The Food Institute Report articles from March 2004

The Food Institute Report archives from March 2004

Impact of CA strike may be long lasting for chains.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Although Albertsons Inc., Safeway Inc. and Kroger Co. reached a tentative agreement with union officials in Southern California to end the largest strike in the U.S. grocery industry as we went to press on Feb. 27, their battle to refill store...

Real supermarket sales rose 1.9% in January, while restaurants soared 9.8%.
March 1, 2004... In the first look at "real" or deflated sales for 2004, grocery store sales in January advanced 1.9% above a year earlier, according to preliminary estimates by The Food Institute that take into account changes in consumer food prices. This is...

Peapod readies service center to serve Rhode Island.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... In Rhode Island, Peapod's internet grocery shopping and delivery will be centralized from a warehouse or "store within a store" at the Park Square Stop & Shop in North Smithfield. The 7,000-sq. ft. mezzanine area being converted for internet...

Meijer tests new formats for its stores.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Meijer Inc. has aggressive remodeling projects planned for its 158 stores along with several new stores in the next few years. It is testing new grocery and general merchandise strategies at two stores near its Grand Rapids, MI headquarters,...

Sheetz looks to grow by 10% annually.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Last year, convenience store chain Sheetz had about $2.4 billion in sales and it aims to grow by 10% annually. To accomplish this, it recently opened a $23 million distribution facility, employs three registered chefs who develop menu items and...

Restaurants aim to personalize service.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... A growing number of restaurants are using computer software to identify individual preferences and customize service for patrons, reported The Denver Post (Feb. 22). When people call to make a reservation, their names and phone number are put...

NYC white-tablecloth restaurants aim to please diners with takeout.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... New Yorkers who are willing to spend their money on restaurant food, but still crave the comforts of home, are driving a new trend: white-tablecloth takeout, reported Crain's New York Business (Feb. 9). Diners like the idea of saving money on a...

More California restaurants using precooked food.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... In California dining rooms, customers likely will encounter more precooked meals instead of ones made from scratch, thanks to high labor costs. Soaring workers. Compensation insurance rates are having an impact. To trim labor expenses, more...

Foodservice spending at hospitals down in 2003.
March 1, 2004... Total meal volume at 100 hospitals (comprised of 50 hospitals that self-operate foodservice and 50 that outsource it) declined 4.5% last year, due to the growth of outpatient facilities and continuing reductions in length of patient stay. As a...

Canada's commercial foodservice sales will reach $35 billion in 2004.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Canada's commercial foodservice industry, which includes full-service restaurants, limited-service restaurants, bars and caterers, is forecast to recover throughout 2004 and 2005 as tourism and global economies continue to improve, according to...

Broadliner expands into the mid-Atlantic region.
March 1, 2004... Ducansville, PA-based distributor W.S. Lee & Sons, Inc. launched several aggressive growth initiatives that boosted sales 8.3% last year. The broadliner, which now considers itself a Mid-Atlantic regional distributor rather than a central...

Study benchmarks operating results.(IFDA Foodservice Distributor Productivity Financial Report )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The median foodservice distributor in the 2003 IFDA Foodservice Distributor Productivity Financial Report increased sales 3.9% in 2002 over 2001. Those companies in the survey with the highest return on assets reported a median of 11.1% of...

Albertsons Inc.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Albertsons Inc. plans to open new "price impact" stores in multiple cities across the U.S. The new division will operate separately from Albertsons. traditional food and drug operations. Albertsons will also reduce its divisions from 11 to...

The Morningstar Foods.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Morningstar Foods plant in Madison, WI will close on June 5. The company plans to move production of cottage cheese, sour cream, coffee creamers and whipping cream to plants that are closer to customers.

TIC Gums.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... TIC Gums launched a pre-hydrated gum arabic that it claims is a low carbohydrate solution for the growing snack and energy bars sector... Food Production Daily (Feb. 27)

General Mills is developing an "Ultimate Doughnut" for a major supermarket chain that it says will rival the quality of Krispy Kreme.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... General Mills is developing an "Ultimate Doughnut" for a major supermarket chain that it says will rival the quality of Krispy Kreme. General Mills is also helping its retail customers roll out chocolate chunk brownies, bite-sized scones and...

Chi-Chi.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... As part of its bankruptcy reorganization, Chi-Chi's restaurant chain closed 26 restaurants that were underperforming. The closure affects restaurants in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Wisconsin and Indiana... The...

Heartland Pork Enterprises Inc.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Heartland Pork Enterprises Inc., the second-largest Iowa-based hog producer and the 13th biggest in the U.S., is wrestling with serious financial problems and is for sale, according to a confidential memorandum received by The Des Moines...

McDonald.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... McDonald's is planning to almost double its outlets in China ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The burger chain also agreed on a new eight-year deal to sponsor the games... BBC News (Feb. 26)

Overhill Farms, Inc.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Overhill Farms, Inc. entered into an exclusive agreement to produce and market frozen Chinese cuisine products under the Panda Express brand in retail grocery and club store chains.

Perdue Farms.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Perdue Farms will cease operations at its DeFuniak Springs, FL processing plant, effective Apr. 21... Salisbury Daily Times (Feb. 21)

Wild Oats Markets.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Wild Oats Markets plans to open 15 stores this year to add to the 102 in the U.S. and Canada.

Minute Maid.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Minute Maid launched a line of low-calorie juice drinks called Minute Maid Light. The new beverages add three new flavors to the very successful Minute Maid Light Lemonade already on the market. The three new flavors are Minute Maid Light...

Pizza Hut, Inc.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Pizza Hut, Inc. launched pre-packaged, family-size salads for delivery and carry-out nationwide. The Fresh Express Ranch Salad Kits, which serve a family of four and cost $2.99, include romaine and iceberg lettuce, cabbage and carrots with...

Ben & Jerry's has its sights set on Texas, in particular Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Ben & Jerry's has its sights set on Texas, in particular Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. Over the next several years, San Antonio could have as many as five Scoop Shops... MSNBC.com

Plant sterols, recognized for their cholesterol-lowering power when added to margarines and other fats, are just as effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein, or 'bad' cholesterol levels, when added to orange juice, say researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Plant sterols, recognized for their cholesterol-lowering power when added to margarines and other fats, are just as effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein, or 'bad' cholesterol levels, when added to orange juice, say researchers at UC...

Parmalat USA Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, court filings show.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Parmalat USA Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, court filings show. Two other Parmalat-related entities, Farmland Dairies LLC and Milk Products of Alabama LLC, also sought Chapter 11 protection from creditors.

Atkins Nutritionals Inc.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Atkins Nutritionals Inc. is leasing a 240,000-sq. ft. distribution center in Atlanta, GA, to supply official Atkins brand products to retailers from Florida to the Midwest... The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Feb. 23)

Laura's Lifestyle.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Laura's Lifestyle, Huntington Beach, CA, launched a line of all natural, low-carb, high protein frozen entrees. The four-variety Laura's Lifestyle line includes: Chicken Puttanesca, Chicken Chow Mein, Thai Chicken, and Chicken Santa Fe. Each...

Pizza Magia.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Pizza Magia, a Louisville, KY-based chain of pizza delivery stores, will roll out four 9-inch pizzas with only 10 to 14 grams of net carbohydrates each this week... The Courier-Journal (Feb. 24)

F. Cappiello Dairy, Inc.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... F. Cappiello Dairy, Inc., Schenectady, NY, announced plans to expand to international markets. Its first overseas shipment of its award-winning marinated braided mozzarella headed for Taiwan on Feb. 23. Products being exported for the first...

Campbell Soup Co.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Campbell Soup Co. executives said sales of soup in microwavable containers surpassed $100 million in the first half of fiscal 2004. Still, Campbell's Soup at Hand, Chunky and Select soups in single-serve microwavable cups and bowls accounted...

Reinhart Foodservice Inc.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Reinhart Foodservice Inc., La Cross, WI, will construct a 217,000-sq. ft. distribution center in the Seedco Industrial Park in Coal Township, PA. The facility will eventually replace a smaller center in nearby Sunbury, PA.ID Report (Feb. 20)

Evos.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Evos, a south Tampa, FL eatery known for its healthy fast food, plans to start selling franchises by summer. Michael Jeffers, who helped found Evos a decade ago, said the restaurant hopes to sell 10 franchised locations within 12 months and 200...

Eating at least three apples a day or other sources of dietary fiber such as cereals significantly cuts the risk of death from heart disease, according to a report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Eating at least three apples a day or other sources of dietary fiber such as cereals significantly cuts the risk of death from heart disease, according to a report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Pooling the results of 10 U's....

Popcorn sales are bursting as the market for this snack ranges from $670 million to $1 billion.(News In A Minute)
March 1, 2004... Popcorn sales are bursting as the market for this snack ranges from $670 million to $1 billion, with new flavors driving strong growth... The Rocky Mountain News (Feb. 25)

Muir Glen.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Muir Glen is introducing Muir Glen Organic Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes. These vine-ripened tomatoes will be available in 28-oz. cans in grocery stores and natural food stores nationwide.

Mergers & acquisitions.(Alpine Confections, Inc.)
March 1, 2004... Although Alpine Confections, Inc., Alpine, UT, agreed to purchase selected assets of Archibald Candy Corp. for $18 million, an auction will be held Apr. 1 to determine if Archibald can obtain better or higher offers. Companies interested in...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(Illustration)
March 1, 2004... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) Current % Chge. Year Year Ago CADBURY SCHWEPPES PLC (London, England) Year To Dec....

Court rejects mandatory fees for dairy farmers.(Washington)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... A federal appeals court declared unconstitutional a mandatory fee on dairy farmers that last year raised $255 million for promotional activities such as the long-running "got milk?" generic advertising campaign, reported The Wall Street Journal...

House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee hearing.(Washington)
March 1, 2004... On Feb. 25, the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee met to hear testimony from USDA Secretary Ann M. Veneman on the Fiscal Year 2005 appropriations requests for programs under USDA's jurisdiction. Food Institute counsel Olsson, Frank...

EU trade sanctions take effect Mar. 1.(Washington)(European Union.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Trade sanctions that U.S. exporters are set to start paying to the EU could top $300 million this year, reported The Wall Street Journal (Feb. 26). Due to take effect Mar. 1, the sanctions are the first to be paid by U.S. companies in response...

Fallout from bird flu discovery in Texas continues.(Washington)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... A strain of avian flu found on a Texas chicken farm Feb. 20 is far deadlier to poultry than originally thought and has spread to two bird markets in Houston, federal officials said, noted The Washington Times (Feb. 24). However, the bird flu is...

Food recalls reported.(Washington)
March 1, 2004... Atlantis Seafood, Lantana, FL, completed its recall of Atlantis Salmon Spread, a mixture of smoked salmon, cream cheese and other ingredients packed into 8-oz .and 24 oz. Plastic containers. The product was distributed in FL, GA and DE. Reason...

You should know ...
March 1, 2004... ... In order to reduce the risk of deliberate contamination of food products, the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) recommended that the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture study their agencies. existing...

In the courts ...
March 1, 2004... ... A complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis asks that present and former Gold'n Plump workers be paid for time spent with safety equipment and cleaning lockers. The lawsuit seeks pay for safety-gear work during the past three...

Increase in fees for federal dairy grading & inspection fees.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... INCREASE IN FEES FOR FEDERAL DAIRY GRADING & INSPECTION FEES: The Agricultural Marketing Service is revising, effective Apr. 4, the hourly fees charged for Federal dairy grading and inspection services performed by the Dairy Grading Branch....

Honey from China.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... HONEY FROM CHINA: The Department of Commerce is extending the time limit of the final results of the new shipper review of the antidumping duty order on honey from the People's Republic of China until no later than Mar.25, 2004. The period of...

New viticultural area established.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... NEW VITICULTURAL AREA ESTABLISHED: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau issued a final rule, effective on Apr. 26, 2004, that establishes the "Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley" viticultural area in Napa County, CA. This new...

Western federal milk marketing order terminated.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... WESTERN FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDER TERMINATED: USDA issued a rule that terminates the Western Federal milk marketing order, effective Apr. 1, 2004. A referendum held to determine approval by producers did not obtain the necessary two-thirds...

Trade adjustment assistance petitions accepted.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PETITIONS ACCEPTED: The Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, accepted petitions for trade adjustment assistance filed by the following: a group of freshwater prawn producers from Kentucky; National Alfalfa...

Produce.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... AMS REVIEWS MARKETING ORDERS--USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) summarized the results under the criteria contained in section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), of AMS review of Marketing Orders 916 and 917 regulating the...

Canned vegetables.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... USDA HAS PURCHASED CANNED DRIED BEANS * Shipments between Apr. 1 - June 30, 2004 * Cases Delivered Cost Vegetarian Bean (24/300) 53,550 $359,213 Allen Canning Company 29,070...

Tomato products.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... USDA HAS PURCHASED CANNED TOMATO PRODUCTS * Shipments between Apr. 1 - June 30, 2004 * Cases Delivered Cost Meatless Spaghetti Sauce (24/300) 126,360 $840,845 Del Monte...

Frozen vegetables.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... CORN--U.S. imports of frozen sweet corn totaled 40.5 million pounds in 2003, up 38% from 2002 and at its highest level in the past five years. FROZEN CORN IMPORTS 1999-2003 (Source: Bureau of Census) Year Million Pounds...

Canned fruits.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... USDA HAS PURCHASED CANNED FRUIT * Shipments between Apr. 1 - June 15, 2004 * Cases Delivered Cost Canned Applesauce 87,480 $678,505 Bridge Foods, Inc. ...

Processed fish.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... SHRIMP--The market for frozen shrimp is strong as inventories are closely held to higher offerings, but much of this supply is for future contracts. FROZEN SHRIMP PRICES Shell-on, f.o.b. New York Type/Count This Week...

Dried vegetables.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... GARLIC--Imports of garlic powder totaled 18.9 million pounds in 2003, a 15% decrease from 2002. China accounted for a majority of the imported product (98%), although some limited amounts arrived from Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Korea, Mexico,...

Dried fruits.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... USDA HAS PURCHASED DRIED FRUIT * Shipments between Apr. 1 - June 15, 2004 * Cases Delivered Cost Dried Pitted Plums (24/1 lb.) 7,500 $129,075 Hill View Packing Co. ...

Nuts & nutmeats.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... EASTERN BLACK WALNUTS--The 2003 crop produced about 27.0 million pounds, a good crop according to experts. However, the meat yield is about 6.5%, far below normal of 8%. Pricing is firm and current pricing is list with fancy large kernels,...

Frozen fruits.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... BLACKBERRIES--The Oregon/Washington Blackberry Marketing Order Proponent Committee withdrew its request for a hearing to establish a processed blackberry marketing order, USDA said. Proponents said recent industry surveys indicated a clear lack...

Juices & concentrates.(Markets)
March 1, 2004... APPLE CONCENTRATE--A group of apple growers in Rappahannock County, VA, filed a petition for trade adjustment assistance. The petition maintains that during July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2003, increasing imports of apple juice concentrate...

Butter.(Markets)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 1, 2004... BUTTER MARKET, FEB. 27 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 2/27/04 2/20/04 Chge. Grade AA 185.25 180.50 +4.75

Cheese.(Markets)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 1, 2004... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET FEB. 27 Cents Per Pound: 2/27/04 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 146.50 +3.25 Blocks (40-lbs.) 149.00 +2.75

Eggs.(Markets)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 1, 2004... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS FEB. 27 (Source: USDA) This Wk. Ending Chng. From Cents per dozen: Week Feb. 13 Feb. 13 Extra Large-NY 108-112 ...

Chicken.(Markets)(Illustration)
March 1, 2004... PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF MAR. 1 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 69.00-72.00 69.00-72.00 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too...

Futures prices.(Markets)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 1, 2004... FUTURE PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash Mar. May As of Feb. 26, 2004: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $2.875 $2.96 $3.02 Soybeans, bu....

Commodity prices.(Markets)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 1, 2004... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last Feb....

Chicago firm buying Jays Foods out of bankruptcy; will not relocate ...(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... Late last week, Chicago-based private equity group Willis Stein & Partners signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Jays Foods LLC, a leading Chicago-based snack food manufacturer, well-known for its flagship brand, Jays Potato Chips, a...

... Acquires Lincoln Snacks.(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... Willis Stein entered the snack industry when it acquired Lincoln Snacks Co. on Feb. 27 from Brynwood Partners, Greenwich, CT. Stamford-based Lincoln Snacks, maker of caramelized popcorn and nut-based snacks such as Fiddle Faddle, Poppycock,...

Input sought on FTA with Thailand; rule of origin clause concerns Australia.(Free Trade Agreement)
March 8, 2004... Input for a newly initiated investigation into the probable economic effect of a U.S.-Thailand free trade agreement is being sought by the International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC will advise the President as to the probable economic...

McDonald's slimming down its menu.(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... As part of an effort to simplify its menu and give customers choices that support a balanced lifestyle, McDonald's started phasing out its trademark Supersize fries and drinks in its U.S. restaurants. By the end of 2004, Supersize will no...

Newly formed InterbrewAmBev will brew the most beer.(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... Last week, Belgium's Interbrew and Brazil's Companhia de Bebidas das Americas (AmBev) agreed to a deal to form InterbrewAmbev, the largest international brewer by volume. Interbrew, which owns the Stella Artois, Beck's, Leffe, Bass Ale and...

Two club stores post increased fourth quarter sales.(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. cut prices on many basic items and tightened its focus on individual shoppers, instead of the small business customers that Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Sam's Club targets. The retailer is also adding more upscale food...

Cereal too time-consuming for many consumers.
March 8, 2004... Nine in ten respondents say that they eat breakfast, and cereal is chosen by adults more than any other breakfast food as the one that they are most likely to eat, according to recent research from Mintel. Nearly all kids and teens eat cereal,...

Potential exists for milk sold in vending machines in non-school channels.(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... Selling milk in vending machines outside of schools has potential, according to a multi-channel milk-vending test conducted by Tustin, CA-based market research firm Bachtelle and Associates. Demand exists for milk in the three channels tested...

Smokey Robinson's Food Products.(New Product Roundup)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... Famous Motown singer Smokey Robinson is launching a line of soulful food products under the Soul in the Bowl brand. The initial product from the Smokey Robinson's Food Products firm is Seafood Gumbo, featuring chunks of shrimp, chicken sausage,...

Contessa Products.(New Product Roundup)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... Contessa Products, San Pedro, CA, is rolling out a line of gourmet frozen meals. The single-serve bowl meals, touted as low in calories and fat, include: Soy Ginger Shrimp, Shrimp Arrabiata, Shrimp Penne, Spicy Beef, Sweet & Sour Pork, Cheese...

Hyper Cow.(New Product Roundup)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... Hyper Cow is introducing energy drinks for 15- to 25-year-old consumers. Hyper Cow Drinks, which are 2% milk-based and loaded with caffeine, come in Mean Mocha Cappuccino, Chocolate Shock, and Straight Up Strawberry flavors...

Matterhorn Ice Cream Co.(New Product Roundup)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... Matterhorn Ice Cream Co., Caldwell, ID, is out with a Let's Dough Crazy Ice Cream Bar under the Big Ed's brand. The frozen novelty features super rich vanilla-flavored ice cream topped with a layer of real cookie dough dipped in a rich...

ConAgra Foods.(New Product Roundup)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... ConAgra Foods has launched Armour Fully Cooked Meals Classic Baked Meatloaf in Rich Tomato Sauce with Penne Pasta. Preparation is said to be only seven minutes for the meal which serves four...

ConAgra.(New Product Roundup)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... For kids, ConAgra has added Lion King 1 1/2 Meals to its frozen line. The Lion Paw Shaped Nuggets meal includes breaded paw-shaped white meat chicken patties, corn in seasoned sauce, bug shapes pasta and cheese sauce, and chocolate pudding with...

Bob Evans Farms.(New Product Roundup)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... Bob Evans Farms is out with Large Sausage Cheeseburger Snackwiches...

Walden Farms.(New Product Roundup)(Brief Article)
March 8, 2004... Walden Farms is marketing Walden Farms Calorie-Free Alfredo Sauce. The new sauce comes in a 15-ounce jar...