The Food Institute Report back issues from July 2006:
Yogurt continues to post growth natural cheese/ice cream slips.(Statistical data)
Jul 03, 2006 ... Yogurt sales are still growing, although growth has slowed a bit, revealed the latest numbers from INFORMATION RESOURCES INC. The yogurt figures include both cup yogurt and yogurt drinks. While yogurt drinks are not shown separately here, IRI reports yogurt drinks are accelerating again, ...
Food-at-home price forecast for 2006 reduced.
Jul 03, 2006 ... Despite higher fuel costs, the projection for food-at-home prices was reduced by half a percentage point from last month and is now forecast to climb just 1.5% to 2.5% more than a year ago. The all-food CPI increased 2.4% between 2004 and 2005, with food-away-from-home prices increasing ...
MITSUI FOODS, INC. (MFI), Norwood, NJ, signed an asset purchase agreement with HARTOG FOODS INC., a leading company in the global processed fruit and vegetable products trade.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... MITSUI FOODS, INC. (MFI), Norwood, NJ, signed an asset purchase agreement with HARTOG FOODS INC., a leading company in the global processed fruit and vegetable products trade. Hartog Foods will be integrated into MFI's newly created Ingredients Division which is focused on the ingredients ...
Smithfield Foods, Inc., Smithfield, VA, signed a purchase agreement to acquire Sara Lee Corporation's European meats business for $575 million.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., Smithfield, VA, signed a purchase agreement to acquire SARA LEE CORPORATION'S European meats business for $575 million. Smithfield intends to complete and finance the acquisition on a stand-alone, non-recourse basis through a 50%-owned joint venture ...
Tata Coffee Ltd., India, agreed to buy the Eight O'Clock Coffee Company, Montvale, NJ, for $220 million from private equity firm Gryphon Investors, San Francisco.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... TATA COFFEE LTD., India, agreed to buy the EIGHT O'CLOCK COFFEE COMPANY, Montvale, NJ, for $220 million from private equity firm GRYPHON INVESTORS, San Francisco. Eight O'Clock Coffee ...
Faribault Foods Inc., Minneapolis, purchased S&W Fine Foods from Del Monte Foods Co., San Francisco.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... FARIBAULT FOODS INC., Minneapolis, purchased S&W FINE FOODS from DEL MONTE FOODS CO., San Francisco. The S&W acquisition is part of Faribault's long-term strategy to own regional brands that are market-share leaders. Faribault Foods produces canned beans, chicken, ...
MCGREGOR'S LLC, an Idaho-based independent grocery company, will purchase Pullman, WA-based DISSMORE'S IGA from TIDYMAN'S with plans to make the store more community-oriented.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... MCGREGOR'S LLC, an Idaho-based independent grocery company, will purchase Pullman, WA-based DISSMORE'S IGA from TIDYMAN'S with plans to make the store more ...
Ottens Flavors, Philadelphia, merged with Mexico City-based MK Flavors & Co. Mexico, a move Ottens Flavors believes will enable the company to increase its market presence in Central and South America.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... OTTENS FLAVORS, Philadelphia, merged with Mexico City-based MK FLAVORS & CO. MEXICO, a move Ottens Flavors believes will enable the company to increase its market presence in Central and ...
The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc., Somers, NY, completed the acquisition of Bebidas Purificadas, S.A. DE C.V., which is based in the northwestern region of Mexico, and served customers in three states, Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja California Sur.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... THE PEPSI BOTTLING GROUP, INC., Somers, NY, completed the acquisition of BEBIDAS PURIFICADAS, S.A. DE C.V., which is based in the northwestern region of Mexico, and served customers in three states, Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja California ...
Shamrock Foods Co., Phoenix, AZ, is buying parts of Distribution Plus Inc.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... SHAMROCK FOODS CO., Phoenix, AZ, is buying parts of DISTRIBUTION PLUS INC. Southwest's food service distribution operation, including its fleet, inventories and warehouse equipment. The sale is to be completed July 1. Shamrock ...
NuCO2 Inc., Stuart, FL, acquired approximately 3,100 bulk CO2 customers and related bulk CO2 assets in 18 states from Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Atlanta, for approximately $5 million.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... NUCO2 INC., Stuart, FL, acquired approximately 3,100 bulk CO2 customers and related bulk CO2 assets in 18 states from COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES INC., Atlanta, for approximately $5 million. The transaction with Coca-Cola Enterprises represents ...
True North Energy, LLC of Toledo, OH, affiliate of Houston-based Shell Oil Products US, will acquire 29 Shell-branded retail locations and three supply contracts in the Columbus, OH area.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... TRUE NORTH ENERGY, LLC of Toledo, OH, affiliate of Houston-based SHELL OIL PRODUCTS US, will acquire 29 Shell-branded retail locations and three supply contracts in the Columbus, OH area. True North has operated and supplied Shell-branded gasoline stations ...
Walgreen Company, Deerfield, IL, will acquire Pittsburgh-based Medmark Specialty Pharmacy Solutions in an effort to move into the specialty pharmacy market.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... WALGREEN COMPANY, Deerfield, IL, will acquire Pittsburgh-based MEDMARK SPECIALTY PHARMACY SOLUTIONS in an effort to move into the specialty pharmacy market. After the acquisition, which is expected to close this summer, ...
Deere & Co., Moline, IL, acquired Roberts Irrigation Products, which makes plastic micro and drip irrigation products for the agricultural, nursery and greenhouse markets.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... DEERE & CO., Moline, IL, acquired ROBERTS IRRIGATION PRODUCTS, which makes plastic micro and drip irrigation products for the agricultural, nursery and greenhouse markets. Roberts Irrigation will continue to be ...
Non-traditional grocery retailers to dominate grocery & consumables market by 2012.
Jul 03, 2006 ... Traditional grocery retailers' share of the market for grocery & consumables is expected to decline 6.3 percentage points by 2010, leaving these retailers with a combined 44.1% share and annual sales of $444.5 billion. At the same time, non-traditional retailers' share of the market will ...
Tesco.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... TESCO, plans to open at least 100 stores in its first year in southern California, according to Financial Times. The British retailer first announced ...
Wendy's International, Inc. will spin off its remaining 160.0 million shares of Tim Hortons Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL, INC. will spin off its remaining 160.0 million shares of TIM HORTONS INC. The company's second quarter results will also be impacted by lower-than-expected same-store ...
Mastercard International along with Philadelphia Coca-Cola bottling company and USA Technologies rolled out 1,000 Coca-Cola vending machines enabled with the e-port cashless transaction solution that will accept MasterCard PayPass in the Philadelphia area, following successful tests in New York and Atlanta.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Jul 03, 2006 ... MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL along with PHILADELPHIA COCA-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY and USA TECHNOLOGIES rolled out 1,000 Coca-Cola vending machines enabled with the e-port cashless transaction solution that will accept MasterCard PayPass in the ...
Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. filed its plans to emerge from bankruptcy by the end of October, but some analysts question whether the Jacksonville-based supermarket chain will be able to lure customers back and fend off challenges from Wal-Mart, Publix and other competitors.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... WINN-DIXIE STORES INC. filed its plans to emerge from bankruptcy by the end of October, but some analysts question whether the Jacksonville-based supermarket chain will be able to lure customers back and ...
American Italian Pasta Co.'s (AIPC) mutually exclusive contract with Sysco Corp. will terminate at the end of 2006.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... AMERICAN ITALIAN PASTA CO.'S (AIPC) mutually exclusive contract with SYSCO CORP. will terminate at the end of 2006. As a result, AIPC will be free to service major restaurant and hotel chains ...
Kraft Foods Inc., Northfield, IL, is preparing to bid more than 570 million [pounds sterling] for the southern European division of United Biscuits.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... KRAFT FOODS INC., Northfield, IL, is preparing to bid more than 570 million [pounds sterling] for the southern European division of UNITED BISCUITS. GOLDMAN SACHS, which was appointed by United Biscuits to ...
Meanwhile, Kraft Foods Inc. reached a deal with workers at its Oscar Mayer plant in Davenport, IA, ending five months of negotiations.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... Meanwhile, KRAFT FOODS INC. reached a deal with workers at its OSCAR MAYER plant in Davenport, IA, ending five months of negotiations. The United Food and Commercial ...
Campbell Soup Co.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... As part of its strategy for fiscal 2007, CAMPBELL SOUP CO. plans to focus more on wellness with low-sodium soups and aims to make its products more convenient for quick meals. The Camden, NJ-based soup ...
BP chose NRC Realty Advisors to market 51 southeastern convenience stores, 34 in south Florida and 17 in the Atlanta, GA area.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(BP Products North America Inc.)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... BP chose NRC REALTY ADVISORS to market 51 southeastern convenience stores, 34 in south Florida and 17 in the Atlanta, ...
Conagra Foods.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(build an ethanol plant )(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... CONAGRA FOODS is helping to build an ethanol plant in New Mexico. The company will supply corn for the plant, as well as market and distribute its products, including ethanol and distillers grain ... Omaha World Herald ...
Wolfsen's Meat & Sausage.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... WOLFSEN'S MEAT & SAUSAGE, Gustine, CA, is back in business, following a ...
Fabio's Fresh Pasta Factory will open a 10,000-sq. ft. factory in Houston, TX.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... FABIO'S FRESH PASTA FACTORY will open a 10,000-sq. ft. factory in Houston, TX. It will also feature a walk-in retail counter that will be open to the public ....
The Japanese fast-food sushi chain, Gindaco, is opening its first U.S. store in Los Angeles in 2007 and hopes to open more 20 stores in California by 2010, according to Tokyo-based Hotland Corp., which runs Gindaco.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... The Japanese fast-food sushi chain, GINDACO, is opening its first U.S. store in Los Angeles in 2007 and hopes to open more 20 stores in California by 2010, according to Tokyo-based HOTLAND CORP., ...
General Mills Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... GENERAL MILLS INC. improved its promotional pricing and its merchandising activity to better manage price gaps between its cereal brands and its competitors. The company also has a number of new cereal products, including fruit-flavored Cheerios, that will be introduced in the first ...
Presently, General Mills, Inc. is launching Dora the Explorer cereal.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... Presently, GENERAL MILLS, INC. is launching Dora the Explorer cereal. The star-shaped cereal with a corn crunch and the flavor of cinnamon, ...
StarRibs Orpac, L.P. purchased the right to franchise six Famous Dave's restaurants in the State of Oregon and StarRibs Washpac, L.P. purchased the right to franchise three Famous Dave's restaurants in the State of Washington.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... STARRIBS ORPAC, L.P. purchased the right to franchise six FAMOUS DAVE'S restaurants in the State of Oregon and STARRIBS WASHPAC, L.P. purchased the right to franchise three Famous Dave's restaurants in the State of Washington. The markets covered by the agreements include the entire State ...
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Candy Bars were No. 3 among the top brands based on overall brand equity ranked by Harris Interactive's 2006 EquiTrend Brand Study.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(The Hershey Co. Hershey Chocolate U.S.A.)(Brief article)(Company rankings)
Jul 03, 2006 ... HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Candy Bars were No. 3 among the top brands based on overall brand equity ranked by HARRIS INTERACTIVE'S 2006 EquiTrend Brand Study. Heinz Ketchup and ...
Saphia Lifestyle Beverages.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... SAPHIA LIFESTYLE BEVERAGES, a flavored-water company catering to pregnant women, will open in July in Silver Spring, MD. The water, initially available in BlissBerry, PacifyinglyPeach and LovinglyLemon, is filled with ...
R.C. Bigelow, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(organic green)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... R.C. BIGELOW, INC. introduced its first organic green tea varieties--Organic Green Tea and Organic Decaffeinated ...
CKE Restaurants Inc., the parent of Hardeee's and Carl's Jr., will continue to produce fast foods with less healthful options.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... CKE RESTAURANTS INC., the parent of HARDEEE'S and CARL'S JR., will continue to produce fast foods with less healthful options. The company's business strategy is to give customers what they want, not what is healthy for ...
Meanwhile, Hardee's is testing a separate menu for its Red Burrito line at nine St. Louis-area stores.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... Meanwhile, HARDEE'S is testing a separate menu for its RED BURRITO line at nine St. Louis-area stores. In addition to burritos, the menu includes a taco salad and ...
McDonald.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(salad introduced)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... MCDONALD'S is testing a South of the Border salad as an extension to its line of premium salads. The new entree salad includes chicken, black beans, roasted corn, cheddar jack cheese ...
Latest financial reports.(Industry overview)(Statistical table)(Financial report)
Jul 03, 2006 ... <Pre> LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC. (FAIRPORT, NY) Qtr. To May 31: Sales $1,155,900 5.4% Net Income * $85,500 ...
Grocery Outlet, Inc.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... Grocery Outlet grew out of a business established by the late Jim Read in San Francisco during the mid-1940s. The company, initially called Cannery Sales, bought warehouse overstocks and sold them at huge discounts. Over the past four decades the Grocery Outlet business model has evolved ...
JustFoodERP.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... JustFoodERP, an Axentia company, provides a complete software and services package designed specifically for the food and beverage industry. JustFoodERP supports highly specialized requirements for the food processing and distribution industry including frozen foods, canneries, ...
Violet Packing, LLC.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... Headquartered in Williamstown, NJ, Violet Packing consists of items packed under the Violet, Sclafani and Don Pepino labels in both retail and foodservice sizes. They include tomato products as well as processed peppers. Violet's products feature whole fresh tomatoes that are vine ripened ...
FDA issues an updated Q&A on recordkeeping/ records access rule.(WASHINGTON)
Jul 03, 2006 ... As reported on last month, FDA issued a third edition of its final guidance document explaining how the agency intends to implement its recordkeeping and records access rule issued under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism ...
Canada mad cow SRM regs surface.(WASHINGTON)(specified risk materials )
Jul 03, 2006 ... Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released information regarding its enhanced feed ban regulation for specified risk materials (SRMs) last week. SRMs are the parts of cattle that can spread Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). Canada defines SRMs to include the following tissues: ...
FDA issues warning letters.(Food and Drug Administration)(Korean Farm Inc)(Southeast Asian Food Products)(Sam Rust Seafood Inc)
Jul 03, 2006 ... A warning letter was issued by FDA Los Angeles office in Irvine, CA to KOREAN FARM, INC., Santa Fe Springs, CA following an inspection of the seafood importer's establishment. FDA found serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulation, making ...
Food product recalls reported.(WASHINGTON)
Jul 03, 2006 ... The June 28 FDA Enforcement Report included the following food product recalls: Publix Key Lime Pie--whole, half, and single-serve slices are being recalled by PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS INC., Lakeland, FL and were manufactured by FOXTAIL FOODS, Fairfield, OH. The firm initiated ...
.... Shareholders of Marsh Supermarkets filed a lawsuit against the supermarket chain and its executives.(YOU SHOULD KNOW ....)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... .... Shareholders of Marsh Supermarkets filed a lawsuit against the supermarket chain and its executives accusing them of fraud, mismanagement, failing their duties to shareholders and other charges. ...
.... The head of the American Farm Bureau Federation criticized the WTO's latest attempt to resolve farm trade talks.(YOU SHOULD KNOW ....)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... .... The head of the American Farm Bureau Federation criticized the WTO's latest attempt to resolve farm trade talks, saying it would leave U.S. producers at a loss. Despite comments by G20 and EU countries ...
.... A new USDA report looks at the risk management potential for "whole-farm revenue" programs.(YOU SHOULD KNOW ....)
Jul 03, 2006 ... .... A new USDA report looks at the risk management potential for "whole-farm revenue" programs and the obstacles to implementing such a whole-farm revenue approach to a farm safety net. A whole-farm program ...
.... Closing U.S. borders would be the last option in combating the spread of bird flu.(YOU SHOULD KNOW ....)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... .... Closing U.S. borders would be the last option in combating the spread of bird flu, according to a senior State Department official. It would ...
.... An ordinance is being submitted in San Francisco.(YOU SHOULD KNOW ....)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... .... An ordinance is being submitted in San Francisco that would require city restaurants and city departments to stop using Styrofoam and other brands of the plastic foam technically called ...
Fresh vegetable prices are expected to average above a year ago this summer.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... Fresh vegetable prices are expected to average above a year ago this summer as low crop prices last summer and higher input costs this year restrain acreage and supply. During ...
Produce.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Market overview)
Jul 03, 2006 ... TOMATOES--USDA proposed a rule change that would make UglyRipe tomatoes from Florida available across the country during winter. Interested parties have 60 days to comment on the proposal, reported The South Florida Business Journal. Meanwhile, AMS proposed to provide the same partial ...
Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Market overview)
Jul 03, 2006 ... <Pre> SELECTED CANNED/GLASS VEGETABLE IMPORTS - JAN. 1 - MAY 1, 2006 (Source: Bureau of Census) Pounds% Chge.Dollars% Chge. (1,000) Last Yr. ($1,000) Last Yr. Mixed Vegetables 40,099 -5.9%$26,191 ...
Tomato products.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Market overview)
Jul 03, 2006 ... Tomato plants in Central California fields appear to have weathered the hot temperatures over the past few weeks, though farmers report scattered crop damage, reported California Farm Bureau Federation. This season California tomato processors have contracts for 11.4 million ...
Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Market overview)
Jul 03, 2006 ... CORN--Cob corn, 96-ear is currently trading for $13.05 to $13.25, f.o.b. West Coast. Cut corn in 12/16-oz. packs are trading for $7.50 to $7.65, f.o.b. West Coast. <Pre> USDA HAS PURCHASED FROZEN CORN Deliveries between Aug. 16-Nov. 15, 2006 * Cases ...
Canned fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Market overview)
Jul 03, 2006 ... CHERRIES--Canned tart cherries in 6/10-oz. cases are priced between $18.50 and $19.00, f.o.b. Washington. PEARS--Pears packed in 24/2.5-lb packs are priced between $19.50 and $20.00, f.o.b. West Coast. <Pre> USDA HAS PURCHASED CANNED FRUITS Deliveries between Aug ....
Pacific sardine harvest guideline along the U.S. Pacific coast.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... NMFS updated the framework for the annual apportionment of the Pacific sardine harvest guideline along the U.S. Pacific coast to ...
Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area.(describing the essential fish habitat)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... NMFS implemented rules to assist in identifying and describing the essential fish habitat and designating ...
New standardized bycatch reporting methodology and bycatch minimization requirements.(groundfish fisheries )(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... NMFS proposed to implement new standardized bycatch reporting methodology and ...
Processed fish.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Market overview)
Jul 03, 2006 ... RUSSIA UPDATE--The U.S. has boosted exports of fish products to Russia over 90%, from 22,769 metric tons in 2004 to 43,477 metric tons in 2005. Russian imports of fish and seafood products in 2005 reached nearly $1 billion, up 48% from 2004. According to trade analysts, this trend will ...
Dried vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Market overview)
Jul 03, 2006 ... <Pre> KANSAS CITY COMMODITY OFFER *Shipments Between Aug. 6-27 and Aug. 27-Sept. 20, 2006* Metric Tons Product Destination Pack Size Quantity Whole Yellow Peas Kenya 50 K 4,140 Ethiopia 50 K ...
Dried fruit & nuts.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Market overview)
Jul 03, 2006 ... <Pre> SUPERMARKET SALES OF DRIED FRUIT, 1ST QTR., 2002-2006 (FI Analysis of Information Resources, Inc. Infoscan Reviews Data)In Millions Dollars Pounds 2002$122.740.7 2003$117.437.4 2004$113.336.1 2005$124.936.3 ...
Frozen fruits.(Markets)(Statistical table)(Market overview)
Jul 03, 2006 ... BLUEBERRIES--Because of the historically high demand for blueberry products, growers are reportedly asking record high prices for products going into processing. Offers are ranging between $1.60 and $1.70 per pound, f.o.b. Southeast, though are expected to come down in the future when more ...
Mitsui Foods, Inc. (MFI) signed an asset purchase agreement with Hartog Foods Inc.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
Jul 03, 2006 ... Mitsui Foods, Inc. (MFI) signed an asset purchase agreement with Hartog Foods Inc. Hartog Foods will be integrated into MFI's newly created Ingredients Division which is ...
Postobon S.A. entered into an agreement under which it will purchase Productora de Jugos S.A., the Colombian-based juice business of Bavaria, S.A., a subsidiary of SABMiller, for $55.3 million in an all-cash transaction.(IN THE NEWS ...)
Jul 03, 2006 ... Postobon S.A. entered into an agreement under which it will purchase Productora de Jugos S.A., the Colombian-based juice business of Bavaria, S.A., a subsidiary of SABMiller, for $55.3 million ...