The Food Institute Report articles from April 2006

The Food Institute Report archives from April 2006

"Real" sales at supermarkets surge in February. vs. year ago.(Financial report)(Statistical data)
April 3, 2006... With food-at-home prices posting their largest drop since June of 2005 in February, "real" or deflated sales at the nation's supermarkets rose 4.6% during the month. The largest increase from a year earlier since March of 2005. On a...

C-stores expanding product mix, targeting working moms.(convenience stores on high demand)
April 3, 2006... Shrinking profit margins for gas and tobacco products and increasing credit card fees are spurring many convenience store operators to offer new food products and services as they target a broader customer base. While individual needs of every...

Cereal cafe trend continues & competition increases.(The Cereal Bowl )
April 3, 2006... The cereal cafe trend is growing, bringing new ventures and competition, as originally reported in the Food Institute Report Feb. 20 issue, page 3. Notably, additional attributes to this trend have emerged in the 55 days since the 1,700-sq. ft....

Buyer for Kings Supermarkets.(Angelo, Gordon and Co., MTN Capital Partners LLC and Mr. Bruce Weitz contract with Marks and Spencer PLC to acquire Kings Super Markets Inc.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... A U.S. investor group consisting of ANGELO, GORDON & CO., MTN CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC and MR. BRUCE WEITZ entered into a definitive agreement with British retailer MARKS & SPENCER GROUP PLC to acquire KINGS SUPER MARKETS, INC. for $61.5 million in...

Growth rate of ID Top 50 broadliners slows in 2005.(food service companies' sales and rankings)
April 3, 2006... Sales of the ID Top 50 broadliners totaled $77.0 billion in 2005, a 5.0% increase from the previous year. This growth rate is slower than the 9.5% increase in 2004 and the 8.7% growth in 2003. The group's overall slowdown was in part caused by...

Alon USA Energy, Inc., Dallas, TX, executed an agreement to purchase up to 55 Good Time Stores in El Paso, TX, for approximately $30 million in cash and $7.0 million in assumed debt.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ALON USA ENERGY, INC., Dallas, TX, executed an agreement to purchase up to 55 GOOD TIME STORES in El Paso, TX, for approximately $30 million in cash and $7.0 million in assumed debt. Alon, which currently operates 49 stores in El Paso, expects...

Aramark Corp., Philadelphia, announced that Aramark Refreshment Services acquired the office coffee services business of Davenport, IA-based Country Club Coffee, bringing more than 1,000 businesses to the Aramark Refreshment Services client base.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ARAMARK CORP., Philadelphia, announced that ARAMARK REFRESHMENT SERVICES acquired the office coffee services business of Davenport, IA-based COUNTRY CLUB COFFEE, bringing more than 1,000 businesses to the Aramark Refreshment Services client...

Ball Corporation, Broomfield, CO, completed the acquisition of certain North American plastic container assets of Alcan Packaging.(Colorado)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... BALL CORPORATION, Broomfield, CO, completed the acquisition of certain North American plastic container assets of ALCAN PACKAGING. Ball acquired Alcan plastic container manufacturing plants in Batavia, IL; Bellevue, OH; and Brampton, Ontario,...

In separate news, Ball Corp. completed the acquisition of the U.S. and Argentinean operations of U.S. Can Corporation, adding to Ball's portfolio of packaging products making Ball the largest supplier in the U.S. of aerosol cans, primarily for food and household products.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... In separate news, BALL CORP. completed the acquisition of the U.S. and Argentinean operations of U.S. CAN CORPORATION, adding to Ball's portfolio of packaging products making Ball the largest supplier in the U.S. of aerosol cans, primarily for...

Cott Corporation's acquisition of Macaw (Soft Drinks) Ltd. received provisional clearance from the UK's Competition Commission.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... COTT CORPORATION'S acquisition of MACAW (SOFT DRINKS) LTD. received provisional clearance from the UK's Competition Commission. Cott, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, acquired Macaw Soft Drinks, then a privately owned manufacturer of retailer brand...

Creative Eateries Corporation.(acquisition of Tuscan Kitchen Concept)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... CREATIVE EATERIES CORPORATION, Scottsdale, AZ, signed a letter of intent to purchase Tuscan kitchen concept, a four-location Italian restaurant concept featuring full service. The Tuscan kitchen identity will be disclosed upon finalization of...

Dollar Tree Stores, Inc., Chesapeake, VA, completed its acquisition of 138 stores and related assets of the Deal$-Nothing Over A Dollar chain, owned by Supervalu Inc.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... DOLLAR TREE STORES, INC., Chesapeake, VA, completed its acquisition of 138 stores and related assets of the DEAL$-NOTHING OVER A DOLLAR chain, owned by SUPERVALU INC. Deal $, based in St. Louis, MO, operates in 16 states: Alabama, Arkansas,...

H.J. Heinz Company's acquisition of the HP Foods Group received final clearance from the UK Competition Commission with no modifications which means that Heinz can integrate brands such as HP, Lea & Perrins and Amoy into its operations.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... H.J. HEINZ COMPANY'S acquisition of the HP FOODS GROUP received final clearance from the UK Competition Commission with no modifications, which means that Heinz can integrate brands such as HP, Lea & Perrins and Amoy into its operations....

McLane Company, Inc., a Temple, TX-based grocery and foodservice distributor, completed the acquisition of McCarty-Hull, Inc.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(McLane Company Inc. acquires McLane Company Inc.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... MCLANE COMPANY, INC., a Temple, TX-based grocery and foodservice distributor, completed the acquisition of MCCARTY-HULL, INC. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of McLane, the acquired company will continue to operate as McCarty-Hull and remain...

Penn Traffic, Syracuse, NY, purchased a 58,500-sq. ft. Tops Market store in Norwich, NY, and will convert the store to its new P&C Fresh Foods banner.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Penn Traffic Co. acquired Tops Markets L.L.C.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... PENN TRAFFIC, Syracuse, NY, purchased a 58,500-sq. ft. TOPS MARKET store in Norwich, NY, and will convert the store to its new P&C FRESH FOODS banner. Tops Markets, LLC, Buffalo, NY, a division of Pennsylvania based GIANT, is owned by Dutch...

Restaurant Holdings, Inc., Orlando, FL, acquired New York NY Fresh Deli, Phoenix, AZ.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Restaurant Holdings, Inc. acquires NY Fresh Deli)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... RESTAURANT HOLDINGS, INC., Orlando, FL, acquired NEW YORK NY FRESH DELI, Phoenix, AZ. There are currently 35 franchised New York NY Fresh Deli restaurants operating in 17 states.

Rich-Seapak Corp., a frozen seafood manufacturer and subsidiary of Buffalo, NY-based Rich Products Corp., acquired Worldcatch LLC, Seattle, known for its development of ready-to-cook and heat-and-serve seafood products.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Rich Products Corp. and Rich-SeaPak Corp. acquires WorldCatch.com Inc.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... RICH-SEAPAK CORP., a frozen seafood manufacturer and subsidiary of Buffalo, NY-based RICH PRODUCTS CORP., acquired WORLDCATCH LLC, Seattle, known for its development of ready-to-cook and heat-and-serve seafood products. WorldCatch has annual...

Spartan Stores, Inc., Grand Rapids, MI, completed the acquisition of certain operating assets of D&W Food Centers, Inc., and will assume operations of 16 D&W Food Center retail stores in west Michigan.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Spartan Stores Inc. acquires D and W Food Centers Inc.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... SPARTAN STORES, INC., Grand Rapids, MI, completed the acquisition of certain operating assets of D&W FOOD CENTERS, INC., and will assume operations of 16 D&W Food Center retail stores in west Michigan. For earlier details see FOOD INSTITUTE...

Yucaipa, the private equity firm owned by Ronald Burkle, now holds about a 15% stake in Wild Oats Markets Inc., an organic and natural foods grocer based in Boulder, CO.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Yucaipa Cos. acquires Wild Oats Markets Inc.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... YUCAIPA, the private equity firm owned by Ronald Burkle, now holds about a 15% stake in WILD OATS MARKETS INC., an organic and natural foods grocer based in Boulder, CO. Also, Wild Oats amended an earlier rights agreement to allow Yucaipa to...

Omega Protein Corp.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Omega Protein Corp. to built technical centre in Texas)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... OMEGA PROTEIN CORP., producer of Omega-3 fish oil and specialty fish meal products, will build a new technical center in Houston, TX, to further develop its OmegaPure food grade Omega-3 product line.

Spartan Stores, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Spartan Stores Inc. is expecting growth through its distribution agreement)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... SPARTAN STORES, INC., Grand Rapids, MI, has entered into full-service supply agreements with seven additional distribution customers since Jan. 2006. The new distribution agreements are expected to add incremental revenues of approximately...

McLane Foodservice.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(McLane Foodservice to built a distribution centre)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... MCLANE FOODSERVICE, Temple, TX, will build a 235,000-sq. ft. distribution center in Manassas, VA in early 2007. The distributor currently leases 100,000-sq. ft. center in the area... MyIDAccess (Mar. 27)

Ahold will launch an area-wide Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover value improvement program that together with store reinvestment and cost reduction initiatives already underway.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Ahold ICA)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... AHOLD will launch an area-wide STOP & SHOP/GIANT-LANDOVER value improvement program that together with store reinvestment and cost reduction initiatives already underway, it expects to steadily enhance its market position.

Kroger Corp. unveiled plans for a national re-branding effort for its 791 convenience stores in 16 states.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Kroger Corp.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... KROGER CORP. unveiled plans for a national re-branding effort for its 791 convenience stores in 16 states. The new image is reflected partly in a new logo, featuring a stylized interpretation of the continental U. S. shape, according to Art...

Rocky Mountain Custom Cuts.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(sets up a facility)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ROCKY MOUNTAIN CUSTOM CUTS is looking to set up a USDA processing facility in Powell, WY that would specialize in marketing organic and natural beef. The idea is to create a vertically integrated cooperative that would pay ranchers top dollar...

Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES INC. has begun work on a 100,000-sq. ft. distribution center in Lakeland, FL. The facility, which will assist Coke's bottling plants in Tampa and Orlando, is projected to open late third quarter or early fourth quarter...

New hearty wines that target men are part of a wider trend to make wine more consumer friendly.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... New hearty wines that target men are part of a wider trend to make wine more consumer friendly. There's an overlooked audience in the backyard barbecuer and NASCAR fan who enjoys wine but has not made a hobby of it, according to people behind...

Eden Foods, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Eden Foods Inc. introduces green and herbal tea)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... EDEN FOODS, INC., Clinton, MI, is launching five new organic teas, one herbal tea and four that combine Japanese organic green tea with organic herbs and spices: EDEN Organic Chamomile Herb Tea, EDEN Organic Hojicha Chai, EDEN Organic Sencha...

Cheeburger Cheeburger.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Cheeburger Cheeburger plans to open a restaurant)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER, the 1950s-style chain featuring hefty burgers, a soda fountain and neon lights, plans to open a restaurant in the Treasure Coast Square mall in Jensen Beach, FL. The new restaurant, with seating for approximately 75, is...

Starbucks.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Starbucks Corp. signs Earvin Johnson Jr. for its new stores)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... STARBUCKS will open stores in North Lawndale and Chatham, IL, in partnership with retired basketball great Earvin "Magic" Johnson, in an effort to bring Starbucks into urban, predominantly African-American neighborhoods. With these two stores,...

Burger King.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Burger King Corp.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... BURGER KING resumed talks with franchisees in an attempt to cooperate as the company prepares for an IPO that analysts expect could happen as soon as this summer... Santa Barbara News-Press (Mar. 27)

Concept Restaurants Inc. launched a new fast-casual pizza restaurant called Via Baci.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... CONCEPT RESTAURANTS INC. launched a new fast-casual pizza restaurant called VIA BACI. The first unit opened in Lone Tree, CO, and additional locations are planned... The Denver Post (Mar. 28)

The Topps Company, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... THE TOPPS COMPANY, INC., New York, will spend $4 million to relaunch its Bazooka bubble gum brand, developed after World War II. The relaunch will be Topps. first priority over the next two years and is expected to at least double the brand's...

Winn-Dixie Stores Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... WINN-DIXIE STORES INC. is selling a distribution center in Pompano Beach, FL, and moving the operation to one in Miami. The transfer of operations is expected to be completed by the end of June. The Jacksonville-based company will conduct a...

In another development, Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. plans to sell the 12 supermarkets it operates in the Bahamas, nine under the City Markets banner and three under the Winn-Dixie banner.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. to sell its supermarkets to BK Foods Ltd.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... In another development, WINN-DIXIE STORES, INC. plans to sell the 12 supermarkets it operates in the Bahamas, nine under the City Markets banner and three under the Winn-Dixie banner. A wholly-owned subsidiary of WINN-DIXIE, W-D (BAHAMAS) LTD.,...

Nugget Markets Inc.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Nugget Markets plans to open a grocery store)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... NUGGET MARKETS INC., Woodland, CA, plans to open a 55,000-sq. ft. upscale grocery store in Vallejo, CA in 2007. Later this year, Nugget Markets will open a store in Roseville... East Bay Business Times (Mar. 27)...

Fiesta Foods.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Fiesta Foods Ltd. to open a store )(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... FIESTA FOODS will open a store in Yakima, A in September. It will include a bakery and deli, which makes authentic Mexican food from scratch... Yakima Herald-Republic (Mar. 27)...

Juice it up!(NEW STORE NEWS)(Juice it up!)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... JUICE IT UP!, a California-based smoothie chain, plans to add 15 new franchises in the Orlando, FL area by 2007... The Orlando Sentinel (Mar. 27)...

Two new grocery chains plan to enter the Washington, DC area, reported The Washington Times (Mar. 27).(NEW STORE NEWS)(Fresh Market Inc. and Natural Market to open new stores)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Two new grocery chains plan to enter the Washington, DC area, reported The Washington Times (Mar. 27). THE FRESH MARKET signed a lease for a 20,000-sq. ft. space in Baltimore, and it plans to open four to five stores in the Washington, DC area....

Papa John's will be the exclusive pizza vendor at 60 Six Flags vending locations in 29 of its North American parks.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Papa John's International Inc.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... PAPA JOHN'S will be the exclusive pizza vendor at 60 SIX FLAGS vending locations in 29 of its North American parks. Papa John's pizza boxes will display a Six Flags advertisement, and the pizza chain will offer in-store promotions, and promote...

Culver's Franchising System Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Culver Franchising System Inc. to attract customers)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... CULVER'S FRANCHISING SYSTEM INC., Prairie du Sac, WI, is testing smaller design formats as a means to attract customers to its 320 restaurants, positioned somewhere between traditional fast food and full-service restaurants. All food is cooked...

Latest financial reports (in $000).(Alberto-Culver Co.)(Ball Corp.)(Brinker International Inc.)(Statistical data)
April 3, 2006... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago ALBERTO-CULVER CO. (MELROSE PARK, IL) Qtr. To Dec. 31: Sales "$898,265...

Good Source Solutions, Inc.(services)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Good Source Solutions offers a safe harbor for your problem inventory. Good Source Solutions is a leading distributor of secondary food products to niche and special application markets, such as the corrections industry, schools, relief...

Pear Bureau Northwest.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)
April 3, 2006... The Pear Bureau Northwest is a non-profit marketing organization that develops and supports national and international markets, and conducts research, for fresh USA Pears grown in Washington and Oregon on behalf of 1,600 growers. Headquartered...

Scenic Fruit Company.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Scenic Fruit Company on its quality services)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... With three generations of combined knowledge, experience and dedication, Scenic Fruit Company offers expertise in quality fruit packing, co-packing, re-packing, sales brokering, fruit procurement and export. The oldest berry processor in the...

California withdraws acrylamide reg proposals.(WASHINGTON)(Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment proposes food law)
April 3, 2006... The California Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) published a Notice withdrawing three proposed regulations regarding the regulation of acrylamide under Proposition 65. OEHHA says that it...

Benzene in soft drinks not a threat.(WASHINGTON)
April 3, 2006... The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently responded to a letter from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) requesting that the agency issue a warning to the public that soft drinks containing ascorbic acid and benzoate preservatives may...

FNS budget requests discussed.(Food & Nutrition Service )
April 3, 2006... On Mar. 28, the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Agency, and Related Agencies of the House Appropriations Committee met to review the Fiscal Year 2007 budget request for the Food and Nutrition Service FNS). Chairman...

Warning letters issued.(WASHINGTON)(Food and Drug Administration)
April 3, 2006... FDA's San Francisco District issued a warning letter to USTOV, INC. of Hayward, CA following an inspection Dec. 13, 16, and 21, 2005 and January 5, 2006. FDA found serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point...

Food product recalls reported.(WASHINGTON)(Anthony-Thomas Candy Co.)(Helen Grace Chocolates Inc.)(Ho's Trading Inc.)
April 3, 2006... ANTHONY-THOMAS CANDY COMPANY, Columbus, OH is recalling 6-oz. and 12-oz. packages of Filled Easter Eggs because they may contain undeclared egg whites, yellow #5 and yellow #6. The Filled Easter Eggs were distributed through retail stores...

CFSAN touts its accomplishments.(WASHINGTON)(Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition)
April 3, 2006... FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) oversees the safety and security of about 80% of the U.S. food supply -almost all food products except for meat and poultry, which are regulated by USDA-as well as the safety of...

.... An audit report by USDA'S Office of the Inspector General on Audit Report.(Department of Agriculture)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... . An audit report by USDA'S OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL ON AUDIT REPORT on FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE'S IN-PLANT PERFORMANCE SYSTEM (IPPS) recommended that USDA more closely monitor the activities of field managers and...

.... USDA's Food & Nutrition Service.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(United States. Department of Agriculture)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... . USDA'S FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICE could take additional steps to contain WIC Infant Formula Costs, according to a new reported from the Government accountability Office.

.... U.S. International Trade Commission.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... . The U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION is seeking input on a newly initiated investigation concerning proposed modifications to the North American Free Trade Agreement rules of origin. The investigation covers a wide variety of articles,...

.... WM. Wrigley Jr. Co. sued to stop Hershey Co. from selling Ice Breakers spearmint chewing gums.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.)(The Hershey Co.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... . WM. WRIGLEY JR. CO. sued to stop HERSHEY CO. from selling Ice Breakers spearmint chewing gums, claiming the gums infringe a patent for chewing gum containing physiological cooling agents, reported Chicago Tribune.

.... The French government is funding a $108 million plan to help its wine industry.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... .The French government is funding a $108 million plan to help its wine industry. The plan will pay for studies and create a new logo to promote French wines, which are suffering from overproduction, dropping domestic consumption and foreign...

.... The U.S. agreed to require further training of American workers handling beef exports to Japan, U.S.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... .The U.S. agreed to require further training of American workers handling beef exports to Japan, U.S. A U.S. delegation, led by Chuck Lambert, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs, finished two-days of talks in Japan in hopes...

.... Pizza Hut's largest franchisee, NPC International Inc., settled alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, with the U.S. Department of Justice.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... .PIZZA HUT'S largest franchisee, NPC INTERNATIONAL INC., settled alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, with the U.S. Department of Justice. Under the settlement, the company agreed to make its restaurants accessible to...

.... Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation increasing the state's minimum wage to $6.95 an hour in October.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... .Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation increasing the state's minimum wage to $6.95 an hour in October. The law calls for the rate to rise to $7.15 an hour in July 2007 and to $7.40 an hour in July 2008, reported MLive.com.

.... The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department Of Justice released a "Commentary on the Horizontal Merger Guidelines".(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... .The FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION and the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE released a "Commentary on the Horizontal Merger Guidelines" that continues the agencies' ongoing efforts to increase the transparency of their decision-making processes--in...

.... U.S. International Trade Commission.(trade agreements with Malaysia)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... .The U.S. INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation into the probable economic effect of a U.S. free trade agreement with Malaysia.

.... Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns wants to persuade Japan to resume U.S. beef shipments before deciding whether to scale back tests for mad cow disease.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... .Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns wants to persuade Japan to resume U.S. beef shipments before deciding whether to scale back tests for mad cow disease. Johanns and his staff have indicated they want to reduce the level of testing, which...

Blue Diamond Growers.(corporate crime)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... .A federal administrative law judge ordered BLUE DIAMOND GROWERS to cease and desist from alleged unfair labor practices at its Sacramento almond processing plant and quickly reinstate a pair of terminated workers who supported a year-long...

.... Archer Daniels Midland Co. filed a lawsuit against Sabinsa Corp.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... ... .ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO. filed a lawsuit against SABINSA CORP., charging that Sabinsa "is infringing ADM's patented technology by unlawfully making, using, offering to sell, selling, and/or importing its Genimax soy-based isoflavone...

Meat labeling.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Meat Labeling: FSIS proposed to amend the standards, procedures and definitions for determining the reasonable variations allowed for the declared net weight on labels of immediate containers of meat and poultry products. The Agency also...

Meat grading.(Meat Grading and Certification Branch)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Meat Grading: AMS proposed to increase the hourly fees charged for voluntary Federal meat grading and certification services performed by the Meat Grading and Certification Branch from $55 to $61 an hour, to reflect the increased cost of...

Honey.(company review)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Honey: ITA rescinded a review of Honey from Argentina, covering the period Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2005, after Sioux Honey Association withdrew its requests. CONTACT: Dara Iserson 202-482-4052. March 28. FR71 15378-15379.

Produce.(market)(Statistical data)
April 3, 2006... APPLES--Tree Top moved its apple slice operation to a newly constructed facility in Selah, WA, that can accommodate growth. Tree Top plans to begin selling apple slices in several retail markets, including warehouse clubs and grocery stores....

Canned vegetables.(market)(Statistical data)
April 3, 2006... USDA PLANS TO PURCHASE--USDA is planning to purchase 25,920 cases of green beans in 24/300 oz. containers, for distribution to the Needy Family and other domestic food assistance programs. Offers are due 1:00 p.m. (CT), Apr. 5. Deliveries must...

Tomato products.(markets)(Statistical data)
April 3, 2006... Cool weather in California over the past few weeks has delayed planting, but the overall market is steady. USDA will release their production forecast for the 2006 crop on Apr. 3, 2006. TOMATO PRODUCT PRICING * Current Year Ago ...

Frozen vegetables.(market)(Statistical data)
April 3, 2006... BROCCOLI--Holdings of spears are 10% lower this year, from the same time period in 2005, as of Mar. 1. The Mid Atlantic region was the only major region to increase inventories over last year. As of Mar. 1, cold storage stocks are also lower...

Canned fruits.(market)(Statistical data)
April 3, 2006... PEACHES--As of Feb. 1, exports of canned peaches were up 15% from the previous year, totaling 5.3 million pounds. Nearly 40% of all shipments were directed to Thailand, which imported a total of 2.1 million pounds from the U.S. in the first...

Processed fish.(international market)
April 3, 2006... SHRIMP--ITA extended the deadline for preliminary results of the antidumping duty review of frozen warmwater shrimp from China to no later than Mar. 29, 2006. CATFISH--Tasty Delite Foods Inc. will distribute its new frozen breaded catfish...

NMFS proposed a seasonal closure of the scallop access area of the fisheries of the Northeastern U.S. to reduce potential interactions between the scallop fishery and sea turtles.(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... NMFS proposed a seasonal closure of the scallop access area of the fisheries of the Northeastern U.S. to reduce potential interactions between the scallop fishery and sea turtles, and to reduce finfish and scallop by catch mortality.

Trident Seafoods Corporation and Ocean Beauty Seafoods signed a letter of intent under which Trident will acquire Ocean Beauty's seafood processing assets.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Trident Seafoods Corporation and Ocean Beauty Seafoods signed a letter of intent under which Trident will acquire Ocean Beauty's seafood processing assets and the companies will enter into joint ventures regarding their smoked fish and Ocean...

Dried vegetables.(market)(Statistical table)
April 3, 2006... KANSAS CITY COMMODITY OFFER * Shipments Between May 6-27, 2006 * Metric Tons Product Destination Pack Size Quantity Whole Green Peas Kenya 50 K 4,800 Angola ...

Dried fruit & nuts.(market)(Statistical data)
April 3, 2006... PEANUTS--Peanut stocks reported in commercial storage on Feb. 28, 2006 totaled 3.84 billion pounds of equivalent farmer stock, compared with 2.84 billion pounds last year. This total includes 2.99 billion pounds of actual farmer stock. Shelled...

Frozen fruits.(Statistical data)
April 3, 2006... STRAWBERRIES--U.S. cold storage inventories were 20% lower than last year, as of Mar. 1. The Pacific region, which includes California and is by far the largest cold storage region, had 16% fewer strawberries in storage from the same month last...

Juices & concentrates.(Statistical data)
April 3, 2006... APPLE CONCENTRATE--Processing apple holdings as of Mar. 1 totaled 26.7 million pounds, 12% lower than on Mar.1, 2005, but 9% above the same time in 2004. U.S. PROCESSING APPLE HOLDINGS - MAR. 1 (Source: U.S. Apple Association) 42-lb. units...

Blue Lake Citrus Products will unveil a new range of organic juices, Blue Lake Organics.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Blue Lake Citrus Products will unveil a new range of organic juices, Blue Lake Organics. The range will consist of Organic Orange as well as Organic Orange Juice Plus Calcium & Vitamin D, noted The Orlando Sentinel.

International Food Products Group formed a strategic alliance with one of the largest fresh juice processors in the western U.S. for the exclusive retail distribution of a major new line of freshly squeezed certified organic and non-organic 100% pure fruit juices.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... International Food Products Group formed a strategic alliance with one of the largest fresh juice processors in the western U.S. for the exclusive retail distribution of a major new line of freshly squeezed certified organic and non-organic...

By the end of 2008 global juice and nectar consumption will have reached 10.3 billion gallons, the equivalent of almost 1.6 gallons per person, representing a compound annual growth rate since 2005 of 2.8%, down from 4.2% between 1999 and 2005.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... By the end of 2008 global juice and nectar consumption will have reached 10.3 billion gallons, the equivalent of almost 1.6 gallons per person, representing a compound annual growth rate since 2005 of 2.8%, down from 4.2% between 1999 and 2005....

Butter.(MARKETS)(prices and rates)(Table)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... BUTTER BUTTER MARKET, MAR. 31 (Source: CME) Cents Per Pound: 3/31/2006 3/24/2006 Chge. Grade AA 1.1600 1.1500 +0.0100

Cheese.(MARKETS)(Table)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... CHEESE CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET MAR. 31 Cents Per Pound: 3/31/2006 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Blocks (40-Ibs.) 1.1675 -0.0175 Barrels 1.1350 +0.0050