The Packers of Indian River, Ltd., to its joint venture partner. Fort Pierce, ...
Burger King restructuring operations.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Burger King is restructuring its U.S. operations organization, in a move that will put more personnel in the field, working closely with franchisees and restaurant managers, as part of its effort to improve restaurant performance, reported The Miami Herald (Aug. 29). Nine new ...
Donut chain undergoing "Transformation".(Dunkin' Donuts)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Since taking over seven months ago, Jon Luther, CEO of Randolph, MA-based Allied Domecq Quick-Service Restaurants, a unit of Allied Domecq that includes Dunkin' Donuts, Togo's sandwich shops and Baskin-Robbins ice cream, abandoned some of the initiatives of the company's previous CEO. For ...
Company aims to block bitter tastes.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... In April, the Linguagen Corp., a Cranbury, NJ-based biotechnology company that is conducting taste research, received a patent for the first molecular compound that will block bitter tastes in foods, beverages and some pharmaceuticals. The compound, named adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), ...
Fast-casual Greek chains rolling out units.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... While there are many full-service Greek restaurants in most major American cities, fast-casual Greek restaurants are seeing sales growth and rolling out units in the U.S. and Canada. Some of the main players include San Diego, CA-based 32-unit Daphne's, followed by an 18-unit Canadian ...
Pizza drives cheese consumption.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... A typical consumer eats 30 pounds of cheese per year, far more than the 6-pound annual average of 1944, mainly because many restaurants and eateries are including it in various dishes, according to USDA. About 20% or 35% of cheese consumption is through grocery stores, with the rest in ...
Food companies can benefit from Wi-Fi.
Sep 01, 2003 ... The fast-dropping price of Wi-Fi, technically known as the 802.11 format and its ability to transmit a large volume of digital data wirelessly over short distances have made it possible for various businesses to improve sales and profits, while better serving customers. Operators of ...
Wi-Fi access: to charge or not to charge.
Sep 01, 2003 ... While some large retail chains like Starbucks adopted the pay-to-log-on model for Wi-Fi, using the services of large telecom companies, where customers typically pay the service provider for use of Wi-Fi access, some small business owners are giving it away, saying free Wi-Fi is attracting ...
Fuddruckers Inc.(plans to open 60 more locations in the next three years)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Fuddruckers Inc. plans to open 60 more locations in the next three years. The multimillion-dollar expansion would mark a dramatic increase in the number of company-owned restaurants, now at 112. Three restaurants are scheduled ...
Health Express USA announced a franchisee will construct, develop and open Healthy Bites restaurants in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Health Express USA announced a franchisee will construct, develop and open Healthy Bites restaurants in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and ...
Qdoba Mexican Grill plans to open a dozen outlets in the Chicago, IL area next year.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Qdoba Mexican Grill plans to open a dozen outlets in the Chicago, IL area next year. The 100-unit chain, ...
Wingstop, a 117-unit chicken wing chain, entered into an agreement with VS Venture Partners, LLC to expand into the San Diego, CA area.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Wingstop, a 117-unit chicken wing chain, entered into an agreement with VS Venture Partners, LLC to expand into the San Diego, CA area. Wingstop's ambition is to develop the concept into a chain of 18 to 20 dine-in or carry out ...
In a separate announcement, Wingstop entered Nebraska on Aug. 18, with the opening of a 1,200-sq. ft. restaurant in Omaha.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... In a separate announcement, Wingstop entered Nebraska on Aug. 18, with the opening of a ...
Cub Foods will have 50 stores in Minnesota's Twin Cities metro-area by early 2005.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Cub Foods will have 50 stores in Minnesota's Twin Cities metro-area by early 2005. The chain, owned by Eden Prairie, MN-based Supervalu Inc., unveiled ...
Whole Foods.(adding stores in the Atlanta area)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Whole Foods is on a growth binge in metro Atlanta, GA, saying the market could support three more stores by 2006. The chain is growing so much that it may even be ...
In southern Ontario, Canada, 13 Wal-Mart stores began selling Krispy Kreme's trademark "original glazed" doughnuts.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... In southern Ontario, Canada, 13 Wal-Mart stores began selling Krispy ...
Customer satisfaction takes center stage at McDonald's.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... McDonald's deployed 500 in-house consultants to grade its stores on a 100-point scale beginning 18 months ago. The consultants evaluate everything--the taste of Big Mac sandwiches, how long it takes to fill an order, how clean the bathrooms are and more. The consultants use a combination ...
The Hain Celestial Group and Cargill Health & Food Technologies.(to jointly develop new healthy food and beverages product solutions )(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * The Hain Celestial Group and Cargill Health & Food Technologies plan to jointly develop new ...
The Yellow Pages Integrated Media Association reported that of the top 300 Yellow Pages headings, "Restaurants" ranks first and "Pizza" is fifth.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * The Yellow Pages Integrated Media Association reported that of the top 300 Yellow Pages headings, "Restaurants" ranks first and "Pizza" is fifth ....
McCain Foods USA.(introduced frozen oven-baked French fries cooked in non-hydrogenated, 100% pure canola oil)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * McCain Foods USA introduced frozen oven-baked French fries cooked in non-hydrogenated, 100% pure canola oil. The new French fries are ...
Carl's Jr.(to unveil a limited time charbroiled chicken sandwich)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Carl's Jr. will unveil a charbroiled chicken sandwich, the BBQ Ranch Charbroiled Chicken, ...
Winn-Dixie Stores Inc.(cutting administrative jobs)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. will cut an unspecified number of jobs at its corporate headquarters and at division offices, ...
Publix Super Markets Inc. closed PublixDirect.(online grocery shopping service )(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Publix Super Markets Inc. closed PublixDirect, the online grocery shopping service it began testing in south ...
Tully's Coffee will offer 12-oz. premium ground coffee bags in 183 northern California Albertsons locations.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Tully's Coffee will offer 12-oz. premium ground coffee bags in 183 northern California Albertsons locations. This ...
Harvard Medical School.(News In A Minute)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Molecules of resveratrol found in red wine, peanuts and other products of the plant world have for the first time been shown to mimic the life-extending effects of calorie restriction, a finding that could help researchers develop drugs ...
Don Pablo.(testing low-carb fajitas)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * In Cincinnati, OH, Don Pablo's has been testing low-carb fajitas, which are wrapped in lettuce instead of flour tortillas. The low-carb ...
Wendy's International.(running meal promotions with low-fat items)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Wendy's International is trying to appeal to health-seeking consumers by running test-market promotions of various meal combinations that highlight low-fat items that have been on the company's menu for years. The ...
Ruby Tuesday.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Ruby Tuesday is testing $8.99-a-plate combos, such as broiled fish, grilled chicken or a chopped beef patty paired with sliced tomatoes, steamed broccoli and cottage cheese, at 50 of its restaurants. Those sites ...
Domino's Pizza, Ann Arbor, MI, will introduce its customers to auction site eBay.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Domino's Pizza, Ann Arbor, MI, will introduce its customers to auction site eBay using its ...
Food Marketing Institute.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Supermarkets, looking for new revenue generators, are increasingly turning to pharmacies to add convenience and boost sales. This year, supermarkets are ...
Latrobe Brewing Co.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Latrobe Brewing Co., best known for its Rolling Rock beer, is introducing a low-carb beer called Rock ...
Classica Microwave Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of The Classica Group, Inc., Sayreville, NJ, successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of its microwave pasteurization technology.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Classica Microwave Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of The Classica Group, Inc., Sayreville, NJ, successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of its microwave ...
A small study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that eating dark chocolate can lower your blood pressure.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * A small study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that eating dark chocolate can lower your blood pressure. The short study would ...
Anheuser-Busch Cos.(News In A Minute)(launched the nationwide sale of raspberry-flavored Bacardi Silver Raz)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * Anheuser-Busch Cos. launched the nationwide sale of raspberry-flavored Bacardi Silver Raz, which will be made at Anheuser-Busch's brewery in Baldwinsville, NY. The new drink comes ...
UK-based Tesco plans to cut prices by $95 million on more than 350 products across its stores.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... * UK-based Tesco plans to cut prices by $95 million on more than 350 products across its stores. The cuts ...
Mergers & acquisitions.
Sep 01, 2003 ... B&G Foods, Inc., Parsippany, NJ, completed its purchase of the Ortega brand from Nestle Prepared Foods Co. (see FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT, Aug. 4, page 7). Fleming Cos., Inc., Dallas, TX, completed the sale of its grocery wholesale assets. The Garland Division was acquired by ...
Latest financial reports (000 omitted).
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) BENIHANA, INC. (Miami, FL) 16 Wks. To July 20: Sales $61,100 6.9% Net Income $2,950 5.8% BLUE SQUARE ISRAEL, LTD. (Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel) Qtr. To June 30: Sales ...
Regional private label trends.
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> Regional Combined Channels * Private Label Dollar & Unit Volume (Private Label Manufacturers Association, 2003 Yearbook) Dollar Volume Region 20022001 California Total Private Label$6.1 Billion...
USDA issuing permits to allow Canadian beef to cross border.(Washington)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... U.S. officials said Aug. 25 that some permits to allow truckloads of Canadian beef across the U.S. border would be issued that week, reported The Globe and Mail (Aug. 25). The boneless beef cuts, which are considered at low risk for mad cow disease, will initially be allowed in at a ...
FDA gives stamp of approval for spray to kill bacteria in beef.(Washington)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... FDA says it is safe to spray lactoferrin, a milk protein, on to beef carcasses to fight disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli 0157:H7. Scientists with Salt Lake City, UT-based aLF Ventures found that spraying lactoferrin on raw beef carcasses inhibits the growth of E. coli, salmonella ...
EU lists products it wants tied to geographical locations.(Washington)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... The 15-nation European Union disclosed a list of 41 products with names it wants tied to specific geographical locations and traditional means of production, reported The Washington Times (Aug. 29). The EU will push trade ministers to consider a worldwide register for the products during ...
Kansas State University major player in protecting U.S. food supply.(Washington)
Sep 01, 2003 ... In the wake of an outbreak of disease threatening the nation's food supply, Kansas State University would play a key role in the swift diagnosis that could mean the difference between a temporary emergency and a widespread, long-term disaster, revealed The Wichita Eagle (Aug. 23). ...
Food recalls reported.(Washington)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Unilever, Inc., Baltimore, MD, is recalling 35,745 tubs of Lee Iacocca's brand Olivio Premium Spread with olive oil. The 1-lb. tubs were distributed nationwide. Reason for recall: The products contain undeclared whey. Tone Brothers, Inc., Ankeny, IA, is recalling 1,441/16-oz ....
In the courts.
Sep 01, 2003 ... ... The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) lodged a grievance against Safeway Inc. ... The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) lodged a grievance against Safeway Inc., saying the grocer failed to act in "good faith" in its efforts to sell its Dominick's ...
You should know ...
Sep 01, 2003 ... ... U.S. agriculture officials certified 22 U.S. beef plants to export beef to Japan under a new trade agreement aimed at calming Asian fears related to mad cow disease. An additional 79 plants are seeking certification in order to meet a Sept. 1 deadline imposed by Tokyo for beef destined ...
Cost-sharing for Animal & Plant Health Emergency Programs.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... COST-SHARING FOR ANIMAL & PLANT HEALTH EMERGENCY PROGRAMS: USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is extending the comment period for its proposed rule that would establish criteria to determine the Federal share of financial responsibility relative to States and other ...
Ingredient labeling of dietary supplements that contain botanicals.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... INGREDIENT LABELING OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS THAT CONTAIN BOTANICALS: FDA is proposing to amend its regulation on declaring botanical ingredients in dietary supplements to incorporate by reference the latest editions of two books. Currently, the regulation incorporates by reference Herbs of ...
Standards for privately owned quarantine facilities for ruminants.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... STANDARDS FOR PRIVATELY OWNED QUARANTINE FACILITIES FOR RUMINANTS: USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to amend the regulations for the importation of ruminants into the U.S. to establish standards for privately owned quarantine facilities. The regulations ...
Milk orders.(Noted In The Federal Register)
Sep 01, 2003 ... MILK ORDERS: USDA proposed adopting as a final rule, order language contained in the interim final rule published in the Federal Register on Feb. 12, 2003, concerning pooling provisions of the Central Federal milk order. It sets forth the decision of the Secretary and is subject to ...
Meeting of Advisory Committee on Biotechnology.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... MEETING OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON BIOTECHNOLOGY: A meeting of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21) will be held on Sept. 15-16 in Washington, DC. The AC21 consists of 18 members representing the biotechnology industry, the seed industry, international ...
Produce.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> SELECTED U.S. IMPORTS OF FRESH FRUITS, JAN. 1-JULY 1, 2003 Pounds 2003 2002 Cantaloupes, Sept. 16-July 31 900,349,786 954,120,038 Melons, NESOI, Dec. 1-May 31 272,516,965 280,118,636 Watermelons ...
Canned vegetables.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> *** USDA HAS PURCHASED *** CANNED VEGETABLES * Deliveries between Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2003 * Delivered Cases Cost Green Beans (24/300) 179,820 $1,171,584 Allen Canning Company ...
Tomato products.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Recent rains over the past week are affecting tomatoes with rot and mold. Fungicides continue to be applied to processing tomatoes and many fields are receiving aphid treatments. <Pre> USDA HAS PURCHASED TOMATO PRODUCTS * Shipments between Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2003 * ...
Frozen vegetables.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... POTATOES--U.S. imports of French fries as of July 1 were up 5% from the previous year to 723.5 million pounds. <Pre> SELECTED FROZEN VEGETABLE IMPORTS JAN. 1-JULY 1 1,000 Pounds:2003 2002 % Chge. Asparagus 3,271 ...
Canned fruits.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> USDA HAS PURCHASED CANNED FRUIT * Deliveries between Sept. 16, 2003 and Nov. 31, 2003 * CasesEstimated Cost Canned Mixed Fruit (6/10)46,512 $743,937 Barrios Foods, Inc. 912 Bridge Foods, Inc....
Processed fish.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... USDA HAS PURCHASED--USDA purchased 43,472 cases (14.75 oz.) of canned pink salmon at a delivered cost of $804,000 and will be distributed to Federal food and nutrition programs. The entire bid was awarded to Trident Seafoods Corp. Deliveries will be made from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, 2003. ...
Dried vegetables.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... TOMATOES--U.S. imports of tomato powder totaled 10.3 million pounds during the first half of 2003, down 5% from the same period in 2002. Shipments from Spain are down 40% from last year, but shipments from Morocco are up 58% from 2002, at 3.5 million pounds. U.S. imports of ...
Dried fruits.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> U.S. IMPORTS OF DRIED FRUITS JAN. 1-JULY 1, 2003 In Pounds 2003 2002 % Chge. Apricots14,823,75122,251,679-33.4% Raisins Seedless12,834,61413,919,774 -7.8% Apples 4,836,004 3,527,062 37.1% ...
Nuts & nutmeats.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... PISTACHIOS--USDA issued a final rule, effective Sept. 22, 2003, that revises the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pistachio Nuts in the Shell and the U.S. Standards for Grades of Shelled Pistachio Nuts, noted the Federal Register (Aug. 22). The revisions will modify the standards to ...
Frozen fruits.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> U.S. IMPORTS OF SELECTED FROZEN FRUITS, JAN. 1-JULY 1, 2003 % Chge. Pounds 2003 2002 Prev. Yr. Strawberries 96,322,114 83,455,005 15.4% Wild Blueberries 24,043,978 ...
Juice & concentrates.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... APPLE CONCENTRATE--In the first half of 2003, the U.S. imported close to 30 million gallons of 70 Brix concentrate, approximately 6.4 million more gallons than in the same period of time in 2002. Over 33.0 million single strength equivalent (SSE) gallons entered the U.S. classified as some ...
Butter.(Markets)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> BUTTER MARKET, AUG. 29 Cents Per Pound: 8/29/03 8/22/03 ...
Cheese.(Markets)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET AUG. 29 Cents Per Pounds: 08/29/2003 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. ...
Eggs.(Markets)
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS Aug. 29 This Week EndingChng. From Wk. Cents per dozen: Week 22Au Ending Aug. 22 Extra Large-NY 95-99 98-102-3 Large-NY 93-97 96-100-3 ...
Chicken.(Markets)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF SEPT. 1 Cents Per Pound:This Week Last Week Chicago54.00-57.00 54.00-57.00 ClevelandToo Few Too Few Detroit Too Few Too Few Los Angeles 74.00 ...