The Food Institute Report articles from June 2006

The Food Institute Report archives from June 2006

Higher gas prices may cut into restaurant sales.(prices of gases)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... In May 2006, 24%, of consumers claimed that fluctuating gas prices had "no major impact" on their spending, compared to 43% in May 2004, according to BIGRESEARCH survey of 7,000 consumers. The study also found that 33.3% of consumers with an...

Heinz details growth plan & will introduce over 100 new products in 2007-2008.(growth of the company)
June 5, 2006... During the next two years, H.J. HEINZ COMPANY plans to achieve $355 million in cost savings and $145 million in trade spend reductions, according to its Superior Value and Growth Plan for fiscal years 2007 and 2008. The company's growth plan...

Predicting the future of retailing.(forecasts of retail trade)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... When presented with a series of potential trends and scenarios, 70.7% of retailers projected that a major retailer will have its debit and credit card database compromised in five years, while more than 90% think this will happen in 10 years,...

New study examines family nutrition purchases ...(survey of health foods)
June 5, 2006... Shoppers are purchasing organic products for health reasons and they most often purchase these goods at supermarkets, according to a new report by the FOOD MARKETING INSTITUTE (FMI) and Prevention magazine. Over 60% of consumers that were...

... Restaurant diners want nutrition with taste.(survey of health foods)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... About half of consumers say they always make an effort to eat healthy when dining out, but 36% never actually request healthy substitutions when ordering and 53% rarely order from a "healthy menu," according to a survey by the NATIONAL...

Food makers marketing healthy foods to kids' "pester power".(nutritional aspects of food items)
June 5, 2006... The food industry spent an estimated $10 billion on direct marketing aimed toward children in 2004, according to Prepared Foods KidsFoodTrends. Those dollars not only influence family purchases in the grocery store, but also allow marketers to...

Upcoming concept ... the chocolate lounge.(product introduction of candies)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... The chocolate lounge is an increasingly popular concept in food entertainment, found especially in upscale urban areas, offering consumers an alternative venue post-dinner for a desert or a warm drink. The idea behind this concept can be...

Outlook for soy healthy, consumer attitudes profiled.(mangement of health foods)
June 5, 2006... The trend toward healthy eating, improved perception of soy products, and advances in manufacturing technology are among the factors contributing to soy's continued growth, outlined Whole Foods. Soyfoods have grown dramatically in the past...

Spending $100 at the supermarket: where consumers dollars go.(management of food industry)
June 5, 2006... In an analysis of how $100 is spent on a supermarket visit, the perishable category as a whole, took the largest share ($50.31) of purchases. In this category, meat, fish and poultry were the top items purchased, averaging $13.20 per trip,...

The ICEE company, Ontario, CA-based subsidiary of J & J Snack Foods Corp., Pennsauken, NJ, acquired the Slush Puppie branded business from Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc., Plano TX, a Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages Company, in turn a division of London-based Cadbury Schweppes Plc.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... THE ICEE COMPANY, Ontario, CA-based subsidiary of J & J SNACK FOODS CORP., Pennsauken, NJ, acquired the SLUSH PUPPIE branded business from DR PEPPER/SEVEN UP, INC., Plano TX, a CADBURY SCHWEPPES AMERICAS BEVERAGES COMPANY, in turn a division of...

John Dewar & Co., a 28-year-old butcher and gourmet specialty store company in Massachusetts, will merge into T.F. Kinnealey & Co., Boston, a premier supplier of meat to fine restaurants, hotels and resorts in the U.S. and overseas.(John Dewar and Co acquisitions T.F. Kinnealey and Co)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... JOHN DEWAR & CO., a 28-year-old butcher and gourmet specialty store company in Massachusetts, will merge into T.F. KINNEALEY & CO., Boston, a premier supplier of meat to fine restaurants, hotels and resorts in the U.S. and overseas. T.F....

Tampa Maid Foods Inc., a Lakeland, FL-based seafood processing company, acquired Cox's Wholesale Seafood Inc., a Tampa-based domestic shrimp processor that processes Key West pink shrimp for distribution to grocery stores.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... TAMPA MAID FOODS INC., a Lakeland, FL-based seafood processing company, acquired COX'S WHOLESALE SEAFOOD INC., a Tampa-based domestic shrimp processor that processes Key West pink shrimp for distribution to grocery stores. Cox's Wholesale will...

Marsh Supermarkets Inc., received an unsolicited bid to be acquired for $13.625 per share in cash--an offer that is higher than one the company already accepted from Sun Capital Partners.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... MARSH SUPERMARKETS INC., received an unsolicited bid to be acquired for $13.625 per share in cash--an offer that is higher than one the company already accepted from SUN CAPITAL PARTNERS. Marsh received a letter dated May 22 with the bid from...

Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management raised its stake in Wendy's International Inc. to 6.9% from 5.7%.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Nelson Peltz's TRIAN FUND MANAGEMENT raised its stake in WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC. to 6.9% from 5.7%. In an amended ownership filing with the SEC, Mr. Peltz said he owned almost 8 million shares in Wendy's as of May 30.

Safeway.(growth of the company)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * SAFEWAY'S "lifestyle" store format brought the company recent growth, according to CEO Steve Burd. The grocer spent $1.2 billion on the format program in fiscal 2004 and $1.4 billion last year, and will spend $1.6 billion during 2006 to build...

Shareholders approved the sale of much of Albertsons Inc. to Supervalu Inc.(acquisitions)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * Shareholders approved the sale of much of ALBERTSONS INC. to SUPERVALU INC. The deal gained approval from 98% of voting Albertson's shareholders and 92.6% of Supervalu shareholders. The acquisition is expected to close in early June... CBS...

Callisons Inc.(product introduction)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * CALLISONS INC. introduced Callisons Seasoned Skewers. The wooden skewers, infused with essential oils and fresh flavors, are available in six flavors: Citrus Rosemary, Mexican Fiesta, Honey Bourbon, Garlic Herb, Thai Coconut Lime, and Indian...

Frito-Lay.(cases of snack food industry)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * FRITO-LAY'S chips that contain olestra will bear more prominent labels alerting consumers to the presence of the fat substitute. The change wards off a lawsuit that a consumer group threatened on behalf of a woman who said the snacks gave her...

An increasing number of supermarkets in the Washington, DC area are stocking shelves with Hispanic products.(facilities of Goya foods inc.,)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * An increasing number of supermarkets in the Washington, DC area are stocking shelves with Hispanic products. One of GIANT'S newest area stores, considered a prototype, has the chain's largest selection of products from Mexico and Central and...

Ginsberg Bakery.(expansion of Ginsberg Bakery)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * GINSBERG BAKERY is expanding its wholesale operation with a 5,200-sq. ft. addition at its Atlantic City, NJ plant. The project will accommodate a new bagel line with an 80-ft. oven, a bagel cooker/boiler and product handling conveyor belts...

Gold Medal.(product introduction)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * GOLD MEDAL will begin to offer Harvest King flour--specially formulated to produce wholesome, full-flavored artisan breads--to retail consumers in September. The flour was previously available only to professional artisan bakers... Food...

Sales of HORMEL'S case-ready meats rose 75% from a year ago, despite consumer advocates who criticized its treatment of packaged meat with carbon monoxide.(cases of meat industry)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * Sales of HORMEL'S case-ready meats rose 75% from a year ago, despite consumer advocates who criticized its treatment of packaged meat with carbon monoxide. Exports of Hormel's Spam climbed by 37%, while sales of its new line of case-ready...

Masterfoods USA is dropping its 5-year-old nickname and returning to the Mars Inc. name.(names)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * Masterfoods USA is dropping its 5-year-old nickname and returning to the MARS INC. name. The name change is the final step in the decentralization begun last October of Mars' top three U.S. divisions--snacks, food and pet food--and a return...

MBA Poultry.(new facilities)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * MBA POULTRY experienced trouble transitioning into a two-plant operation since building its new chicken-processing plant in Waverly, NE, according to a company official. One supermarket chain said that the transition could lead to some...

McDonald's prepared an advertising campaign to reassure customers that its chicken is safe, should there be an avian-flu outbreak in the U.S.(fountain drinks)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * MCDONALD'S prepared an advertising campaign to reassure customers that its chicken is safe, should there be an avian-flu outbreak in the U.S. McDonald's also is reviewing its beverage sales strategy at about 15 Texas restaurants, where it is...

McNeil Nutritionals, LLC.(No Calorie Sweetener)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * MCNEIL NUTRITIONALS, LLC introduced SPLENDA QUICK PACK Pouches, pre-measured packages that are equivalent in sweetness to one cup of sugar and specially formulated for use in a pitcher of unsweetened drink mixes like Kool-Aid. In conjunction...

Miller Brewing Co.(caffeinated malt beverage)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * MILLER BREWING CO. launched a caffeinated malt beverage called Mickey's Stinger featuring an infusion of caffeine, guarana and taurine. Mickey's Stinger, containing seven percent alcohol, comes in 16-ounce single-serve cans and six-packs of...

The Minute Maid brand of frozen novelties is expanding with the introduction of Minute Maid Soft Frozen Lemonade and Raspberry and Minute Maid Soft Frozen Limeade and Cherry.(contracts)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * The Minute Maid brand of frozen novelties is expanding with the introduction of Minute Maid Soft Frozen Lemonade and Raspberry and Minute Maid Soft Frozen Limeade and Cherry. The Minute Maid frozen novelties are produced by J&J SNACK FOODS...

Papa John's International, Inc.(Chicken Fajita pizzas)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL, INC., Louisville, KY, launched Sizzlin' Steak and Sizzlin' Chicken Fajita pizzas. The Fajita pizza features a southwestern flavored pizza sauce with a side cup of salsa verde for dipping.

Tate & Lyle Plc.(ethanol plant)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * TATE & LYLE PLC plans to build a $260 million ethanol plant in Fort Dodge, IA. The first phase, to be completed in March 2009, would provide the plant the capacity to process 150,000 bushels of corn per day. When the second phase is...

After unsuccessfully exploring the sale its Vinny T's of Boston restaurants, Minneapolis-based Buca Inc. will keep the restaurant chain and concentrate on converting some or all of the restaurants.(locations)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... * After unsuccessfully exploring the sale its VINNY T'S OF BOSTON restaurants, Minneapolis-based BUCA INC. will keep the restaurant chain and concentrate on converting some or all of the restaurants into BUCA DI BEPPO locations.

Giant Eagle opened its first Getgo Superette.(Supermarket News)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... GIANT EAGLE opened its first GETGO SUPERETTE, a 5,000-sq.ft. expanded version of its GetGo fuel and convenience store chain in Wilkinsburg, PA... Supermarket News

Village Inn Restaurants, a brand of Vicorp Restaurants, Inc., will open an eatery.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... VILLAGE INN RESTAURANTS, a brand of VICORP RESTAURANTS, INC., will open an eatery on June 26 in Cedar Park, TX.

Wisconsin's Penzey's Spices opened a stall in the Grand Central Market.(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Wisconsin's PENZEY'S SPICES opened a stall in the Grand Central Market, in New York's Grand Central

Target Stores signed a letter of intent with Westfield Corp. to open a store in Westfield.(contracts)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... TARGET STORES signed a letter of intent with WESTFIELD CORP. to open a store in Westfield, CA's Downtown Plaza mall.

Cheesecake Factory.(new facilities)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... CHEESECAKE FACTORY is opening a 10,209-sq. ft. restaurant in Omaha, NE... Omaha World Herald (May 24).

Piggly Wiggly is opening a store, on May 26, in Sunset, NC.(new facilities)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... PIGGLY WIGGLY is opening a store, on May 26, in Sunset, NC. The 38,000-sq. ft. store includes a hand-scooped ice cream station, a pizza and sub station, a STARBUCKS COFFEE SHOP and a wine cellar... StarNewsOnline.com (May 24).

Whole Foods.(contracts)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... WHOLE FOODS signed a 20-year deal for a store in Tempe, AZ... AZCentral.com...

Kroger Co. opened a 101,000-sq. ft. Kroger Marketplace store.(new facilities)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... KROGER CO. opened a 101,000-sq. ft. KROGER MARKETPLACE store in Dublin, OH

Trader Joe's.(new locations)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... TRADER JOE'S will open a location in Pittsburgh, PA later this year... Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (May 25).

Fresh Market.(new facilities)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... A FRESH MARKET will open in Wellington, FL... Palm Beach Post.

Latest financial reports.(table)(Table)(Financial report)
June 5, 2006... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago BRIDGFORD FOODS CORP. (ANAHEIM, CA) 12 Wks. To Apr. 14: Sales ...

Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc.(facilities)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Founded in 1983, Burlington, VT-based Bruegger's Enterprises is a leader in the quick, casual restaurant segment with 242 neighborhood bakery-cafes in 17 states. The company's menu hosts a wide variety of authentic boiled and baked bagels,...

Champaca Company, LTD.(management of Champaca Company, Ltd)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... One of the Food Institute first members from Thailand, Champaca Company, Ltd. has 30 years experience in Thailand's exports of Canned Seafood and Fruits. Champaca specializes in developing and managing Private Label programs for customers all...

Supervalu Inc.(sales and earnings of the company)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... SUPERVALU INC., a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest companies in the U.S. grocery channel. With annual revenues of approximately $20 billion, Eden Prairie, MN-based SUPERVALU holds leading market share positions with its more than...

Update on thresholds for major food allergens and gluten in food.(rules for food industry)
June 5, 2006... FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) has made available an updated version of its report entitled, "Approaches to Establish Thresholds for Major Food Allergens and for Gluten in Food." The report was summarized for Food...

FDA issues warning letters.(Food and Drug Administr)
June 5, 2006... FDA's Maitland, FL office issued four warning letters to: DEL MAR SEAFOOD INC. of Miami, FL, following an inspection from Apr. 10-12, 2006, was found to have a serious violation of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point...

Food product recalls reported.(product recalls)
June 5, 2006... The May 31 FDA Enforcement Report included the following food product recalls: ARNOLD brand Country Classics OAT BRAN Bread was recalled by ARNOLD FOODS COMPANY, INC, Horsham, PA, and made by GEORGE WESTON BAKERIES, INC., Gastonia, NC. The...

Increase low calorie away-from-home choices away, says report.(Preventing Weight Gain and Obesity)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... FDA received a report that could help American industry and entitled the "Keystone Forum on Away-From-Home Foods: Opportunities for Preventing Weight Gain and Obesity," that provides recommendations from experts in industry, government, civic...

Noted in the federal register.(Advertisement)
June 5, 2006... WIC Payments: The Food and Nutrition Service implemented provision to the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 to create uniform regulations related to the disregard of overpayments in the National School Lunch Program, School...

Albertsons Inc. agreed to pay $2 million to settle a consumer-protection case.(Albertsons Inc. agreed to pay $2 million to settle a consumer-protection case )(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... ... Albertsons Inc. agreed to pay $2 million to settle a consumer-protection case brought by three California counties and the city of San Diego that accused the supermarket chain of overcharging consumers by improperly weighing salads and bulk...

Consumer group Food & Water Watch again urged FDA to rescind its approval of the use of carbon monoxide in case-ready meat packaging.(approval of the use of carbon monoxide )(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... ... Consumer group Food & Water Watch again urged FDA to rescind its approval of the use of carbon monoxide in case-ready meat packaging. The group pointed to a poll by SupermarketGuru.com in Facts, Figures & the Future that consumers are...

On the eve of a self-imposed deadline, Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska will propose legislation to halt U.S. imports of Japanese beef.(imports of beef )(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... ... On the eve of a self-imposed deadline, Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska will propose legislation to halt U.S. imports of Japanese beef. Under Nelson's proposal, Japan would be given 30 days to restore trade before imports would be stopped. A...

FSIS announced an initiative to provide the assistance necessary for small and very small meat-processing plant owners to improve their food safety programs.(YOU SHOULD KNOW ....)(Food Safety and Inspection Service)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... ... FSIS announced an initiative to provide the assistance necessary for small and very small meat-processing plant owners to improve their food safety programs. The program will feature a toll free number, webpage and better access to technical...

An Albertsons store employee filed a lawsuit against Albertsons' board of directors and Chief Executive Officer Larry Johnston, demanding that Johnston be denied his golden parachute if the company's sale is approved by shareholders.(cases of Albertsons directors and Chief Executive Officer)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... ... An Albertsons store employee filed a lawsuit against Albertsons' board of directors and Chief Executive Officer Larry Johnston, demanding that Johnston be denied his golden parachute if the company's sale is approved by shareholders. The...

Dunkin' Donuts is requiring all of its franchisees to participate in the Basic Pilot Program, which allows employers to verify a worker's status using online databases from the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.(YOU SHOULD KNOW ....)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... ... Dunkin' Donuts is requiring all of its franchisees to participate in the Basic Pilot Program, which allows employers to verify a worker's status using online databases from the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland...

By 2016, a major shortfall of veterinarians, which specialize in handling livestock could impact food safety.(management of food safety)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... ... By 2016, a major shortfall of veterinarians, which specialize in handling livestock could impact food safety according to a study by Kansas State University's College of Business Administration, reported The New York Times on the Web.

The U.S. and Vietnam signed a trade pact.(contracts)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... ... The U.S. and Vietnam signed a trade pact removing one of the last major hurdles in Hanoi's bid to join the World Trade Organization.

Legislation was passed allowing Arizonans to receive shipments from out-of-state wineries.(rules for wineries)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Legislation was passed allowing Arizonans to receive shipments from out-of-state wineries and small wineries in Arizona and other states to ship directly to consumers, reported AZCentral.com.

Produce.(MARKETS)(Market overview)
June 5, 2006... STRAWBERRIES--The Salinas/Watsonville district of California is now the primary shipping district followed by Santa Maria, CA. Shippers in all areas have fully recovered from the rainstorm on May 21. Current quality is very strong and the fruit...

Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)(Table)(Market overview)
June 5, 2006... USDA HAS PURCHASED CANNED DRIED BEANS Deliveries between Jul. 1 - Sep. 30, 2006 * Cases Total Cost Vegetarian Beans, 24/300 38,250 $309,779 Hoopeston Foods, Inc. 19,890...

Tomato products.(MARKETS)
June 5, 2006... Planting of processing tomatoes continues throughout California as weather conditions have improved, but the season will be delayed a few weeks as a result of the early poor weather conditions. In Ohio, processing tomatoes are 28% planted,...

Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)
June 5, 2006... POTATOES--As of Apr. 1, exports of French fries totaled 292.1 million pounds, up 4% from the same time last year. Shipments to Japan climbed to 121.1 million pounds, an increase of 4% from the same period in 2005. Shipments to Mexico were up 9%...

Canned fruits.(MARKETS)(Market overview)
June 5, 2006... USDA OFFERS TO BUY CANNED FRUITS Case Size Cases * Deliveries between Jul. 1 - Sep. 30, 2006 * Pears 24/300 16,200 * Deliveries between Jul. 1 - Nov. 15 2006 * Peaches 24/300 9,720...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
June 5, 2006... SHRIMP--Gulf shrimp landings as of May 1 totaled 15.6 million pounds, up 32% from one year ago. Louisiana continues to lead the Gulf production, bringing in 5.0 million pounds, followed by Texas' 4.6 million pounds. GULF OF MEXICO SHRIMP...

Dried vegetables.(MARKETS)
June 5, 2006... USDA HAS PURCHASED DRY EDIBLE BEANS * Shipments between July 1 - Sept. 30, 2006 * Cases Total Cost Pinto Beans (12/2 lb.) 90,720 $616,167 Aileen Quirk and Sons, Inc....

Dried fruit & nuts.(MARKETS)(Market overview)
June 5, 2006... WALNUTS--Strong demand for California walnuts is encouraging nut marketers. The California Walnut Commission said farmers harvested a record-sized crop last fall, but that additional demand absorbed the increased supply. The commission...

Frozen fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
June 5, 2006... STRAWBERRIES--Domestic IQF asking prices are between 75 and 80 cents per pound, f.o.b. California. Rains hampered strawberry harvesting and fruit quality in Monterey County, CA. The harvest continued in the San Joaquin Valley, CA, with no...

Butter.(MARKETS)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... BUTTER BUTTER MARKET, JUN. 2 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 6/2/2006 5/26/2006 Chge. Grade AA 1.1763 1.1745 +0.0018

Cheese.(MARKETS)(Table)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... CHEESE CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET JUN. 2 Cents Per Pound: 6/2/2006 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 1.2050 +0.0150 Blocks (40-lbs.) 1.2088 -0.0062

Eggs.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... EGGS EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS JUN. 2 Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Cents per dozen: 2-Jun 26-May Chge. Extra Large-NY 78-82 72-76 +6 Large-NY 76-80...

Chicken.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... CHICKEN PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF JUN. 5 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 57-60 56-59 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too...

Futures prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... FUTURES PRICES Cash July Sep. As of Jun. 2, 2006: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $2.26 $2.55 $2.66 Soybeans,...

Commodity prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... COMMODITY PRICES Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last 2-Jun 26-May Year Steers,...

Juices & concentrates.(MARKETS)(National Grape Cooperative )
June 5, 2006... USDA OFFERS TO BUY--USDA is planning to purchase up to 1.5 million pounds of frozen red raspberry puree for donation to the Child Nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs. Contact USDA for more information at 202-720-4517. ...

Old Orchard Brands introduced a line of premium 100% fruit juices and juice blends that are made with antioxidant-rich fruit.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... Old Orchard Brands introduced a line of premium 100% fruit juices and juice blends that are made with antioxidant-rich fruit. The shelf-stable juices are available in Pomegranate, Blackcurrant and Blackcurrant-Pomegranate varieties and have no...

XStream Beverage Group, Inc. signed an exclusive licensing agreement for its Maui Juice Brand with Kennesaw Fruit & Juice.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
June 5, 2006... XStream Beverage Group, Inc. signed an exclusive licensing agreement for its Maui Juice Brand with Kennesaw Fruit & Juice. Under the terms of the agreement, Kennesaw Fruit and Juice, based in Pompano, Florida, will have exclusive use of the...

Solid performance among chain restaurants seen.(Industry overview)
June 12, 2006... The U.S. top 500 chain restaurants showed stable growth in 2005 with 7% annual sales growth and unit growth of 4.3%. Nationwide sales for the top 500 chain restaurants rose about $199.9 billion in 2005, up $13 billion over a year earlier on a...

Conagra expands ethanol production.(Brief article)
June 12, 2006... CONAGRA TRADE GROUP, part of CONAGRA FOODS, INC., is taking steps to expand its participation in the rapidly growing ethanol and biodiesel markets. "Agriculture now is being pulled into the much larger energy market," according to Gregory A...

Top food retailing trends.(Brief article)(Market overview)
June 12, 2006... Consumers have changed in terms of a desire for product variety, health information and specific products and services designed for specific populations. "Supermarket Guru" Phil Lempert outlined some top trends for U.S. consumers and the...

Meat processors unveil 2006 expansion plans.(Industry overview)
June 12, 2006... Several meat processors recently announced significant additions and expansions to their production facilities, making 2006 a significant year for capital spending projects. One reason for the expansions is that companies that once were little...

Specialty product market growth continues.(Market overview)
June 12, 2006... Almost 5,200 new specialty foods products were launched in 2005, according to MINTEL Global New Products Database (GNPD). New specialty product introductions increased 25% from 2000, reflecting the industry's continued upward climb. In 2005,...

BAA PLC accepted a $19 billion takeover bid from a Consortium led by Spain's Grupo Ferrovial, rejecting a higher offer from a group led by Goldman Sachs.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
June 12, 2006... BAA PLC accepted a $19 billion takeover bid FROM A CONSORTIUM LED BY SPAIN'S GRUPO FERROVIAL, rejecting a higher offer from a group led by GOLDMAN SACHS. BAA PLC operates food, beverage and retail locations at BOSTON LOGAN INTERNATIONAL...

Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc., South San Francisco, signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of convenience store distributor Klein Candy Co. L.P. for approximately $65 million dollars.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
June 12, 2006... CORE-MARK HOLDING COMPANY, INC., South San Francisco, signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of convenience store distributor KLEIN CANDY CO. L.P. for approximately $65 million dollars. Core-Mark is a...