Seafood Business articles from September 2006

Seafood Business archives from September 2006

Merge ahead.(trends in the food industry)
September 1, 2006... Take a spin through the 2006 issues of SeaFood Business and you'll notice a trend: Since the year began, SFB has reported on more than 20 mergers, acquisitions or strategic alliances involving some of the biggest names in the business. ...

Fuel surcharges frustrate seafood distributors.(DISTRIBUTION)
September 1, 2006... Every link in the seafood-supply chain struggles with the high cost of gasoline. Now, as fuel surcharges hit levels previously unheard of, seafood distributors are the ones bearing the full brunt. While everyone feels the pinch--the average...

Wholesale price hike troubles retailers.(SPECIAL REPORT)
September 1, 2006... Rising wholesale prices, consumers' lack of knowledge and increased competition from big-box retailers like Wal-Mart are the three biggest challenges seafood retailers face, according to the results of SeaFood Business' biennial retail survey....

Trident Seafoods restructures.(Late NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Trident Seafoods announced last month that it is restructuring and has appointed Jerry Dowd president. Dowd is the former president and COO of the ConAgra Poultry Co. and has worked as a consultant for Trident for the past two years. He will...

Captain D's to undergo makeover.(Late NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Fast-casual seafood chain Captain D's is rolling out a new logo, menu and restaurant design at its 600 stores in 26 U.S. states and the Caribbean and at military bases worldwide. The first new store was unveiled Aug. 14 in the Nashville, Tenn.,...

Wal-Mart, SeaPak align with Wild American Shrimp.(Late NEWS)
September 1, 2006... About 300 Wal-Mart seafood counters in the Southeast will exclusively carry certified Wild American Shrimp[TM] supplied by Penguin Frozen Foods of Northbrook, Ill., the retailer announced in August. Participating stores in Florida, Texas and...

U.S. Tuna Foundation unveils new Web site.(Late NEWS)
September 1, 2006... In late August, the U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) launched its new Web site, www.tunafoundation.org, to showcase current information about canned tuna and its role in a healthy diet. The group is hoping to spread the positive message about tuna...

Maine warns chefs, retailers about 'imposter lobster': new tagging program aims to set state's lobster apart in the marketplace.(MARKETING)
September 1, 2006... To experienced seafood buyers, "Maine lobster" is simply a common name for Homarus americanus. But now they'll know if the lobster they're purchasing is really from Maine, thanks to a lobster-tagging program the Maine Lobster Promotion Council...

M&S expands in D.C., Chicago.(Line ITEMS)
September 1, 2006... McCormick & Schmick's marked its fourth restaurant opening for 2006 with a second unit in Chicago in July. The new restaurant is located in the Unitrin Building in the Loop, Chicago's downtown business district, and seats approximately 260...

NESPA forms Health Advisory Board.(Line ITEMS)
September 1, 2006... The New England Seafood Producers Association last month formed a Health Advisory Board for members to consult on seafood-related issues. Advisors include Nancy Clark, MS, RD, a sports nutritionist from Healthworks of Chestnut Hill, Mass.;...

Feds push more fish for WIC program: USDA recommends upping seafood intake for nursing mothers.(HEALTH)
September 1, 2006... The federal government last month recommended that low-income, pregnant women increase their intake of fish by up to 15 percent. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposal to increase fish, fruits and vegetables for nursing mothers in...

La. restaurants vow to rebuild: drop in tourism and business travel slows recovery.(RETAIL)
September 1, 2006... A year after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans and brought its celebrated food-service trade to a standstill, the restaurateurs who remain are determined to preserve the city's culinary integrity despite all the challenges. Meanwhile,...

Feds shut down Washington oyster-harvesting areas; vibriosis forces closures in Puget Sound, Hood Canal.(SUPPLY)
September 1, 2006... Productive oyster-cultivating areas in the Pacific Northwest were shut down in late July and early August after 177 cases of bacterial illnesses were reported in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, Canada, as well as clusters in New York. ...

NFI issues seafood and health information card; the goal is to help consumers decipher seafood's health attributes.(MARKETING)
September 1, 2006... The National Fisheries Institute in August began distributing information cards listing seafood's health attributes; 300 cards were distributed initially to NFI members, health organizations and media nationwide. The card, which is also...

Frozen-fish sales outpace meat: half of U.S. households bought frozen seafood last year.(RETAIL)
September 1, 2006... Retail sales of frozen prepared seafood increased 3.2 percent, to $1.6 billion, from 2004 to 2005, outpacing poultry's increase of 2.4 percent and meat's 1.9 percent, according to a new report by Packaged Facts, the publishing division of...

Facts & figures.(NEWS LINE)(seafood industry)(Table)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... 0 Food-fish fisheries larger than Alaska's Bering Sea pollock fishery 1 Cable-TV shows rated higher than "Deadliest Catch" this spring 2 Alaska's red-king-crab production since statehood in 1959, in...

St. Petersburg Times finds all that's grouper is not gold; Florida menu items fail DNA tests.(SUPPLY)
September 1, 2006... A St. Petersburg Times special report in August shows that mislabeling seafood species is an ongoing problem, one that strains the trust between seafood vendors and their restaurant customers. In the Aug. 6 story titled, "You order grouper,...

Florida chef crowned king of Great American Seafood Cook-Off; third-annual event brings hope to New Orleans' battered restaurant trade.(COMPETITION)
September 1, 2006... Justin Timineri, executive chef for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, was crowned "King of American Seafood" for his Crispy Pan-Seared Florida Snapper during the Great American Seafood Cook-off on Aug. 6. The...

Good Harbor Fillet.(Biz BRIEFS)
September 1, 2006... Good Harbor Fillet of Gloucester, Mass., hired Single Source Marketing of Danvers, Mass., to take over its advertising, marketing and branding efforts.

Gregor Jonsson.(Biz BRIEFS)
September 1, 2006... Gregor Jonsson, an Illinois manufacturer of shrimp-peeling systems, moved on Aug. 1 from its Highland Park location to a new facility at 13822 Laurel Drive in Lake Forest. The new phone number is (847) 247-4200; fax (847) 247-4272.

Mar-Lees Seafood.(Biz BRIEFS)
September 1, 2006... Mar-Lees Seafood of New Bedford, Mass., merged with Atlantic Shellfish Co. of Cape May, N.J. The deal should boost Mar-Lees' production by 5 million pounds, giving it a 14 percent share of the annual sea scallop harvest.

Sea Port Products.(Biz BRIEFS)
September 1, 2006... Sea Port Products of San Mateo, Calif., opened an East Coast sales office Aug. 28 at 536 Fayette St. in Perth Amboy, N.J. The company's five-year expansion plan also calls for sales offices in Miami, Houston and Chicago.

Fishery Products International.(Biz BRIEFS)
September 1, 2006... Fishery Products International was recognized by America's Second Harvest/ The Nation's Food Bank Network for donating 30,000 pounds of seafood to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Harvest Meat Co. and Sherwood Food Distributors, which together have distribution centers nationwide.(Biz BRIEFS)
September 1, 2006... Harvest Meat Co. and Sherwood Food Distributors, which together have distribution centers nationwide, were selected to manage Wild Oats Markets' protein distribution needs, including seafood.

Marel hf of Iceland last month acquired all shares of Danish food-equipment manufacturer Scanvaegt International AS.(Biz BRIEFS)
September 1, 2006... Marel hf of Iceland last month acquired all shares of Danish food-equipment manufacturer Scanvaegt International AS. The two companies will operate as two separate business units with individual brands.

Carrier Corp.(Biz BRIEFS)
September 1, 2006... Carrier Corp. in mid-June purchased the business operations of Sensitech, a global provider of cold-chain solutions, for an undisclosed sum. Sensitech will function as a wholly owned subsidiary of Carrier.

Something fishy.(Cartoon)
September 1, 2006... "OUR SEAFOOD SPECIAL IS A SEA-BASS THAT'S GLUTEN-"FREE", FAT-"FREE", AND TRANS FAT-"FREE"... IN AN IRONIC TWIST, IT'S OUR MOST EXPENSIVE ITEM!" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

U.S. government halves tariffs for 11 Chinese exporters: imports of Chinese shrimp were already up 52 percent in the first half of 2006.(SHRIMP)
September 1, 2006... The United States imported a record 524.8 million pounds of shrimp in the first half of 2006, up 14 percent from the first half of 2005 and up 5 percent from the first half of 2004, when foreign exporters flooded the U.S. market in anticipation...

Kodiak picks up the slack for Alaska; the state's pink-salmon catch is spotty elsewhere this season.(SALMON)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Alaska Department of Fish & Game is forecasting a 108-million-fish pink-salmon harvest this year. But whether the pre-season projection will be reached remains to be seen. In the Kodiak region, the fishery is beating expectations. By...

Pacific whiting is in demand: as a result, prices are on the rise.(WHITEFISH)
September 1, 2006... From Washington state to Argentina, the Pacific whiting resource is strong. But, in the words of one U.S. West Coast processor, so is demand, which is causing prices of the whitefish to rise. West Coast shore-side processors are reportedly...

Basa imports slowing: Vietnam looks to new markets.(FOCUS)
September 1, 2006... A 6 percent drop in imports of frozen basa fillets from Vietnam this year may not seem like a big deal. But it may be an indicator that trade barriers designed to stem the flow of basa into the United States are indeed working. Through...

Prepared seafood an easy option; christmas season boosts category sales, while summer slumps.(Retail REPORT)
September 1, 2006... Prepared seafood, including side dishes, entrees and other items, provide healthy grab-and-go options for consumers looking for easy meal solutions. Nationally, prepared-seafood sales claimed an average of 14.3 percent of seafood-department...

Mussels a steady option for shellfish buyers production, price remain in holding pattern.(SHELLFISH)
September 1, 2006... With mussels, it's steady as she goes, at least as far as Canadian production is concerned. The bulk of the U.S. mussel supply is imported. Canada and New Zealand's contributions combined represent 90 percent of the total, according to the...

For post-hurricane fisheries, less is more.(One Man's OPINION)
September 1, 2006... A year after hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast's seafood industry, fishermen and processors are still picking up the pieces. And they're doing it with very little help from the federal government. "There's not a damn...

Let's help consumers 'catch the wave!'.(NFI FORUM)(National Fisheries Institute )
September 1, 2006... Good nutrition is an important issue to many Americans. The most significant message our industry can send them during National Seafood Month in October is that nutrient-dense, fish-based meals can help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. ...

Consolidation: bring it on.(Editor's NOTE)
September 1, 2006... No other protein category is as ripe for consolidation as seafood. Hundreds of commercially available seafood species are sold by thousands of independent suppliers nationwide. But the rising cost of doing business, from labor to transportation...

Goodbye, Wally! Slade Gorton & Co. President Wally Stevens retires after 16 years.(Industry LEADER)
September 1, 2006... Editor's Note: Wally Stevens, president of Slade Gorton & Co., retired in August after serving the seafood industry for nearly two decades. The following is a letter from Slade Gorton & Co. CEO Mike Gorton about Stevens' contribution to his...

'Father of the future leaders'.(Industry LEADER)
September 1, 2006... Wally Stevens' vision was to develop a program that would bring the seafood industry's next generation into the National Fisheries Institute community. The program would provide skills and experiences that would help them develop as industry...

Don't let the cholesterol myth block shrimp sales; discerning "good" from "bad" cholesterol and promoting shellfish's healthful attributes is critical.(Seafood: FAQ)
September 1, 2006... Cholesterol,a chief contributor to cardiovascular disease, is for many consumers. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, killing about 910,000 Americans annually, or one person every 35 seconds, according to...

The gift that keeps on giving; restaurants find gift cards an effective way to build traffic and brand awareness.(Trend WATCH)
September 1, 2006... You have only to check your wallet for proof that gift cards are proliferating with abandon. Most of us carry at least three at any one time, and their presence is a reminder and an incentive to return to the retailers whose cards we carry. ...

'Wild' and 'local' head Brigantine's seafood specs: freshness is key to success for growing, multi-concept company.(In the KITCHEN)
September 1, 2006... When you go to all the time and trouble to purchase excellent fish, handling and preparation become even more critical. Mark Adair, the executive chef of San Diego's Brigantine Restaurant Group, figures he spends about 50 percent of his time...

Albertsons stores' new owners likely to upgrade seafood: experts forecast short-term stability, long-term improvements.(case STUDY)
September 1, 2006... When two new owners bought and took over more than 1,760 Albertsons grocery stores in a $17.4 billion deal, they set the stage for potentially big upgrades to the stores' seafood departments. Supervalu, CVS and an investment group led by...

See three great shows in two action-filled days; the International West Coast Seafood Show again shares billing with Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food.(WSCC PREVIEW)
September 1, 2006... The ninth annual International West Coast Seafood Show will be collocated for the second consecutive year with Expo Comida Latina and All Asia Food, two events celebrating the expanding popularity of Hispanic and Asian cuisines. The Los...

Surimi seafood: suppliers see opportunity to win consumers over with higher-quality product and education.(Species FOCUS)
September 1, 2006... After years of relatively stagnant sales, the surimi-seafood category may be on the verge of a jumpstart. Segment leaders are striving to educate U.S. consumers about the merits of simulated shellfish, as well as introducing health-oriented...

Drum: a culinary fad decimated redfish stocks, leaving black drum and imports to fill the gap.(Product SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2006... BUYER'S TIP Buying whole fish or skin-on fillets is the easiest way to distinguish between black and red drum. Redfish are smaller, with distinctive black spots on their tails and copper-colored scales. Drum, specifically red drum, was...

Cryovac's case-ready packs ensure freshness.(Equipment FOCUS: Packaging)
September 1, 2006... The Cryovac Food Packaging Division of Sealed Air Corp., known for introducing Bubble Wrap[R] in 1960, has added case-ready options to its line of fresh fish packaging. Cryovac modified-atmosphere-packaging systems feature Avery Dennison TT...

OKI retools automatic packaging systems.(Equipment FOCUS: Packaging)
September 1, 2006... The OKI Group manufactures and installs complete bulk packing lines and bag/pouch handling systems for fresh and frozen seafood. The company has redesigned its integrat ed Packaging Auto mation Systems, including the Supersealer SS2 hot air...

Multivac offers full vac-pack solution.(Equipment FOCUS: Packaging)
September 1, 2006... Multivac, whose North American headquarters is in Kansas City, Mo., offers consultation, technical design, sales, distribution and service for a full line of packaging systems. The company is now offering incentive pricing for its versatile...

Robbie launches shrink polyolefin bags.(Equipment FOCUS: Packaging)
September 1, 2006... Robbie Manufacturing has produced perforating film for wrapping food and other products since 1970. With a state-of-the-art facility of more than 94,000 square feet, Robbie is a leader in printed shrink films, bags and pouches for demanding...

Rollstock vac-pack units reliable, affordable.(Equipment FOCUS: Packaging)
September 1, 2006... Rollstock offers low-priced, fully automatic machines for modified-atmosphere and controlled-atmosphere packaging. MAP and CAP technology inhibits bacterial growth and oxidative rancidity by removing 02 and reduces weight loss from dehydration....

Scott's BOSS machines handle jobs of all sizes.(Equipment FOCUS: Packaging)
September 1, 2006... Scott Process Equipment and Controls is the only North American supplier of German-engineered BOSS vacuum-packaging machines. Scott provides three standard types of rugged, stainless-steel vacpak units, all with optional gas flush. The...

Trans-Ocean Products.(People IN THE NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Trans-Ocean Products, a leading seafood processor in Bellingham, Wash., appointed Tim McKinnon business development manager for its Western region. Based in Seattle, McKinnon is responsible for key account management and supervising...

Western Edge Seafood.(People IN THE NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Western Edge Seafood, a Washington, Pa., distributor and provider of seafood products worldwide, appointed Andy Phillips marketing director. He manages the company's new retail and online marketing campaign.

Food Marketing Institute.(People IN THE NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Todd A. Hultquist has left the Food Marketing Institute to complete his MBA and work as a food-industry analyst and consultant.

Key Technology.(People IN THE NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Key Technology appointed 14-year veteran Randy Unterseher to the new position of director of sales operations, responsible for the company's virtual worldwide support organization. Headquartered in Walla Walla, Wash., Key designs and...

CombiScale.(People IN THE NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Anthony Del Viscio was named president of CombiScale, a Chicago-area manufacturer of multi-head combination weighers for the food industry.

Cameron Mitchell.(People IN THE NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Walter Carpenter was promoted to regional operations director for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants of Columbus, Ohio. The new position includes responsibility for four restaurants and four general managers in the Columbus area.

Silliker.(People IN THE NEWS)(Silliker Laboratories Group Inc. appoints Cathy Davidson, David Crownover and Dr. Mathew Lau)
September 1, 2006... Silliker, a global laboratory testing network based in Homewood, Ill., announced several personnel changes. Cathy Davidson was named director of Silliker's Northeast laboratory in Allentown, Pa.; David Crownover was promoted to client service...

Master-Bilt.(People IN THE NEWS)(Master-Bilt Products promotes Kenny Owen and Pat Melvin)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Master-Bilt, a New Albany, Miss., manufacturer of commercial refrigeration systems, promoted Kenny Owen from engineering manager to operations manager. Owen is responsible for the New Albany facility and heads up its purchasing, materials and...

Sagittarius Brands.(People IN THE NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Sagittarius Brands, the Nashville, Tenn., parent company of Captain's D's Seafood and Del Taco, appointed Jim Lynde senior VP of human resources for the organization. He was previously senior VP of people for Darden Restaurants' Red Lobster in...

Onset Computer Corp.(People IN THE NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Onset Computer Corp., a Pocasset, Mass., supplier of battery-powered data loggers, promoted Gregg Daly from sales manager to director of sales. He brings more than 20 years of sales management experience to Onset's senior management team,

FishJobs.(People IN THE NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Mike Williams recently joined FishJobs LLC of Jacksonville, Ore., an executive search service and online employment network for seafood professionals.

In Memoriam.(People IN THE NEWS)(Raymond J. White of United States Cold Storage Inc.)(Wright Gore Sr. of Western Seafood Co.)(Obituary)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Raymond J. White, who spent 24 years promoting U.S. Cold Storage's regional and national sales programs until his retirement in 2003, died May 23 at the age of 63. He was employed by USCS for more than 26 years, working at its Lyons, Ill.,...

Convenient clams.(SHELLFISH)
September 1, 2006... Sea Watch International introduces dam nuggets (pictured) and sea dam "tongues" for foodservice use. The nuggets are made from fresh North Atlantic clams mixed with breadcrumbs and special seasonings. They are pre-fried to reduce preparation...

Quick-prep appetizers.(SHELLFISH)
September 1, 2006... Panko-coated Crab Slammers, a new foodservice appetizer line from Phillips Foods, are available in three flavors: jalapeno, a hot-and-spicy blend of Phillips' blue-swimming-crab claw meat with peppers and three cheeses; chile lime, combining...

Steamers in a snap.(SHELLFISH)
September 1, 2006... Sojitz Corp. of America offers a 1-pound retail pack of steamed dams in garlic butter under its Culinary Waves[TM] label. The clams are fully steamed, quick-frozen and packed in a microwaveable pouch. They can be cooked from frozen in three...

Sustainable shrimp.(SHELLFISH)
September 1, 2006... Available from Dom International are Dom Organics, vannamei farmed on an island in Ecuador and certified organic by GarantieBio-Ecocert, a Canadian organic-certification organization. The shrimp are raised under strict environmental standards...

Wonder water.(SANITATION)
September 1, 2006... Electrolyzer Corp.'s ElectroCide System passes normal tap water and a salt solution through an electrolyzer to create hypochlorous acid, a non-toxic disinfectant reported to be 80 percent more powerful at 50 ppm than chlorine bleach at 200 ppm....

Sanitary scrub-down.(SANITATION)
September 1, 2006... New from Eagle Foodservice Equipment is the Touch-Free Handwashing System, designed to improve food safety and minimize contamination. The system consists of a stainless-steel wall-mounted hand sink, featuring a positive drain bowl for complete...

Calendar: 2006-07.
September 1, 2006... Sept. 14-15 Future Aquaculture: Fish farming in southern and eastern Europe Duino, Italy Contact Behnan Thomas Eurofish International Organization +45 333 777 64 fax +45 333 777 56 behnan.thomas@eurofish.dk www.eurofish.dk Sept....

Sara Rowe: VP and partner, Shaw's Crab House, VTK.(one ON ONE)(Vong's Thai Kitchen)(Interview)
September 1, 2006... Sara Rowe's determination and grit have gotten her far in the restaurant industry. In just 14 years, she went from being a 1992 grad from Western Michigan University to VP and supervising partner of Shaw's Crab House and VTK (Vong's Thai...