The Food Institute Report articles from December 2003

The Food Institute Report archives from December 2003

FDA received less than one-fifth of expected facility registrations as of Nov. 25.
December 1, 2003... With less than two weeks remaining before FDA's Dec. 12 deadline for registering food facilities under the Bioterrorism Act, a total of 74,183 registrations were received as of Nov. 25. That's just 17.7% of the 420,000 that FDA expects will...

Soymilk a plus for General Mills.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... General Mills' 8th Continent soymilk, with sales of about $55 million, has become the fastest-growing business for the $10.5 billion food company. 8th Continent increased 77% in volume in fiscal year 2003, ended May 31. Launched in the...

To many, kosher means quality....
December 1, 2003... Mintel's exclusive consumer research demonstrates that fully 28% of respondents have purchased a kosher food product. Any food product that is prepared under the laws of kashrut (the Jewish laws governing food products) is considered kosher....

Maine Restaurant group teams with state to offer healthy dining choices.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The Maine Bureau of Health and the Maine Restaurant Association (MRA) announced a healthy eating program called "Diner's Choice" that is aimed at ensuring that people's dietary needs will be satisfied while eating out, reported MaineToday.com...

Decline in food at home expenditures slows.
December 1, 2003... While the trend toward a decline in the share of total food expenditures spent for food at-home is projected to continue, the pace of that decline has slowed somewhat based on revised data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's)...

Ocean Spray.(News In A Minute)(Morgan Stanley appointment)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Ocean Spray appointed Morgan Stanley to consider offers for the business, according to Independent.co.uk (Nov. 24). The company's board set out the possible strategic options for the business to its owners on Nov. 20. A decision on Ocean...

Coca-Cola Co.(News In A Minute)(Diet Sprite plans)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Coca-Cola Co. will likely rename Diet Sprite in the U.S. next year as Sprite Zero, according to sources close to the company. The diet drink may also be reformulated.

H.J. Heinz Co.(News In A Minute)(Smart Ones frozen meals)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * H.J. Heinz Co. plans to introduce six new Smart Ones frozen meals aimed at high-protein, low-carbohydrate dieters. Heinz plans to start shipping the new Smart Ones entrees on Dec. 1, but does not expect to see significant distribution in...

David Strang, a member of the Midwest's well-known Strang restaurant family, has acquired four Chili's in Cleveland and Youngstown, OH, and will build up to 25 more units, reported Chili's parent Brinker International.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * David Strang, a member of the Midwest's well-known Strang restaurant family, has acquired four Chili's in Cleveland and Youngstown, OH, and will build up to 25 more units, reported Chili's parent Brinker International. Strang Corp. president...

Michael Foods Inc.(News In A Minute)(layoffs and expansion)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Michael Foods Inc.'s egg processing plant in Lenox, IA, will be temporarily laying off approximately 70 employees in January. The layoffs are the result of an expansion, which will begin in the first quarter of next year. A new production...

In January, Tropicana Products Inc. plans to launch Light 'n Healthy, the first reduced-calorie orange juice since Lite Citrus Hill, which Procter & Gamble Co. yanked off the shelves more than a decade ago, reported The Wall Street Journal.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * In January, Tropicana Products Inc. plans to launch Light 'n Healthy, the first reduced-calorie orange juice since Lite Citrus Hill, which Procter & Gamble Co. yanked off the shelves more than a decade ago, reported The Wall Street Journal....

Jennie-O Turkey Store.(News In A Minute)(research center to open in Willmar, Minnesota)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Jennie-O Turkey Store is opening a research center in Willmar, MN that includes test kitchens and a pilot plant that can simulate manufacturing conditions... The Star Tribune (Nov. 25)

Captain D's.
December 1, 2003... * Four Toledo businessmen have received Toledo-area franchise rights to Captain D's, a Nashville seafood chain that is expanding into northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. The group plans to open the first store in the spring at an...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.(News In A Minute)(to open in Washington)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * The 320-unit Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. chain plans to open its first store in the nation's capital, signing a lease for a location on DuPont Circle... The Washington Post

The Boone Baking Co. Inc., Boone, IA, purchased a former Archway Cookie plant, which was closed by Parmalat Bakery Group in 2001.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * The Boone Baking Co. Inc., Boone, IA, purchased a former Archway Cookie plant, which was closed by Parmalat Bakery Group in 2001. Upon production, slated for early spring, Boone plans to produce lines of cake and pastry products for...

Business-to-consumer (B2C) retail e-commerce sales.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Business-to-consumer (B2C) retail e-commerce sales in the third quarter of this year came in at $13.3 billion, a 27% increase from the third quarter of 2002, according to the Census Bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Tyson Foods, Inc.(News In A Minute)(Office of Animal Well-Being)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Tyson Foods, Inc. formalized its Office of Animal Well-Being at its Springdale, AR headquarters, under the leadership of well-known veterinarian and animal welfare expert Dr. Kellye Pfalzgraf. The office is responsible for overseeing animal...

Jack in the Box Inc.(News In A Minute)(Classics on a Roll sandwiches)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Jack in the Box Inc., San Diego, is introducing Classics on a Roll sandwiches, which come in two styles: Roasted Turkey and Ultimate Club.

Panchero's Mexican Grill.(News In A Minute)(Pancero's Franchise Corp. Panchero's Mexican Grill to add stores)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Panchero's Mexican Grill, which currently operates 15 restaurants across the Midwest, plans to add five stores next spring, including locations in Omaha, NE and the suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN... OregonLive.com

Artisan.(News In A Minute)(bread selling survey by Bread Bakers Guild of America)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Artisan bakeries appear to be fending off attacks on profits by a sector of the dining public sworn to protein-based diets, according to a recent study. Nearly half of artisan bakeries said they are selling the same amount of bread this year...

This year, Minnesota edged out its closest contender, North Carolina, to reclaim its ranking as the top U.S. turkey producer, with 45.5 million of the birds raised annually out of about 270 million nationwide.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * This year, Minnesota edged out its closest contender, North Carolina, to reclaim its ranking as the top U.S. turkey producer, with 45.5 million of the birds raised annually out of about 270 million nationwide. North Carolina raised 45 million...

Loblaw Cos. Ltd.(News In A Minute)(to add Real Canadian Superstores; labor dispute at Dominion )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * The president of Canada's Loblaw Cos. Ltd. envisages between 30 and 50 Real Canadian Superstores in Ontario "over the next number of years." Loblaw is currently involved in a labor dispute at its 15 Dominion stores. Underlying the fight is...

Voortman Cookies Ltd.(News In A Minute)(trans-fat free cookies )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Voortman Cookies Ltd., Burlington, Ontario, is going trans-fat free. The company makes 120 types of cookies and they will all be trans free by March 2004. The caloric content will not change, but prices will rise slightly as a result of the...

Mergers & acquisitions.
December 1, 2003... Bear Stearns Merchant Banking acquired upscale grocery chain Sutton Place Gourmet Inc., Bethesda, MD, for $50 million from AEA Investors Inc., a New York private equity firm. Bear Stearns will own about 75% of the business. Washington cafe...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) Current % Chge. Year Year Ago CAMPBELL SOUP CO. (Camden, NJ) 13 Wks. To Nov. 2: Sales $1,909,000 ...

Perishable retail sales--2002.
December 1, 2003... PERISHABLE RETAIL SALES--2002 (Source: Progressive Grocer's 56th Consumer Expenditures Study) Retail Sales Amount Spent (Millions) in Supermarkets ...

Van's International Foods.(New Product Roundup)(Van's All-Natural Buckwheat Waffles and Van's All-Natural Gourmet Flax Waffles)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Van's International Foods, Torrance, CA, has introduced Van's All-Natural Buckwheat Waffles and Van's All-Natural Gourmet Flax Waffles...

Kellogg USA.(New Product Roundup)(Crispix The Cat in the Hat Cereal)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Kellogg USA, Battle Creek, MI, is out with Crispix The Cat in the Hat Cereal for the holidays. The cereal comes in holiday bow shapes...

Kraft Foods, the Glenview, IL-based subsidiary of Philip Morris Companies.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Kraft Foods, the Glenview, IL-based subsidiary of Philip Morris Companies, is marketing Honey Dijon Premium Dressing under the Grey Poupon label. The new dressing comes in a 24-fl. oz. Bottle...

Vegan Essentials.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Vegan Essentials is out with Vegan Supreme Marshmallows. These marshmallows are made with all-natural ingredients and are free from fat and cholesterol...

White Castle Distributing.(Chicken Rings)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... White Castle Distributing has introduced Chicken Rings under the White Castle brand. The golden, breaded chicken rings, which can be prepared in the microwave, are made from rib and breast meat...

American Roland Food Corp.(New Product Roundup)(couscous )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... American Roland Food Corp., New York, has launched four new couscous varieties: Tomato Lentil, Garden Vegetable, Spicy Mix, and Mediterranean Mix...

StarLite Cuisine, the Baldwin Park, CA-based division of First Vegetarian Foods Inc., is rolling out a line of meatless Crispy Soy Rolled Tacos in select western markets.(New Product Roundup)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... StarLite Cuisine, the Baldwin Park, CA-based division of First Vegetarian Foods Inc., is rolling out a line of meatless Crispy Soy Rolled Tacos in select western markets. The hand-rolled tacos come in Garlic Chicken Style, Santa Fe Chicken...

General Mills.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... General Mills' Pillsbury brand has added three new products to its Home Baked Classics line--Soft White Dinner Rolls, Crusty Sourdough Dinner Rolls and Extra Large Easy Split Biscuits. The rolls and biscuits go right from the freezer to the...

Gloria Jean's Coffees Corp.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Gloria Jean's Coffees Corp. unveiled a Gloria Jean's coffee vending machine, the first coffee vending machine featuring a gourmet coffee house brand... Automatic Merchandiser (November)

Cadbury India joined with telecommunications technology companies BPL Mobile and E Cube India to launch 30 pilot chocolate vending machines in Mumbai (Bombay) operated by mobile handsets.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... * Cadbury India joined with telecommunications technology companies BPL Mobile and E Cube India to launch 30 pilot chocolate vending machines in Mumbai (Bombay) operated by mobile handsets. BPL Mobile customers stand near a machine and dial...

Country-of-origin labeling postponement on the table.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... A requirement for country-of-origin labels on beef, pork and lamb sold in U.S. grocery stores would be delayed for two years under a provision of a catch-all spending bill, the chairmen of the House and Senate appropriations committees said...

FDA may create low-carb guidelines next year.
December 1, 2003... Although FDA has not specified what constitutes a "low carb" food, it has sent letters to some companies in the last few years warning that their "low carb" claims are illegal, noted The Wall Street Journal (Nov. 24). Deputy FDA commissioner...

FDA seeking comments on ways to manage qualified health claims.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... FDA issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to request public comment on several topics involving qualified health claims and other potential initiatives to help consumers choose a healthy diet. Qualified health claims are...

Food recalls reported.(Washington)(Friendly's "Apple Pie a la Mode, Limited Edition" ice cream; Evergreen Melon Candy; Deli Chef Sour Cream and Cheese Macaroni Salad)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Friendly Ice Cream Corp., Wilbraham, MA, is recalling some half-gallon containers of its "Apple Pie a la Mode, Limited Edition" ice cream. The recalled flavor was sold in supermarkets, convenience stores and Friendly's Restaurants in CT, DE,...

In the courts ...(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ... A class action lawsuit has been filed to recover "billions of dollars in ill-gotten profits" from alcohol makers that falsely denied their ads targeted underage drinkers. The suit accuses brewers Coors Brewing Co. and Heineken, distilled...

You should know ...
December 1, 2003... ... The World Trade Organization will adopt a ruling against U.S. steel tariffs Dec. 1, moving up by more than a week the timeline for other countries to retaliate and adding pressure for a quick decision by the Bush administration. The WTO...

Honey from Argentina.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... HONEY FROM ARGENTINA: The Department of Commerce is extending the time limit for the preliminary results of the 2001-2002 administrative review of the antidumping duty order on honey from Argentina. This review covers five exporters of the...

Pasta from Turkey.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... PASTA FROM TURKEY: In response to a request made on July 31, 2003, by Gidasa Sabanci Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., a producer/exporter of certain pasta from Turkey, the Department of Commerce initiated an administrative review of the...

Catfish assistance.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... CATFISH ASSISTANCE: The Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, certified a petition for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) that was filed on Oct. 8, 2003, by the Catfish Farmers of America, Indianola, MS; Rutledge & Rutledge, Newport, AR;...

Report on classic swine fever.(Noted In The Federal Register)(risk analysis)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... REPORT ON CLASSIC SWINE FEVER: USDA is advising the public that a risk analysis has been prepared by the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) relative to the risk of introducing classical swine fever virus in swine and swine products...

Tuberculosis in cattle & bison.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... TB IN CATTLE & BISON: USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service adopted as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the regulations regarding state and zone classifications by removing California and New Mexico from...

Produce.(Markets.)
December 1, 2003... SELECTED U.S. EXPORTS OF FRESH FRUITS JAN. 1-OCT. 1, 2003 (Source: Bureau of Census) % Chge. Pounds ...

Canned vegetables.(Markets.)
December 1, 2003... CORN--As of Oct. 1, the U.S. exported 211.1 million pounds of canned corn, down 6% from the previous year. The value of the exports was $84.3 million, down 5% from 2002. Exports to Japan, which account for over 38% of the total, were up 5% to...

Tomato products.(Markets.)
December 1, 2003... ONTARIO TOMATOES Total Harvested Tonnage For Processing Thousand Tones 1999 544.9 2000 450.5 2001 533.4 2002 618.8 2003 p. 540.5 (p.) preliminary Note: Table made from bar graph. ...

Frozen vegetables.(Markets.)
December 1, 2003... SELECTED FROZEN VEGETABLE EXPORTS JAN. 1-OCT. 1 (Source: Bureau of Census) 1,000 Pounds: 2003 2002 % Chge. Peas 19,777 19,369 2.1% Canada ...

Canned fruits.(Markets.)
December 1, 2003... Canned Fruit Experiences Steady Growth Food processing represents 13% of the value of all goods produced in the U.S., including the seven billion pounds of canned fruit and vegetables each year. The canned fruit and vegetable market has...

Processed fish.(Markets.)
December 1, 2003... CATFISH--Farm-raised catfish processed during October 2003 totaled 57.7 million pounds round weight, up 2% from October 2002. The average price paid to producers was 56.7 cents per pound for October 2003, up less than one cent from last month....

Dried vegetables.(Markets.)
December 1, 2003... USDA HAS PURCHASED DRY LEGUMES * Shipments between Jan. 1-Mar. 31, 2004 * 12/2-lb. Delivered Cases Cost Pinto Beans ...

Dried fruits.(Markets.)
December 1, 2003... DRIED PLUMS--U.S. exports through Oct. 1 totaled 108.7 million pounds, up 5% from one year ago. The final 2002/2003 was another good one, with 154,508 tons moved and 237,085 tons in total supply as of Aug. 1, the end of the crop year. ...

Nuts & nutmeats.(Markets.)
December 1, 2003... PECANS--Texas growers estimate the total U.S. crop to be 332 million pounds, up from last year's 172.9 million pounds, which was an "off year" for production. Louisiana growers estimate the crop at 315.0 million inshell pounds. Current...

Frozen fruits.(Markets.)
December 1, 2003... U.S. IMPORTS OF SELECTED FROZEN FRUITS, JAN. 1-OCT. 1, 2003 (Source: Bureau of Census) % Chge. Pounds 2003 2002 Prev. Yr. Strawberries...

Juice & concentrates.(Markets)(apple and banana)
December 1, 2003... APPLE JUICE AND CIDER: SUPPLY AND DEMAND (Source: USDA) Million SSE Gallons * 2002/03p 2001/02 2000/01 1999/00 1998/99 Production 128.2 162.1 194.6 206.1 207.1 Imports ...

Butter.(Markets)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... BUTTER MARKET, NOV. 25 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 11/25/03 11/21/03 Chge. Grade AA 120.75 119.75 +1.00

Cheese.(Markets)(cheddar cheese)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET NOV. 25 Cents Per Pound: 11/25/2003 Chnge. Fr. Last Week Barrels 118.00 -3.50 Blocks 136.00 NC

Eggs.(Markets)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS NOV. 25 (Source: USDA) This Week Ending Chng. From Wk. Cents per dozen: Week Nov. 20 Ending Nov. 20 Extra Large-NY 133-137 133-137 ...

Chicken.(Markets)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF DEC. 1 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago N/A 56.00-59.00 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few Too Few...

Futures prices.(Markets)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash Dec. Jan. 04 As of Nov. 24, 2003: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $2.32 $2.40 2.45(Mar. 04)...

Commodity Prices.(Markets)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week % Chge. Ended Last Nov. 24 Nov. 20 Year ...

Have you registered with FDA yet?(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... FDA's facility registration requirement of the Bioterrorism Act is effective as of Dec. 12 and all facilities that manufacturer, pack, prices or hold food (unless exempt) should be registered by that date. Registration is not difficult and...

Pepsi restructuring calls for job cuts, combination of Tropicana and Dole units.(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... As part of a plan to streamline its snack food and beverage operations, PepsiCo Inc. plans to cut 750 jobs, most of which will come in its North American operations, and close a Frito-Lay snack manufacturing plant in Louisville, KY. The plant...

Future of Fleming still unsure.(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... Bankrupt distributor Fleming Cos., which already sold its wholesale grocery supply operation and retail division, wants to survive as a scaled-down provider to convenience stores, according to lawyers in the case. The Lewisville, TX-based...

7-Eleven caters to customers' need for convenience.
December 8, 2003... Dallas, TX-based 7-Eleven Inc., with $33 billion in annual sales, has become very involved in the development of convenience products and packaging. Chief executive Jim Keyes' strategy for the company puts an emphasis on convenience products....

Why traditional grocers' online businesses seem to be successful.(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... Industry experts say traditional grocers with online businesses are succeeding where new e-commerce companies failed, reported Tribnet.com (Nov. 30). Several factors are responsible for that difference, according to a study by researchers at...

Kroger continues testing high-end grocery store concept.
December 8, 2003... In Michigan, Kroger Co. is testing Fresh Fare, a high-end grocery store that carries a broader selection of perishables than typical supermarkets and puts an emphasis on ready-made gourmet fare. Fresh Fare stores stock 1,000 wine labels and...

Publix Super Markets is reportedly making plans for new stores in southwest Gainesville, FL.(New Store News)(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... Publix Super Markets is reportedly making plans for new stores in southwest Gainesville, FL, reported The Gainesville Sun (Nov. 29) Two grocery stores could start going up next spring in Gary, IN--a 55,000-sq. ft. County Market licensed by...

Super Stop & Shop.(New Store News)(may open store in Maine)(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... Maine's first Super Stop & Shop supermarket has been proposed for Portland and is part of another proposal for a shopping plaza in Wells, reported The Portland Press Herald (Dec. 3)...

Two, and possibly three, new supermarkets are in the works in the area near Atlantic City, NJ.(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... Two, and possibly three, new supermarkets are in the works in the area near Atlantic City, NJ. Acme is getting permits to build a new store in Swainton, while Super G will anchor a new Rio Grande shopping center and has made inquiries about a...

Pierce City, MO, which was pummeled by a tornado last May, is anxiously awaiting is the opening of Mike Flummerfelt's grocery store.(New Store News)(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... ... Pierce City, MO, which was pummeled by a tornado last May, is anxiously awaiting is the opening of Mike Flummerfelt's grocery store next year, probably by spring, reported The Seattle Times (Dec. 4)

The nine-unit Jensen's Finest Foods chain, headquartered in Palm Springs and Blue Jay, CA, recently opened a new Minute Shoppe.(New Store News)(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... ... The nine-unit Jensen's Finest Foods chain, headquartered in Palm Springs and Blue Jay, CA, recently opened a new Minute Shoppe--a smaller version of its full-servicestores--in Palm Desert, reported The Desert Sun (Nov. 30)...

Mi Pueblo FoodCenter.(New Store News)(seventh store to open in Salinas, California )(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... The seventh Mi Pueblo FoodCenter, catering to Latino shoppers, is slated to open later this month, or in early January in Salinas, CA, reported The Californian (Nov. 29). Mi Pueblo will open an eighth store next spring in Watsonville...

Fowler's Gourmet Foods.(New Store News)(to reopen after being saved from bankruptcy)(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... Durham, NC's Fowler's Gourmet Foods will open again on Dec. 5 after being rescued from bankruptcy, reported ABC 11 Eyewitness News...

Wild Oats.(New Store News)(will open its third Utah store)(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... Wild Oats will open its third Utah store on Dec. 3, the first of three new units set to open in the state in the next 18 months, reported The Salt Lake Tribune (Dec. 3)...

Dollar General.(New Store News)(expects to open about 660 new stores)(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... Dollar General expects to open about 660 new stores this year and about 675 next year, reported The Oakland Tribune (Dec. 3)...

Plainwell, MI-based Harding's Friendly Markets replaced its Sturgis Harding's store with a pilot for a discount grocery store called Mel's.(New Store News)(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... Plainwell, MI-based Harding's Friendly Markets replaced its Sturgis Harding's store with a pilot for a discount grocery store called Mel's. The new "limited assortment hybrid" features a full line of produce and meat. Mel's also carries...

In India, Reliance Infocomm is expected to roll out 350 Reliance WebWorld outlets by Dec. 28, taking the total number of stores to 600.(New Store News)(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... In India, Reliance Infocomm is expected to roll out 350 Reliance WebWorld outlets by Dec. 28, taking the total number of stores to 600. The stores all include Java Green, a gourmet coffee bar. A total of 777 stores are planned for the country,...

Ethnic foods important to food manufacturers selling to foodservice.
December 8, 2003... The commitment level of a food manufacturer to the foodservice segment is varied, according to the 2003 Prepared Foods' R&D Trends Survey: Foodservice Product Development, which found that 42% of respondents indicated their companies spend 25%...

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will stop accepting signature debit cards issued by MasterCard starting in February.(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... * Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will stop accepting signature debit cards issued by MasterCard starting in February, the first major retailer to take such action since a lawsuit settlement freed merchants to pick which credit and debit card services...

Starbucks.(News In A Minute)(opens coffeehouse in West Virginia)(Brief Article)
December 8, 2003... * A Starbucks coffee shop made its debut in West Virginia on Dec. 5. West Virginia is the last state to get the ever-popular coffeehouse. Starbucks currently has more than 7,200 retail outlets in 30 countries-The Salt Lake Tribune (Dec. 5)