The Food Institute Report articles from January 2007

The Food Institute Report archives from January 2007

Price forecasts for eggs and processed fruits & vegetables move higher.(Statistical table)
January 8, 2007... While the Consumer Price Index for food-at-home is still projected to climb 2% to 3% in 2007, unchanged from last month's projection, projections for eggs and processed fruits and vegetables were lifted by USDA. As of late December, egg prices...

Starbucks cuts trans fat, launches new products.(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... STARBUCKS CORP. revealed plans for its Chicago-area stores to convert to trans fat-free fresh pastries and lunch products on Jan. 3. Chicago's stores will join about half the chain's nearly 8,500 U.S. stores converting to trans fat-free...

Top food product trends 2007.
January 8, 2007... The foodservice industry's transition towards healthier eating options in 2007 will be a major trend during the year. For example, CONAGRA is introducing Healthy Choice All-Purpose Flour with Whole Grains, while INDIAN HARVEST is distributing...

Coke pushes Zero & ventures further into coffee segment.(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... COCA-COLA CO. plans a huge tactical push behind the Coke Zero brand this year, according to an internal company document obtained by Advertising Age. In January, it is rolling out new black packaging with a silver ribbon to boost shelf impact....

South and Pacific regions expect highest restaurant sales growth.(Industry overview)
January 8, 2007... The nation's restaurants are projected to bring in record-breaking sales of $537 billion in 2007, up 5% over 2006. The South and Pacific regions expect to see the strongest growth, driven by gains in the employment sector, higher disposable...

Food store real sales up 1.9% through November.(Industry overview)(Statistical table)
January 8, 2007... The nation's grocery stores saw "real" sales increase 4.6% during November over the comparable month last year, according to exclusive Food Institute analysis of retail sales data from the Bureau of Census deflated by changes in the Consumer...

How does Wal-Mart affect supermarket prices?(Survey)
January 8, 2007... The competitive effects of WAL-MART SUPERCENTERS on prices at conventional supermarkets are explored in a report titled The Effect of Wal-Mart Supercenters on Grocery Prices in New England. Supercenters are Wal-Mart stores that offer entire...

Food brokerage industry sees increase in firms.(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Growth in the dollar, convenience, natural, organic and ethnic markets as well as Wal-Mart contributed to the recent increase in food brokerage firms. Consolidation during the mid 1990's caused a decline in food brokers, which lead to a lack of...

Pepper Dining, Inc., an affiliate of Stamford, CT-based Olympus Partners, a private equity firm, reached an agreement with Brinker International, Inc. to acquire 89 company- owned Chili's Grill & Bar restaurants with plans to develop an additional 20-44 new franchised Chili's locations in areas.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... PEPPER DINING, INC., an affiliate of Stamford, CT-based OLYMPUS PARTNERS, a private equity firm, reached an agreement with BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, INC. to acquire 89 company- owned CHILI'S GRILL & BAR restaurants with plans to develop an...

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., signed through its subsidiary, Circle K Stores Inc., an agreement to purchase 13 stores in the Pensacola, FL market from Richcor, Inc., Pensacola.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... ALIMENTATION COUCHE-TARD INC., signed through its subsidiary, CIRCLE K STORES INC., an agreement to purchase 13 stores in the Pensacola, FL market from RICHCOR, INC., Pensacola. The 13 c-stores, currently operating under the GROOVIN NOOVIN...

Healthy Food Holdings, a portfolio company of private equity firm Catterton Partners Management Company, entered a definitive agreement to acquire Coolbrands Dairy, Inc., a subsidiary of Coolbrands International Inc.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... HEALTHY FOOD HOLDINGS, a portfolio company of private equity firm CATTERTON PARTNERS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, entered a definitive agreement to acquire COOLBRANDS DAIRY, INC., a subsidiary of COOLBRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. CoolBrands Dairy, Inc....

In separate news, Healthy Food Holdings completed the acquisition of Van's International Foods, Inc. from KCA Partners, Ltd. a San Francisco-based private equity firm.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... In separate news, HEALTHY FOOD HOLDINGS completed the acquisition of VAN'S INTERNATIONAL FOODS, INC. from KCA PARTNERS, LTD. a San Francisco-based private equity firm. Van's is the leading brand of all-natural and organic frozen waffles. The...

D'Ambrosio Bakery, L.L.C., a leading producer of specialty Italian style bread and rolls with executive offices in Berwyn, PA, and a bakery in Southwest Philadelphia, acquired the recipes, equipment and the customer list of Vilotti-Pisanelli Baking Co.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... D'AMBROSIO BAKERY, L.L.C., a leading producer of specialty Italian style bread and rolls with executive offices in Berwyn, PA, and a bakery in Southwest Philadelphia, acquired the recipes, equipment and the customer list of VILOTTI-PISANELLI...

Frandeli Franchise International, a California venture capital firm, purchased Central Ohio Restaurants Inc., operator of 28 Dayton, OH area Papa John's, from Mike Burke and partners.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... FRANDELI FRANCHISE INTERNATIONAL, a California venture capital firm, purchased CENTRAL OHIO RESTAURANTS INC., operator of 28 Dayton, OH area Papa John's, from Mike Burke and partners. The new owners retained Mr. Burke and staff to continue to...

Nath Cos. Inc., Bloomington, MN, sold 88 of its 89 Burger King franchises to Kinderhook Industries, a New York investment firm, for an undisclosed amount.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... NATH COS. INC., Bloomington, MN, sold 88 of its 89 BURGER KING franchises to KINDERHOOK INDUSTRIES, a New York investment firm, for an undisclosed amount. More than half of the restaurants are located in the Twin Cities area and the rest are in...

The Pantry, Inc., Sanford, NC, completed the acquisitions of eight convenience stores in Mississippi and Florida.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... THE PANTRY, INC., Sanford, NC, completed the acquisitions of eight convenience stores in Mississippi and Florida. Seven of the stores are in northern Mississippi, where they have been operating under the RASCAL'S name, and generated revenue of...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., Greenwood Village, CO, acquired a restaurant in Puyallup, WA.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
January 8, 2007... RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC., Greenwood Village, CO, acquired a restaurant in Puyallup, WA. The Puyallup restaurant is the final Red Robin restaurant to be acquired under the previously announced acquisition of 13 restaurants operated by...

CKE Restaurants, Inc., Carpinteria, CA, repurchased two million shares of its common stock from Pirate Capital, LLC, its largest shareholder.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... CKE RESTAURANTS, INC., Carpinteria, CA, repurchased two million shares of its common stock from PIRATE CAPITAL, LLC, its largest shareholder. Following the transaction, Pirate Capital's ownership stake in the company is about 7.2% of the total...

Dash Markets, a small chain of upscale supermarkets in upstate New York, is purchasing a Latina's market in Clarence from Latina Niagara Importing Co.(mergers and acquisitions)(Dash Markets)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... DASH MARKETS, a small chain of upscale supermarkets in upstate New York, is purchasing a LATINA'S market in Clarence from LATINA NIAGARA IMPORTING CO. The transaction is expected to close in February. Latina Niagara Importing Co. does not plan...

EZ Energy Ltd.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
January 8, 2007... Israel-based EZ ENERGY LTD. signed an agreement to buy 15 gas stations and conveniences stores on the U.S. East Coast for $15 million... Globes Online (Dec. 31)

In a separate transaction, EZ Energy Ltd. exchanged draft contracts to purchase 60 U.S. gas stations and convenience stores for $90 million.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
January 8, 2007... In a separate transaction, EZ ENERGY LTD. exchanged draft contracts to purchase 60 U.S. gas stations and convenience stores for $90 million... Globes Online (Dec. 31)

The Kemper Company, a new company formed by Adventure Funds, a Portland-based equity investment fund, purchased the Thomas Kemper Soda brand from Pyramid Breweries Inc.(mergers and acquisitions)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... THE KEMPER COMPANY, a new company formed by ADVENTURE FUNDS, a Portland-based equity investment fund, purchased the THOMAS KEMPER SODA brand from PYRAMID BREWERIES INC. Under the terms of the deal, Pyramid received $3.1 million in cash for...

Royal Hospitality Corp., a company affiliate of Atlanta-based Royal Capital Corp., will acquire Shoney's Restaurants from Shoney's LLC.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)
January 8, 2007... ROYAL HOSPITALITY CORP., a company affiliate of Atlanta-based ROYAL CAPITAL CORP., will acquire SHONEY'S RESTAURANTS from SHONEY'S LLC. Shoney's owns, operates and franchises 282 Shoney's Restaurants, 52 of which are franchisor-owned and 230...

Aramark Corporation, Philadelphia, unveiled a new urban-style bakery concept, Bleecker Street Cafe, to meet the demand for more fast-casual dining options on college campuses.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... ARAMARK CORPORATION, Philadelphia, unveiled a new urban-style bakery concept, BLEECKER STREET CAFE, to meet the demand for more fast-casual dining options on college campuses. Bleecker Street Cafe features freshly baked artisan breads, pastries...

7-Eleven.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
January 8, 2007... 7-ELEVEN will expand its offering of "better-for-you" foods at its 7,100 stores to include more fruits, vegetables, salads, sugar-free Slurpees and portion- and calorie-controlled foods. Other expansions will include additional energy and...

Organic To Go.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... ORGANIC TO GO, the nation's first fast-casual cafe to be certified as an organic retailer, ended 2006 with $10 million in sales. On tap for early 2007 are new retail, corporate and university locations in Southern California and Washington...

Sheetz, Inc., the Altoona, PA-based convenience store chain, significantly lowered prices on more than 20 menu items in its Made-To-Order lineup of subs, sandwiches and salads at its 329 stores.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... SHEETZ, INC., the Altoona, PA-based convenience store chain, significantly lowered prices on more than 20 menu items in its Made-To-Order lineup of subs, sandwiches and salads at its 329 stores. The new menu offers unlimited options, while...

Nascent Wine Company, Inc. signed an agreement to be the exclusive member of Bellissimo Foods Company, LLC in Mexico.(contracts)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... NASCENT WINE COMPANY, INC. signed an agreement to be the exclusive member of BELLISSIMO FOODS COMPANY, LLC in Mexico. Bellissimo Foods is a nationwide association of independent Italian food service distributor specialists. "The agreement to be...

Both Kraft Foods Inc. and Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA raised list prices on some coffee brands, citing a steady rise in green arabica bean prices.(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Both KRAFT FOODS INC. and MASSIMO ZANETTI BEVERAGE USA raised list prices on some coffee brands, citing a steady rise in green arabica bean prices. Zanetti's price increase included a 10-cent hike on 10.5- to 13-oz. equivalent cans of Hills...

Procter & Gamble.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... PROCTER & GAMBLE is raising the retail prices of its Folgers coffees due to the rise in prices for green arabica coffee beans, according to Reuters. The Cincinnati-based company will increase list prices by 4%, or 10 cents for 11.5-oz. of...

Southern Family Markets.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
January 8, 2007... SOUTHERN FAMILY MARKETS, Birmingham, AL, will close six stores in metro Birmingham on or before Jan. 20. Southern Family Markets operates stores in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi and 11 liquor stores in the Florida Panhandle... Fox 10

BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc., Natick, MA, plans to close its two Profoods Restaurant Supply locations, and its 46 in-club pharmacies.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
January 8, 2007... BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC., Natick, MA, plans to close its two PROFOODS RESTAURANT SUPPLY locations, and its 46 in-club pharmacies.

Fact Corporation, Freehold, NJ and Glenny's launched a Peanut Butter Brownie, the third of five-items to be rolled out this month by Glenny's, a Freeport, New York-based health-snack manufacturer.(Glenny)(Peanut Butter Brownie)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... FACT CORPORATION, Freehold, NJ and GLENNY'S launched a Peanut Butter Brownie, the third of five-items to be rolled out this month by Glenny's, a Freeport, New York-based health-snack manufacturer. The Peanut Butter Brownie is 75% organic, has 7...

Rutter's Farm Stores.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
January 8, 2007... RUTTER'S FARM STORES introduced eight new varieties of Numi-brand gourmet organic tea at each of its 50 convenience stores in Pennsylvania. Moroccan Mint, Berry Black (strawberries and raspberries blended with hibiscus, rosehips and...

Jimmy Dean launched Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls, which are available in three varieties--Sausage & Egg, Bacon & Egg and Pancakes & Sausage Links.(Sara Lee Corp. Jimmy Dean Foods Div.)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... JIMMY DEAN launched Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls, which are available in three varieties--Sausage & Egg, Bacon & Egg and Pancakes & Sausage Links. Each of the new frozen products comes in a microwave-ready bowl and can be prepared in two to three...

Minyard Food Stores Inc., Coppell, TX, inked an agreement to outsource its warehouse and distribution functions to Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), Kansas City, KS.(contracts)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... MINYARD FOOD STORES INC., Coppell, TX, inked an agreement to outsource its warehouse and distribution functions to ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS (AWG), Kansas City, KS. Minyard Food Stores will be AWG's largest co-op member and the transaction...

Pepperidge Farm, a unit of Campbell Soup Company, introduced Simply Delicious, a line of soft, whole grain breads.(grain breads)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... PEPPERIDGE FARM, a unit of CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY, introduced Simply Delicious, a line of soft, whole grain breads. The line will be available in three varieties: Soft Whole Grain White, Soft 100% Whole Wheat, and Soft Honey Wheat. The slices...

Country Choice Organic.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
January 8, 2007... COUNTRY CHOICE ORGANIC introduced two new organic flavors to its FIT KIDS lineup of hot cereals, Berry Blast and Caramel Apple. The cereals are made with whole grain organic oats and are fortified with calcium, iron and vitamins.

Survey shows larger stores, stronger sales.(Survey)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... WholeFoods Magazine's Annual Retailer Survey detailed several trends for stores which sell food in the 12 months ended Aug. 31, 2006. Positive highlights from the year include: * $1.3 million average reported store sales, their highest...

Latest financial reports.(Statistical table)
January 8, 2007... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago AMBEV (SAO PAULO, BRAZIL) * Qtr. To Sept. 30: Sales 4,337,319 10.9%...

Violet Packing, LLC.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Headquartered in Williamstown, NJ, Violet Packing consists of items packed under the Violet, Sclafani and Don Pepino labels in both retail and foodservice sizes. They include tomato products as well as processed peppers. Violet's products...

Grocery Outlet, Inc.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Grocery Outlet grew out of a business established by the late Jim Read in San Francisco during the mid-1940s. The company, initially called Cannery Sales, bought warehouse overstocks and sold them at huge discounts. Over the past four decades...

JustfoodERP.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... JustFoodERP, an Axentia company, provides a complete software and services package designed specifically for the food and beverage industry. JustFoodERP supports highly specialized requirements for the food processing and distribution industry...

Nontraditional store prices are much lower than traditional.(WASHINGTON)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Food prices at nontraditional retailers (such as WAL-MART, COSTCO and TARGET) continue to be significantly lower when compared with traditional retailers (conventional supermarkets, superstores and food-drug combination stores). For example,...

Cloned food cleared for human consumption by FDA.(WASHINGTON)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... FDA determined that meat and milk from clones of adult cattle, pigs and goats, and their offspring, are as safe to eat as food from conventionally bred animals, although the organization will not formally adopt its findings until early 2007....

U.S. organic egg and poultry market examined by USDA.(WASHINGTON)
January 8, 2007... The organic meat sector is one of the fastest growing segments of the organic food industry and poultry accounts for two-thirds of it, according to USDA's Economic Research Service's Organic Poultry and Eggs Capture High Price Premiums and...

LCDG Enterprise.(FDA WARNING LETTERS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... LCDG ENTERPRISE, Honolulu, HI was issued a warning letter on Dec. 12 by FDA, following an inspection on Sept. 15 and 18, 2006. FDA found that the company violated the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point regulation. These...

Washington Seafood Breading Mix, 2-lbs. plastic bags, is being recalled by Washington Quality Foods, Ellicott City, MD.(FROM FDA'S ENFORCEMENT REPORT)(Washington Seafood Breading)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Washington Seafood Breading Mix, 2-lbs. plastic bags, is being recalled by WASHINGTON QUALITY FOODS, Ellicott City, MD. The product was distributed in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maine, Missouri, and North...

Duncan Hines Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix is being recalled by Pinnacle Food Corp., Mountain Lakes, NJ.(FROM FDA'S ENFORCEMENT REPORT)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Duncan Hines Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix is being recalled by PINNACLE FOOD CORP., Mountain Lakes, NJ. The product was manufactured by BARRY CALLEBAUT LLC, Saint Albans, VT and was distributed nationwide. The firm initiated recall...

Reese Hollandaise Sauce, glass jars 7.5-oz. is being recalled by World Finer Foods, Inc., Bloomfield, NJ.(FROM FDA'S ENFORCEMENT REPORT)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Reese Hollandaise Sauce, glass jars 7.5-oz. is being recalled by WORLD FINER FOODS, INC., Bloomfield, NJ. The product was manufactured by ALLIED OLD ENGLISH INC., Port Reading, NJ and was distributed nationwide. The firm initiated recall began...

Hood Pasteurized 100% Apple Juice packaged in plastic half-gallon and pints with a sell by date of Nov. 14, 2006 is being recalled by H. P. Hood Inc., Chelsea, MA and was manufactured H. P. Hood LLC, Agawam, MA.(FROM FDA'S ENFORCEMENT REPORT)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Hood Pasteurized 100% Apple Juice packaged in plastic half-gallon and pints with a sell by date of Nov. 14, 2006 is being recalled by H. P. HOOD INC., Chelsea, MA and was manufactured H. P. HOOD LLC, Agawam, MA. The product was distributed...

Veron Hog Head Cheese, 5-lbs. packages with a sell-by date of Feb. 28, 2007 is being recalled by Pap's Louisiana Cuisine, Prairieville, LA. Approximately 290-lbs. of head cheese products were distributed throughout the state.(FROM FDA'S ENFORCEMENT REPORT)(Veron Hog Head Cheese)(product recalls)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Veron Hog Head Cheese, 5-lbs. packages with a sell-by date of Feb. 28, 2007 is being recalled by PAP'S LOUISIANA CUISINE, Prairieville, LA. Approximately 290-lbs. of head cheese products were distributed throughout the state. The firm initiated...

New cattle "rule" causes debate.(WASHINGTON)
January 8, 2007... The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) finished reviewing USDA's "Rule 2," which would liberalize the importation of beef and cattle to the U.S. Although it is far from being passed (after publication, there will be a 30 to 90 day comment...

Federal milk marketing orders.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)
January 8, 2007... FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDERS: Agricultural Marketing Service amended the manufacturing allowances contained in the Class III and Class IV product price formulas applicable to all Federal milk marketing orders. Specifically, this decision...

New shipper review on honey from China.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Public notice)
January 8, 2007... NEW SHIPPER REVIEW ON HONEY FROM CHINA: The Department of Commerce is conducting new shipper reviews of the antidumping duty order on honey from the People's Republic of China in response to requests from Inner Mongolia Altin Bee-Keeping Co.,...

Honey from Argentina.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Public notice)
January 8, 2007... HONEY FROM ARGENTINA: Department of Commerce is conducting an administrative review of the antidumping order on honey from Argentina. The period under review is from Dec. 1 2004- Nov. 20, 2005. The review covers four firms, one of which was...

Risk assessment on animal cloning.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... RISK ASSESSMENT ON ANIMAL CLONING: FDA is requesting comment on a draft risk assessment on animal cloning. FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine developed this draft risk assessment to evaluate the health risks to animals involved in the process...

Administrative review on honey from China.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)
January 8, 2007... ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW ON HONEY FROM CHINA: The Department of Commerce, in response to requests from interested parties, is conducting the fourth administrative review of the antidumping duty order on honey from the People's Republic of China....

Performance evaluation on Costal management programs.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... PERFORMANCE EVALUATION ON COSTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management intend to evaluate the performance of the Massachusetts Coastal Management Program, the...

The U.S. government and the produce industry are scrambling to make leafy greens safer before the spring planting season.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... The U.S. government and the produce industry are scrambling to make leafy greens safer before the spring planting season. In California, where most of the nation's green leafy vegetables are grown, farmers are poised to approve new labeling by...

High winds along the coastline of California damaged the avocado and citrus crops last week.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... High winds along the coastline of California damaged the avocado and citrus crops last week. In Santa Barbara County alone, officials estimate at least $20 million in losses. The county agricultural commissioner said nursery crops and lemons...

Produce.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
January 8, 2007... PARSLEY--Out of the Oxnard District of California demand is moderate with cartons bunched Curly 60s $16.45, occasionally higher and lower; and Plain 60s $12.45-$13.45, occasionally higher and lower. Meanwhile, the Agricultural Marketing...

Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
January 8, 2007... ASPARAGUS--Processor prices of 6/10 canned asparagus are between $35.75-$36.25, f.o.b. Midwest. Processor prices of asparagus in 24/300 cases are between $18.00-$18.50, f.o.b. Midwest. GREEN BEANS--Private label pricing for 24/300 Fancy Cut...

Tomato products.(MARKETS)
January 8, 2007... CANNED TOMATOES--Processed tomato stocks on hand as of Dec. 1 totaled 8.2 million raw product equivalent tons, an increase of 2% compared to a year ago. Movement between June 1 and Dec. 1 was 5.3 million tons, down 15% from 2006. U.S....

Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)
January 8, 2007... POTATOES--As of Dec. 1, total French fry holdings were down 6% from last year. The Pacific region, saw a 11% decrease over 2005. REGIONAL HOLDINGS OF FROZEN FRENCH FRIES--DEC. 1 (Source: USDA) 1,000 Pounds: 2006 ...

Canned fruits.(MARKETS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... PEARS--Prices of Northwest Bartlett pears in 24/300 cans, choice heavy syrup, are around $14.50 to $15.50, f.o.b. Northwest. APPLESAUCE--Prices on applesauce in plastic jars are around $9.00 to $9.50, f.o.b. Northwest. OLIVES--As of...

The Department of Commerce implemented Amendment 16-4 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan and set the 2007-2008 harvest specifications for groundfish in the U.S. exclusive economic zones off the coast of Washington, Oregon, and California.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... The Department of Commerce implemented Amendment 16-4 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan and set the 2007-2008 harvest specifications for groundfish in the U.S. exclusive economic zones off the coast of Washington, Oregon,...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)
January 8, 2007... FLOUNDER/SOLE--NMFS apportioned amounts of the non-specified reserve of groundfish to the initial total allowable catch for arrowtooth flounder and flathead sole in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. The 2006 initial total...

Dried vegetables.
January 8, 2007... DRIED BEANS--Trading within the market remains slow following the holiday season. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION OF DRY EDIBLE BEANS Source: USDA, ERS 1997 7.4 1998 7.3 1999 7.8 2000 ...

Dried fruit & nuts.(MARKETS)
January 8, 2007... APPLES--Chinese imported apple rings are priced around $1.45 per pound for 20 kg cases, domestic apples rings in 25 lb. cases are trading around $2.50 per pound, both ex-warehouse New Jersey. CRANBERRIES--Prices on 25 lb. cases of dried...

Frozen fruits.
January 8, 2007... STRAWBERRIES--Sliced totem 4+1 berries are trading around 97 cents per pound, f.o.b. Northwest. IQF whole totem berries are trading between $1.05 and $1.07 per pound, f.o.b. Northwest. As of Dec. 1, cold storage stocks totaled 231.4 million...

Butter.(MARKETS)
January 8, 2007... BUTTER BUTTER MARKET, JAN. 5 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 1/5/07 12/22/06 Chge. Grade AA 1.2000 1.2500 -0.05

Cheese.(MARKETS)
January 8, 2007... CHEESE CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET JAN. 5 Cents Per Pound: 1/5/2007 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 1.3283 N/A Blocks (40-lbs.) 1.3367 N/A

Eggs.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... EGGS EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS JAN. 5 (Source: USDA) Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Cents per dozen: 5-Jan. 22-Dec. Chge. Extra Large-NY 90-94 83-87 +7 Large-NY ...

Chicken.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
January 8, 2007... CHICKEN PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF JAN. 8 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 65-68 N/A Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too...

Futures prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... FUTURES PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash Jan. Mar. As of Jan. 5, 2007: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $3.40 3.6225 (Mar.) 3.7175...

Commodity prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last 5-Jan ...

Juices & concentrates.(MARKETS)
January 8, 2007... ORANGE JUICE--Tropicana unveiled that their Healthy Heart orange juice containing Omega-3 fatty acids will be on grocery shelves by the week of Jan. 8. Tropicana reviewed research indicating that half of all baby boomers seek Omega-3s because...

Farm prices.(Statistical table)
January 8, 2007... FARM PRICES WHAT FARMERS WERE PAID FOR FARM PRODUCTS -- DEC. (Source: USDA) % Chge. % Chge. Commodity & Unit Dec. Last Mo. Last Yr. Beans, Dry Edible,...

A&P reports profitability, reveals plans for 2007.(Financial report)
January 15, 2007... The GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA CO., INC. (A&P) experienced a return to profitability in its fiscal third quarter of 2006 and revealed plans for this year in a recent conference call. The grocery retailer attributed its financial progress to...

Kosher food is popular, website helps with ingredients ...(www.oudirect.com)
January 15, 2007... In line with the increasing popularity of certified kosher foods among both Jewish and non-Jewish consumers, the ORTHODOX UNION KOSHER DIVISION (OU) launched a six-part website--www.oudirect.com--designed to provide a vast amount of information...

Americans continue to dine out.(fast food restaurants)(Brief article)
January 15, 2007... Americans are consuming more of their caloric intake from full-service and fast-food restaurants. Between the late 1970s and the middle 1990s, the share of daily caloric intake from food eaten away from home increased from 18% to 32%, according...

Association releases guide to understanding % cocoa.(Chocolate Manufacturers Association of the U.S.A.)
January 15, 2007... As consumers' interest in the benefits of chocolate increases, the CHOCOLATE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (CMA) released an online guide for consumers on, Making Sense of % Cacao. The guide is designed to help consumers better understand the cacao...

Novel breakfast concepts branching out.(The Cereal Bowl, a breakfast cafe)(Brief article)
January 15, 2007... THE CEREAL BOWL, a unique breakfast cafe that debuted in Miami last year, will franchise its concept by opening several locations in South Florida. Since opening, the company received more than 2,000 franchise requests and investment inquiries....