Seafood Business articles from May 2004

Seafood Business archives from May 2004

Better times are here.(Top Story)
May 1, 2004... After a few nail-biting years of economic recession, 2003 brought a welcome improvement to the top lines of the industry's biggest seafood suppliers. Last year was robust for many seafood companies on the SeaFood Business annual list of...

Ocean Policy commission urges resource balance.(Environment)
May 1, 2004... An ecosystem-based management approach that reflects interrelationships among, ocean, land, air and all living creatures--including people--is key to reform of the nation's ocean policy, says the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. In its initial...

Ads aim to prompt outrage over mercury.(Environment)
May 1, 2004... Environmental groups in late March launched a public-awareness campaign linking mercury in canned tuna to power-plant pollution. Their goal was to inspire public comment against recent Environmental Protection Agency proposals to control...

Wis. retailers sued for failing to label farmed salmon.(Late News)
May 1, 2004... Three Wisconsin retailers are accused of deceiving consumers by failing to label fumed salmon as containing synthetic pigments, as required by state and federal law. Copps Food Center, Cub Foods and Sam's Club are defendants in three...

Group launches anti-farmed shrimp campaign.(Late News)(Public Citizen)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A Washington, D.C., consumer-advocacy group launched a campaign late last month urging Americans to eat domestic wild shrimp and avoid imported farmed shrimp. The group, Public Citizen, says industrialized shrimp aquaculture is harmful to human...

Ocean Beauty fires president over fiscal irregularities.(Late News)(William Terhar)
May 1, 2004... Ocean Beauty in early April dismissed its president, William Terhar, after the discovery of "apparent financial irregularities," according to a company statement. The irregularities total at least $1 million, but the company did not disclose...

"Fish List" touted as single U.S. buying guide.(Late News)
May 1, 2004... Four environmental organizations have issued a national consumer purchasing guide to seafood species they view as a best choice or as harmful to the environment. Blue Ocean Institute, Environmental Defense and Monterey Bay Aquarium joined with...

Wholey's Markets opens in Shop-n-Save Pennsylvania stores; specialty branded seafood shops see success.(Retail)
May 1, 2004... Seafood sales in five Shop-n-Save grocery stores in western Pennsylvania increased in the few months since the departments were converted to branded Wholey's Markets. Bill Stevens, Wholey's CFO and wholesale division general manager, says...

Louisiana cracks down on 'deceitful' seafood marketing; importer barred from using 25-year-old Cajun Boy brand.(Marketing)
May 1, 2004... Fed up with seafood marketers they say are using labels and images typically associated with Louisiana culture to sell imported product, some Louisiana lawmakers and fishermen are taking action. On April 7, the Louisiana House passed a bill...

Motivatit Seafoods.(Biz Briefs)
May 1, 2004... Motivatit Seafoods' Gold Band Oysters in March received the American Culinary Institute's Gold Taste Award for best-tasting fresh raw oyster for the third consecutive year.

Aquamarine Seafood.(Biz Briefs)
May 1, 2004... Aquamarine Seafood of San Diego was awarded the brokerage area of southern California for Selecta Seafood of Guaymas, Mexico, a vertically integrated producer of wild and farm-raised shrimp.

Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co.(Biz Briefs)
May 1, 2004... Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. moved its production and fulfillment operations to a 6,400-square-foot kitchen and shipping facility in Topsham, Maine, just a few miles from its former Cundy's Harbor site.

Peter Pan Seafoods.(Biz Briefs)
May 1, 2004... Peter Pan Seafoods is closing its SeaBlends Food Co. surimi processing plant at Seattle's Terminal 25 and in mid-March issued 60-day layoff notices to 63 employees.

Robert Wholey & Co.(Biz Briefs)
May 1, 2004... Robert Wholey & Co. instituted a 100 percent-satisfaction guarantee on all its wholesale products, backed with promise of a full refund on any item that doesn't meet customer expectation.

Newport International.(Biz Briefs)
May 1, 2004... Newport International, a seafood importer in Tierra Verde, Fla., announced first-quarter results up 21 percent from the same period last year and will expand its sales and purchasing departments as a result.

Albertsons acquires Shaw's; details of the $2.5 billion deal to be unveiled later.(Retail)(Albertson's Inc.)(Shaw's Supermarkets Inc.)
May 1, 2004... Albertsons, the fourth-largest U.S. food retailer, acquired Shaw's Supermarkets in late March from British grocer Sainsbury's for nearly $2.5 billion. Albertsons will use a combination of sources, including equity, debt, cash on-hand and...

Task force forms to fight potential shrimp tariffs; free-trade proponent joins ASDA to address impact of high shrimp prices.(Trade)(American Seafood Distributors Association)(Consuming Industries Trade Action Coalition)
May 1, 2004... The American Seafood Distributors Association and the Consuming Industries Trade Action Coalition, a free-trade advocate, have formed the Shrimp Task Force to fight the antidumping petitions targeting six of the world's largest shrimp-farming...

Facts & figures.(News Line)
May 1, 2004... 455.5 Total calendar 2003 U.S. grocery-store sales, in billions of dollars 124.8 Fiscal 2003 sales at the nation's three largest supermarket chains--Kroger, Safeway and Albertsons--in billions of dollars 82 Wal-Mart's fiscal 2003 food...

Seafood smart.(News Line)
May 1, 2004... Problem: How can retailers respond to customer concerns about PCBs in farmed salmon? Solution: Customers often ask the counter staff about PCBs in salmon, says Jordy Rosanhek, manager of retail operations for Wild Edibles, a specialty...

Big Boy goes low-carb at Lent; burger chain introduces six seafood entrees.(Foodservice)(Big Boy International Inc.)
May 1, 2004... Big Boy Restaurants International is the latest chain to jump on the low-carb bandwagon, introducing six new seafood entrees as part of a limited-time-offer during Lent. Three of the specials are broiled and advertised as low in carbohydrates....

Cooke Aquaculture buys beleaguered Atlantic Salmon of Maine; acquisition allows New Brunswick company to expand into U.S. market.(Supply)
May 1, 2004... Cooke Aquaculture of St. George, New Brunswick, in early April purchased Atlantic Salmon of Maine for undisclosed terms from Fjord Seafood in Norway. Atlantic Salmon, beleaguered by litigation and massive losses of fish due to disease and...

The big picture.(News Line)
May 1, 2004... Who's counting carbs? Consumer attitudes on low-carb dieting (percent of respondents) Core Users 5% Peripherals 28% Moderates 67% Adhere strictly to low-carb diet Not likely to follow a low-carb diet ...

Joe's Stone Crab develops retail line.(Line Items)
May 1, 2004... Joe's Stone Crab, the Miami restaurant icon, plans to launch a retail line of frozen seafood soup entrees by year's end under the Joe's name. Joe's COO Stephen Sawitz and business partner, Jeff Frantz, last month formed a new company, Cache,...

More good news about omega-3.(Line Items)
May 1, 2004... New research shows that consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as those found in oily fish may reduce the adverse affects of genetic abnormalities. For example, a study on arteriosclerosis linked genetic mutations to...

Theft brings suspension at fish exchange.(Line Items)(Maine Stream Seafood)
May 1, 2004... Maine Stream Seafood was suspended from the Portland, Maine, Fish Exchange for three years, accused of stealing fish. Two of Maine Stream's buyers, Craig Carrigan and C. Joseph Ray, are barred from the exchange for life, says Penny Littel,...

Looming tariffs ignite an influx of imports in February; imports from Indonesia also increase, even though the country was left out of the antidumping petitions.(Shrimp)
May 1, 2004... As expected, the antidumping petitions against shrimp imports from Thailand, China, Vietnam, India, Ecuador and Brazil have kept importers quite active. In February, shrimp imports from those six countries, which represent nearly...

Prized Copper River salmon is here; absence of Japanese roe technicians has Alaska processors worried.(Salmon)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The wait is over. Alaska's prized Copper River salmon fishery kicks off in mid-May. The state Department of Fish and Game is expected to announce the opening day of the fishery by May 10. Last year, opening day, May 14, lasted 12 hours and...

Alaska's halibut fishery finally picks up; the Bering Sea pollock fishery's 'Season B' kicks off June 10.(Finfish)
May 1, 2004... Alaska's halibut fishery took a little longer than usual in pick tip last month. Landings totaled less than 500,000 pounds in the first week of April and barely more than 1 million pounds in the second week. That's down from last April's...

Quota cut for monkfish: Northeast's fishery opened May 1.(Preview)
May 1, 2004... Monkfish may be a little harder to come by in the months ahead. In early April, the National Marine Fisheries Service set the target total allowable catch for the 2004-05 monkfish fishery, which kicked off May 1, at 16,968 metric tons in...

Price negotiations hold up snow crab fishery; king crab imports from Russia are up significantly.(Shellfish)
May 1, 2004... This year's highly anticipated Newfoundland snow-crab fishery should be under way this month, depending on price negotiations. At press time in mid-April, fishermen and processors still hadn't agreed on an opening ex-vessel price, even though...

Ocean Policy report a step in right direction.(Editorial)
May 1, 2004... A Policy released its preliminary report on April 20 (See Newsline, page 1). Following last year's Pew Oceans Commission report, seafood buyers anticipated the USCOP would suggest increased limitations on domestic fisheries. Instead its...

COOL may spur creative marketing.(One Man's Opinion)(country of origin labeling)(Column)
May 1, 2004... Sal Piazza is a first mover. The third generation of his New Orleans family in the fish business, Piazza's out-of-state customers call him "Cajun boy" even though his family heritage is Sicilian. In the early 1990s, he was one of the first...

Which candidate will benefit your industry?(NFI Forum)(John F. Kerry, George W. Bush)
May 1, 2004... November's election may seem far removed from day-to-day operations, but much is at stake for the commercial fishing and seafood industries when our nation's voters choose a president. The National Fisheries Institute urges industry leaders to...

'Organic' labels on seafood merit investigation; buyers must drill their suppliers to find out whether the premium price delivers value.(Seafood FAQ)
May 1, 2004... The $23 billion market for organic foods and beverages, one of the fastest-growing segments of the food business, is only getting stronger. The U.S. organic market is expected to grow 21.4 percent annually between now and 2007, when the Organic...

Restaurateurs and processors brace for a potential labor shortage; employers urge lawmakers to lift or raise the annual cap on foreign seasonal workers.(Trend Watch)
May 1, 2004... Cooks, dishwashers, crab pickers, oyster shuckers and roe technicians are among the thousands of seasonal jobs U.S. employers may be unable to fill this summer unless they're allowed to hire foreign workers. On March 10, the federal...

Bigger is better when it comes to lobster at the Palm; fresh seafood plays an important role on the menu at this venerable steakhouse.(On the Menu)
May 1, 2004... Say the words "Palm Restaurant" to the average well-heeled diner, and a steak will likely come to mind. But the truth is, the 78-year-old concept also sells a significant amount of seafood; lobster alone specifically, the Palm's signature...

Newsletters help get the word out about seafood; whether you create your own or piggyback on a store publication, you'll build sales for your department.(SeaFood University)
May 1, 2004... Helping your customers become comfortable with seafood and its preparation often takes the form of one-on-one conversations and in-store demos. But a newsletter is also a great way to communicate with consumers. Many stores have developed...

Farmed salmon: the industry ramps up efforts to improve its product's image.(Species Focus)
May 1, 2004... The best defense is a good offense. Its a cliche used over and over again in sports, but one the farmed-salmon industry is taking to heart. In response to a barrage of negative press about farmed Atlantic salmon generated by the...

Sturgeon: sturgeon plays a niche role for upscale restaurateurs and specialty retailers.(Product Spotlight)
May 1, 2004... It's no secret that wild sturgeon populations around the world are in serious trouble. A robust black market for Caspian caviar has pushed osetra, beluga and sevruga sturgeon into the ranks of endangered species. Overfishing of sturgeon in...

P&O Nedlloyd.(People In The News)
May 1, 2004... P&O Nedlloyd Bob Agresti was appointed executive vice president and general manager for P&O Nedlloyd's North American trades. Previously CEO for P&O Nedlloyd North America, Agresti is responsible for the company's Pacific, Atlantic and...

Hancock Gourmet Lobster.(People In The News)
May 1, 2004... Emily Lane joined the Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. as national sales manager. Previously, she was ex port sales and marketing manager for Claw Island Foods of Vinalhaven, Maine. Lane is also a member of the U.S. Trade's Agriculture Technology...

Food Lion.(People In The News)(Food Lion L.L.C.)
May 1, 2004... Food Lion named Gaelo de la Fuente vice president of meat and seafood merchandising, replacing Bill Arnold, who left the company. Prior to joining Food Lion last year as director of dell/bakery merchandising, de la Fuente was director of deli...

Henningsen.(People In The News)(Henningsen Cold Storage Co.)
May 1, 2004... Henningsen Cold Storage named Doug Martin director of new business development for its cold-storage-warehouse network. He brings 30 years' experience to the position, most recently as president and CEO of Commercial Cold Storage/ Nordic...

IMS.(People In The News)(International Marketing Specialists)
May 1, 2004... Brian Kolen joined International Marketing Specialists, a Newton, Mass., importer of frozen shrimp, squid and value-added gourmet seafood products, as national sales manager. Kolen is based in a new IMS office he opened in Great Neck, N.Y.

Newport International.(People In The News)
May 1, 2004... Newport International of Tierra Verde, Fla., welcomes Bob Rosensweig to its sales team. Rosensweig has been involved in the seafood industry for the past 10 years and in sales for 15 years. He is based in the company's Derfield Beach office.

FDA.(People In The News)(United States. Food and Drug Administration)(United States. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition)
May 1, 2004... The Food and Drug Administration named Dr. Barbara O. Schneeman to lead the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's (CFSAN) Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements. Schneeman was a faculty member of the...

FKI Logistex.(People In The News)
May 1, 2004... FKI Logistex Automation Division hired George Parr as national accounts manager, East Coast, for its Custom Engineered Systems group, which serves the material-handling needs of heavy industries. Based in Lancaster, Pa., Parr will be...

Correction.(People In The News)(Correction Notice)
May 1, 2004... In the March issue, the photo of Henningsen Cold Storages Doug Martin inadvertently ran with text for Brian Kolen of International Marketing Specialists. The announcements are reran correctly here. We apologize for the confusion.

Fish with kid appeal.(Battered/Breaded)
May 1, 2004... Icelandic Seafood has boosted the child appeal of its pre-cooked Ocean Treats[TM] and fish-fingers line by coating the formed portions with a new blue and green puff breading. The crispy, crunchy coating keeps the Alaska pollock inside moist...

Hungry man's fillet.(Battered/Breaded)(from Iceland Seafood Corp.)
May 1, 2004... Iceland Seafood Corp. introduces Big Bobs Belly Buster, country style. Like the original New England-style Belly Buster, the country-style offering starts with 8-ounce cod or pollock fillets that are covered with a slightly sweet breading that...

Taste of the tropics.(Battered/Breaded)
May 1, 2004... Pina coHotta[TM] Shrimp, part of Tampa Maid's new Tropic Isle[TM] product line, combines sweet tropical flavors of pineapple, coconut and mango and with hot island peppers in a crispy breading. The shrimp offer a dynamic flavor profile as...

Sustainable gourmet.(Entrees)(EcoFish Inc.)
May 1, 2004... EcoFish partnered with members of the Chefs Collaborative to develop seven Celebrity Chef Entrees. The chefs' creations include Wild Alaskan Salmon with Nora Pouillon's Asian Ginger Marinade, Sashimi Grade Oregon Albacore Tuna with Greg...

Sensible "fast food".(Entrees)
May 1, 2004... Contessa Food Products developed a Minute Meal retail line that provides sensible portioning, take-anywhere convenience and a variety of unique, gourmet flavors. Because they follow the FDA's pre-portioned serving standards, Minute Meals take...

Ready for the case.(Entrees)(from Sea Star Seafood Corp.)
May 1, 2004... Sea Star Seafood Corp. updates its Beacon Light line of fish, shellfish and value-added seafood in 12-ounce, case-ready, tray-pack (TP)/vacuum-pack (VP) and refresh packages. The refresh option provides the retailer with tray-pack product that...

The real thing.(Entrees)(WorldCatch.com Inc.)
May 1, 2004... WorldCatch announces six "Real Ingredients" frozen shrimp entrees for retail. Additive- and preservative-free, the line features premium large shrimp with all-natural ingredients like real butter, white wine and fresh vegetables, herbs and...

Convenience and flavor.(Entrees)(from Seafood International)
May 1, 2004... Morey's Seafood International rolls out three retail lines of pre-marinated products that cook in 15 minutes or less. Marinated Salmon, with popup timer, is available in six signature flavors: Garlic Cracked Pepper, Hickory, Lemon Dill,...

Calendar 2004.(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... MAY May 18-20 The 7th North Pacific Rim Fisheries Conference Busan, Republic of Korea Contact Pacific Rim Fisheries (907) 677-1131; Fax (907) 677 9640 PRFisheries.APU@gci.net http://prfisheries.alaskapacific.edu May 22-25 NRA...

Jim Gilmore: PR director, At-Sea Processors Association.(One On One)(Interview)
May 1, 2004... As the director of public affairs for the At-Sea Processors Association, Jim Gilmore is spokesman for the Alaska pollock fishery, the largest fishery in the United States. He has his work cut out for him making sure the voice of the APA is...