The Food Institute Report articles from March 2005

The Food Institute Report archives from March 2005

Food industry merger activity relatively stable in 2004.
March 7, 2005... The largest 2004 food-related deal announced in 2004 was valued at $1.48 billion for Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.'s plans to acquire the Altria Group Inc.--Kraft Foods' Life Saver and Altoids business. That deal still hasn't closed, but Wrigley did...

Publix opening Hispanic prototype.(Facilities)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... As part of its strategy to appeal to the growing Hispanic market, Publix Super Markets Inc. is gearing up to launch two Hispanic-themed stores this spring. Called Publix Sabot, the new prototype will debut in Hialeah, near Miami, and in...

Hershey makes its strategic direction clear.(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Not only is Hershey Foods Corporation proposing to change its name to "The Hershey Company," but it also divided itself into two new business groups--a U.S. Confectionery business group and a U.S. Snacks business group. The moves, which aim to...

New health claim on the horizon for Kellogg products?(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Kellogg Co. signed a 15-year supply agreement with Martek Biosciences Corp. for an omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. Although there is no guarantee that the agreement will result in a Kellogg line of DHA-fortified...

DSRs should keep an eye on consumer behavior.(distributors)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Foodservice distributors should be more aware of consumer behavior, as opposed to publicized consumer attitudes, in order to increase sales in the fast food market segment, according to The NPD Group's vice president, Harry Balzer. Although...

Organic products should target specific organic consumer segments.
March 7, 2005... In 2004, organic food and beverage sales reached $10.9 billion, up 18% from 2003. Approximately 30% of U.S. consumers, or 62 million households, use organic products, down from a high of 40% in 2003, according to The Natural Marketing...

Pepsi limits ads targeting children.
March 7, 2005... PepsiCo revealed its voluntary restrictions on its advertising to children, in response to rising levels of obesity in the U.S. and western Europe. It will no longer advertise its flagship cola to children under 12 or its Cheetos chips brand to...

New World Restaurant Group announced that its Einstein Bros. bagel chain will be converted to the fast-casual Einstein Bros. Cafe concept.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * New World Restaurant Group announced that its Einstein Bros. bagel chain will be converted to the fast-casual Einstein Bros. Cafe concept. The new concept features a lunch and dinner menu and a new look that is designed to encourage customers...

Wendy's International Inc.(News In A Minute)(Products)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Wendy's International Inc. is now selling 750,000 pounds of fruit a week... MSNBC.com

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants Inc.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants Inc., Portland, plans to open seven more units this year, with a goal of 200 nationally... OregonLive.com

Miller Brewing Co.(News In A Minute)(Products)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Miller Brewing Co. will test-market a fruit-flavored malt beverage, Brutal Fruit, despite dropping other flavored malt drinks following a disappointing foray in that segment. Brutal Fruit from South Africa bills itself as fruit juice with 5%...

Cornell.(News In A Minute)(Product information)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * An apple a day can help keep breast cancer away, according to a study in rats by food scientists at Cornell... Cornell University News Service

Gold'n Plump.(News In A Minute)(Products)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Broiler processor Gold'n Plump, St. Cloud, MN, will soon begin marketing antibiotic-free, minimally processed chicken under its all-natural chicken North Country Farms label... The Business Journal (Minneapolis-St. Paul) (Feb. 25)

U.S. veal grower and processor Marcho Farms, Harleysville, PA, and foodservice distributor Sysco Corp., Houston, are offering a new process-verified veal program.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * U.S. veal grower and processor Marcho Farms, Harleysville, PA, and foodservice distributor Sysco Corp., Houston, are offering a new process-verified veal program. This premium veal program hopes to assure consistent quality and superior value...

MasterCard and the Seattle Seahawks will offer PayPass at Qwest Field.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * MasterCard and the Seattle Seahawks will offer PayPass at Qwest Field--a payment system that allows users of the MBNA Seahawks credit card to pay for drinks and other products by holding the card in front of an electronic reader... Seattle...

Kraft Foods Inc. will stop selling candies shaped like animals that have been run over by cars, bowing to demands by the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Kraft Foods Inc. will stop selling candies shaped like animals that have been run over by cars, bowing to demands by the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The Road Kill candy, marketed under Kraft's Trolli Gummi...

Bain & Co.(News In A Minute)(Food Reports)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Between 1997 and 2000, the top 10 new food products generated a total of $150 million on average in their first year of sales, according to consulting firm Bain & Co. That dropped to $115 million in the 2001-2003 period, even as total...

Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods will distribute its products with the Whole Grains Council's new "Whole Grains Stamp," a packaging symbol designed to help consumers identify and rate whole grain products. The Milwaukee, OR-based company plans to...

Rite Aid.(News In A Minute)(Marketing)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Rite Aid is launching a new free senior loyalty program called Living More that provides benefits and savings to Rite Aid's patients who are at least 60 years old. Included in the benefits for seniors who enroll in the Living More program are...

Jones Soda Co.(News In A Minute)(Products)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Jones Soda Co., Seattle, will launch a new line of organic teas in the second quarter of 2005. The new line, Jones Organics, gives Jones entrance into the expanding natural foods arena. Jones Organics will offer six tea flavors: Strawberry...

Eden Foods, Inc.(News In A Minute)(Products)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Eden Foods, Inc., Clinton, MI, has introduced EDEN Organic Popping Corn. It is kosher parve and comes in a 20-ounce, standing pouch.

Danish dairy Arla Foods put its packaging division, Danapak, up for sale.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Danish dairy Aria Foods put its packaging division, Danapak, up for sale. Arla Foods' proposed sale of its packaging company reflects a growing trend within the European dairy sector of companies focusing exclusively on their core operations...

Bankrupt sandwich-cafe chain Briazz's board of directors must decide whether to sell the majority of its assets to Organic To Go.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Bankrupt sandwich-cafe chain Briazz's board of directors must decide whether to sell the majority of its assets to Organic To Go, or approve a bankruptcy organization plan that would cede ownership to Flying Food Group... The Seattle Times...

The recent surge in local barbecue restaurants in the Dayton area continues, with a Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que set to open in April.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * The recent surge in local barbecue restaurants in the Dayton area continues, with a Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que set to open in April. The 6,000-sq. ft. restaurant will serve everything from Texas brisket to St. Louis-style ribs, which are larger...

Glory Foods Inc.(News In A Minute)(Marketing)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Glory Foods Inc., a Columbus, OH-based maker of southern foods, has begun selling its wares directly to consumers over the internet. While Glory Foods primarily sells through grocery stores, many stores don't carry its products or don't carry...

Ocean Spray Ingredient Technology Group.(News In A Minute)(Facilities)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Ocean Spray Ingredient Technology Group opened a new state-of-the-art processing plant in Middleboro, MA. The company said the new capacity is aimed at meeting growing European demand for its sweetened dried cranberries and flavored fruit...

Keller's Creamery of Harleysville, PA is consolidating with parent company Dairy Farmers of America, Kansas City, MO.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Keller's Creamery of Harleysville, PA is consolidating with parent company Dairy Farmers of America, Kansas City, MO. The company is continuing to operate its headquarters and distribution center in Harleysville. Keller's is the sixth-largest...

B&G Foods, Inc.(News In A Minute)(Facilities)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * B&G Foods, Inc. plans to close its manufacturing and warehouse facility in New Iberia, LA and move the facility's operations to B&G Foods' other existing facilities. The New Iberia plant, which manufactures Trappey's hot sauces and peppers,...

Nestle.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Nestle has added 29 new products to its ice cream line in China. Walls', Nestle and Meadow Gold hold 30% of China's ice cream market, while the two domestic brands Yili and Mengniu hold 27% of the market... China Daily

Flowers Foods'.(News In A Minute)(Corporate Planning)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Flowers Foods' growth strategies will include introducing new whole grain products and further expansion of the territory served by the company's direct-store-delivery routes. Flowers expects to introduce additional whole grain products in...

Association of Food Industries.(FI Member Profiles)(Advertisement)
March 7, 2005... The Association of Food Industries has represented the interests of the food import industry since 1906. With 1,000+ members worldwide, a significant percentage of importers, agents, brokers and suppliers belong to the association. Whether...

Schreiber Foods International, Inc.(FI Member Profiles)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
March 7, 2005... Schreiber Foods International is celebrating its 25th year of importing canned and preserved fruits, vegetables, tuna and specialty foods for the Foodservice, Industrial, and Salad Bar-Deli/App. trades. Schreiber Foods services its accounts...

Publix scores highest in customer satisfaction among supermarkets.
March 7, 2005... In the fourth quarter of 2004, Costco maintained its lead over other specialty retailers in terms of customer satisfaction, despite a decline of 1% to a score of 79 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Publix Supermarkets, also...

Wal-Mart's expanding presence in Washington State has prompted Brown & Cole Stores to offer eight of its 31 supermarket locations for sale.(Retailer Round-Up)(Divestments)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Wal-Mart's expanding presence in Washington State has prompted Brown & Cole Stores to offer eight of its 31 supermarket locations for sale. Wal-Mart has outlets near a number of the stores being sold and is planning others even closer to...

Bruno's, Birmingham, AL, will close 20 of its 168 stores as part of the company's plan to reduce costs, improve profitability, and focus resources on its strongest markets.(Retailer Round-Up)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Bruno's, Birmingham, AL, will close 20 of its 168 stores as part of the company's plan to reduce costs, improve profitability, and focus resources on its strongest markets. The closings include one Bruno's store in Mobile, AL, 14 Food World...

Family Dollar.(Retailer Round-Up)(Investments)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Family Dollar will invest $60 million in a new regional distribution center in upstate New York. "We are opening large numbers of stores in the Northeast, right on up to Maine," stated Family Dollar e.v.p. George R. Mahoney Jr. The company...

Wild Oats Markets.(Retailer Round-Up)(Marketing News)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Wild Oats Markets is having a major buy-one, get-one-free sale, the latest example of the natural/organic retailer's efforts to become more price-competitive. Through Mar. 15, Wild Oats is putting more than 200 items on sale. Supermarket News...

In a pre-emptive strike to defend its turf in Manhattan's Union Square, where Whole Foods Market is scheduled to open its third New York store later this month.(Retailer Round-Up)(FreshDirect)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * In a pre-emptive strike to defend its turf in Manhattan's Union Square, where Whole Foods Market is scheduled to open its third New York store later this month, online grocer FreshDirect has been handing out flyers that offer head-to-head...

Whole Foods Market.(Retailer Round-Up)(Facilities)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Whole Foods Market opened its Austin, TX store and world headquarters on Mar. 3.

Whole Foods Market.(Retailer Round-Up)(Leases)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Whole Foods Market expects to sign the lease for its first London flagship store before the end of the year. Jim Sud, e.v.p, of growth and business development, said the grocer is eyeing locations in London that could accommodate a Whole...

Pathmark Stores Inc., Carteret, NJ, is reportedly in talks to be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., a Keene, NH-based wholesaler and a major player in the supermarket industry in the Northeast.(Retailer Round-Up)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * Pathmark Stores Inc., Carteret, NJ, is reportedly in talks to be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., a Keene, NH-based wholesaler and a major player in the supermarket industry in the Northeast. Analysts and bankers have previously estimated...

BJ's Wholesale Club.(Retailer Round-Up)(New Store Opening)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... * BJ's Wholesale Club is preparing to open a prototype store in Cape Coral, FL, that will focus on testing new food merchandising initiatives. Last year, the company opened a prototype store in Kissimmee, FL, that it has been using to test...

Mergers & acquisitions.
March 7, 2005... Aloha Petroleum Inc., Honolulu, is purchasing 20 convenience stores and gas stations in Hawaii that operate under the Mahalo brand from U.S. Restaurant Properties Inc., a real estate investment trust based in Dallas. The transaction is expected...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(Illustration)
March 7, 2005... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) Current % Chge. Year Year Ago BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC. (Natick, MA) 13 Wks. To Jan. 29: Sales $2,051,721 ...

Senate overturns USDA rule on normalizing Canadian/U.S. beef trade.(Washington)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Shortly after a federal judge in Billings, MT issued a 30-day injunction temporarily blocking the Bush administration's plan to reopen the border to young Canadian cattle, which USDA Secretary Mike Johanns described as a "procedural delay," the...

What's the status of qualified health claims for Green Tea & tomato products?(Washington)
March 7, 2005... Over the past year or so, petitions for qualified health claims for a variety of food products have been submitted to FDA--a fact that was duly noted at THE FOOD INSTITUTE'S Seminar On Food Labeling in Newark, NJ last week. Earlier this...

USDA seeks authority to reveal retail outlets that receive contaminated meats.(Washington)(United States Department of Agriculture)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... A proposed rule that would allow USDA officials to disclose the names of retail outlets that receive potentially contaminated meat and poultry products has been sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), reported The Wall...

USDA reports 43% drop in E-coli in ground beef.(Washington)(United States Department of Agriculture)
March 7, 2005... The percentage of E. coli O157:H7 found in ground beef regulatory samples collected in 2004 dropped 43% from the prior year and declined more than 80% since 1980. Of 8010 samples collected by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and...

FDA revises policy guide on prior notice.(Washington)(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is revising its Compliance Policy Guide(CPG) regarding: Prior Notice of Imported Food Under The Bioterrorism Act and is seeking public comment on the revisions by Apr. 4, 2005. The revised CPG can be found...

You should know....
March 7, 2005... ... . The European Union's high court ruled against Van Parys, a Belgian banana importer, who sought to use a World Trade Organization ruling to challenge EU trade quotas. In a case that sets a precedent across the 25-nation EU, the European...

Food product recalls reported.(Afrah Pastries, Richardson, LeBlanc's Cajun Boudin and Food Company Inc. )(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... Afrah Pastries, Richardson, TX, is recalling approximately 2265 lbs. of pastries. Products include: Baklava Fingers, Kol Shkor, Baklava Pistachios, Baklava Walnuts, Basma Cashews, Basma Pistachios, Mamoul Mad Pistachios, Mamoul Mad Dates,...

Beluga sturgeon (caviar).(Noted In The Federal Register)(Fish and Wildlife Service's regulations on international trade)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... BELUGA STURGEON (CAVIAR): After many interim notices, an accelerated final rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service exempts certain products of beluga sturgeon (caviar) from import/export restrictions resulting from threatened species...

Listeria monocytogenes measures.(Noted In The Federal Register)( Food and Drug Administration's health policy)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES MEASURES: FDA requests comments, scientific data and information on a risk assessment for Listeria monocytogenes in smoked finfish. It will also evaluate the 2001 Food Code that address preventive controls for L....

EPA food pesticide regulations.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... EPA FOOD PESTICIDE REGULATIONS: EPA will set an initial food pesticide tolerance for sulfuryl fluoride, requested by Dow AgroSciences LLC. Comments due Apr. 4; contact Suku Oonnithan, Office of Pesticide Programs, 703-605-0368; email...

Egg, poultry, and rabbit grading.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Department of Agriculture may increase prices)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... EGG, POULTRY, AND RABBIT GRADING: USDA may increase rates for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading to cover salary increases. Comments due Mar. 31; contact Rex Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, 202-720-3271. Mar. 1, 2005 FR70...

Trinity Lakes' viticultural area.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau's agricultural policy)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... TRINITY LAKES' VITICULTURAL AREA: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau established the Trinity Lakes' viticultural area in Trinity County, CA. Contact Rita Butler, Regulations and Procedures Division, 202-927-8210. Feb. 28, 2005 FR70...

Milk marketing order.(Noted In The Federal Register)( Department of Agriculture's amendment)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... MILK MARKETING ORDER: Effective Apr. 1, USDA amends the producer milk provisions of the Arizona-Las Vegas milk marketing order to eliminate the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the order and on a State-operated order that...

Antidumping Italian pasta.(Noted In The Federal Register)(taxation of pasta products)(Brief Article)
March 7, 2005... ANTIDUMPING ITALIAN PASTA: ITA begins a new shipper review of Mar, S.r.L.for the period July 1, 2003-June 30, 2004. Contact Dennis McClure or Maura Jeffords, AD/CVD Operations, 202-482-5973 or 202-482-3146, Mar. l, 2005 FR70 9921-9923

Produce.(Markets)(fruits and vegetables import)
March 7, 2005... APPLES--A proposal to allow Chinese fresh apples to be imported to the U.S. worries California apple growers. The California Apple Commission says Chinese orchards harbor some 160 pests that do not live in the U.S. American apple growers have...

Canned vegetables.(Markets)(production data of sweet potatoes and mushrooms imports)
March 7, 2005... USDA HAS PURCHASED CANNED SWEET POTATOES *Shipments between July 1 - Sept. 31, 2005* Cases Delivered Cost Sweet Potatoes 194,310 $2,911,777 Allen Canning Company ...

Tomato products.(Markets)(exports and prices)
March 7, 2005... California tomato growers have reached a $50 per ton base price agreement with processors for the upcoming crop, a slight decline from 2004's base price of $51 per ton, according to the California Tomato Growers Association. Lower California...

Frozen vegetables.(Markets)(imports and market share)(Illustration)
March 7, 2005... The Food Institute is constantly striving to bring up to date information to our members. If you are interested in sharing your market expertise or market trends please call Cheryl Nita at 201-791-5570 ext 22 or email me at...

Canned fruits.(Markets)(export and prices)
March 7, 2005... APPLES--Private label, foodservice 6/10 sliced 6.5-lb. in heavy syrup are between $17.50-$18.00, compared to $17.50 at this point last year, f.o.b. CA. FRUIT COCKTAIL--Private label foodservice 6/10s in heavy syrup are $20.25, compared to...

Processed fish.(Markets)(seafood exports and demand)
March 7, 2005... RUSSIA UPDATE--U.S. fish and seafood product exports will continue to grow and may reach $30 million in 2005, up from $23.1 million in 2004, according to FAS' Russian Federation FAIRS Product Specific Fish and Seafood Products' 2005 report....

Dried vegetables.(Markets)
March 7, 2005... GARLIC--Exports of garlic powder in 2004 totaled 4.5 million pounds, 3% lower than 2003. Shipments to the United Kingdom were down 43% to 733,608 pounds, while exports to Guatemala, another large market for U.S. garlic powder, were up 41% to...

Dried fruit and nuts.(Markets)
March 7, 2005... The Food Institute is constantly striving to bring up to date information to our members. If you are interested in sharing your market expertise or market trends please call Cheryl Nita at 201-791-5570 ext 22 or email me at...

Frozen fruit.(Markets)
March 7, 2005... The Food Institute is constantly striving to bring up to date information to our members. If you are interested in sharing your market expertise or market trends please call Cheryl Nita at 201-791-5570 ext 22 or email me at...

Juices & concentrates.(Markets)
March 7, 2005... The Food Institute is constantly striving to bring up to date information to our members. If you are interested in sharing your market expertise or market trends please call Cheryl Nita at 201-791-5570 ext 22 or email me at...

Butter.(Markets)(Illustration)
March 7, 2005... BUTTER MARKET, MAR. 4 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 03/04/2005 02/25/2005 Chge. Grade AA 155.25 158.50 -3.25

Cheese.(Markets)(Illustration)
March 7, 2005... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET MAR. 4 Cents Per Pound: 3/4/2005 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 142.00 -9.25 Blocks (40-lbs.) 145.00 -13.00

Eggs.(Markets)(Illustration)
March 7, 2005... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS MAR. 4 (Source: USDA) Wk. Ending Chng. From Cents per dozen: Mar. 4 Feb. 25 Feb. 25 Extra Large-NY 63-67 63-67 NC Large-NY 61-65 ...

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

Futures prices.(Markets)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 7, 2005... FUTURES PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash Mar. 05 May 05 As of Mar. 4 2005: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $1.94 $209.25 $218.00 Soybeans, bu. ...

Commodity prices.(Markets)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
March 7, 2005... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last Mar. 4 Feb. 25 ...

ID Top 50 broadliners sales reached $73.1 billion in 2004.(Illustration)
March 14, 2005... The ID Top SO broadliners grew 9.5% in sales volume in 2004, reaching $73.1 billion, slightly more than double the growth rate for the entire foodservice distribution industry. Forty-nine distributorships registered revenue gains last year,...

McDonald's launches healthy living campaign ...
March 14, 2005... The Oak Brook, IL-based fast food giant is sporting a healthier image with its new worldwide campaign-'It's what I eat and what I do... I'm lovin' it" television ads, new packaging, an updated website and a fresh series of Ronald McDonald...

... Partners with produce for better health foundation.(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... Separately, McDonald's has teamed up with the prod... for Better Health Foundation to educate consumers on the importance of including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in their daily meals and snacks. PBH will bring its expertise on...

Supervalu expands in key markets.
March 14, 2005... Supervalu is opening new stores in key markets and remodeling locations across its corporate-owned retail banners. "In fiscal year 2005, we continued to build success fully on am plan for expansion across our major markets, which consistently...

7-Eleven increases fresh food offerings.
March 14, 2005... Working closely with packaging suppliers, the 7-Eleven fresh foods group developed an exclusive package that holds the new Big Eats Wrap sandwiches--Turkey and Capicolla Ham Club and Chicken Breast with Southwestern Mustard- in an upright...

Stop & Shop, Giant to carry Staples' supplies.
March 14, 2005... Ahold's Stop & Shop and Giant-Landover supermarket chains are taking aim at mass merchandisers such as W,1 Mart and Costco through an alliance with Staples, the leading office products retailer. Staples-branded aisles will be featured in all...

Wendy.(News In A Minute)(Restaurant Menu)(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... * Wendy's is considering whether to revive a morning menu that was discontinued 20 years ago. Wendy's International Chairman end Chief Executive Jack Schuessler hinted at a meeting with investors end financial analysts that the chain could...

Obee's Franchise Systems Inc.(News In A Minute)(Business Expansion)(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... * Oboe's Franchise Systems Inc. has an aggressive plan in place to pursue expansion into five key national marketplaces. The area developer agreements signed represent commitments for a potential of over 900 new franchises for the Oboe's Soups...

Jones Soda Co., Seattle, entered into a licensing agreement with The Kroger Co. of Cincinnati to manufacture and sell Jones Frozen Soda Pops, frozen novelties based on its soda flavors.(News In A Minute)
March 14, 2005... * Jones Soda Co., Seattle, entered into a licensing agreement with The Kroger Co. of Cincinnati to manufacture and sell Jones Frozen Soda Pops, frozen novelties based on its soda flavors. Under the agreement, Kroger will have a juice year...

Heineken NV.(News In A Minute)(Products)(Brief Article)
March 14, 2005... * Heineken NV will introduce a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate beer in the U.S. The new beer, "Heineken Premium Light," will compete with domestic brands like Michelob Ultra and Miller Ads, as well as foreign brands like Beck's Light and...