The Food Institute Report back issues from December 2008:
Private label products increasingly viewed favorably: report.(Statistical table)(Report)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Private label goods represent just under 25% of grocery store unit share, and just over 15% in the mass and dollar channels, according to IRI's Times & Trends Report: Private Label 2008. With the current economic conditions expected to last at least 12 more months, private label is ...
Online retailing poised to register gains.(Financial report)
Dec 01, 2008 ... In an economic climate marred by uncertainty, online retailing will provide one of the few bright spots of the season, according to numerous forecasts and reports. Sales are forecast to slow percentage wise (12% versus 21% a year ago) but will nevertheless increase to $44 billion during ...
Functional foods market growing.(Survey)
Dec 01, 2008 ... More than 80% of Americans are currently consuming, or would consider consuming foods with added health benefits, according to the INTERNATIONAL FOOD INFORMATION COUNCIL FOUNDATION'S 2008 Food and Health Survey. Some 62% of Americans consider healthfulness an important food attribute. U.S ....
Coffee companies in search of better decaf bean.(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... The ability to offer a gourmet coffee bean that is naturally low in caffeine is an industry goal, reported The Wall Street Journal (Nov. 15). Farmers, scientists and multinational companies are spending millions trying to identify, breed and often genetically manipulate promising ...
Return policies, criminals to cost retailers billions over holidays.
Dec 01, 2008 ... Most retailers will loosen their return policies during the holiday season to provide better customer service, with 52% surveyed by the NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION (NRF) claiming they will employ a more lenient holiday policy than one used for the rest of the year. Comparing their policy to ...
Water availability a growing concern for food manufacturers.(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... As the cost and availability of water become significant problems, sustainability programs and public/private partnerships are logical developments for the water-intensive food industry and agribusinesses. Expanding demand for water from urban populations and industrial growth is ...
Hormel Foods Corp.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... HORMEL FOODS CORP., Austin, MN, launched two ethnic products: Dona Maria Platillos, a line of authentic Mexican meal starters including chicken with mole, ...
Newman's Own, Inc.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... NEWMAN'S OWN, INC., Westport, CT, is out with Newman's Own Thin and Crispy frozen pizza in four varieties: Roasted ...
Adina for Life, Inc.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... ADINA FOR LIFE, INC., San Francisco, introduced Natural High, a coffee energy drink in five ...
Nestea.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... NESTEA is adding Red Tea Pomegranate Passion ...
Kettle Cuisine, Inc.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... KETTLE CUISINE, INC., Chelsea, MA, added four more gluten free soups to its all-natural line of frozen soups: Roasted Vegetable ...
PC Brands, Solana Beach, CA, launched Pop Culture Probiotics bars, which are all natural and shelf stable, in 90-calorie Yogurt Fruit and Nut with Cranberries, Almonds & Flaxseed, as well as a 110-calorie Chocolate Chip Granola variety.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... PC BRANDS, Solana Beach, CA, launched Pop Culture Probiotics bars, which are all natural and shelf stable, in 90-calorie Yogurt Fruit and Nut with Cranberries, ...
Doug Foreman, founder and former CEO of the Guiltless Gourmet snackfoods line, is launching a new company, Right Brothers Foods, Inc., Austin, TX, featuring Beanitos, 100% bean-based chips.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Doug Foreman, founder and former CEO of the GUILTLESS GOURMET snackfoods line, is launching a new company, RIGHT BROTHERS FOODS, INC., Austin, TX, featuring BEANITOS, 100% ...
Frontier Soups.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... FRONTIER SOUPS, Waukegan, IL, is marketing an International Soup Collection made with all natural ingredients and contains no added ...
Patti's Good Life, Inc.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... PATTI'S GOOD LIFE, INC. introduced a line of five blended seasonings and spices: Garlic Pepper ...
Yum! Brands, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... YUM! BRANDS, INC. wants to build Taco Bell into a global brand with locations across the world. Plans call for a Taco Bell in Spain by the beginning of next year and in India by April. Earlier this month, a Taco Bell opened at a Dubai shopping mall. Yum! Brands altered the Taco Bell menu ...
7-Eleven, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... 7-ELEVEN, INC. will launch 7-Select, a new line of private label products. The brand will include 32 items such as cookies, candy, nuts, potato chips, beef jerky, trail mix ...
Fitch Ratings.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Dec 01, 2008 ... FITCH RATINGS expects the negative effects of a declining U.S. economy, growing pressure on consumer discretionary spending and higher than normal food costs to be further magnified in the restaurant industry ...
Natural Products Industry.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Dec 01, 2008 ... More U.S. consumers are buying natural products across a majority of categories, with natural foods exhibiting annual growth of 12.2%, according to a report from the ...
Mintel.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Some 48% of the UK's organic shoppers will consider reducing or giving up buying organic food in the year ahead as a result of the financial crisis, according to a survey from MINTEL. Locally-sourced ...
The Cheesecake Factory Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Dec 01, 2008 ... THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC. will launch a new menu that offers lower prices on some items in ...
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will use wind energy to power up to 15% of the retailer's total energy usage in approximately 360 Texas stores and other facilities.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... WAL-MART STORES, INC. will use wind energy to power up to 15% of the retailer's total energy usage in approximately 360 Texas stores and other facilities. The ...
In-store displays are more effective than temporary price cuts, according to WPP Group shopper-marketing agency Ogilvyaction.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... In-store displays are more effective than temporary price cuts, according to WPP GROUP shopper-marketing agency OGILVYACTION. The agency's report indicates far more impulse purchases are driven by tactics like low-tech cardboard displays, as 29% of ...
Beverage Marketing Corporation.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Per capita beer consumption in the U.S. rose slightly in 2007, returning to the same level as 2002, according to the BEVERAGE MARKETING CORPORATION. The increase ...
General Mills.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... GENERAL MILLS will invest about $100 million to expand its existing Albuquerque, NM plant. The new addition, which will add about ...
Captain D's Seafood Kitchen is among the Top 50 franchises for minorities, according to the National Minority Franchising Initiative.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... CAPTAIN D'S SEAFOOD KITCHEN is among the Top 50 franchises for minorities, according to the NATIONAL ...
McDonald's.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... A nearly 6,200-sq. ft. MCDONALD'S will open in late January ...
Roasting Plant.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... ROASTING PLANT plans to open 15 stores in Manhattan within three years, focusing on the Upper West Side ...
Redner's Warehouse Markets.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... REDNER'S WAREHOUSE MARKETS is opening a ...
Rowland Coffee Roasters.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... ROWLAND COFFEE ROASTERS opened its first free-standing coffee house dispensing Cafe Bustelo, lattes, cappuccinos, ...
Kroger Co.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... KROGER CO. opened the first of three Cincinnati-area Murray's Cheese departments ... Supermarket News (Nov. 18). In addition, the company ...
Price Chopper.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... PRICE CHOPPER converted two former P&C supermarkets under its banner. A new 66,000-sq. ft. location opened in Oswego, NY and a 48,000-sq ....
Pinkberry.(NEW STORE NEWS)
Dec 01, 2008 ... PINKBERRY will open in ...
Maggiano's Little Italy.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY opened its ...
Pricerite Grocery.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... PRICERITE GROCERY is scheduled to open in Buffalo, ...
Famous Dave's of America, Inc.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, ...
Sandella's Flatbread Cafe signed a contract with J & K Industries to open its first Southeast Michigan location by the end of summer 2009.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... SANDELLA'S FLATBREAD CAFE signed a contract with J & K INDUSTRIES to open its first ...
Rutter's Farm Stores.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... RUTTER'S FARM STORES opened its first Chambersburg, PA ...
Grill Concepts, Inc. opened its seventh The Grill On The Alley restaurant.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... GRILL CONCEPTS, INC. opened its seventh THE GRILL ON THE ...
Spartan Stores is opening a new Glen's Market location in Manistee, MI.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... SPARTAN STORES is opening a new GLEN'S MARKET location in Manistee, MI. The 38,000-sq. ft. store, set for a summer 2009 ...
The Fresh Market.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... THE FRESH MARKET is opening a 37,000-sq. ft ....
Fox Sports Grill and its five sister restaurants were purchased out of bankruptcy by WILLIAM DALLAS, one of the concept's founding investors, and a group of new partners.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... FOX SPORTS GRILL and its five sister restaurants were purchased out of bankruptcy by WILLIAM DALLAS, one of the concept's founding investors, and a group of new partners. Mr. Dallas will take over as principal of the chain under its new parent company, DHP LLC. The new company will ...
The Lawrence Group is offering to acquire U.S. Sugar Corp., Clewiston, FL, for $300 per share cash.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... THE LAWRENCE GROUP is offering to acquire U.S. SUGAR CORP., Clewiston, FL, for $300 per share cash. In response to the acquisition proposal, U.S. Sugar Corp. said that its directors, advisors and management will review and evaluate all viable alternatives that may be available to, and in ...
Mach One Corporation, signed a definitive agreement to acquire Pacific Rim Foods Ltd., a multinational holding company with interests in energy, oil, and food production.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... MACH ONE CORPORATION, signed a definitive agreement to acquire PACIFIC RIM FOODS LTD., a multinational holding company with interests in energy, oil, and food ...
Osi Restaurant Partners LLC, Tampa, FL, the parent of Outback Steakhouse, agreed to sell the majority of its stake in the six-unit Lee Roy Selmon's chain to an entity led by Outback founders Bob Basham and Chris Sullivan.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... OSI RESTAURANT PARTNERS LLC, Tampa, FL, the parent of OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, agreed to sell the majority of its stake in the six-unit LEE ROY SELMON'S chain to an entity led by Outback founders Bob Basham and Chris Sullivan. OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC portfolio of brands ...
Japan's Itochu Corp. plans to purchase a 20% stake in Ting Hsin Group, a food processor in China, in a deal estimated to be worth [yen] 70 billion.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Japan's ITOCHU CORP. plans to purchase a 20% stake in TING HSIN GROUP, a food processor in China, in a deal estimated to be worth [yen] 70 billion. Itochu will gain the stake in Ting Hsin through a holding ...
Latest Financial Reports (000 OMITTED).(Statistical table)(Financial report)
Dec 01, 2008 ... <Pre> LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 OMITTED) Current% ChangeYear Year Ago AGFEED INDUSTRIES (NAN CHANG CITY, CHINA) Qtr. To Sept. 30: Sales$49,426 ...
Cosi, Inc.(FOODSERVICE FRONT)(forming a special committee of independent directors to review and evaluate strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... COSI, INC.'S Board of Directors formed a special committee of independent directors to review and evaluate strategic alternatives to enhance ...
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza.(FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... BRIXX WOOD FIRED PIZZA plans to open more than 50 restaurants in the next five years. Brixx currently has 13 locations and expects to grow to 18 by the end of 2009. The average Brixx restaurant ...
Redbrick Pizza Worldwide, Inc. signed a new Development Agreement with Eat Inc. to develop up to 50 RedBrick Cafes in Delaware and Maryland.(FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... REDBRICK PIZZA WORLDWIDE, INC. signed a new Development Agreement with EAT INC. to develop up to 50 RedBrick Cafes in Delaware and Maryland. The company also signed a new development agreement for 42 RedBrick Cafes in the San Diego area with investor Johnny Lee. Mr. Lee ...
Halo Development Group, Ltd. signed an area developer agreement with Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt to develop an additional 35 Golden Spoon locations in the Phoenix.(FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... HALO DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LTD. signed an area developer agreement with GOLDEN SPOON FROZEN YOGURT to develop an additional 35 Golden Spoon ...
Organic To Go partnered with Jamba, Inc.(FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... ORGANIC TO GO partnered with JAMBA, INC. to provide its organic and natural food ...
Interim 10+2 final rule for importers unveiled.(WASHINGTON)
Dec 01, 2008 ... An interim final rule on the Importer Security Filing (10+2 rule) was published in the Nov. 25 Federal Register. It will require both importers and carriers to submit additional information pertaining to cargo to CBP before the cargo is brought in the U.S. by vessel, effective Jan. 26, ...
FDA issues surimi compliance policy guide on proper labeling.(WASHINGTON)(Food and Drug Administration)
Dec 01, 2008 ... FDA published a document to provide guidance for FDA staff on the proper labeling for processed and/or blended seafood products that will also help educate industry. FDA's guidance documents, including this guidance, do not establish legally enforceable responsibilities ....
GAO: USDA needs to strengthen farm payment controls.(WASHINGTON)(Government Accountability Office)(United States. Department of Agriculture)(Report)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Farmers receive about $16 billion annually in federal farm program payments according to just-released report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO). These payments go to about 2 million recipients, both individuals and entities. The GAO previously has reported that USDA did not ...
FTC wins appeal in whole foods/wild oats merger case.(WASHINGTON)(Federal Trade Commission)(Whole Foods Market Inc.)(Wild Oats Markets Inc.)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled 2-1 that a trial judge improperly dismissed FTC's preliminary attempt to block the $565 million merger between Whole Foods Market Inc. and Wild Oats Markets Inc. Whole Foods had filed a legal ...
OLMA-XXI Inc.(FDA ISSUES WARNING LETTERS)(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Brooklyn, NY-based OLMA-XXI INC. was issued a warning letter on Jan. 16, 2008 by FDA after an investigation of the company's seafood processing facility on Sept. 19 and 21, 2007 and Oct. 22 and 23, 2007. The investigation found serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical ...
Juices Enterprises Inc.(FDA ISSUES WARNING LETTERS)(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Brooklyn, NY-based JUICES ENTERPRISES INC. was issued a warning letter on Apr. 11, 2008 by FDA after an investigation of the company's juice processing facility on Nov. 13-15, 20 & 21, 2007. The investigation found serious violations of the juice Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point ...
Red Arrow Dairy, LLC.(FDA ISSUES WARNING LETTERS)(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Coopersville, MI-based RED ARROW DAIRY, LLC was issued a warning letter on Oct. 22, 2008 after an investigation of the company's dairy operation on May 23, 2008, through June 4, 2008. The investigation confirmed that the company sold a calf that was later slaughtered as food that ...
Food product recalls reported.(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Orange Cranberry and Banana Nut Muffin Tops are being recalled by SEATTLE'S FAVORITE GOURMET COOKIES & DESSERT CO., Tukwila, WA. The products were distributed nationwide. The firm initiated recall began on Nov. 14, 2008, and is ongoing. Reason For Recall: "The products contain undeclared ...
Orthodox Union Kosher alert.(Brief article)(Statistical data)
Dec 01, 2008 ... Lupita Queso Panela Mexican Style Farmer's Cheese, manufactured by LEBLON FOODS, INC., is mislabeled. The product bears an unauthorized OU symbol and is not certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Corrective action is being taken. <Pre> Orthodox Union's Recently Certified Kosher ...
Weather--warmth in the West contrasted with cold weather in the East, but dry conditions were common to nearly all parts of the U.S.(MARKETS)(Brief article)
Dec 01, 2008 ... WEATHER -- Warmth in the West contrasted with cold weather in the East, but dry conditions were common to nearly all parts of the U.S. Weekly temperatures averaged as much as 10[degrees]F above normal in parts of the West, but ranged from 10[degrees]F to 20[degrees]F below normal from the ...
Produce.(MARKETS)
Dec 01, 2008; ... [GRAPHIC OMITTED] RETAIL REPORT -- Cranberries and sweet potatoes were the most prominently featured produce items. Overall fresh produce ad activity showed an increase of nearly 21% this week and corresponded to increases in both fruits (3.5%) and vegetables (36%). The top 5 ...
Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
Dec 01, 2008; ... All prices f.o.b. Midwest unless otherwise noted. ASPARAGUS--Foodservice prices of 6/10 canned asparagus are between $39.70-$39.90. Private label prices of 24/300 cases are between $21.40-$21.60. BEETS--Foodservice 6/10 cases are between $17.00-$17.35. Prices of ...
Tomato products.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
Dec 01, 2008; ... SAUCE--Foodservice 6/10 canned tomato sauce is selling between $13.00-$13.50, while retail 24/300 size is selling between $9.70-$9.85, both f.o.b. Mid-Atlantic. PASTE--Foodservice 6/10 canned tomato paste is selling between $27.00-$27.75, f.o.b. Mid-Atlantic. Hot break 31% NTSS ...