The Food Institute Report articles from April 2007

The Food Institute Report archives from April 2007

Forecast for food-at-home prices lifted for 2007.
April 2, 2007... The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all food-at-home is now projected to rise 2.0% to 3.0% this year, according to USDA's latest projections, up from the 1.5% to 2.5% advance projected just one month ago. All food prices are expected to increase...

Supermarkets switch to self-serve.(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... In addressing consumers' increased need for speed and convenience, self-serve departments are becoming more popular at retail. A chain's decision to utilize self-serve stations is influenced by the brand image it is trying to establish,...

Lunch breaks lessen, quick-service and takeout options show growth.(Statistical data)
April 2, 2007... The American lunch hour has shrunk to 25 minutes and workers are increasingly eating lunch on the run, or at their desks. Quick service restaurants (QSR)--sandwich chains, delicatessens, grocery stores and convenience stores--dominate the lunch...

Lack of time increases America's snacking behaviors.
April 2, 2007... As Americans continue to spend less time eating (currently an average of 1.12 hours per day), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the portable snack category will continue to grow in the convenience market. Hectic lifestyles, higher...

Salty snacks category showing growth, improved products.
April 2, 2007... Improved promotion, product mix and placement in stores resulted in a 4.9% overall category increase for salty snacks in 2005. Potato chips still lead the salty snacks category with 20.5% of sales in 2005, followed by meat snacks with 18.7%,...

Will smaller portions rate well with consumers?(restaurant servings)
April 2, 2007... While Americans are eating about 12 percent more calories a day than they did in the mid-1980s, according to government statistics, and obesity is on the rise, do consumers want less on their plates at the restaurant? The question is a tricky...

Milk sales rebound in '06, foodservice sales fueling growth.(Statistical table)
April 2, 2007... Despite years of struggle, the U.S dairy industry may be finally making progress in reversing declining milk sales. Recent numbers indicate that overall volume of milk sales for 2006 will likely add up to about 1% growth over 2005, according to...

Consumer brand recognition leads to success.(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... A company's brand declares what it stands for and why consumers should purchase its product or service. MCDONALD'S, STARBUCKS and WENDY'S are foodservice leaders because "consumers recognized their corporate identities as readily as their...

The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA, completed the acquisition of Fuze Beverage, LLC, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, from Castanea Partners.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
April 2, 2007... THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, Atlanta, GA, completed the acquisition of FUZE BEVERAGE, LLC, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, from CASTANEA PARTNERS, a private equity investment firm in Newton, MA. For prior details, see FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT Feb. 5, pg. 5.

Spartan Stores Inc. agreed to pay $38.5 million for its previously announced acquisition of 25 properties from G&R Felpausch Co.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
April 2, 2007... SPARTAN STORES INC. agreed to pay $38.5 million for its previously announced acquisition of 25 properties from G&R FELPAUSCH CO.--see FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT Mar. 26, pg. 5.

An affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a private investment firm, acquired Seattle-based Restaurants Unlimited, Inc.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
April 2, 2007... An affiliate of SUN CAPITAL PARTNERS, INC., a private investment firm, acquired Seattle-based RESTAURANTS UNLIMITED, INC., which operates 29 restaurants in 12 states, including KINCAID'S, an American Fish, Chop, and Steakhouse; PALOMINO'S,...

GPM Investments LLC, a subsidiary of Israel-based Petro Group Ltd. and parent company of Fas Mart/Shore Stop, Mechanicsville, VA, signed a letter of intent to purchase 60 convenience store sites in the U.S. for $46 million.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... GPM INVESTMENTS LLC, a subsidiary of Israel-based PETRO GROUP LTD. and parent company of FAS MART/SHORE STOP, Mechanicsville, VA, signed a letter of intent to purchase 60 convenience store sites in the U.S. for $46 million. GPM Investments LLC...

Alchemist Corp., Chicago, acquired 17 Short Stop retail petroleum sites from Veach Oil.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
April 2, 2007... ALCHEMIST CORP., Chicago, acquired 17 SHORT STOP retail petroleum sites from VEACH OIL, a southern Illinois petroleum marketer... Convenience Store Decisions (Mar. 29)

The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc., Somers, NY, completed its acquisition of the distribution and bottling rights for select Cadbury Schweppes brands in Northern California from Nor-Cal Beverage Company, Inc.(mergers and acquisitions)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... THE PEPSI BOTTLING GROUP, INC., Somers, NY, completed its acquisition of the distribution and bottling rights for select CADBURY SCHWEPPES brands in Northern California from NOR-CAL BEVERAGE COMPANY, INC. Through this acquisition, Pepsi...

Road Ranger LLC, a Rockford, IL-based operator of 55 convenience stores, completed the acquisition of eight convenience stores.(mergers and acquisitions)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... ROAD RANGER LLC, a Rockford, IL-based operator of 55 convenience stores, completed the acquisition of eight convenience stores. Six of the stores located in Cedar Rapids, IA, were purchased from QUIK TRIP, while two Grand Prix stores were...

Food Lion LLC converted 40 of its stores in Maryland and Northern Virginia to Bloom, the chain's smaller, convenience-focused format.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... FOOD LION LLC converted 40 of its stores in Maryland and Northern Virginia to BLOOM, the chain's smaller, convenience-focused format. Customers can use a personal scanner to scan and bag items as they shop, reducing checkout time. (see related...

Publix Super Markets.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS plans to test a bistro-style deli that will serve up freshly cooked meals at a new store expected to open in Lake Mary, FL next month. Lakeland-based Publix's new deli will feature eight cuisine-themed "serving stations" in...

Schnuck Markets Inc. launched an internet service that allows customers to order hard-to find ingredients, seasonal items or regional favorites that might not be available in Schnuck's stores.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... SCHNUCK MARKETS INC. launched an internet service that allows customers to order hard-to find ingredients, seasonal items or regional favorites that might not be available in Schnuck's stores. Products ordered through the internet are shipped...

Sweetbay Supermarket deployed simple rating labels for thousands of products that meet the chain's formula defining foods as "nutritious.".(RETAILER ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... SWEETBAY SUPERMARKET deployed simple rating labels for thousands of products that meet the chain's formula defining foods as "nutritious." Created by a panel of academic health professionals, the trademarked formula for the Guiding Stars...

Winn-Dixie.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)
April 2, 2007... WINN-DIXIE is using a new oil--Mazola ZT, a blend of corn and sunflower oils, to eliminate the trans fat in fried foods in the store's deli department.

Schlotzsky's Ltd. is testing a multi-branded concept in Austin that includes adding Carvel ice cream and Cinnabon items to its menu.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)
April 2, 2007... SCHLOTZSKY'S LTD. is testing a multi-branded concept in Austin that includes adding Carvel ice cream and Cinnabon items to its menu. The restaurant chain was purchased last fall by Atlanta-based FOCUS BRANDS INC., owner of CINNABON and CARVEL...

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)
April 2, 2007... WAL-MART STORES INC. will continue efforts to open a New York City location, but not in Manhattan... Crain's New York Business (Mar. 28)

Helados La Tapatia.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)
April 2, 2007... HELADOS LA TAPATIA, an ice cream manufacturing and distributing company, plans to build a new $3 million frozen novelty manufacturing plant in Fresno, CA, following city approvals. The company currently makes and sells 24 types of ice cream...

Whole Foods Market created a Whole Trade Guarantee.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... WHOLE FOODS MARKET created a Whole Trade Guarantee, a buying program that implements a set of strict criteria for products from developing countries to ensure such things as exceptional product quality, more money for producers, better wages...

United Supermarkets, Lubbock, TX, is expanding its Market Street supermarket concept.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... UNITED SUPERMARKETS, Lubbock, TX, is expanding its MARKET STREET supermarket concept. The Allen, TX location is under construction, and the Frisco, TX store will open in 2008. A research and development kitchen, training facility and conference...

Whole Foods Market.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... A 72,000-sq. ft. WHOLE FOODS MARKET is opening in Manhattan. The store features a stand for local pickle makers in a corner of its elaborate cheese department, pies in returnable pans, yogurt made all day, a fries station, and several dining...

Pignoli, An Epicurean Marketplace.(NEW STORE NEWS)
April 2, 2007... PIGNOLI, AN EPICUREAN MARKETPLACE opened in Cape Coral, FL on Mar. 29... The News-Press (Mar. 27)...

Wal-Mart opened Neighborhood Market stores in Naples, FL.(NEW STORE NEWS)
April 2, 2007... WAL-MART opened NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET stores in Naples, FL, and Plano, TX... Supermarket News (Mar. 29)...

Moco Market.(NEW STORE NEWS)
April 2, 2007... MOCO MARKET, a specialty food, beer, wine, media and gadgetry shop is opening in Madison, WI... Isthmus (Mar. 29)...

Shop 'N Save is opening a new store, called Shop 'N Save-St. CYR, in Moline Acres, MO.(NEW STORE NEWS)
April 2, 2007... SHOP 'N SAVE is opening a new store, called SHOP 'N SAVE-ST. CYR, in Moline Acres, MO, which will offer an expanded produce section with a variety of organic produce and an enhanced meat department... St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Mar. 27)...

Trader Joe.(NEW STORE NEWS)
April 2, 2007... TRADER JOE'S opened a new, 12,850-sq. ft. store in Maple Grove, MN... StarTribune.com (Mar. 22)...

Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc.(NEW STORE NEWS)
April 2, 2007... RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE INC. opened its 105th restaurant in Naples, FL. This marks Ruth Chris' third opening in Florida in the past four months...

Whole Foods Market Inc.(NEW STORE NEWS)
April 2, 2007... WHOLE FOODS MARKET INC. will open its second store in St. Louis, MO... St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Mar. 21)...

Barleycorn's Inc.(NEW STORE NEWS)
April 2, 2007... BARLEYCORN'S INC. will open its third restaurant location and first in the Dayton, OH, area this summer... Cincinnati Enquirer (Mar. 20)...

Winco Foods.(NEW STORE NEWS)
April 2, 2007... WINCO FOODS opened two new stores in California, in Visalia and Fontana... The Idaho Statesman (Mar. 21)...

Darden Restaurants, Inc. plans to open at least three more Seasons 52.(NEW STORE NEWS)
April 2, 2007... DARDEN RESTAURANTS, INC. plans to open at least three more SEASONS 52 locations over the next two years.

Six Flags and Johnny Rockets signed a multi-year strategic relationship under which Johnny Rockets will become a Six Flags Corporate Alliance Partner.(contracts)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... SIX FLAGS and JOHNNY ROCKETS signed a multi-year strategic relationship under which Johnny Rockets will become a Six Flags Corporate Alliance Partner. Under the terms of the agreement, Six Flags will open and operate Johnny Rockets locations...

Lidestri Foods Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
April 2, 2007... An affiliate of LIDESTRI FOODS INC. bought a 109,720-sq. ft. building in Pennsauken, NJ, for $4.2 million in an effort to expand its manufacturing operations in the southern part of the state. The company makes pasta sauces, beverages, salsas,...

BP put up for sale 83 sites in the Atlanta metro area to be reimaged or developed as AMPM franchise stores.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
April 2, 2007... BP put up for sale 83 sites in the Atlanta metro area to be reimaged or developed as AMPM franchise stores. The fuel company is also offering five vacant sites for construction by buyers of new ampm retail franchises with BP-branded gas...

Wolfgang Puck.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... WOLFGANG PUCK is implementing a new program that focuses on animal welfare. The nine-point plan, which will be fully implemented by the end of 2007, covers all Wolfgang Puck lines of business including fine dining restaurants, express...

The Coca-Cola Company and Nestle further refined their Beverage Partners Worldwide (BPW) joint venture.(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... THE COCA-COLA COMPANY and NESTLE further refined their BEVERAGE PARTNERS WORLDWIDE (BPW) joint venture. The newest agreement means the BPW joint venture will operate only outside of the U.S. However, BPW will also refrain from operations in...

Coca-Cola North America.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
April 2, 2007... COCA-COLA NORTH AMERICA will launch Diet Coke Plus, a sparkling, calorie-free beverage with vitamins and minerals. Diet Coke Plus will be available throughout the U.S. in April in retail stores where other Diet Coke products are sold.

Bruegger.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
April 2, 2007... BRUEGGER'S bagel stores in Wisconsin will use only cage-free eggs. The Burlington, VT-based chain will monitor customer reaction in Wisconsin and then decide whether to expand its cage-free policy to other states... The Capital Times (Mar. 24)...

Burger King Holdings Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
April 2, 2007... BURGER KING HOLDINGS INC. will begin buying eggs and pork from suppliers who do not confine their animals in cages and crates. The company will also favor suppliers of chickens that use "controlled-atmospheric stunning" rather than electric...

Conagra Foods'.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
April 2, 2007... CONAGRA FOODS' Peter Pan Peanut Butter will remain off store shelves at least through late May as the company prepares for the brand's return after a salmonella- linked recall, its Chief Executive says. Company officials are preparing a...

Local restaurants and bakeries in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are beginning to trim trans fat from their menus.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Local restaurants and bakeries in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are beginning to trim trans fat from their menus. Unlike New York City or Philadelphia, where bans have been legislated, there are no mandates to ban the use of trans...

Family Dollar Store.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... FAMILY DOLLAR STORE'S success with its expanded food offering is being driven by a tendency among lower-income shoppers to make frequent fill-in shopping trips. Family Dollar in February began rolling out quick-prep and ready-to-eat offerings...

Latest financial reports.(Statistical table)
April 2, 2007... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago AHOLD NV (ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS) * Qtr. To Dec. 31: Sales ...

Walgreen Co., Deerfield, IL, plans to open 500 new drugstores this year, with a net increase of more than 400.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... WALGREEN CO., Deerfield, IL, plans to open 500 new drugstores this year, with a net increase of more than 400. For the 52-week period ending Jan. 27, the chain increased its market share in 58 of its top 60 product categories compared to food,...

Agriculture secretary talks discusses nutrition.(WASHINGTON)(Mike Johanns)
April 2, 2007... Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns expanded on the Administration's farm bill nutrition proposals, an area of farm policy which constitutes the largest part of USDA's budget. The nutrition proposals would spend $467 million more than current...

Hearing debates farm security and rural investment act of 2002.(WASHINGTON)
April 2, 2007... On Mar. 28, 2007, the House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing to review proposals to amend the program crop provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002....

GAO recommends improvements in use of non-cash eligibility.(WASHINGTON)(Government Accountability Office)
April 2, 2007... In response to Congress's request for a review of the implementation of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) non-cash categorical eligibility, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the 29 states that confer TANF...

Communications, personnel among problems with U.S. ports.(WASHINGTON)
April 2, 2007... Ports, particularly those impacted by the 2005 hurricane season, experienced many different kinds of challenges during recent natural disasters. Of the 17 U.S. ports that reviewed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), port officials...

Unilever United States, Inc.(FROM FDA'S MARCH 28 ENFORCEMENT REPORT)(recalls Knorr Caldo Con Sabor de Pollo Chicken Flavor Bouillon )(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Knorr Caldo Con Sabor de Pollo Chicken Flavor Bouillon was recalled by UNILEVER UNITED STATES, INC., Englewood, NJ. The product was manufactured Unilever de P.R., Arecibo, PR. The product was distributed throughout Maryland, New York, New...

Coca Cola Enterprises Inc.(FROM FDA'S MARCH 28 ENFORCEMENT REPORT)(recalls Diet Coke)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Diet Coke, 2-liter plastic bottles are being recalled by COCA COLA ENTERPRISES INC, Atlanta, GA. The product was manufactured by Coca Cola New England Division, Needham, MA and was distributed throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. The firm...

Franz Seattle--Weller.(FROM FDA'S MARCH 28 ENFORCEMENT REPORT)(Chocolate Donuts and Old Fashion Donuts recalled)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Betsy Ross Family Bakeries' Chocolate Donuts and Old Fashion Donuts, six per box were recalled by FRANZ SEATTLE--WELLER, Seattle, WA. The product was distributed throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming. The firm initiated recall began...

Frango Cheggs branded Mint Chegg, Double Chocolate Chegg, Marshmallow Chegg, Peanut Butter Chegg, Caramel Chegg and Toffee Chegg confectionary products are being recalled by Harry London Candies and Macy's, Cincinnati, OH.(Other Recalls and Safety Alerts)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Frango Cheggs branded Mint Chegg, Double Chocolate Chegg, Marshmallow Chegg, Peanut Butter Chegg, Caramel Chegg and Toffee Chegg confectionary products are being recalled by HARRY LONDON CANDIES and MACY'S, Cincinnati, OH. The products were...

FDA re-issued a consumer warning regarding Jermuk brand mineral water. The product's distributor initiated the recall on March 16, 2007.(Other Recalls and Safety Alerts)
April 2, 2007... FDA re-issued a consumer warning regarding Jermuk brand mineral water. The product's distributor initiated the recall on March 16, 2007. Reason for Recall: The product "maybe exposed to arsenic, a toxic substance and a known cause of cancer in...

Menu Foods.(Other Recalls and Safety Alerts)(Product recalls)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... MENU FOODS, Ontario, Canada asked retailers to remove all varieties of recalled wet pet food. The firm initiated recall began on March 16, 2007 and is ongoing. Reason for Recall: "A number of consumers reported instances of cats and dogs in the...

Southeast Asian Foods.(Other Recalls and Safety Alerts)(Fish Paste, Fish Ball, and Fish Cake recalled)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Fish Paste, Fish Ball, and Fish Cake are being recalled by SOUTHEAST ASIAN FOODS, San Francisco, CA. The products were distributed through restaurants, supermarkets and retail stores in Northern California. The firm initiated recall began on...

Charlie Brown Di Rutigliano & Figli S.R.L.(Other Recalls and Safety Alerts)(Cerignola Olives, Nocellara Olives and Castelvetrano Olives)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Cerignola Olives, Nocellara Olives and Castelvetrano Olives are being recalled by CHARLIE BROWN DI RUTIGLIANO & FIGLI S.R.L, Bari Italy. The products were distributed to wholesalers, who then distributed them to restaurants and retailers...

Guida's Dairy.(Other Recalls and Safety Alerts)(Guida Lowfat Chocolate recalled)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Guida Lowfat Chocolate (1/2% Milk fat), half-pints, with a sell by date of April 13, 2007 is being recalled by GUIDA'S DAIRY, New Britain, CT. The product was distributed in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The firm...

Kraft Foods Global, Inc.(Other Recalls and Safety Alerts)(Oscar Mayer Bacon recalled)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Oscar Mayer Bacon 30% lower fat, center cut, in 12-oz. packages with a best when used by date of May 24 2007 are being recalled by KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL, INC., Kirksville, MO. Approximately 1,800-lbs. of bacon was produced on Feb. 11, 2007 and was...

Food retail store sales.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... FOOD RETAIL STORE SALES: Food Safety and Inspection Service announced new dollar limitations on the amount of meat, meat food products, and poultry products that a retail store can sell to hotels, restaurants and similar institutions without...

Spearmint oil.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... SPEARMINT OIL: AMS established the quantity of spearmint oil produced in the Far West, by class that handlers may purchase from, or handle for, producers during the 2007-2008 marketing year, which begins on June 1, 2007. This rule establishes...

Produce.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
April 2, 2007... Analyst: Justin Marsling 201-791-5570 ext. 226 jmarsling@foodinstitute.com APPLES--Sixteen additional light brown apple moths were found in San Francisco, CA, bringing the Bay Area total to 55 insects. The California Department of Food and...

Feed corn acreage at 63 year high.(MARKETS)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Driven by growing ethanol demand, U.S. farmers intend to plant 15% more feed corn acres in 2007, according to the Prospective Plantings report released by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Producers plan to plant 90.5 million...

Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)
April 2, 2007... SWEET POTATOES--Growers intend to plant 92,900 acres of sweet potatoes in 2007, down 3% from last year but 2% above 2005. This intended decline in planted acreage is being influenced by dry conditions in several states. Growers in most...

Tomato products.(MARKETS)
April 2, 2007... WORLD OVERVIEW--Early estimates have EU production for the 2007/08 season at 8.4 million metric tons, which is below the overall processing threshold of 8.86 million metric tons, but is 6% above the previous season's production. The...

Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
April 2, 2007... SPINACH--At the time of the freeze spinach plants were fairly small and low to the ground, thus their plant mass and exposure was limited. However, the early leaves did suffer spotting, but no significant damage was noted. February rains fueled...

Canned fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
April 2, 2007... PEARS--Imports of pears as of Feb. 1, increased 17% compared to last year, due to increased imports from China. Total canned pear imports equated to 8.5 million pounds. U.S. IMPORTS OF CANNED PEARS JAN. 1-FEB. 1, 2007 (Source: Bureau...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
April 2, 2007... SHRIMP--U.S. imports are off to a slightly slower start this year at 70.9 million pounds at an estimated cost of $238.3 million. U.S. IMPORTS OF FROZEN SHRIMPS & PRAWNS, JAN. 1--FEB. 1, 2007 (Source: Bureau of Census) ...

The National Fisheries Institute and U.S. Tuna Foundation are merging to create an organization that will strengthen the seafood community's ability to educate Americans about the health benefits of seafood.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... The National Fisheries Institute and U.S. Tuna Foundation are merging to create an organization that will strengthen the seafood community's ability to educate Americans about the health benefits of seafood. NFI will establish a Tuna Council,...

Dried vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
April 2, 2007... DRIED BEANS--Dry edible bean trading remains limited due to the lack of grower interest on remaining supplies. Demand is light to moderate. DRIED BEAN PRICES Per cwt. f.o.b. area indicated Current Week ...

Dried fruit & nuts.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
April 2, 2007... CHERRIES--U.S. dried cherries are priced around $5.95 per pound for 10 lb cases, ex-warehouse New Jersey. PRUNES--Prune plum farmers are uncertain of their crop size this season. The bloom was short, due to warm, dry, windy weather and how...

Frozen fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
April 2, 2007... FROZEN FRUITS Analyst: Justin Marsling 201-791-5570 ext. 226 jmarsling@foodinstitute.com USDA HAS PURCHASED FROZEN FRUITS * * Shipments between July 1-Nov. 15, 2007 * Cases ...

Juices & concentrates.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
April 2, 2007... USDA OFFERS TO BUY--USDA offered to purchase 317,016 cases of canned grape juice (12/46 oz.) for distribution to the needy families and other domestic food assistance programs. Offers are due 1:00 p.m. (CT), Apr. 12 and deliveries are to be...

Butter.(MARKETS)
April 2, 2007... BUTTER BUTTER MARKET, MAR. 30 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 03/30/07 03/23/07 Chge. Grade AA 1.329 1.3145 +0.0145

Cheese.(MARKETS)
April 2, 2007... CHEESE CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET MAR. 30 Cents Per Pound: 03/30/07 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 1.4120 +.0130 Blocks (40-lbs.) 1.4100 +.0120

Eggs.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... EGGS EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS MAR. 30 (Source: USDA) Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Cents per dozen: 30-Mar 23-Mar Chge. Extra Large-NY 102-106 102-106 ...

Chicken.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... CHICKEN PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF APR. 2 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 73-76 73-76 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few ...

Futures prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... FUTURES PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash May July As of Mar. 30, 2007: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $3.63 $3.95 ...

Commodity prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
April 2, 2007... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last 30-Mar ...

Two foreign-owned juice processors in Florida sued the Florida Department of Citrus and the state over a law allowing the department to collect dues for Florida Citrus Mutual, the state's largest citrus growers' group.(IN THE NEWS ...)(CitroSuco North America Inc. and Louis Dreyfus Citrus Inc. v. Florida Department of Citrus )(Brief article)
April 2, 2007... Two foreign-owned juice processors in Florida sued the Florida Department of Citrus and the state over a law allowing the department to collect dues for Florida Citrus Mutual, the state's largest citrus growers' group. CitroSuco North America...