The Food Institute Report back issues from July 2007:
Meat poultry & egg prices on the rise.(Statistical data)
Jul 02, 2007 ... While the overall projected inflation rate for food-at-home in 2007 was unchanged from one month ago, expected to range from 3.0% to 4.0%, USDA raise projections on a number of food categories this month. Center-of-the-plate item prices all increased from prior projections. Beef prices are ...
FDA detains farm-raised Chinese seafood.(Food and Drug Administration)
Jul 02, 2007 ... The dispute between the U.S. and China over food safety rose to a higher level late last week, when FDA announced a broader import control of all farm-raised catfish, basa, shrimp, dace (related to carp), and eel from China. FDA has started to detain these products at the border until the ...
C-store competition intensifying: Seven & I unveils $2.4 bil. expansion.
Jul 02, 2007 ... The 7-ELEVEN convenience store chain will be sharply boosting its presence in the U.S during the next four years. Japanese retailer Seven & I Holdings' newly disclosed expansion plan calls for investing $2.4 billion over the next four years to open 1,000 convenience stores in the U.S. and ...
Consumers want a variety of beverages.
Jul 02, 2007 ... Manufactures are striving to meet consumers' demand for a variety of beverage choices. Growth within the better-for-you-beverage category may be attributed to consumers' increased concerns regarding health and wellness. Half of respondents who reported drinking less soda, stated they ...
Safeway Inc. quietly opened a stand-alone fast casual restaurant called Citrine in Redwood City, CA.(ON THE FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... SAFEWAY INC. quietly opened a stand-alone fast casual restaurant called CITRINE in Redwood City, CA. The 5,000-sq. ft. restaurant, featuring items such as Thai barbecue ...
Wendy.(ON THE FOODSERVICE FRONT)
Jul 02, 2007 ... WENDY'S is expanding its new breakfast menu to more than 75 additional restaurants in markets across the U.S. this month, following a test ...
Zpizza, Newport Beach, CA, signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with NYZ Pizza LLC to bring three restaurants to Manhattan.(ON THE FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... ZPIZZA, Newport Beach, CA, signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Nyz PIZZA LLC to bring three restaurants to Manhattan. zpizza presently has 70 locations nationwide and additional 200 in ongoing ...
Potbelly Sandwich Works, Chicago, will test drive-through stores in Glen Ellyn and Waukegan.(ON THE FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS, Chicago, will test drive-through stores in Glen Ellyn and Waukegan. The sandwich chain is seeking zoning approval for the two stores, to be ...
Noble Roman's, Inc., Indianapolis, signed an area development agreement for 18 units of its dual-branded concepts.(ON THE FOODSERVICE FRONT)
Jul 02, 2007 ... NOBLE ROMAN'S, INC., Indianapolis, signed an area development agreement for 18 units of its ...
Brinker International, Inc. inked an agreement with SDWYO, LLC, South Dakota, to develop four ON THE BORDER Mexican Grill & Cantina restaurants in Wyoming and South Dakota.(ON THE FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. inked an agreement with SDWYO, LLC, South Dakota, to develop four ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA restaurants in Wyoming and South ...
Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc., Florida-based parent of Hard Rock International Inc., plans to expand the Hard Rock restaurant, hotel and casino chain in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.(ON THE FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... SEMINOLE HARD ROCK ENTERTAINMENT, INC., Florida-based parent of Hard Rock International Inc., plans to expand the HARD ROCK restaurant, hotel and casino chain in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. The aim is to double the number of HARD ROCK CAFES to about 250 and have about 90 ...
Starbucks Coffee Company.(ON THE FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY expanded its lunch offerings with the Tomato Mozzarella Insalata and the Fiesta Salad dishes at the more than 4,400 Starbucks stores in the U.S. that currently offer lunch. Regional selections include: Champagne Pasta Salad, Bowtie Pasta with Goat Cheese, White ...
In other news, Starbucks will send a revised application for its entry into India after its earlier proposal for a franchise operation was put on hold, according to Business Standard (June 27).(ON THE FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... In other news, STARBUCKS will send a revised application for its entry into India after its earlier proposal for a franchise operation was put on hold, according to Business Standard (June 27). India's Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion believes that the ...
Impact of rising milk prices widespread.
Jul 02, 2007 ... Milk prices are increasing due to rising corn prices used in animal feed, strong worldwide demand for milk and whey and a drought in Australia, which is a major milk producer. In addition, higher production costs caused milk prices to increase 30% thus far this year and are ...
Kroger Co., Cincinnati, will close six of the 20 Detroit-area Farmer Jack stores it purchased and transform them into Kroger stores.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Jul 02, 2007 ... KROGER CO., Cincinnati, will close six of the 20 Detroit-area FARMER JACK stores it purchased and transform ...
Bravo! Brands Inc.'s Board of Directors retained Gordian Group, LLC to develop strategic alternatives for the company.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... BRAVO! BRANDS INC.'S Board of Directors retained GORDIAN GROUP, LLC to develop strategic alternatives for the company. Gordian Group will also provide financial advisory services and assist with the formulation, evaluation and implementation of various options for a restructuring, ...
Tyson Foods Inc. and Syntroleum, a Tulsa-based synthetic fuels technology company formed Dynamic Fuels LLC, which will produce synthetic fuels targeting the renewable diesel, jet, and military fuel markets.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... TYSON FOODS INC. and SYNTROLEUM, a Tulsa-based synthetic fuels technology company formed DYNAMIC FUELS LLC, which will produce synthetic fuels targeting the renewable diesel, jet, ...
Whole Foods stores in New York City check out a person every 4.5 seconds, compared to 19.6 seconds at Trader Joe's, according to an unscientific look at checkout times by the The New York Times On The Web (June 23).(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... WHOLE FOODS stores in New York City check out a person every 4.5 seconds, compared to 19.6 seconds at TRADER JOE'S, according to an unscientific look at ...
Coca-Cola.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Jul 02, 2007 ... Asia will be the biggest driver of COCA-COLA'S growth over the next 10 years, according to chairman and chief executive Neville Isdell. Coca-Cola Company ...
Wal-Mart Canada Corp.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... Packaging sustainability will be a formal part of WAL-MART CANADA CORP.'S purchasing decisions. Companies will have to fill out a complex survey about the ecological impact and recycled content of their packaging, and those that ...
Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd., Wilton, CT, entered into a partnership agreement with Interscope Geffen A&M, part of Universal Music Group.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Connecticut, United States)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... DRINKS AMERICAS HOLDINGS, LTD., Wilton, CT, entered into a partnership agreement with INTERSCOPE GEFFEN A&M, part of UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP. As part of the agreement, the 50/50 partnership will seek to identify, develop, commercialize and market jointly owned alcoholic and nonalcoholic ...
The NPD Group, Port Washington, NY, will provide Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Sam's Club with consumer tracking data across a broad spectrum of industries.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Jul 02, 2007 ... The NPD GROUP, Port Washington, NY, will provide WAL-MART STORES, Inc. and SAM'S CLUB with ...
IBM.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(survey on consumer trust on food products quality)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... Product contamination, recalls, confusing marketing claims contributed to a decline of consumer trust in consumer product manufacturers, according to an IBM survey. Nearly 70% of the 1,676 consumers in the U.S. and U.K. surveyed expressed a low level of trust ...
Giant Eagle is bidding to buy Le-Nature's water- and tea-bottling plant in Latrobe, PA, which closed in November.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Jul 02, 2007 ... GIANT EAGLE is bidding to buy LE-NATURE'S water- and tea-bottling plant in Latrobe, PA, which closed in November. Giant ...
Switzerland-based Barry Callebaut AG is actively pursuing several options for its Brach's consumer business in North America including a joint venture.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Jul 02, 2007 ... Switzerland-based BARRY CALLEBAUT AG is actively pursuing several options for its BRACH'S ...
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Jul 02, 2007 ... KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, INC. will introduce a multigrain cake doughnut on July 9. It is made with seven grains and topped ...
Greenpeace.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(food labeling to indentify that the foods are free from genetically modified elements)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... Moscow will introduce a citywide label to identify GM-free foods, a move ecologists hail as groundbreaking, but which foreign producers say is complex and costly. A handful of individual food producers around the ...
China ranked third in the world after India and the U.S. in the production of dairy products in 2006.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Jul 02, 2007 ... China ranked third in the world after India and the U.S. in the production of dairy products in 2006. China's ...
On-the-go consumers prefer to handle an increasing number of transactions themselves through self-service devices, according to a new study by Buzzback Market Research for NCR Corporation, Dayton, OH.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Jul 02, 2007 ... On-the-go consumers prefer to handle an increasing number of transactions themselves through self-service devices, according to a new study by BUZZBACK MARKET RESEARCH ...
Latest financial reports.(Table)(Financial report)
Jul 02, 2007 ... <Pre> LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (IN $000)Current % ChangeYear Year Ago BAYER AG (LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY) Qtr. To Mar. 31 Sales 8,335,000 22.7% Net Income...
Capitol Distributing Co., Pewaukee, WI and W.O.W. Distributing Co. Inc., Sussex, WI, agreed to purchase Milwaukee-based Beloit Beverage Co. Inc.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
Jul 02, 2007 ... CAPITOL DISTRIBUTING CO., Pewaukee, WI and W.O.W. DISTRIBUTING CO. INC., Sussex, WI, agreed to purchase Milwaukee-based BELOIT BEVERAGE CO. INC., ...
Nelson Peltz increased his stake in Cadbury Schweppes Plc to 3.47%.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Cadbury Schweppes PLC)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... NELSON PELTZ increased his stake in CADBURY SCHWEPPES PLC to 3.47%. Mr. Peltz bought an initial stake of 2.98% in Cadbury in March. For recent new about Cadbury ...
Organic to go.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(food cafe restaurant)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... ORGANIC TO GO, Seattle, entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with select investors to sell an aggregate of 3,175,000 shares of common stock of the company and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,270,000 shares of ...
Patterson Frozen Foods, Patterson, CA, was acquired by a group of executives within the company--Paul Fanelli, Ray Walker, Tom Ielmini, Russ Kenerly, along with Fresno-based investor Woolf Farming-following 61 years of ownership under the Ielmini family.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
Jul 02, 2007 ... PATTERSON FROZEN FOODS, Patterson, CA, was acquired by a group of executives within the company-Paul Fanelli, Ray Walker, Tom Ielmini, Russ Kenerly, along with ...
Pepper Dining, Inc., an affiliate of private equity firm Olympus Partners, completed the purchase of 95 Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants in the Northeastern and mid-Atlantic regions from Brinker International Inc., Dallas, for approximately $155 million.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... PEPPER DINING, INC., an affiliate of private equity firm OLYMPUS PARTNERS, completed the purchase of 95 CHILI'S GRILL & BAR restaurants in the Northeastern and mid-Atlantic regions from ...
Steak N Shake Co.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
Jul 02, 2007 ... A group of investment funds now own a 9.5% interest in Indianapolis-based STEAK N SHAKE CO. The investors say they do not intend to seek ...
Treehouse Foods, Inc., Westchester, IL, entered into a definitive agreement with E.D. Smith Income Fund, to acquire substantially all of the assets of the Fund, for approximately $203 million, plus the assumption of existing debt and transaction costs.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... TREEHOUSE FOODS, INC., Westchester, IL, entered into a definitive agreement with E.D. SMITH INCOME FUND, to acquire substantially all of the assets of the Fund, for approximately $203 million, plus the assumption of existing debt and transaction costs. TreeHouse, a food manufacturer ...
United Supermarkets, Ltd., Lubbock, TX, will purchase R.C. Taylor Distributing, Lubbock, TX, a full-service distributor that serves grocery chains, independent grocers and specialty stores in Texas and New Mexico, effective July 2.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... UNITED SUPERMARKETS, LTD., Lubbock, TX, will purchase R.C. TAYLOR DISTRIBUTING, Lubbock, TX, a full-service distributor that serves grocery chains, independent grocers and specialty stores in Texas and ...
The Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint challenging Whole Foods Market Inc.'s proposed acquisition.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)
Jul 02, 2007 ... The Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint challenging WHOLE FOODS ...
RLR Capital Partners, LP and RLR Focus Master Fund, LP disclosed owning a 5.1% stake in 1-800-flowers.com, Inc.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)
Jul 02, 2007 ... RLR CAPITAL PARTNERS, LP and RLR FOCUS MASTER FUND, LP disclosed ...
U.S. Foodservice postponed the financing behind its $7.1 billion LBO by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts due to weak market conditions, sources told Reuters.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)
Jul 02, 2007 ... U.S. FOODSERVICE postponed the financing behind its $7.1 billion LBO by CLAYTON, DUBILIER & RICE and KOHLBERG KRAVIS & ROBERTS due to weak ...
Wakefern, ShopRite's parent company, may acquire nine Stop & Shop stores in New Jersey, according to United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1360 President Sam Ferraino.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)
Jul 02, 2007 ... WAKEFERN, ShopRite's parent company, may acquire nine STOP & SHOP stores in New Jersey, according to United Food and Commercial Workers Local ...
Timeline: farm-raised fish imported from China.(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... Nov. 16, 2001 FDA issues an import alert on unapproved drugs in aquaculture seafood products. 2002--present Ongoing inspections of imported seafood and implementation of compliance program. Feb. 8, 2002 Chemotherapeutics in Seafood ...
FTC files administrative complaint over whole foods/wild oats deal.(WASHINGTON)(Federal Trade Commission)(Whole Foods Market Inc.)(Wild Oats Markets Inc.)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... As anticipated, the Federal Trade Commission issued an administrative complaint on June 28, challenging Whole Foods Market Inc.'s approximately $670 million acquisition of Wild Oats Markets Inc. The administrative complaint preserves the Commission's legal option to pursue an ...
FDA warns consumers not to eat veggie booty snack food.(WASHINGTON)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... FDA issued a warning to consumers not to eat Veggie Booty snack food, marketed by ROBERT'S AMERICAN GOURMET, Sea Cliff, NY, due to possible contamination with Salmonella Wandsworth, bacteria that cause gastrointestinal illness. Veggie Booty is sold in a flexible plastic foil bag in four ...
Dietary supplements rules--finally!(WASHINGTON)
Jul 02, 2007 ... FDA has published its long-anticipated final rule establishing regulations governing current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) for dietary supplements. 72 Fed. Reg. 34,752 (June 25, 2007). See FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT, June 25, page 11 for earlier story, In a companion document, ...
Andean Trade Act extended.(WASHINGTON)(Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act of 2002)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... Democratic and Republican Congressional leaders in the the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees reached an agreement to provide an extension of the Andean Trade Preferences Act (ATPA) last week. Subsequently the House of Representatives approved an eight-months extension of ...
Employee Free Choice Act rejected.(WASHINGTON)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... The U.S. Senate rejected the Employee Free Choice Act that would have allowed labor organizations to unionize workplaces without secret ballot elections, reported CBSNEWS.com. The bill's proponents say years of Republican control of the White House and Congress have given corporations and ...
"Allowed" organic ingredients added via interim rule.(WASHINGTON)
Jul 02, 2007 ... USDA published an interim final rule in the Federal Register on June 27 that amended the National Organic Program's List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) regulations to enact 38 recommendations submitted to the USDA by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) during ...
Consumer group questions aspartame safety.(WASHINGTON)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... The CENTER FOR SCIENCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, as well as several toxicology and epidemiology experts, are calling on FDA to review a study questioning the safety of aspartame, which is marketed generically under the NutraSweet and Equal brand names. The study found increases in lymphomas, ...
Food product recalls reported.(WASHINGTON)(Report)
Jul 02, 2007 ... Diced yellow onions, with a best by date of Jun. 16, 2007 are being recalled by GILLS ONIONS, LLC, Oxnard, CA. The product was distributed to stores in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. The firm initiated recall began on Jun. 19, 2007 and is ongoing. Reason ...
Orthodox Union kosher alert.(WASHINGTON)
Jul 02, 2007 ... McCutcheon's Vidalia Onion Cucumber Dill Dressing manufactured by MCCUTCHEON APPLE PRODUCTS, INC., Frederick, MD is mislabeled. A limited amount of the product was distributed with an unauthorized OU symbol and is being withdrawn from the market. Hello Kitty Gummy Vitamins ...
Posting calories in NYC not going as smoothly as eliminating trans fats.(WASHINGTON)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... The majority of New York City's fast food chains already made the switch to trans fat free oil prior to the July 1 deadline. While New York City's health department has not completed tallying results of a recent survey on line, there is evidence that small restaurants are ready as well, ...
USDA amended the Mexican fruit fly regulations by removing a portion of Webb County, TX from the list of quarantined areas.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... USDA amended the Mexican fruit fly regulations by removing a portion of Webb County, TX from the list of quarantined areas. USDA also removed restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from this area. This action is necessary to relieve restrictions that are no longer ...
EPA established tolerances for residues of buprofezin in food, animal feeds and raw agricultural commodities and also revised existing tolerances.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... EPA established tolerances for residues of buprofezin in food, animal feeds and raw agricultural commodities and also revised existing tolerances. Specifically, tolerances for were established for fruit, stone, group 12, except apricot and peach. EPA also revised existing tolerances for ...
Produce.(MARKETS)
Jul 02, 2007; ... MUSHROOMS--USDA reapportioned the membership of the Mushroom Council to reflect shifts in U.S. mushroom production. The final rule continues in effect the realignment of the Mushroom Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order's four U.S. geographic regions, and reallocates council ...
Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
Jul 02, 2007; ... <Pre> USDA OFFERS TO BUY CANNED VEGETABLES * Shipments between Sept. 1--Nov. 15, 2007 * Case Size Cases Carrots6/10 76,608 * Shipments between Sept. 15--Nov. 15, 2007 * Sweet Potatoes, Syrup 6/10 41,952 ...
Tomato products.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
Jul 02, 2007; ... PASTE--During the first eleven months of the 2006/07 marketing year, U.S. imports of tomato paste in containers over 1.4 kg totaled 79.3 million pounds, up significantly from the previous marketing year when 9.2 million pounds were imported. Imports increased significantly this marketing ...
Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
Jul 02, 2007; ... <Pre> USDA OFFERS TO BUY FROZEN VEGETABLES * Shipments between Aug. 15-Nov 15, 2007 * Case SizeCases Potato, Wedges 6/5 lb.249,480 Potato, Oven Fries 6/5 lb.137,280 * Shipments between ...
Canned fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
Jul 02, 2007; ... PEARS--China has seen strong growth in production within its canned pear industry over the past number of years. Exports have risen from 3,670 metric tons in 2001 to 36,080 metric tons in 2006. The U.S. is the largest customer; importing almost half the total exports out of China. ...
FDA initiated a broad import alert on all farm-raised catfish, basa, shrimp, dace (related to carp), and eel from China.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
Jul 02, 2007 ... FDA initiated a broad import alert on all farm-raised catfish, basa, shrimp, dace (related to carp), and eel from China. FDA will start to detain these products at the border ...
Processed fish.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
Jul 02, 2007; ... OVERVIEW--Of the 187 fish stocks and multi-species groupings known as complexes, 47 were overfished, or below the target for sustainability, up from 43 in 2005, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) annual report on the status of U.S. fisheries for 2006. ...
Dried vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
Jul 02, 2007; ... DRIED BEANS--U.S. dry bean growers planted 1.50 million acres for 2007, down 8% from both last year and two years ago. The June planted acreage estimate is down less than 1% from growers plans in March. Acres to be harvested are estimated at 1.42 million, down 7% from both last year and ...
Dried fruits & nuts.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
Jul 02, 2007; ... PEANUTS--Area planted to peanuts in 2007 is estimated at 1.19 million acres, down 5% from 2006. This is the lowest planted acreage since 1915. Area for harvest is forecast at 1.16 million acres, down 4% from last year. If realized, this will be the lowest harvested area since 1930. ...
Frozen fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
Jul 02, 2007; ... <Pre> USDA HAS PURCHASED FROZEN FRUIT * Deliveries between Nov. 16, 2007 through Apr. 30, 2008 * CasesTotal Cost Frozen Freestone, Sliced Peaches (20 lb.) 11,400 $170,715 Summer Prize Fruit Co. ...