The Food Institute Report articles from February 2009

The Food Institute Report archives from February 2009

Look for food inflation to slow in 2009.
February 2, 2009... On the heels of last year's 6.4% jump in food-at-home prices, USDA'S ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE is projecting prices will rise only 2.5% to 3.5% this year. Food away-from-home prices remain in the 3.5% to 4.5% range, however, comparable to the...

Changing times: a blueprint for success.
February 2, 2009... The NATIONAL GROCERS ASSOCIATION annual convention begins this week in Las Vegas and THE FOOD INSTITUTE welcomes all those attending. Copies of this weekly report will be available at the publication distribution area at the meeting. We also...

Pantry stock-ups impacted by recession.
February 2, 2009... Unstable economic conditions have led to a change in consumer habits and an increase in stock-up missions. Stock-ups are shopping trips that are characterized by the presence of a wide variety of items (food or non-food) in the shopping basket,...

Cott losing exclusive supply pact with Wal-Mart.(Wal-Mart Stores Inc. contract with Cott Corp.)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is phasing out its its exclusive supply agreement in the U.S. with Cott Corp. "without cause," according to the Toronto-based soft-drink maker. The announcement will end a 10-year supply agreement between the two companies....

Website finds the best local grocery prices.(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN graduates Joe Nelson and Andrew Kramp created FLYERSIDE.COM, a website designed to find the best grocery prices in the Madison, WI area. The website compiles the content of various food store flyers, compares prices by...

The Food Institute is the foundation for your blueprint to success: become a member today.
February 2, 2009... Members of The Food Institute have access to an unparalleled range of information essential to the conduct of business in the food industry, delivered in a variety of formats and media. In fact, anyone who needs to stay abreast of the latest...

Snack manufacturers use flavorings to enhance category.(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Snack food sales are driven by several factors: convenience, a way to incorporate beneficial nutrients and energy and as an indulgence. Due to the wide-ranging consumer base, manufacturers are driven in their search for the latest flavor trend,...

U.S. and global advertising summary.(Company rankings)
February 2, 2009... Food and drink manufacturers are among the Top 25 U.S. Advertisers. In the No. 18 and 22 spots are KRAFT FOODS and ANHEUSER-BUSCH COS., according to Advertising Age (Dec. 29). Kraft Foods, which is also ranked on the Top 25 U.S. Global...

To increase sales, supermarkets including Supervalu Inc. and Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. are engaging their suppliers in discussions to lower wholesale prices.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)(Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Inc.)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... * To increase sales, supermarkets including SUPERVALU INC. and GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA CO. are engaging their suppliers in discussions to lower wholesale prices. Before getting companies to agree to lowering wholesale prices, however,...

Supervalu.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... * Meanwhile, SUPERVALU launched "nutrition iQ," a nutrition information program to assist consumers in making better-informed food choices. The program will roll out at all of its banners over the next six months.

Bashas'.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... * Supermarket chain BASHAS' introduced its Eat Smart program, which consists of nutrition shelf tags that identify whether a food is a "healthier option," is "heart healthy," has "low sodium," is "calcium rich," has "reduced sugar" or is an...

Price Chopper and Hy-Vee implemented the Nuval Nutritional Scoring System.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... * PRICE CHOPPER and HY-VEE implemented the NUVAL Nutritional Scoring System. NuVal's scoring system gives all food a score between one to 100; the higher the score, the higher the nutrition.

Business intelligence, category management and profit analysis were among the technology applications that received the highest priority in 2008 and will continue to be a high priority in 2009.(RETAILER ROUNDUP)
February 2, 2009... * Business intelligence, category management and profit analysis were among the technology applications that received the highest priority in 2008 and will continue to be a high priority in 2009, according to Supermarket News' State of the...

Report names best U.S. retail brands of 2009.(Company rankings)
February 2, 2009... INTERBRANDDESIGNFORUM recently compiled The Best U.S. Retail Brands of 2009, basing its information and rankings using public marketing and financial data. WALMART (No. 1): With a brand value of $129.8 billion, Walmart is the largest mass...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(financial news)(Financial report)
February 2, 2009... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 OMITTED) Current % Change Year Year Ago ALBERTO-CULVER CO. (MELROSE PARK, IL) Qtr. To Dec....

, Santa Ana, CA, signed a letter of intent for the acquisition of a 50% stake of Diamond Wodka, a leading European vodka company.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Access Beverage, Inc.. acquired with Diamond Wodka)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... ACCESS BEVERAGE, INC., Santa Ana, CA, signed a Letter of Intent for the acquisition of a 50% stake of DIAMOND WODKA, a leading European vodka company. Access Beverage is expected to secure joint ownership of all brands, worldwide trademarks,...

CF Industries Holdings, Inc., Deerfield, IL, proposed to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of rival Terra Industries INC. for $2.1 billion in a transaction that would create a leader in the global fertilizer industry.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... CF INDUSTRIES HOLDINGS, INC., Deerfield, IL, proposed to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of rival TERRA INDUSTRIES INC. for $2.1 billion in a transaction that would create a leader in the global fertilizer industry. CF Industries...

Kerry, a Beloit, WI-based supplier of technology-based ingredients, flavors and integrated solutions for the food and beverage industry, acquired X Cafe, a Portland, ME-based producer of shelf-stable coffee extracts.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... KERRY, a Beloit, WI-based supplier of technology-based ingredients, flavors and integrated solutions for the food and beverage industry, acquired X CAFE, a Portland, ME-based producer of shelf-stable coffee extracts... Food Business News (Jan....

Pat & Oscar's, the 19-unit fast-casual chain based in San Diego, was acquired by a group of the chain's executives, including industry veterans John Kaufman and Tim Foley.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... PAT & OSCAR'S, the 19-unit fast-casual chain based in San Diego, was acquired by a group of the chain's executives, including industry veterans John Kaufman and Tim Foley. The chain was previously owned by Australia-based PACIFIC EQUITY...

Peters Imports, Grandville, MI, completed negotiations for the acquisition of Chelsea Market Baskets-Wholesale Specialty Food division, New York, NY, effective Feb. 1.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... PETERS IMPORTS, Grandville, MI, completed negotiations for the acquisition of CHELSEA MARKET BASKETS-WHOLESALE SPECIALTY FOOD division, New York, NY, effective Feb. 1. Peters Imports, a family owned wholesale distributor of gourmet foods and...

Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, IL, signed an agreement to purchase Schokinag-Schokolade-Industrie Herrmann GMBH & Co. KG, a Mannheim, Germany-based producer of chocolate and cocoa powder.(MERGER RELATED NEWS )(Archer Daniels Midland Co. acquired with Schokinag-Schokolade-Industrie Herrmann GMBH & Co. KG)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND COMPANY, Decatur, IL, signed an agreement to purchase SCHOKINAG-SCHOKOLADE-INDUSTRIE HERRMANN GMBH & CO. KG, a Mannheim, Germany-based producer of chocolate and cocoa powder. "This acquisition will be an excellent it for...

Asahi Breweries, Ltd. will acquire 19.9% of Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd. from Anheuser-Busch Inbev for $667 million.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(acquisitions)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... ASAHI BREWERIES, LTD. will acquire 19.9% of TSINGTAO BREWERY CO., LTD. from ANHEUSER-BUSCH INBEV for $667 million. Anheuser-Busch InBev will retain a minority share in Tsingtao of approximately 7%.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.'S tender offer to acquire Chile's Distribucion Y Servicio D&S S.A. was successful.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(acquisitions)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... WAL-MART STORES, INC.'s tender offer to acquire CHILE'S DISTRIBUCION Y SERVICIO D&S S.A. was successful. The offer will result in the acquisition by Wal-Mart of approximately 58.2% of the issued and outstanding shares of D&S. With 2007 net...

Advanced Food Products LLC, New Holland, PA-based division of Bongrain Cheese USA, entered into a licensing agreement with Jelly Belly Candy Co., Fairfield, CA, to produce jelly belly pudding snacks in six varieties.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... ADVANCED FOOD PRODUCTS LLC, New Holland, PA-based division of BONGRAIN CHEESE USA, entered into a licensing agreement with JELLY BELLY CANDY CO., Fairfield, CA, to produce Jelly Belly Pudding Snacks in six varieties, including: Bubble Gum,...

Nestle U.S.A. launched hot pockets ultimate, individually wrapped sandwiches that are 50% larger than a regular hot pockets sandwich.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... NESTLE U.S.A. launched Hot Pockets Ultimate, individually wrapped sandwiches that are 50% larger than a regular Hot Pockets sandwich. Hot Pockets Ultimate sandwiches, featuring meats and cheeses wrapped in a cheese flavored crust, are available...

Nestle Healthcare Nutrition unveiled boost kid essentials nutritionally complete drink in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... NESTLE HEALTHCARE NUTRITION unveiled BOOST Kid Essentials Nutritionally Complete Drink in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors. The product, providing probiotics through a straw, along with 25 vitamins and minerals, seven grams of protein,...

Turtle Island Foods.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... TURTLE ISLAND FOODS, Hood River, OR, expanded its marinated, organic tempeh strips with three new flavors-Sesame Garlic, Lemon Pepper and Coconut Curry...

Odwalla Inc., a California-based subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, is out with two reduced-calorie beverages in two varieties, mojito mambo and pomegranate strawberry.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... ODWALLA INC., a California-based subsidiary of THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, is out with two reduced-calorie beverages in two varieties, Mojito Mambo and Pomegranate Strawberry. Both beverages feature Truvia, the reduced-calorie brand sweetener...

Happy & Healthy Products, Inc., Boca Raton, FL, is out with a new fruitfull bar in a horchata variety.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... HAPPY & HEALTHY PRODUCTS, INC., Boca Raton, FL, is out with a new Fruitfull bar in a Horchata variety. The dairy-based stick novelty is reminiscent of its namesake Mexican beverage that combines rice milk with cinnamon...

Vroom Foods, Inc.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... VROOM FOODS, INC., Costa Mesa, CA, introduced Buzz Bites Mint Chocolate Energy Chews, containing caffeine, ginseng, taurine and B vitamins...

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... THE GHIRARDELLI CHOCOLATE COMPANY, San Francisco, introduced Ghirardelli Luxe Milk, a milk chocolate collection in five flavors: Luxe Milk, Luxe Milk Hazelnut, Luxe Milk Almond, Luxe Milk Crisp and Luxe Milk Duet...

Reser's Fine Foods.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... RESER'S FINE FOODS, Beaverton, OR, rolled out a six-item premium dip line under the Stonemill Kitchens brand, featuring varieties such as Artichoke & Jalapeno, Three Cheese Peperoncini and Cajun Seafood...

General Mills, Minneapolis, introduced two new additions to the yoplait light thick & creamy line-cherry cobbler and cinnamon roll.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... GENERAL MILLS, Minneapolis, introduced two new additions to the Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy line-Cherry Cobbler and Cinnamon Roll. Both flavors will be available nationwide in February...

The Kellogg Company.(NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... THE KELLOGG COMPANY, Battle Creek, MI, is marketing Kellogg's FiberPlus Antioxidant bars. The 1.2-oz. bars, in five count boxes, are available in chocolate chip and dark chocolate almond varieties.

FDA releases guidance for LAB Accreditation standards.(WASHINGTON)
February 2, 2009... FDA published a draft guidance document entitled Draft Guidance for Industry: Submission of Laboratory Packages by Accredited Laboratories (available at http://www.fda.gov/oc/guidance/labpackages.html); see also 74 Fed. Reg. 3056 (Jan. 16). The...

FDA publishes final guidance on voluntary third-party certification. (WASHINGTON).
February 2, 2009... FDA published a final guidance document on voluntary third-party certification programs for human food and animal feed products, Guidance for Industry: Voluntary Third-Party Certification Programs for Foods and Feeds (available at...

Newly-appointed secretary vilsack outlines agricultural agenda.(WASHINGTON)
February 2, 2009... Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed his priorities as Secretary during a teleconference call with reporters, including: * Combating childhood obesity and enhancing health and nutrition, indicating that USDA should play a key role in...

Kraft, frito-lay buyers to plead Guilty to bribery charges.(WASHINGTON)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Robert Watson of White Plains, N.Y., a Kraft senior purchasing manager, entered his plea in a Sacramento federal court Jan. 27 to accepting $158,000 from a sales broker at SK FOODS of Lemoore, CA. James Wahl Jr., a former Frito-Lay purchaser...

FDA issues warning letter.(WASHINGTON)(violations of the seafood Hazard )(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Lyons, IL-based ARTISAN SPECIALTY FOODS was issued a warning letter on Nov. 13, 2008 by FDA after an investigation of the company's seafood processing facility on Sept. 18-22, 2008. The investigation found serious violations of the seafood...

Produce.(MARKETS)
February 2, 2009... Fresh market vegetable and melon production for the 24 selected crops estimated in 2008 totaled 449 million hundredweight, down 2% from last year, according to USDA's Annual Vegetable Summary. Harvested area covered 1.73 million acres, down 3%...

Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
February 2, 2009... All prices f.o.b. Midwest unless otherwise noted. ASPARAGUS--Foodservice prices of 6/10 canned asparagus are between $39.70-$39.90. Private label prices of 24/300 cases are between $21.40-$21.60. BEETS--Foodservice 6/10 cases are...

Tomato products.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
February 2, 2009... UPDATE -A former manager for Kraft Foods and an ex-Morning Star Packing Co. employee pleaded guilty in connection with an ongoing investigation into various illicit activities in the tomato processing industry. See article on page 12. ...

Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
February 2, 2009... Sales of all frozen vegetables are up almost more than $400 million from 2004 levels, yet the pounds sold are only up 60 million-lbs. Most of the dollar increase has occurred since 2006, as both 2004 and 2005 levels were relatively stable. ...

Canned fruits.(MARKETS)(Market share report)
February 2, 2009... Supermarket sales of canned/bottled fruit totaled 1.239 billion pounds in 2008, a drop of close to 4% from 2007. Also this was the fifth consecutive year that sales have decreased by volume. Meanwhile, dollars sales increased by about $67...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
February 2, 2009... USDA OFFERS TO PURCHASE--USDA announced an offer to buy frozen, breaded catfish products for use in the National School Lunch program and other Federal food and nutrition programs. Shipments must be made in two periods between Mar. 1 and Mar....

Dried vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
February 2, 2009... PEAS & LENTILS--Trading activity was starting to pick up but remains slow. The majority of the classes were mostly Steady. Limited trading has occurred in the previous weeks partly due to previously contracted product or filling of government...

Dried fruits & nuts.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
February 2, 2009... U.S. tree nut production for crop year 2008 is 2.02 million tons (in-shell basis), 1% above a year earlier. The almond crop is 1.35 million tons, up 12% from 2007. Walnut production in 2008, at 375,000 tons, is up 14.3% from the previous year....

Frozen fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
February 2, 2009... STRAWBERRIES--There have been reports of weak demand for strawberries from Chile due to excess inventory and many buyers have been cautious of purchasing fruit at any price for the moment. IQF Large California strawberries in 30-lb pails...

Juices & concentrates.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
February 2, 2009... ORANGE JUICE--For the four-week period ending Dec. 20, OJ retail revenues are down by 3%. Gallon sales and average prices are down 0.8% and down 2.3% respectively; contributing to the decline in retail revenue. Season-to-date revenues are off...

Butter.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
February 2, 2009... BUTTER MARKET, JANUARY 28 Cents Per Pound: 1/28/2009 1/21/2009 Chge. Grade AA 1.1025 1.1000 0.0025

Cheese.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
February 2, 2009... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET JANUARY 28 Cents Per Pound: 1/28/2009 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 1.0975 -0.0025 Blocks (40-lbs.) 1.1325 0.0600

Eggs.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
February 2, 2009... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS JANUARY 28 (Source: USDA) Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Cents per dozen 28-Jan 21-Jan Chge. Extra Large-NY 126-130 127-131 -1.00 Large-NY ...

Chicken.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
February 2, 2009... PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF JANUARY 23 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 65-74 72-75 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few Too Few Los...

Futures prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
February 2, 2009... FUTURES PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash March May As of January 29, 2009: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $3.57 ...

Commodity prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
February 2, 2009... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last 29-Jan ...

Consumers put brakes on food spending last year; FI webinar to focus on what is ahead for food prices.(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... Americans spent an estimated $1.38 trillion on food last year, according to the BUREAU OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS' most recent quarterly report. That is 2.47% less than food spending was trending in the third quarter of 2008 and the largest quarterly...

Reports evaluate shopper marketing gateways and insights.
February 9, 2009... KROGER's success generating supplier participation in its shopper marketing gateway led to an estimated nine figures worth of supplier subscriptions, a triumph that has led to many retailers wanting their own 'dunnhumby,' or shopper marketing...

New chocolate purchasing patterns sweet news for Hershey.
February 9, 2009... While supermarket sales in the premium chocolate category in the fourth quarter were flat versus last year, noted Hershey's chief executive David West, Hershey Co.'s fourth quarter profit (up 51%) and sales growth suggests the demand for...

Bruno's files Chapter 11.(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... Birmingham, AL-based Bruno's Supermarkets, LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to restructure its operations. The 76-year-old company operates 23 Bruno's and 43 FOOD WORLD grocery stores in Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Bruno's...

Food expenditure index drops for second consecutive quarter, posting record-high decline.(Financial report)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... For the first time since the first quarter of 1991, consumer expenditures for food fell in two consecutive quarters in the second half of 2008, according to FOOD INSTITUTE analysis of the BUREAU OF ECONOMIC ANALYSIS' (BEA) Consumer Expenditure...

Steam technology increasing in microwave products.
February 9, 2009... Consumer demand is rising for quality food products that are quickly and easily prepared. When it comes to the microwave, steam cooking raised quality to a new level, according to Food Business News (Jan. 20). A product launch using microwave...

The mobile phone revolution; iPhone apps and beyond.
February 9, 2009... KRAFT's iPhone application, iFood Assistant, offers recipes, browseable by ingredients, meal type or preparation time, making it an ideal tool for consumers who are searching for convenience. "When we look at consumers, we think that they are...

Rising Roll Gourmet.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... RISING ROLL GOURMET will open in Blue Ash, OH. Franchisee Frank Foster plans to open one or two more locations in the area in the next five years, reported The Cincinnati Enquirer (Jan. 19)...

A Baja Fresh Mexican Grill.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... A BAJA FRESH MEXICAN GRILL opened in San Jose, CA...

Bruegger's.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... BRUEGGER'S opened a bakery-cafe in Altamonte Springs, FL. The Orlando-area franchisee committed to five locations over the next five years, according to Orlando Sentinel (Jan. 19)...

California Pizza Kitchen.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN opened locations in Natick and Wellesley, MA....

Ruby Tuesday.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... RUBY TUESDAY opened a location in Greendale, WI...

Kroger Co.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... KROGER CO. will begin work on a 50,000-sq. ft. store in Nora, IN... Indianapolis Business Journal (Jan. 19)...

Famous Dave's.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... FAMOUS DAVE'S opened a location in Everett, WA....

Sandella's Flatbread Cafe.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... SANDELLA'S FLATBREAD CAFE will open in Cary and Durham, NC...

Buffalo Wings and Rings.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... BUFFALO WINGS AND RINGS will open a location in Ohio... The Cincinnati Enquirer (Jan. 22)...

Budwey's Supermarket.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... A BUDWEY'S SUPERMARKET will open in Newfane, NY this spring... The Buffalo News (Jan. 22)...

Ufood Restaurant Group, Inc..(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... UFOOD RESTAURANT GROUP, INC. opened a location in Roseville, CA... QSR Magazine (Jan. 26)...

Gordon Food Service.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... GORDON FOOD SERVICE is opening a 15,074-sq. ft.

GFS Marketplace.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... GFS MARKETPLACE location in Nashville, TN... MyIDAccess (Jan. 26)...

Corner Bakery Cafe.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... CORNER BAKERY CAFE is opening two California locations in National City and Chino Hills...

Whole Foods.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... WHOLE FOODS will open an Interbay, WA store later this year... The Seattle Times (Jan. 27)...

Locali Grown.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... LOCALI GROWN opened in Los Angeles... CSP Daily News (Jan 28)...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS opened an outlet in Apple Valley, CA...

ALDI.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... ALDI will open its 21st store in Western New York... The Buffalo News (Jan. 30)...

Angelina's Metro Market.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... ANGELINA'S METRO MARKET will open in New York's LAGUARDIA AIRPORT... Convenience Store News (Feb. 2).

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(Statistical table)(Financial report)
February 9, 2009... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 OMITTED) Current % Change Year Year Ago ALTRIA GROUP, INC. (NEW YORK, NY) Qtr. To Dec. 31: Sales $4,654,000...

Angelo, Gordon & Co.'S Net Lease Group acquired the headquarters and principal Processing and distribution facility of Stampede Meat, Inc., Bridgeview, IL, for $14 million.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... ANGELO, GORDON & CO.'S NET LEASE GROUP acquired the headquarters and principal processing and distribution facility of STAMPEDE MEAT, INC., Bridgeview, IL, for $14 million.Stampede Meat, Inc., a supplier of value-added beef products, is a...

Hess Corp., New York, purchased 11 Christy's of Cape Cod convenience stores on Cape Cod, MA.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... HESS CORP., New York, purchased 11 CHRISTY'S OF CAPE COD convenience stores on Cape Cod, MA.As part of the agreement, the stores will be rebranded to the Hess banner. Hess, with more than 1,400 stores on the East Coast, already has four sites...