The Food Institute Report back issues from February 2007:
Food-at-home price inflation projected at 4-year low for 2007.
Feb 05, 2007 ... Food-at-home prices are forecast by USDA to rise just 1.5% to 2.5% this year, which if realized, would be the smallest increase since 2003. The most recent projection is down one-half of a percentage point from a month earlier. In 2007, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all food is ...
McDonald's set to be trans fat-free.
Feb 05, 2007 ... After testing 18 varieties of oil in more than 50 blends during the past seven years, MCDONALD'S CORP. found a suitable trans fat oil that will not change the taste or texture of its most-ordered item: French fries. In 2002, the chain announced that it would eliminate trans fats from its ...
Big breakfasts declining, convenience mini meals increasing.(Survey)
Feb 05, 2007 ... While Americans might on occasion indulge on large breakfast consisting perhaps of eggs, bacon or sausage and potatoes, coffee, juice or milk, this is not the way most eat every day, according to a new study by THE NPD GROUP, NPD's 2006 Morning Need States Study. The study indicated that ...
Marriott International, Bethesda, MD, revealed plans that by mid-February the hotel chain will eliminate trans fats from the food it serves at its 2,300 North American hotels.(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, Bethesda, MD, revealed plans that by mid-February the hotel chain will eliminate trans fats from the food it serves at its 2,300 North American hotels. The chain becomes the first big hotel chain to eliminate trans fats, ...
In the past several years, Marriott has gradually reduced trans fats by eliminating them in breads, salad dressings, pancake and waffle mixes, muffins, croissants, and cookies.(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... In the past several years, Marriott has gradually reduced trans fats by eliminating them in breads, salad dressings, pancake and waffle mixes, muffins, croissants, and cookies. Removing ...
Meanwhile, Intercontinental Hotels, whose brands include Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza.
Feb 05, 2007 ... Meanwhile, INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS, whose brands include HOLIDAY INN and CROWNE PLAZA, has ...
Record new products globally.
Feb 05, 2007 ... Nearly 182,000 new consumer packaged goods hit the shelves globally in 2006--up an impressive 17% from 2005. This more than doubled the growth in new CPG launches from 2004 to 2005, according to MINTEL Global New Products Database. Almost 105,000 food and drink products were launched last ...
Convenience, ethnic and specialty products drive frozen foods.
Feb 05, 2007 ... The dinners and entrees category is predicted to reach $6 billion in sales as a result of consumers' demand for products that taste great, are a good value, easy to prepare and contain healthy ingredients. The dinners and entrees category continues to be lead by brands such as STOUFFER'S, ...
Latin food is hot!(guacamole, chorizo, linguica )
Feb 05, 2007 ... Latin is the second most popular ethnic food category in the U.S., after Asian, with 90% of consumers reporting that they regularly order Mexican or Latin items when they dine out. The market for Latin food on restaurant menus was worth $18 billion in 2005, according to Latin on the Menu, ...
Aramark Corporation, Philadelphia, completed the merger in which it was acquired by an investor group led by Joseph Neubauer, chairman and CEO of Aramark.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... ARAMARK CORPORATION, Philadelphia, completed the merger in which it was acquired by an investor group led by JOSEPH NEUBAUER, chairman and CEO of Aramark, and investment ...
Diedrich Coffee, Inc. stockholders approved the asset purchase agreement between Diedrich Coffee and Starbucks Corporation, Seattle.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... DIEDRICH COFFEE, INC. stockholders approved the asset purchase agreement between DIEDRICH COFFEE and STARBUCKS CORPORATION, Seattle. So far, 15 DIEDRICH COFFEE and COFFEE PEOPLE stores have been transferred to Starbucks Corporation and the next transfer is expected to occur on or about ...
EZ Energy Ltd.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... EZ ENERGY LTD., an Israeli holding company controlled by Eli Zahavi, signed agreements to purchase 26 gas stations and convenience stores in the U.S. for $26 million. Meanwhile, the company is in ...
G. Willi-Food International Ltd. acquired Laish Israeli Food Products Ltd.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD. acquired LAISH ISRAELI FOOD PRODUCTS LTD., a U.S. importer and distributor of kosher food products, for approximately $3.7 million in cash. Laish Israeli, with 2006 revenues of approximately $7.5 million, distributes kosher products such as canned ...
J & J Snack Foods Corp., Pennsauken, NJ, acquired the assets of Radar, Inc.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... J & J SNACK FOODS CORP., Pennsauken, NJ, acquired the assets of RADAR, INC., a manufacturer and seller of fig and fruit bars under the brand Daddy Ray's. Headquartered and with its ...
Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... LEVINE LEICHTMAN CAPITAL PARTNERS (LLCP), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, acquired WETZEL'S PRETZELS, LLC, a soft pretzel retailer with approximately 190 locations across 27 states and ...
Roundy's Supermarkets Inc., Milwaukee, completed the purchase of five Jewel Osco stores located in the Milwaukee area from Supervalu Inc.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... ROUNDY'S SUPERMARKETS INC., Milwaukee, completed the purchase of five JEWEL OSCO stores located in the Milwaukee area from SUPERVALU INC. The locations, which temporarily closed for business, reopened on Feb. 2 as PICK 'N ...
Tetco, San Antonio, TX, completed the acquisition of 23 family-owned Walker's Food & Fuel stores in Utah and assets including fast-food franchises and wholesale operations.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
Feb 05, 2007 ... TETCO, San Antonio, TX, completed the acquisition of 23 family-owned WALKER'S FOOD & FUEL stores in Utah and assets including ...
Violet Packing, LLC, Williamstown, NJ-based manufacturer of Don Pepino and Sclafani tomato products, merged with Deiorio's Frozen Dough Products, Utica, NY-based producer of pizza dough.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
Feb 05, 2007 ... VIOLET PACKING, LLC, Williamstown, NJ-based manufacturer of Don Pepino and Sclafani tomato products, merged with DEIORIO'S FROZEN DOUGH PRODUCTS, Utica, ...
The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA, signed an agreement to purchase Fuze Beverage, LLC, Englewood Cliffs, NJ-based maker of FUZE enhanced juices and teas.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, Atlanta, GA, signed an agreement to purchase FUZE BEVERAGE, LLC, Englewood Cliffs, NJ-based maker of FUZE enhanced juices and teas. The acquisition includes all FRUZE Beverage, LLC brands, including the Vitalize, Refresh, Tea, and Slenderize lines ...
DBI Beverage acquired Mesa Beverage Co. Inc.'s Sacramento, CA, operations.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
Feb 05, 2007 ... DBI BEVERAGE acquired MESA BEVERAGE CO. INC.'S Sacramento, CA, operations. Mesa, which has revenues of about $75 ...
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., Greenwood Village, CO, signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire the assets of 17 Red Robin franchised restaurants in California for a cash purchase price of approximately $47.5 million.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC., Greenwood Village, CO, signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire the assets of 17 Red Robin franchised restaurants in California for a cash purchase price of approximately $47.5 ...
Acquisition activity up among private-equity firms.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Last year, private-equity firms spent a record $540 billion to acquire companies in virtually every sector, up from $59 billion three years ago. DUNKIN' BRANDS is one recent example of the benefits of going private. Since three private-equity firms bought out the DUNKIN' DONUTS parent for ...
Kraft Foods.(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... KRAFT FOODS is committed to fixing its ailing salad dressing business, not selling it, according to Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld, who noted that the business fits with consumer trends of eating more salads. The executive added that the company has plans for "important" changes to these ...
Kraft will launch the first nationally branded organic nut varieties under the Planters brand in February.(Kraft Foods Inc.)(organic nut varieties)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... KRAFT will launch the first nationally branded organic nut varieties under the Planters brand in February. The eight SKU's, including Planters Organic (USDA certified) Nut Selection and Planters Organic Cashews, are aimed at ...
Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... OCEAN SPRAY CRANBERRIES INC. is preparing to launch its new "Grower's Reserve" line in early March, which includes six all-natural, no-sugar-added, refrigerated juices: Carrot Mango & Cranberry, Simply Squeezed Cranberry, Blueberry Pomegranate & ...
Albertsons LLC.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... ALBERTSONS LLC plans to close 11 unprofitable stores in Texas by Mar. 11. Six of the stores are in the Metroplex, two are in Austin, two are in ...
Benihana Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Feb 05, 2007 ... BENIHANA INC. inked definitive lease agreements for four new ...
Schnuck Markets is partnering with Kaldi's Coffee Co. to open coffee bars in some of its local stores.(Kaldi's Coffee Co.)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... SCHNUCK MARKETS is partnering with KALDI'S COFFEE CO. to open coffee bars in some of its local stores. Kaldi's will debut in the grocery chain's new Twin Oaks, MO store, slated to open Jan. 30. ...
Frustrated by sluggish sales of their core brands, some Coca Cola Co. bottle distributors are making deals with new companies that market small.(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Frustrated by sluggish sales of their core brands, some COCA COLA CO. bottle distributors are making deals with new companies that market small, faster-growing beverages. HONEST TEA, Bethesda, MD, struck deals with Coke bottlers in California, Colorado and Pennsylvania to distribute Honest ...
Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) could cut as many as 3,000 workers from its North American force of 65,000.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES (CCE) could cut as many as 3,000 workers from its North American force of 65,000, according to MORGAN STANLEY beverage analyst Bill Pecoriello, as it wrestles with ...
Dole Food Company, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(partnership)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC. is partnering with national organizations to launch a pilot program that will introduce innovative vending machines to schools featuring healthy food products. The vending machines will supply DOLE branded healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and Fruit Bowls, in ...
McDonald.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(renovation of stores)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... A Phoenix-area MCDONALD'S now features stationery exercise bikes inside its PlayPlace as part of a $1.6 million renovation that includes remodeling the store's interior as well as the children's play area. The revamp is part of the chain's nationwide re-imaging campaign--see FOOD INSTITUTE ...
Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. plans to introduce an additional 155 Simply Enjoy products to its upscale private label line in 2007.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... STOP & SHOP SUPERMARKET CO. plans to introduce an additional 155 Simply Enjoy products to its upscale private label line in 2007. The supermarket chain's Nancy J. Kubilus said, "We did recognize there was a success happening at TRADER JOE'S, and we wanted to ...
The Schwan Food Co.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(introduction of pizza products)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... THE SCHWAN FOOD CO., Marshall, MN, launched a refrigerated version of its Freschetta pizza brand. It is the company's first effort to introduce a product that is not frozen. Freschetta Build & Bake is a line of make-your-own pizza ...
Minyard Food Stores, Inc. put its 800,000-sq. ft. campus in Texas on the block.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... MINYARD FOOD STORES, INC. put its 800,000-sq. ft. campus in Texas on the block, following a previously announced deal to outsource its warehouse and distribution operations to ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE ...
Latest financial reports.(Statistical table)(Financial report)
Feb 05, 2007 ... <Pre> LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change YearYear Ago AGRIUM INC. (CALGARY, CANADA) Qtr. To Dec. 31: Sales $899,000 16.8% Net Income * ...
Seabrook Brothers & Sons, Inc.(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Seabrook Brothers & Sons, Inc. is a family business that grows and processes quality frozen vegetables for all your needs in southern New Jersey. Seabrook began farming in 1868 and freezing in 1929. Seabrook Farms supplies custom frozen vegetable solutions for private label, Seabrook farms ...
Western Family Foods, Inc.(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Tigard, OR-based Western Family Foods, Inc. is in the business of sourcing, procuring and marketing for the Western Family and Shurfine labels. Western Family distributes over 6,000 separate items and has an extensive GM/HBC line under the Western Family Label. Western Family's brands are ...
Savory Creations International.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(subsidiary of Meto Corporation)(Company overview)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Savory Creations International is a subsidiary of Meto Corporation--a food export company doing business in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years. Savory Creations produces chicken, beef and turkey broth concentrates under the "Savory Choice" brand. Led by a ...
President Bush requests extension of trade promotion authority ...(WASHINGTON)(Trade Act of 2002)
Feb 05, 2007 ... President Bush formally requested that the Congress renew his "trade promotion authority" (TPA, otherwise known as "fast track" authority). This request was summarized by Jeffrey S. Levin of Saul Ewing LLP. Current TPA, which was granted to the president as part of the Trade Act of 2002 ...
... Issues order requiring advance notice for guidance documents.(WASHINGTON)(Food and Drug Administration, Food Safety and Inspection Service)
Feb 05, 2007 ... President Bush issued an executive order that will require federal agencies (e.g., the Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service) to provide the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with advance notification of significant guidance documents. This order was ...
2007 farm bill proposals unveiled.(WASHINGTON)
Feb 05, 2007 ... USDA unveiled its more than sixty-five 2007 farm bill proposals. They correspond to the 2002 farm bill titles with additional special focus areas, including specialty crops, beginning farmers and ranchers, and socially disadvantaged producers. Highlights of the proposal include (funding ...
Debate over organic clones begins.(WASHINGTON)(genetically engineered organisms)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... FDA's recent decision to allow milk and meat from cloned animals on the market initiated the debate over whether or not these animals may be called organic, assuming they were raised organically. While those opposed to "organic clones" claim that genetically engineered organisms cannot be ...
E.D. Smith & Sons, LP.(FOOD PRODUCT RECALLS REPORTED)(wegmans fat free garden french dressing has been recalled)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Wegmans Fat Free Garden French Dressing, 16-oz. bottles with a best before date of Aug. 22, 2007 is being recalled by E.D. SMITH & SONS, LP, Seaforth, Ontario, Canada. The product was distributed through ...
Fine Land Corporation.(FOOD PRODUCT RECALLS REPORTED)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Ying Feng Foodstuffs brand Melon Candy is being recalled by FINE LAND CORPORATION, Brooklyn, New York. The product was distributed in ...
Vitalabs, Inc.(Egg Protein Powder recalled)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Egg Protein Powder in Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry flavors are being recalled by VITALABS, INC., Jonesboro, GA. The product was sold under a variety of brand names and was distributed nationwide. The firm initiated recall began on Jan. 29, 2007 and is ongoing. Reason for Recall: "The ...
United States Bakery.(Betsy Ross Brand Chocolate Donuts and Old Fashioned Donuts recalled)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Betsy Ross Brand Chocolate Donuts and Old Fashioned Donuts, 12-oz. packages are being recalled by UNITED STATES BAKERY, Seattle, WA. The product was sold through convenience stores in Washington, ...
Whole Foods Market.(FOOD PRODUCT RECALLS REPORTED)
Feb 05, 2007 ... 365 Everyday Value Kalamata Olive Tapenade is being recalled by WHOLE FOODS MARKET. Approximately 6,000 jars of a 32,000-jar lot were distributed nationwide ....
Hill Meat Co.(Hill Meat Company Premium Black Forest recalled)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Hill Meat Company Premium Black Forest, fully cooked smoked ham, 9-lbs. packages with a sell by date of March 26, 2007 is being recalled by HILL MEAT CO., Pendleton, OR. Approximately 1,080-lbs of ...
The Natural State Meat Co.(Meacham Packing Company Hamburgers and Beef Ground Chuck recalled)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Meacham Packing Company Hamburgers and Beef Ground Chuck, various size packages are being recalled by THE NATURAL STATE MEAT CO., Batesville, AR. Approximately 4,240-lbs. of ground beef products were distributed to ...
Whole Treat Organic Vanilla Ice Cream Bars Dipped in Chocolate are being recalled by Whole Foods Market, Austin, TX.(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Whole Treat Organic Vanilla Ice Cream Bars Dipped in Chocolate are being recalled by WHOLE FOODS MARKET, Austin, TX. The product was manufactured by OREGON ICE CREAM, LLC, Eugene, OR and was distributed nationwide. The firm initiated recall ...
Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.(Atkins Advantage Morning Start Apple Crisp, Chocolate Chip Crisp, and Peanut Butter Crisp Breakfast Bars recallec)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Atkins Advantage Morning Start Apple Crisp, Chocolate Chip Crisp, and Peanut Butter Crisp Breakfast Bars are being recalled by ATKINS NUTRITIONALS, INC., Melville, NY. The product was manufactured by ...
Krispy Kreme Donut Company Inc.(Krispy Kreme, Honey Buns recalled)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Krispy Kreme, Honey Buns, were being recalled by Krispy Kreme Doughnut Distribution Center, Winston Salem, NC. The product was manufactured by KRISPY KREME DONUT COMPANY INC, Concord, NC and was ...
Caribbean Ventures Inc.(FDA ISSUES WARNING LETTERS)(Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... CARIBBEAN VENTURES INC., Miami, FL was issued a warning letter on Jan. 8, 2007 following an inspection of its seafood-importing establishment on Dec. 4 and 5, 2006. FDA found that the company had serious violation of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control ...
Doody Farms, LLC.(FDA ISSUES WARNING LETTERS)(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... DOODY FARMS, LLC, Auburn, NY was issued a warning letter on Jan. 11, 2007 following an inspection of its dairy operation from Oct. 24-Nov. 1, 2006. The FDA confirmed that the company offered a cow for sale for slaughter as food that was adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and ...
.... Fresh Serve Bakeries Inc.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... .... FRESH SERVE BAKERIES INC., provider of pastries to 34 Louisville, KY-area Dunkin' Donuts locations, is being targeted in a lawsuit brought by the doughnut chain that raises concerns about the ...
Ag-Mart Produce Inc.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(federal lawsuit filed by 200 workers)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... .... Nearly 200 migrant workers filed a federal lawsuit against a AG-MART PRODUCE INC. for paying them, they say, less than minimum wage. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of more than 3,000 people comprising indigent migrant workers ...
.... Lawmakers in Mississippi, Tennessee and several other states that charge sales tax on groceries are considering dropping the extra charges.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)
Feb 05, 2007 ... .... Lawmakers in Mississippi, Tennessee and several other states that charge sales tax on groceries are considering dropping the extra ...
.... Although state law would not allow a local ban on trans fat, restaurants in Los Angeles will be urged to voluntarily phase out trans fats from kitchens over the next 18 months under a plan unveiled by city and county leaders.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... .... Although state law would not allow a local ban on trans fat, restaurants in Los Angeles will be urged to voluntarily phase out trans fats from kitchens over the next ...
.... Two Pennsylvania Senators are strongly opposed to legislation under review that would allow Pennsylvania beer drinkers to buy their alcohol at supermarket cafes.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... .... Two Pennsylvania Senators are strongly opposed to legislation under review that would allow Pennsylvania beer drinkers to buy their alcohol at supermarket cafes. At issue, is a handful of liquor license applications, now under consideration ...
.... The Government Accountability Office designated federal oversight of food safety as a new high risk area because of risks to the economy and to public health and safety.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... .... The Government Accountability Office designated federal oversight of food safety as a new high risk area because of risks to the economy and to public health and safety. The GAO report notes that any food contamination could undermine consumer confidence in the government's ability to ...
.... The FTC will host a free public workshop to discuss the issues surrounding the use of mail-in rebates by manufacturers and retailers on Apr. 27 in San Francisco, CA.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... .... The FTC will host a free public workshop to discuss the issues surrounding the use of mail-in rebates by manufacturers and retailers on Apr. 27 in San Francisco, CA. The workshop will gather representatives from ...
Atlantic mackerel, squid and butterfish.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID AND BUTTERFISH: NMFS implemented 2007 specifications and management measures for Atlantic mackerel, squid and butterfish. It also modified existing management measures for Atlantic mackerel, squid and butterfish. Specifically, it implemented trimester quota ...
Proposed safety measures.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(fishing vessel observers)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... PROPOSED SAFETY MEASURES: NMFS proposed a rule that would enhance the safety of observers and the efficiency of their deployment. The rule would clarify prohibited actions regarding observers, reinforce that an observer may not be deployed or stay aboard an unsafe vessel and clarify when a ...
Michigan and Washington Concord juice grape producers.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... MICHIGAN AND WASHINGTON CONCORD JUICE GRAPE PRODUCERS: Foreign Agricultural Service terminated the certification of petitions for trade adjustment assistance that was filed by the National Grape Cooperative Association representing Michigan and Washington Concord juice grape producers ....