The Food Institute Report articles from February 2005

The Food Institute Report archives from February 2005

Inflation tempered real growth at supermarkets in 2004.
February 7, 2005... Food price inflation certainly "ate" into supermarket sales last year as meat and poultry prices advanced sharply, and produce prices took a roller coaster ride almost every month. While the Census Bureau reported total 2004 sales at...

Restaurant industry saw healthy growth in December.
February 7, 2005... In December, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index rose 1.7% above its November level--a record level. The Restaurant Performance Index is a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S....

Pizza and sub chains to expand beyond New England.(Papa Gino's Holding Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... The parent company of both the D'Angelo and Papa Gino's chains, Dedham, MA-based Papa Gino's Holding Corp., is making a push to expand the brands beyond New England. The company, which currently has 375 restaurants, is planning its franchise...

How can retailers use tipping points to retain shoppers?
February 7, 2005... Tipping points reflect the maximum price gap shoppers will tolerate before shifting their spending to other stores or formats. The exact levels are based on shopper experiences or satisfaction with actual store-level prices and all other...

"Natural" chicken finding its way onto fast food menus.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Driven by growing consumer interest in natural chicken and other natural meats, the latest trend hitting the fast food industry is "natural" chicken, which according to USDA standards, contains no hormones, antibiotics or artificial ingredients...

Kid-targeted food intros on the wane?(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Last year, there was a downturn in new, kid-targeted food products--those products that target kids in their packaging or marketing. After three years of steady growth, kid-targeted food introductions in the U.S. declined 11.4% in 2004, even as...

Efforts to make foods healthier on the rise.
February 7, 2005... Researchers and food industry players are increasingly developing ways to add health benefits to foods. Three recent examples of these efforts are: Cargill and Bayer CropScience are joining forces to produce specialty canola for the supply...

McDonald's Corp., Oak Brook, IL, does not plan to part with Boston Market Corp.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * McDonald's Corp., Oak Brook, IL, does not plan to part with Boston Market Corp. The Colorado-based chicken chain is planning the introduction of prepared food offerings in grocery stores on the East Coast. McDonald's recently announced that...

McDonald.(News In A Minute)(McDonald's Corp.)(facilities introduction)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * In other news, McDonald's plans to open 25 new restaurants in Russia this year, predominantly in Moscow and St Petersburg, followed by 35 in 2006 and 45 in 2007... Crain's Chicago Business (Feb. 1)

Two years after McDonald's deadline for reducing trans fats in french fries, the company has failed to do so.(News In A Minute)(McDonald's Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Two years after McDonald's deadline for reducing trans fats in french fries, the company has failed to do so. Despite the best intentions, McDonald's found that an oil change appeared to alter the taste of the company's fries... The...

Taco Bueno Restaurant, Dallas, signed its first franchise partner, Tulsa-based U.S. Beef Corporation.(News In A Minute)(Taco Bueno Inc.)(United States Beef Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Taco Bueno Restaurant, Dallas, signed its first franchise partner, Tulsa-based U.S. Beef Corporation, which plans to take the Mexican quick-service restaurant into Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas with nine new restaurants... QSR Magazine (Jan....

Retail Brand Group, LLC (RBG), a newly-created fast-casual restaurant company, plans to open as many as 250 new locations in the coming year.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Retail Brand Group, LLC (RBG), a newly-created fast-casual restaurant company, plans to open as many as 250 new locations in the coming year. RBG's eight fast-casual restaurant brands, including Pandini's, Sub Connection, and Jazzman's,...

Chick-fil-A.(News In A Minute)(Chick-fil-A Inc.)(facility introduction)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Chick-fil-A plans to open 78 stores, introduce a premium coffee line, and push to increase catering during 2005. The Atlanta-based company opened 88 stores across the country last year... The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Jan. 29)

Yum! Brands Inc. opened 621 new restaurants worldwide in the fourth quarter, and 1,450 for the year, led by international expansion of KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants.(News In A Minute)(Kentucky Fried Chicken)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Yum! Brands Inc. opened 621 new restaurants worldwide in the fourth quarter, and 1,450 for the year, led by international expansion of KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants. Its multibrand growth also continued in the fourth quarter with 164 U.S....

Tyson Foods, Springdale, AR, will spend $100 million to open a major case-ready meat plant in Sherman, TX.(News In A Minute)(Tyson Foods Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Tyson Foods, Springdale, AR, will spend $100 million to open a major case-ready meat plant in Sherman, TX. Tyson will immediately start renovating a former Oscar Mayer plant into Tyson's largest case-ready meat operation, employing as many as...

International Multifoods' manufacturing plant in Lockport, NY, was closed due to an upcoming change in ownership.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * International Multifoods' manufacturing plant in Lockport, NY, was closed due to an upcoming change in ownership. Nearly 50 jobs were eliminated. Value Creation Partners informed the Multifoods division that it would not continue operations...

Odom's Tennessee Pride Sausage.(expanding to meet demand)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Odom's Tennessee Pride Sausage broke ground on a $15 million plant expansion to meet a growing demand. The Madison, TN-based firm's sales increased 35% over the past year, necessitating the construction of the 33,000-sq. ft. expansion in...

Golub Corp., the parent company of Price Chopper Supermarkets, plans to construct a $15 million state-of-the-art frozen foods distribution center in Schenectady County, NY.(News In A Minute)
February 7, 2005... * Golub Corp., the parent company of Price Chopper Supermarkets, plans to construct a $15 million state-of-the-art frozen foods distribution center in Schenectady County, NY. The 152,000-sq. ft. facility will service frozen food distribution...

Family Dollar Stores, Inc.(investing in development of urban stores)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Family Dollar Stores, Inc. is investing $20 million to upgrade its urban stores. The initiative is designed to give at least 1,000 of its units in 30 urban markets a makeover by year's end... Progressive Grocer (Feb. 1)

The Grain Foods Foundation.(public education campaign)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * The Grain Foods Foundation launched a $4 million public education campaign in New York and Washington, DC, on Feb. 1, to get the message out that grain products, especially bread, are key to a healthy diet--The Wichita Eagle (Feb. 1)

Coca-Cola Company.(raspberry and lemon Dasani water softdrinkks)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Coca-Cola Company accelerated the launch of its two new flavored versions of Dasani water. Coca-Cola bottlers will start selling raspberry and lemon Dasani water in February... The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Jan. 28)

Marks & Spencer.(ready-prepared coffee)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * UK-based Marks & Spencer launched a ready-prepared coffee that consumers can pour into a cup and heat in a microwave oven. Retail experts predict the microwave coffee is just the start of a new trend for "convenience breakfasts," as a...

General Mills Inc.(Chocolate Lucky Charms cereal)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * General Mills Inc., Minneapolis, has expanded its 40-year-old Lucky Charms cereal with Chocolate Lucky Charms cereal.

Ralphs Grocery Co.(supermarkets closed)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Ralphs Grocery Co. will close eleven money-losing supermarkets across California by March... Progressive Grocer (Jan. 25)

Mintel.(Mintel International Group Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * The low-carb trend, which has been on the decline, will fade by the end of 2005, projects Mintel, a leading global market research firm. The focus will instead shift towards products that focus on glycemic index (or glycemic load) and...

Stegner Foods.(organization closed)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Stegner Foods of Bridgetown, OH, the 90-year-old food processor which transformed from a canning operation into shelf stable pouched foods, has closed... The Cincinnati Post (Jan. 22)

Ted's Montana Grill.(sales report)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Ted's Montana Grill, the 31-unit restaurant chain which sells 6,000 bison-based meals a day, will earn $70 million in sales and add 15 stores this year... Rocky Mountain News (Jan. 25)

The Standard Candy Company.(two new products to market in partner ship with Cinnabon Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * The Standard Candy Company, Nashville, is bringing to market two new products through a co-branding alliance with Cinnabon Inc.--Cinnabon Clusters and Cinnabon Pecan Rolls. In addition to the sales at grocery, mass and drug outlets, Standard...

American Institute for Cancer Research.(research reports)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... * Studies show that green tea in mice can decrease the spread of cancer to liver, bone and other sites, according to studies presented at the American Institute for Cancer Research conference on diet and cancer... MSNBC.com

Economic Research Service.(services)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... The Economic Research Service (ERS) is the main source of economic information and research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ERS offers accurate, timely, and comprehensive economic analysis on issues related to agriculture, food, the...

Fort Dearborn Company.(services)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Fort Dearborn Company is the leading provider of high impact decorative labels for high velocity consumer goods marketers. Fort Dearborn offers next generation digital, flexographic, rotogravure and lithographic printing for shrink sleeve,...

National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association.(services)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Founded in 1945, the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) is uniquely positioned as an all-industry trade association for frozen and refrigerated foods, representing both foodservice and retail interests. As the leading...

P. PAVLIDES S.A.(company management)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Headquartered in Giannitsa Greece, P. PAVLIDES S.A. is a leading producer of canned fruits (peaches, pears, apricots, fruit cocktail). Operating two factories, one in Greece--packing in August and a second in Argentina--packing in January,...

Mergers & acquisitions.(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Catterton Partners, a private equity firm, acquired the branded and private label cookie businesses from the North American Bakery Group of Parmalat Bakery & Dairy, Inc., a subsidiary of Parmalat Finanziaria S.p.A. of Italy. The acquisition...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) Current % Chge. Year Year Ago FLOWERS FOODS, INC. (Thomasville, GA) Qtr. To Jan. 1: Sales $361,432 3.8% Net Income ...

Trimmer tree of life intros new service, inks new distribution agreements.(Tree of Life North America)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Royal Wessanen nv has announced further steps in its "Build on the Roots" restructuring program to its North American subsidiary, Tree of Life North America. The decline in low carb sales, as stated in Wessanen's third quarter 2004 results, has...

U.S. importers could see higher food tariffs on some products from EU.(Washington)
February 7, 2005... In retaliation for limiting access to $33 million of U.S. brown rice exports annually, the U.S. asserted its World Trade Organization (WTO) rights and notified the WTO of its intent to withdraw certain tariff concessions because it has not...

Cattlemen fight plan to import Canadian cattle ...(Washington)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Citing a risk of mad cow disease, R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America, a cattlemen's organization, asked a judge to block the federal government from allowing imports of live cattle and an expanded range of beef products from Canada. R-CALF...

... While AMI sues to let them in.(Washington)(American Meat Institute)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... Claiming that meat processors have endured "significant and prolonged financial damages" because of the continuing ban on Canadian cattle imports, the American Meat Institute, Washington, D.C., filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction...

Three organic program provisions struck down by court.(Washington)
February 7, 2005... Fifteen months after a Maine blueberry farmer filed suit alleging that seven provisions of USDA's National Organic Program were inconsistent with the Organic Food Production Act (OFPA), the U.S. Court of appeals for the First Circuit said three...

FDA finds room for improvement in food security surveillance.(Washington)(Food and Drug Administration)
February 7, 2005... In October and November of 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a Food Security Surveillance Assignment based on heightened concerns during the period surrounding the Presidential election. The surveillance assignment covered...

In the courts.(GumRunners LLC)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... ... . In a legal victory for the beer industry, a Los Angeles judge dismissed a class-action suit accusing beer giants Anheuser-Busch Cos. and Miller Brewing Co. of encouraging underage drinking by targeting teens with their advertising. Under...

U.S. fisheries.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... U.S. FISHERIES: National Marine Fisheries Service proposed specifications for the 2005 Atlantic herring fishery, which would be maintained through 2006 unless stock and fishery conditions change substantially. Comments due Mar. 2; contact Eric...

FSIS voluntary inspections.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Food Safety and Inspection Service)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... FSIS VOLUNTARY INSPECTIONS: USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service will not provide reimbursable voluntary inspection, certification and identification services to those with delinquent accounts. FSIS must recover the costs of the voluntary...

USDA Codex committees preparations.(Noted In The Federal Register)(United States Department of Agriculture)(Calendar)
February 7, 2005... USDA CODEX COMMITTEES PREPARATIONS: There will be three public meetings to provide information and receive comments on agenda items. Contact for all public meetings is Syed Amjad Ali, International Issues Analyst, 202-205-7760, Fax...

National organic program.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: USDA set NOP procedures for the development, issuance and use of guidance documents. The intent is to clarify five previous notices and make NOP clearer to the public. Comments due Apr. 4. Contact Keith Jones, Team...

EPA food pesticide regulations.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... EPA FOOD PESTICIDE REGULATIONS: EPA drafted a proposal on conducting periodic reviews of pesticide registrations with a goal of every 15 years. Contact Vivian Prunier, Field and External Affairs Division, 703308-9341; fax 703-305-5884; email...

Antidumping Argentinean honey.(Noted In The Federal Register)(El Mana S.A.)(Federacion de Centros Juveniles Agrarios Cooperativistas Zona SanCor)(Brief Article)
February 7, 2005... ANTIDUMPING ARGENTINEAN HONEY: ITA will conduct a new shipper review on El Mana S.A. El Mana wants to export honey produced by its supplier Federacion de Centros Juveniles Agrarios Cooperativistas Zona SanCor. Contact David Cordell or Robert...

Food recalls reported.
February 7, 2005... Temple Brand Cooked Dry Peas in 6-oz. cans were recalled by Walong Marketing, Inc., Buena Park, CA. The cans are marked TDP 12504 on top with an expiration date 10/2006 stamped on the side and were distributed nationwide. Reason: FDA sample...

You should know ...
February 7, 2005... ... . The SEC is conducting a formal investigation into issues at Interstate Bakeries Corp. that were previously the subject of an informal probe. The inquiry was related to the way the company set its workers compensation reserves and other...

Produce.(fruit trade trade forecast)(FreshLook Marketing Group and the California Tree Fruit Agreement)
February 7, 2005... FreshLook Renews Alliance With CA Tree Fruit FreshLook Marketing Group and the California Tree Fruit Agreement (CTFA) renewed their contract. As such, CTFA will continue to rely on FreshLook to pro-vide detailed distribution, sales, and...

Canned vegetables.(imports, production data)
February 7, 2005... In retaliation for limiting access to $33 million of U.S. brown rice exports, the U.S. notified the WTO of its intent to withdraw certain tariff restrictions on canned artichokes, for more information see, WASHINGTON, page 9. ...

Tomato products.(imports )(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... In 2004, total U.S. production was up 25% from the year earlier to 12.3 million tons. PROCESSED TOMATO HARVESTED ACREAGE (Source: USDA) % Chge. Acres: 2004 2003 ...

Frozen vegetables.(production process )(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... COB CORN--U.S. holdings of cob corn as of Jan. 1 totaled 242.1 million pounds, down 16% from the previous year. The majority of cob corn is held in the Pacific, which were down 17% compared to Jan. 1, 2004. REGIONAL HOLDINGS OF FROZEN...

Canned fruit.(imports )(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... In retaliation for limiting access to $33 million of U.S. brown rice exports, the U.S. notified the WTO of its intent to withdraw certain tariff restrictions on canned mandarins, olives and peaches, for more information see, WASHINGTON, page 9....

Processed fish.(production levels )
February 7, 2005... NORWAY UPDATE--Total Norwegian production of salmon increased both in 2002 and again in 2003, after suffering its first decline in 10 years during 2001. The 2003 increase was 14% over 2002 production levels, and Norway for the first time passed...

Dried vegetables.(imports)
February 7, 2005... DRIED BEANS--Dry edible bean trading remains slow. Dealers have been busy shipping product, as end users continue to draw off of previously made contracts. Demand is light to moderate at best. GARLIC--During the first eleven months of 2004,...

Dried fruit & nuts.(import data)
February 7, 2005... PEANUTS--As of Jan 1., shelled peanuts in cold storage totaled 307.6 million pounds, up 39% from last year. REGIONAL HOLDINGS OF SHELLED PEANUTS - JAN. 1 (Source: USDA/NASS) 1,000 Pounds: 2005 2004 % Chge. ...

Frozen fruit.(Markets)(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... STRAWBERRIES--U.S. production for processing in 2004 was 5.2 million cwt, up 1% from 2003. The value of the crop was $136.3 million, down 6% from 2003. The price per cwt in 2004 was $26.30, down from $28.10 in 2003. The total area planted...

Juices & concentrates.(imports)
February 7, 2005... APPLE--As Controlled Atmosphere storage rooms are opened in Washington, more than adequate supplies continue to be diverted to processing plants. Some peeler varieties are still being used for juice products, with quality ranging from good to...

Butter.(Markets)(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... BUTTER MARKET, FEB. 4 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 2/4/2005 1/28/2005 Chge. Grade AA 164.00 155.50 8.5

Cheese.(prices)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET FEB. 4 Cents Per Pound: 2/4/2005 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 147.75 -21.25 Blocks (40-lbs.) 149.25 -22.25

Eggs.(prices)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS FEB. 4 (Source: USDA) Wk. Ending Chng. From Cents per dozen: Feb. 4 Jan. 28 Jan. 21 Extra Large-NY 75-79 75-79 NC Large-NY ...

Chicken.(prices)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF FEB. 7 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 63.00-66.00 63.00-66.00 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few Too...

Futures prices.(markets)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... FUTURES PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash Mar. 05 May 05 As of Feb. 4, 2005: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $1.78 $1.95 $2.03 Soybeans,...

Commodity prices.(Markets)(Illustration)
February 7, 2005... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last Feb. 4 Jan. 28 ...

A slimmer, more food focused Sara Lee is on the way.(Sara Lee Corp.)
February 14, 2005... Sara Lee Corp. is taking further action to become a tightly focused food, beverage and household products company by spinning off and selling businesses that represent $8.2 billion in sales, or approximately 40% of the company's annual...

Winn-Dixie 2q sales take a hit; continues with streamlining plan.(Winn-Dixie Stores Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... Winn-Dixie Stores Inc.'s losses continue to mount, but the supermarket chain is looking to increase sales by improving perishables offerings and other product merchandising, as well as customer service, without significant capital expenditure....

New store format from Sears aims to provide consumers with the essentials.(Sears Essentials)(Sears, Roebuck and Co.)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... Sears, Roebuck and Co. is launching a new off-mall format called Sears Essentials, aiming to create a one-stop shopping destination for home and family needs. The stores will offer appliances, lawn and garden, tools, electronics, apparel and...

Starbucks will roll out breakfast & lunch options at more locations.(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... This year, Starbucks Corp. will add five more markets to the list of places where it serves lunch items, bringing to 2,500 the total number of units offering lunch. Currently, Starbucks serves lunch in 2,000 stores in 17 markets. The Seattle,...

Heated competition for frozen pizza.
February 14, 2005... While retail frozen pizza sales are projected to soar above $4.2 billion by the end of 2008, the growth (3.2%) is the lowest projected among the categories analyzed in a recent study, The U.S. Market for Frozen Meals, Appetizers, and Snacks,...

C-store outlook for 2005.(Convenience stores)
February 14, 2005... The number of c-stores in 2005 is expected to increase less than 1%, equivalent to an increase of 1,000 stores, for a total of 137,027 stores. In 2004, there were 136,030 c-stores in the U.S., according to CSNews 2005 Forecast Study. Total...

Chocolate makers tailoring products for specific needs.
February 14, 2005... In 2004, confectionary company leaders looked primarily to mergers and acquisitions to boost their positions in the global candy arena, outlined Candy Industry (January) in the review of the Top 100 Global Confectionary Companies. Wm. Wrigley...

Splenda is the sweetener, lime is the flavor for new sodas.(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... PepsiCo plans to introduce two lime-flavored carbonated soft drinks, to be called Pepsi Lime and Diet Pepsi Lime. The drinks will be available in late April or early May, reported USA Today (Feb. 4). Coca-Cola, which already launched Diet Coke...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(t fbrf )(Illustration)
February 14, 2005... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) Current % Chge. Year Year Ago APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL, INC. (Overland Park,KS) 13 Wks. To Dec. 26 Sales $271,338 9.3% Net...

Tetra Pak.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Tetra Pak unveiled the world's first microwavable aseptic package for both retail distribution and food services. Tetra Wedge Aseptic 200 S, aimed at the growing market in prepared sauces, is lightweight, convenient to store, easy to open and...

Aldi Group.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Aldi Group will unveil a new look when it opens a new store in Ohio in March. The five-aisle, 15,800-sq. ft store being built will have a "fresher look than in the past," a new, larger cooler and freezer section; new merchandising fixtures...

Caribou Coffee Co. Inc.(News In A Minute)(expansion)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Caribou Coffee Co. Inc. will add about 100 stores to its 300-store chain this year, heading out west to enter its newest market. It will be entering Denver and opening a minimum of six stores in that city. Between 25 and 35 stores will open...

Darden Restaurants plans to increase the number of Smokey Bones locations from 90 to 100 by June 2005.(News In A Minute)
February 14, 2005... * Darden Restaurants plans to increase the number of Smokey Bones locations from 90 to 100 by June 2005. The six-year-old barbecue chain averages $3.2 million in annual sales per restaurant...OrlandoSentinel.com (Feb. 6)

Panera Bread Company.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Panera Bread Company, St. Louis, MO, formed an agreement with a new franchise group that will develop 15 Panera Bread bakery-cafes in Arizona by 2011.

Visa USA's volume at McDonald's Corp. and other fast food restaurants was the single-fastest growing part of its business in 2004, rising 67% to $10.8 billion.(News In A Minute)(Visa U.S.A. Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Visa USA's volume at McDonald's Corp. and other fast food restaurants was the single-fastest growing part of its business in 2004, rising 67% to $10.8 billion. In the past 12 months alone, McDonald's has doubled to 6,000 the number of its...

Lowes Food Stores, Inc.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Lowes Food Stores, Inc., Winston-Salem, NC, will start offering biometric payments to its customers, as well as Paycheck Secure, a biometric identification system, to its check-cashing customers. BioPay's biometric payment service allows...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. is cutting about 125 jobs and jettisoning its corporate jet as it aims to conserve cash. The cuts will affect about one quarter of the workers at the company's Winston-Salem headquarters and at plants where...

Meijer Inc.(News In A Minute)(expansion)(Brief Article)
February 14, 2005... * Meijer Inc., Grand Rapids, MI, will open nine new supercenters this year. Five of the supercenters will be located in Michigan.