The Food Institute Report articles from February 2003

The Food Institute Report archives from February 2003

Two bioterrorism rules unveiled by USDA.
February 3, 2003... Slated to be published in today's (Feb. 3) Federal Register are two proposed rules of significant importance to the food industry from the Food & Drug Administration regarding Prior Notice of Imported Food and Registration of Food Facilities....

Effects of rising commodity costs are starting to show.(Kellogg Co. and Kraft Food to raise prices on some products)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, MI, is raising the price of some of its cereals by an average of 2%, effective immediately, noted Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Jan. 29). Higher commodity prices--specifically for corn, wheat and cocoa--are to blame,...

Beverage company to introduce flavored milk.(Dr Pepper/Seven Up Inc. to sell milk in 5 flavors )(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Dr Pepper/Seven Up Inc. plans to sell milk in five flavors such as chocolate caramel and pina colada, reported The Star Tribune (Jan. 28). The drinks, named Raging Cow, will be introduced in Texas and the Midwest in March, with an expansion to...

Large companies are using web to purchase materials and services.(eBay formally offers new section called eBay Business, focusing heavily on office technology products )(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... eBay formally launched a new section called eBay Business, which currently features about 500,000 product listings, focusing heavily on office technology products, such as computers and networking devices, as well as wholesale lots of consumer...

Supermarkets provide fun for kids while their parents shop.(parents tend to spend 10-40% more if kids are with them and in relatively good mood)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Parents tend to spend 10% to 40% more if the kids are with them and in a relatively good mood, said Greg Kahn, founder and chief executive of Kahn Research Group, Charlotte, NC, and the number is even higher when the dad does the shopping....

Colleges are increasingly adding meatless meals to their menus.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Many U.S. university students are demanding meatless meals, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Vegetarian Resource Group. Norfolk, VA-based PETA, which estimates that more than 20% of college students...

Use of fresh vegetables surpasses other vegetable choices.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Half of American consumers (50%) prepare home-cooked meals with fresh vegetables purchased from stores or farm stands, according to a recent study by Opinion Research Corp. The use of fresh vegetables far surpasses--by more than two to...

Stagnant sales predicted for the soup category through 2006.
February 3, 2003... Although annual sales have been flat in recent years, certain areas of the $3.8 billion soup market show promise, according to Chicago, IL-based Mintel International Group. Sales of ready-to-serve (RTS) varieties increased approximately 16%...

Top wholesalers to supermarkets ranked.(tables show wholesalers' total number of supermarkets, total sales and how supermarkets are supplied)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... While self-distributing chains have come to dominate the grocery industry, wholesalers are still the primary source of supply for more than 15,000 supermarkets. Wholesalers serve over 98% of independents (operators with fewer than 11 stores)...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(table shows financial results by firm)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) Current % Chge. Year Year Ago ALTRIA GROUP, INC. (New York, NY) (Formerly Philip Morris Cos.) Qtr. To...

Mergers & acquisitions.(includes multiple records)
February 3, 2003... American Italian Pasta Co. (AIPC) Kansas City, MO, has agreed to buy the Golden Grain/Mission pasta brand from Purchase, NY-based PepsiCo Inc. for about $43 million plus inventory. AIPC already produces over half of the Golden Grain/Mission...

The Outback Steakhouse.(to introduce Asian cuisine to its menu)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * The Outback Steakhouse chain will introduce Asian cuisine to its menu, including those with Thai flavors, at its outlets worldwide. The Asian fare, including items such as fried crab and lobster cake with herbs, dim sum and lettuce wrapped...

ShopRite has teamed up with the Continental Airlines OnePass frequent flyer program to offer its Price Plus club members OnePass miles for dollars spent at any ShopRite.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * ShopRite has teamed up with the Continental Airlines OnePass frequent flyer program to offer its Price Plus club members OnePass miles for dollars spent at any ShopRite. The 26-week program is available in ShopRite stores throughout New York,...

Hershey Foods Corp.(to launch Hershey's and Reese's Sugar Free chocolate candies)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * For the first time in its 109-year history, Hershey Foods Corp. will be launching Hershey's and Reese's Sugar Free chocolate candies: Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate candy with Almonds, Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate candy, Hershey's Sugar...

No-frills grocer Aldi plans to open a fourth store in Wichita, KS in late 2003 or early 2004.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * No-frills grocer Aldi plans to open a fourth store in Wichita, KS in late 2003 or early 2004. At least two more stores are expected to open in Wichita in the next two or three years. The Wichita Eagle (Jan. 28)

Eating vegetables with your meat may take the edge off the damage the fat can do, at least in the short run.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Eating vegetables with your meat may take the edge off the damage the fat can do, at least in the short run. An Italian study of healthy young men and women found that adding tomatoes, carrots and peppers, which are good sources of...

Aqua Vie Beverage Corporation.(offers Pureplay, line of all-natural, low calorie spring water beverages specifically for children)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Aqua Vie Beverage Corporation, Ketchum, ID, has developed a line of all-natural, low calorie spring water beverages, formulated and packaged specifically for children. PurePlay, which is lightly flavored and sweetened, comes in five flavors...

Geomerx is launching a non proprietary internet to kitchen online ordering system for the restaurant industry.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Geomerx is launching a non proprietary internet to kitchen online ordering system for the restaurant industry. This system will allow The Manhattan Chili Co.'s customers to enter orders through the restaurant's website and have them delivered...

A new joint study by researchers in Sweden and the U.S. has found no correlation between high intake of acrylamides in food and cancer.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * A new joint study by researchers in Sweden and the U.S. has found no correlation between high intake of acrylamides in food and cancer. The results were published Jan. 28 in the British Journal of Cancer... Just-food.com (Jan. 28)

Kmart Corp.(to continue testing its store of the future prototype)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Kmart Corp. plans to continue testing its store of the future prototype, but it may not be in the retailer's immediate reorganization plans, the retailer announced as part of its bankruptcy reorganization plan. Edward Lampert, an investor,...

Marsh Supermarkets, Inc.(to expand O'Malia Food Markets division)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Marsh Supermarkets, Inc., which recently bought Indianapolis' Mr. D's Food Markets and announced it would turn them into its specialty O'Malia Food Markets, is focusing on further expansion of the O'Malia division and is seeking land in...

Fresh Express.(Marsh Supermarkets is dropping its Fresh Express Home Delivery Operation)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Meanwhile, Marsh Supermarkets, Indianapolis, IN, plans to cease operations of its Fresh Express Home Delivery Operation. The Fresh Express Home Delivery Service, which originated in December 1995, allowed customers to place grocery orders by...

Sysco Corp.(Sysco will acquire land north of Los Angeles, California)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Sysco Corp., North America's largest foodservice marketer and distributor, has signed an agreement to acquire land for the construction of a broadline fold-out in the area just north of Los Angeles, CA. Also, it finalized activities for the...

Eckerd Corp., which opened its first store in Arizona this month, plans to open 30 stores in the Phoenix and Tucson, AZ areas this year, 30 more next year and an additional 20 in 2005, but declined to disclose sites.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Eckerd Corp., which opened its first store in Arizona this month, plans to open 30 stores in the Phoenix and Tucson, AZ areas this year, 30 more next year and an additional 20 in 2005, but declined to disclose sites. Walgreens has nearly 200...

Wegmans Food Markets.(introduces organic food range)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Wegmans Food Markets, Rochester, NY, has debuted a private label line of organic food, revealed Private Label Magazine. The first wave of Wegmans Organic products includes pasta sauces, salsa, peanut butter, maple syrup, salad dressings and...

Corporate Name Change: Philip Morris Companies, Inc. has become Altria Group, Inc.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Corporate Name Change: Philip Morris Companies, Inc. has become Altria Group, Inc. Kraft Foods Inc., Philip Morris International Inc., and Philip Morris USA, will continue to retain their names. Philip Morris Management Corp. will become...

Japan Chain Stores Association.(sales slipped)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... * Sales at Japan's supermarkets slipped 2.1% in 2002 on a same-store basis from the previous year, for the sixth straight yearly fall, according to the Japan Chain Stores Association. Sales of food, which accounted for 53.4% of total sales,...

Proposed federal law would bar obesity-related lawsuits against restaurants. (Washington).(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Restaurants could not be held liable for consumers. health problems under proposed federal legislation meant to stop lawsuits that blame Big Macs and french fries for obesity and diabetes, observed Sun-Sentinel.com (Jan. 27). U.S. Rep. Ric...

Iowa court strikes down meat packer ownership law. (Washington).(court ruling is legal triumph for Smithfield Foods Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... In a legal triumph for Smithfield Foods Inc., a federal judge has ruled unconstitutional Iowa's ban on meat packers from owning, operating or controlling pork production. The ruling by the U.S. District Court in Iowa is a setback for farm...

Mandatory advertising campaign violates first amendment, court rules. (Washington).(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... A mandatory advertising campaign for California's table grape industry violates the First Amendment guarantee of free speech, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled, noted The Modesto Bee (Jan. 28). The ruling was a victory for Delano...

Food recalls reported. (Washington).(detailed by firm)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Smith Dairy Products Co., Orrville, OH, is recalling about 250 half-gallon packages of "Ruggles No Sugar Added vanilla ice cream." The products were distributed to retailers in IN, KY, OH, PA and WV. Reason for recall: The products contain...

You should know ...(includes multiple records)
February 3, 2003... ... A Yakima County, WA judge allowed Seneca Foods Corp.'s lawsuit to proceed against Starbucks Corp. Seneca claims that Starbucks owes more than $1.5 million for raw materials that went unused when customer demand lagged for a juice-based ice...

Codex-related meeting. (Noted In The Federal Register).(4th Session of Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... CODEX-RELATED MEETING: The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, USDA and FDA are sponsoring a public meeting on Feb. 20, 2003 in Washington, DC to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items that will be discussed...

Pistachio reviews. (Noted In The Federal Register).(contervailing duty new shipper review published)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... PISTACHIO REVIEWS: The Department of Commerce has issued a notice of the final results of countervailing duty new shipper reviews regarding certain in-shell pistachios and certain roasted in-shell pistachios from the Islamic Republic of Iran....

Crawfish tail meat from China. (Noted In The Federal Register).(anti-dumping duty to be reviewed)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... CRAWFISH TAIL MEAT FROM CHINA: The International Trade Commission has given notice of the scheduling of a full review pursuant to section 751(c)(5) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1675(c)(5)) (the Act) to determine whether revocation of...

Tree fruit standards. (Noted In The Federal Register).(comments on changes in standards must be received by 7 march 2003)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... TREE FRUIT STANDARDS: USDA has given notice that the comment period on proposed changes to the U.S. Standards for Grades of Peaches, the U.S. Standards for Grades of Fresh Plums and Prunes, and the U.S. Standards for Grades of Nectarines is...

Apple juice concentrate from China. (Noted In The Federal Register).(to be reviewed for anti-dumping)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... APPLE JUICE CONCENTRATE FROM CHINA: The Department of Commerce has received a request to conduct a new shipper review of the antidumping duty order on non-frozen apple juice concentrate from the People's Republic of China. The department is...

Chinese honey review. (Noted In The Federal Register).(of new shippers for anti-dumping partially rescinded)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... CHINESE HONEY REVIEW: The Department of Commerce has issued a notice of partial rescission of the antidumping duty new shipper review of honey from the People's Republic of China. On Aug. 6, 2002, the department published the initiation of the...

Garlic from China. (Noted In The Federal Register).(anti-dumping review published)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... GARLIC FROM CHINA: On Aug. 9, 2002, the Department of Commerce published the preliminary results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty order on fresh garlic from the People's Republic of China. The period of review is Nov. 1,...

Handling Florida Citrus. (Noted In The Federal Register).(USDA adapts rule which regulates the handling of citrus fruit)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... HANDLING FLORIDA CITRUS: USDA is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that changed the rules and regulations prescribed under the Florida citrus marketing order, which regulates the handling of oranges, grapefruit,...

CALIFORNIA RAISIN DIVERSION. (Noted In The Federal Register).(extended with new rule from the USDA)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... CALIFORNIA RAISIN DIVERSION: USDA is adopting, as a final rule, with change, an interim final rule that allowed producers an additional opportunity to participate in the 2002 raisin diversion program (RDP). The RDP is authorized under the...

Produce. (Markets).(fresh produce market conditions reviewed )
February 3, 2003... REGIONAL HOLDINGS OF FRESH APPLES - JAN. 1 (Source: USDA/NASS) 1,000 Pounds: 2003 2002 % Chge. New England 25,141 36,505 -31.1% Middle Atlantic 418,438 ...

Canned vegetables. (Markets).(market conditions reviewed)
February 3, 2003... ***USDA OFFERS TO BUY*** CANNED VEGETABLES *Deliveries between Apr. 1, 2003- June 30, 2003* Case Size Cases Corn, Whole Kernel 24/300 212,670 Green Beans 24/300 204,120...

Tomato products. (Markets).(market conditions reviewed)(Industry Overview)
February 3, 2003... ***USDA OFFERS TO BUY*** CANNED TOMATO PRODUCTS *Deliveries between Apr. 1, 2003-June 30, 2003* Case Size Cases Spaghetti Sauce (Meatless) 24/300 119,880 Tomatoes ...

Frozen vegetables. (Markets).(market conditions reviewed)
February 3, 2003... CORN--Sweet corn production in 2002 totaled 3.1 million tons of which 1.7 million tons were used for freezing, an increase of approximately 2% from 2001, according to USDA--see CANNED VEGETABLES for state-by-state chart. Between Jan. 1 and...

Canned fruits. (Markets).(information on prices, shipments and more)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... **USDA HAS OFFERED TO PURCHASE** CANNED FRUITS *Shipments between Apr. 1 - June 30* No. of Cases Canned Applesauce, 24/300 113,400 Canned Plums, 24/300 12,960 For...

Processed fish. (Markets).(cold storage holdings)
February 3, 2003... USDA HAS PURCHASED--USDA has purchased 124,200 cans (12-oz.) of canned chunk light tuna in water at a delivered cost of approximately $2.94 million for distribution to Federal food and nutrition programs. The entire bid was awarded to Tri-Union...

Dried vegetables. (Markets).(information on prices, imports and more)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... ***USDA OFFERS TO BUY*** DRIED BEANS *Deliveries between Apr. 1, 2003 - June 30, 2003* Case Size Cases Baby Lima Beans 12/2 lb. 16,800 Blackeye Beans 12/2 lb. 15,120...

Dried fruits. (Markets).(information on imports, prices and more)
February 3, 2003... RAISINS--USDA has established a final rule that allowed producers an additional opportunity to participate in the 2002 raisin diversion program, which regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California. The rule was...

Nuts & nutmeats. (Markets).(information on imports and more)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... U.S. IMPORTS OF NUTS AND NUTMEATS, JAN. 1 - DEC. 1 (Source: Bureau of Census) Pounds: 2002 2001 % Chge. Brazil Nuts, Shelled 15,936,150 15,736,833 1.3% Bolivia ...

Frozen fruits. (Markets).(information on imports and more)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... U.S. IMPORTS OF SELECTED FROZEN FRUITS, JAN. 1 - DEC. 1, 2002 (Source: Bureau of Census) Volume % Chge. (1,000 Lbs. Prev. Yr. Strawberries 108,368 ...

Juices & concentrates. (Markets).(import, sales, shipment data for fruit juices )(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... USDA OFFERS TO BUY--USDA has offered to purchase canned juices for distribution to the needy family and other domestic food assistance programs. Offers are due by 1:00 P.M., Central time, Feb. 13. ***USDA OFFERS TO BUY*** CANNED JUICES...

Butter. (Markets).(pricing data for week ending January 31 )(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... BUTTER MARKET, WK. ENDING JAN. 31 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 01/31/2003 01/24/2003 Chge. Grade AA 105.50 106.75 -1.25

Cheese. (Markets).(cheddar cheese prices )(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET JAN. 31 Cents Per Pound: 01/24/2003 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 105.00 -1.00 Blocks 117.00 NC

Eggs. (Markets).(pricing data for week ending February 1 )(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS WEEK ENDING FEB. 1 (Source: USDA) This Wk. Ending Chng. From Wk. Cents per dozen: Week Jan. 24 Ending Jan. 24 Extra Large-NY 79-83 84-88 ...

Chicken. (Markets).(broiler pricing data for week of February 7 )(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF FEB. 7 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 53.00-56.00 53.00-56.00 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few Too...

Futures prices. (Markets).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... FUTURES PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash Mar. May As of Jan. 30, 2003: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $2.29 $2.3700 $2.3975 Soybeans,...

Commodity prices. (Markets).(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 3, 2003... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last Jan. 30...

Agrilink to shutter six plants, changes name to Birds Eye Foods.(Agrilink Foods Inc. )(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Agrilink Foods Inc. plans to close six frozen vegetable processing facilities over the next several months and will consolidate production from these locations into other Agrilink facilities. The consolidation will allow for more efficient...

FDA's proposed facility registration rule explained; comments needed.(requiring registration of food facilities )(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Although FDA's proposed rule requiring registration of food facilities is mandated by the Bioterrorism Act, it goes beyond the provisions of the Act in certain respects according to a comprehensive analysis of the rule (Section 305), by Food...

Spartan exploring alternative strategies for Food Town stores.(Spartan Stores Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... As part of a strategic review process, Spartan Stores, Inc. is working with The Food Partners, an investment banking firm specializing in the food industry, to explore alternative strategies related to its Food Town retail grocery stores. The...

Kmart and Fleming end contract.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Kmart Corp. and food distributor Fleming Cos. Inc. agreed to dissolve a 2001 contract, which was to have remained in effect through the retailer's bankruptcy reorganization, after determining the deal was no longer in either company's interest,...

How America eats.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Americans believe comfort food (74%), health food (61%), and organic food (59%) are rising trends. Meanwhile, 68% believe fast food is on the wane, but that opinion differs a bit depending on age. People between the ages of 18-34 believe fast...

Online grocery sales expected to grow.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Online U.S. sales of groceries are estimated to reach $5.4 billion by 2007, up from $1 billion last year, according to Jupiter Research analyst Ken Cassar. Among the players in the U.S. online grocery market are Groceryworks.com, backed by No....

Givaudan may be picking up new flavors on the radar.
February 10, 2003... When an ethnic flavor like dulce de leche or teriyaki goes national, it is likely that a flavor-development team was involved in the process. A dozen Ohio-based product developers, chemists and marketing people who work for the Swiss flavor...

The 1,695-unit Safeway Inc. supermarket chain, headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, plans to spend $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion in capital expenditures this year.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * The 1,695-unit Safeway Inc. supermarket chain, headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, plans to spend $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion in capital expenditures this year, including costs to open 50 to 55 new stores. The chain posted fourth-quarter loss...

Montvale, NJ-based Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc., a 692-store chain, reached separate agreements for the sale of nine supermarkets.(to The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * Montvale, NJ-based Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc., a 692-store chain, reached separate agreements for the sale of nine supermarkets in northern New England to The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, Quincy, MA, a unit of Dutch...

Meanwhile, Canadian supermarket chains Sobeys Inc. and Metro Inc. are both making it known they would likely bid to take over grocer A&P Canada.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * Meanwhile, Canadian supermarket chains Sobeys Inc. and Metro Inc. are both making it known they would likely bid to take over grocer A&P Canada if it came on the market where analysts say it is valued around $660 million. A&P Canada operates...

Some retailers--including Wal-Mart Stores Inc.--struggled to meet expectations for January sales growth.(includes Costco Wholesale Corp. sales figures)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * Some retailers--including Wal-Mart Stores Inc.--struggled to meet expectations for January sales growth, but Issaquah, WA-based Costco Wholesale Corp. managed to surprise analysts. Sales at Costco warehouses open more than one year rose 5%...

Despite winter's icy chill, new ice cream/frozen yogurt and novelty products continue to roll out.(new Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream products)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Despite winter's icy chill, new ice cream/frozen yogurt and novelty products continue to roll out. Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Oakland, CA, has launched Dreyer's Grand Apple Pie Ice Cream for a limited time. The all-natural entry consists of...

Haagen-Dazs, a division of Minneapolis-based Pillsbury, has introduced Limited Edition Haagen-Dazs Lemon Pie flavored Frozen Yogurt.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Haagen-Dazs, a division of Minneapolis-based Pillsbury, has introduced Limited Edition Haagen-Dazs Lemon Pie flavored Frozen Yogurt, lemon frozen yogurt with lemon swirl and graham crust pieces...

Ben & Jerry's Homemade of South Burlington, VT, is out with Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Truffle Ice Cream.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Ben & Jerry's Homemade of South Burlington, VT, is out with Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Truffle Ice Cream, rich chocolate peanut butter ice cream with peanut butter fudge truffles. Ben & Jerry's Vermont's Finest S'Mores Ice Cream, chocolate...

General Mills Inc., Minneapolis, announced the addition of Lasagna Pasta Bake with Meat Sauce.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... General Mills Inc., Minneapolis, announced the addition of Lasagna Pasta Bake with Meat Sauce to its Betty Crocker Complete Meals line. It includes two cans of Progresso beef, marinara sauce, lasagna-style pasta, and cheese sauce topping...

Maple Grove Farms.(introduces Up Country Naturals Garlic & Herb Marinade & Sauce)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Maple Grove Farms of Vermont, St. Johnsbury, VT, is out with Up Country Naturals Garlic & Herb Marinade & Sauce...

Wild Rooster Sauces, LLC, Pawleys Island, SC, has rolled out a line of barbecue sauces, rubs, salsas and dips made from all natural ingredients.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Wild Rooster Sauces, LLC, Pawleys Island, SC, has rolled out a line of barbecue sauces, rubs, salsas and dips made from all natural ingredients. The Wild Rooster Barbecue Sauces include: Mustard Mania, Wild Tomato, Fiery Vinegar, and DC Kicker....

Mergers & acquisitions.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... The Coca Cola Co., Atlanta, GA, has acquired the "Just Juice" brand and "Valpre" water brand from SABMiller Plc for $13 million in cash. The deal is subject to regulatory approval, including approval from local competition...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(assorted food-related companies)(Illustration)
February 10, 2003... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) Current % Chge. Year Year Ago ANHEUSER-BUSCH COS., INC. (St. Louis, MO) Qtr. To Dec. 31: Sales $3,098,000 ...

Aurora Foods Inc. will sort through bids from prospective buyers in the next few weeks for several frozen foods brands the firm has up for sale.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * Aurora Foods Inc. will sort through bids from prospective buyers in the next few weeks for several frozen foods brands the firm has up for sale. Aurora's Van De Kamp and Mrs. Paul's frozen fish and its Aunt Jemima frozen breakfast waffles,...

Smithfield Foods appears determined to try to buy out of bankruptcy the meat businesses of Farmland Industries Inc.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * Smithfield Foods appears determined to try to buy out of bankruptcy the meat businesses of Farmland Industries Inc. Last week, Kansas City, MO-based Farmland told a bankruptcy court it wants to hire an investment banker to "explore, market...

Delhaize.(in increase sales of organic food in existing supermarkets)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * Delhaize said its sales of organic products have been so strong that it has decided to sell organic food in its existing Belgian supermarkets rather than opening a chain of all-organic shops. Belgium's second-largest supermarket chain said it...

The Atlanta, GA-based entrepreneur who founded Moe's Southwest Grill and Planet Smoothie, announced a new chain of noodle restaurants called Mama Fu's.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * The Atlanta, GA-based entrepreneur who founded Moe's Southwest Grill and Planet Smoothie, announced a new chain of noodle restaurants called Mama Fu's. The first Mama Fu's Noodle House, with a "shabby chic" atmosphere, will open in April in...

Delta Air Lines.(test-marketed food sales on select flights)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * Delta Air Lines test-marketed food sales on select flights through Feb. 8 to gauge customer preference. The airline sold breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack food selections such as Entenmann's cinnamon rolls, Mrs. Field's cookies and Pizzeria...

Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, MI, is introducing the latest addition to its line-up of Disney cereals, Kellogg's Disney Chocolate Mud & Bugs.(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * Kellogg Co., Battle Creek, MI, is introducing the latest addition to its line-up of Disney cereals, Kellogg's Disney Chocolate Mud & Bugs. The new cereal, inspired by Timon and Pumbaa characters from "The Lion King," is made with whole grains...

Nash Finch announced the grand opening of the third store in its AVANZA Supermarket chain in Denver, CO. .(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... * Nash Finch announced the grand opening of the third store in its AVANZA Supermarket chain in Denver, CO. AVANZA, aimed at serving the rapidly growing Hispanic marketplace, carries an extensive variety of authentic products and services...