The Food Institute Report articles from March 2006

The Food Institute Report archives from March 2006

Strong outlook for restaurant industry in sales, traffic, expenditures.
March 6, 2006... The U.S. Restaurant Performance Index rose to its strongest level in 13 months and stood at 102.3 in January, up 0.3% form December. January was the thirty-first consecutive month with an index over 100, which indicates expansion in the...

Foodservice operators expected to increase equipment investments.
March 6, 2006... Foodservice operators are expected to pool their investment dollars this year with larger takes on kitchen equipment than in 2005, according to Foodservice Equipment & Supplies 2006 Operator Forecast (FE&S). Some of the hot items on Foodservice...

SYSCO plans new redistribution center.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... Houston-based SYSCO is purchasing a 320-acre site in Hamlet, IN, where it will build a redistribution center. This represents the third redistribution center of as many as nine planned facilities throughout the U.S. as part of SYSCO's Supply...

"Real" grocery store sales down in January.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... With food and beverage stores seeing the smallest hike in their sales in over a year during January, up only 1.9%, and retail food prices jumping nearly a full percentage point in a single month, "real" or deflated sales at the nation's...

Retailers and producers at odds over carbon monoxide.
March 6, 2006... Some reactions are noted following the last week's instances in which at least two consumer groups pressed the FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION to ban using carbon monoxide gas in meat packaging in order to enhance the products. color, a process...

Potatoes are making a comeback.
March 6, 2006... The potato industry is recovering as the low-carb ATKINS-fueled craze wanes and prices stabilize. Spuds are the third-largest UPC-coded item in the produce department and are eaten by nearly 80% of consumers at home, between one to four times...

Differentiation key for grocers.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... The adoption of differentiation strategies is separating the profitable from the unprofitable retailers, as food retailers take steps to remain competitive with low-price chains. Many analysts now believe that WAL-MART'S risk to U.S. competing...

Healthier options help ice cream sales rebound.
March 6, 2006... Ice cream manufacturers have introduced a variety of new products to recapture lost sales from the low-carb diet trend. After ice cream sales through food, drug and mass merchandiser outlets (excluding Wal-Mart) hit roughly $4.5 billion for the...

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., Laaval, Quebec, Canada, signed an agreement to purchase 40 Midwest convenience stores and assume an additional 13 fuel supply contracts currently controlled by Shell Oil Products U.S.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ALIMENTATION COUCHE-TARD INC., Laaval, Quebec, Canada, signed an agreement to purchase 40 Midwest convenience stores and assume an additional 13 fuel supply contracts currently controlled by SHELL OIL PRODUCTS U.S. All 40 convenience stores and...

American Seafoods' management group and Coastal Villages Region Fund, the company's Alaskas business partner, acquired Centre Partners' nearly 23% equity interest in American Seafoods.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... AMERICAN SEAFOODS' management group and COASTAL VILLAGES REGION FUND, the company's Alaskas business partner, acquired CENTRE PARTNERS' nearly 23% equity interest in American Seafoods. The purchase price for Centre's interest in the company was...

Flowers Foods, Inc., Thomasville, GA, completed the acquisition of Derst Baking Company on Feb. 18, 2006.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... FLOWERS FOODS, INC., Thomasville, GA, completed the acquisition of DERST BAKING COMPANY on Feb. 18, 2006. The transaction was structured as a merger of Derst Baking Co. with a subsidiary of Flowers Foods. Derst will operate as a part of FLOWERS...

Fresh Brands, Inc., Sheboygan, WI, completed its merger with an affiliate of the Chicago-based grocery wholesale cooperative, Certified Grocers Midwest, Inc.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... FRESH BRANDS, INC., Sheboygan, WI, completed its merger with an affiliate of the Chicago-based grocery wholesale cooperative, CERTIFIED GROCERS MIDWEST, INC. Under terms of the merger agreement, Fresh Brands. shareholders will receive in cash...

F&H Acquisition Corp. completed its cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Fox & Hound Restaurant Group not already owned by it or its subsidiaries.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... F&H ACQUISITION CORP. completed its cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of FOX & HOUND RESTAURANT GROUP not already owned by it or its subsidiaries. F&H Acquisition Corp. is an entity owned by NEWCASTLE PARTNERS, L.P....

Landry's Restaurants, Inc., Houston, TX, acquired 80% of the restaurant concept T-rex.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... LANDRY'S RESTAURANTS, INC., Houston, TX, acquired 80% of the restaurant concept T-REX: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover, from SCHUSSLER CREATIVE, INC., Golden Valley, MN, for approximately $7.6 million....

A consortium of global private equity firms consisting of Bain Capital Partners Llc, The Carlyle Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners Lp completed the acquisition of Dunkin' Brands Inc.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... A consortium of global private equity firms consisting of BAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC, THE CARLYLE GROUP and THOMAS H. LEE PARTNERS LP completed the acquisition of DUNKIN' BRANDS INC. from PERNOD RICARD SA for $2.4 billion in cash. For earlier...

Dave & Buster's, Inc., Dallas-based operator of restaurant, bar and game room complexes.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... DAVE & BUSTER'S, INC., Dallas-based operator of restaurant, bar and game room complexes, announced on Feb. 28 shareholders approved the company's acquisition by WS MIDWAY HOLDINGS INC., an affiliate of WELLSPRING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, a New...

Del Monte Foods Co., San Francisco, has agreed to acquire privately held Meow Mix Holdings, Inc.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... DEL MONTE FOODS CO., San Francisco, has agreed to acquire privately held MEOW MIX HOLDINGS, INC., Secaucus, NJ, for approximately $705 million. DEL MONTE FOODS CO. (SAN FRANCISCO, CA) 13 Wks. To Jan. 29: Sales $878,500...

Treehouse Foods, Inc. has entered into an agreement to purchase San Francisco-based Del Monte Foods Company's private label soup and infant feeding business for approximately $275 million, including a working capital adjustment.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... TREEHOUSE FOODS, INC. has entered into an agreement to purchase San Francisco-based DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY'S private label soup and infant feeding business for approximately $275 million, including a working capital adjustment. TreeHouse,...

Getty Realty Corp., Jericho, NY, has acquired 18 retail motor fuel and convenience store properties in Western New York from Arrow Mart Convenience Stores, Caledonia, NY, for approximately $16 million.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... GETTY REALTY CORP., Jericho, NY, has acquired 18 retail motor fuel and convenience store properties in Western New York from ARROW MART CONVENIENCE STORES, Caledonia, NY, for approximately $16 million. The company will triple net lease all 18...

Zero Zone, Inc., North Prairie, WI, was acquired in a management-led buyout backed by an undisclosed Milwaukee investment group.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ZERO ZONE, INC., North Prairie, WI, was acquired in a management-led buyout backed by an undisclosed Milwaukee investment group. The seller was SUPERVALU INC. of Minnesota, which in February 2005 acquired Zero Zone's former corporate parent,...

The Pantry, Inc. of Sanford, NC, the leading independently operated c-store chain in the southeastern U.S., signed a definitive agreement to acquire Shop-A-Snak Food Mart, Inc., Birmingham, Al-based operator of 38 c-stores in Alabama.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... THE PANTRY, INC. of Sanford, NC, the leading independently operated c-store chain in the southeastern U.S., signed a definitive agreement to acquire SHOP-A-SNAK FOOD MART, INC., Birmingham, AL-based operator of 38 c-stores in Alabama....

Pinnacle Foods Group Inc. has acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities relating to The Dial Corporation's Armour food products business for $183 million in cash.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... PINNACLE FOODS GROUP INC. has acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities relating to THE DIAL CORPORATION'S ARMOUR food products business for $183 million in cash. The Dial Corp. is a subsidiary of HENKEL KGAA, GERMANY.

Winn Dixie Stores, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * WINN DIXIE STORES, INC., Jacksonville, FL, will sell or close 35 stores. An active marketing effort is being conducted to identify potential buyers for the stores. Those that cannot be sold will be closed.

Certifresh Holdings Inc., the new owners of Piggly Wiggly and Dick's supermarkets.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * CERTIFRESH HOLDINGS INC., the new owners of PIGGLY WIGGLY and DICK'S supermarkets, have no plans to sell or close any stores and are looking to expand the chain with new stores between Sheboygan and Chicago, either through acquisition or by...

Marsh Supermarkets revealed a recovery plan to pursue smaller stores and convenience.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * MARSH SUPERMARKETS revealed a recovery plan to pursue smaller stores and convenience. Under the new plan, the company will abandon its competition with larger stores such as WAL-MART SUPERCENTERS and SUPER TARGETS and focus on smaller stores...

Publix is the most preferred grocery store in Florida, with a customer satisfaction index of 81 in 2005.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * PUBLIX is the most preferred grocery store in Florida, with a customer satisfaction index of 81 in 2005. WINN-DIXIE finished in the middle at 73, and WAL-MART ranked low at 70, compared to the industry average of 74, according to UNIVERSITY...

The Kroger Co. will introduce two mass-merchandise marketplace stores to Cincinnati, OH, this summer.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * THE KROGER CO. will introduce two mass-merchandise MARKETPLACE stores to Cincinnati, OH, this summer. The stores could be joined by as many as eight more such large-format locations through 2008. The 110,000-sq. ft. stores are larger than the...

Redbrick Pizza Worldwide, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * REDBRICK PIZZA WORLDWIDE, INC., a California-based gourmet pizza chain, has opened its first Florida franchise location and plans to open 25 to 30 restaurants in the Orlando area. The franchise owners plan to roll out at least 300 locations...

Arby's.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * ARBY'S restaurants introduced Arby's Chicken Naturals, made with 100% all-natural chicken. It will be served in all of the restaurant's sandwiches, wraps, salads and tenders.

Ruiz Foods.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * RUIZ FOODS, Dinuba, CA, introduced El Monterey Butcher Wrapped Burritos, four of its most popular 8-oz. Burritos, hand-wrapped in butcher paper for authentic presentation. Each burrito, designed for grab-and-go eating, is microwaveable in...

Tully's Coffee Corporation, Seattle, has teamed up with aerospace company Boeing to open and operate stores at the corporation's facilities.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * TULLY'S COFFEE CORPORATION, Seattle, has teamed up with aerospace company BOEING to open and operate stores at the corporation's facilities. Five new stores are currently scheduled for western Washington and other locations may be added...

Through a partnership with Sara Lee Food Service, Naperville, IL-based Eby-Brown, a leading convenience store supplier, is introducing Pronto Cafe, a gourmet turnkey coffee program designed to give a store's coffee area the look and feel of a neighborhood coffee-house.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * Through a partnership with SARA LEE FOOD SERVICE, Naperville, IL-based EBY-BROWN, a leading convenience store supplier, is introducing Pronto Cafe, a gourmet turnkey coffee program designed to give a store's coffee area the look and feel of a...

Starbucks Corp.(to sell Rwandan specialty coffee across USA)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * STARBUCKS CORP. will begin selling Rwandan specialty coffee in 5,000 outlets across the U.S. in March. The central African country.s coffee is attracting huge interest from buyers in the specialty market in Europe and U.S.

Pilgrim's Pride.(Pilgrim's Pride Corp.)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * Poultry producer PILGRIM'S PRIDE withdrew its late-January profit forecast as bird flu worries overseas hurt exports and drove down prices for chicken leg quarters. The average selling price for leg quarters had declined to about 15 cents per...

The Npd Group.(drinking behaviour in adults)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * Some 37% of adults (ages 21 and over) include alcohol with their casual/fine dining restaurant dinners from Friday to Sunday, compared to 34% between Monday and Thursday, according to THE NPD GROUP. Additionally, the type of alcohol consumed...

Noble Organics, a subsidiary of Winter Haven citrus company Wm. G. Roe & Sons Inc., will introduce a new line of organic lemonades.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * NOBLE ORGANICS, a subsidiary of Winter Haven citrus company WM. G. ROE & SONS INC., will introduce a new line of organic lemonades. The organic lemonades, including raspberry and strawberry flavors, are expected to hit shelves in May or June....

The Safe Harbor brand of certified low-mercury fresh fish was introduced at Holiday Quality Foods' 19 grocery stores in rural Northern California.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * The Safe Harbor brand of certified low-mercury fresh fish was introduced at HOLIDAY QUALITY FOODS' 19 grocery stores in rural Northern California. It is part of a market test by the supermarket chain and fish wholesaler PACIFIC SEAFOOD GROUP...

Food Trust.(Philadelphia's economic aspects)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * Philadelphia's lowest income neighborhoods have 156% fewer supermarkets than the highest-income neighborhoods, and yet have greater buying power on average, according to a study--Philadelphia's New Markets: Ripe Opportunities for...

Both Sam's Club and Bj's Wholesale Club increased their membership rates by $5 as of Jan. 1, 2006.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * Both SAM'S CLUB and BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB increased their membership rates by $5 as of Jan. 1, 2006, and analysts believe a similar increase from COSTCO in the next six to nine months is likely... Forbes.com (Feb. 28) COSTCO WHOLESALES...

Trader Joe's Co., Inc.(Trader Joe's Company Inc.)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * TRADER JOE'S CO., INC., Monrovia, CA, leased two stores in Atlanta, the first of up to 12 locations the retailer may open in metro Atlanta area. Presently, Trader Joe's has 250 stores in 19 states, mainly in the Northeast and West......

Tate & Lyle's Rebalance 022 ingredient product is being used by manufacturer, Pregel, in a new range of lower fat, reduced-calorie ice cream.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * TATE & LYLE'S Rebalance 022 ingredient product is being used by manufacturer, PREGEL, in a new range of lower fat, reduced-calorie ice cream. The extended product range will include mixes for low fat, no-added sugar gelato catering for the...

Interbake Foods, a division of Weston Foods, Inc.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * INTERBAKE FOODS, a division of WESTON FOODS, INC., is liquidating its Richmond, VA facility as part of a one-day auction set for Apr. 6... Bakingbusiness.com (Feb. 27)

Interstate Bakeries Corp.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * INTERSTATE BAKERIES CORP., Kansas City, MO, plans to consolidate routes, depots and retail outlets in its Upper Midwest Profit Center. The company is still considering whether additional consolidations, restructurings or closings are...

Microsoft Corp. has partnered with supply-chain software vendor Viatrace LLC and a nonprofit livestock producers group to launch a database intended to track diseased animals in the U.S.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * MICROSOFT CORP. has partnered with supply-chain software vendor VIATRACE LLC and a nonprofit livestock producers group to launch a database intended to track diseased animals in the U.S. The ViaTrace database will also aid in avoiding...

Wendy's International, Inc. will explore strategic alternatives for its Baja Fresh business.(Fresh Enterprises Inc. Baja Fresh Mexican Grill)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL, INC. will explore strategic alternatives for its BAJA FRESH business. The Dublin, OH-based company will also speed the public offering of and spin off its TIM HORTONS chain, aiming to complete that process by year's...

Monsanto Co. and Pioneer Hi-Bred moved to strengthen their hold in the market for genetically engineered seeds.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... * MONSANTO CO. and PIONEER HI-BRED moved to strengthen their hold in the market for genetically engineered seeds. Pioneer Hi-Bred will release its own brand of "Roundup Ready" pesticide-resistant corn and soybean seeds by 2009, which would...

Latest financial reports (in $000).(Table)
March 6, 2006... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago BACK YARD BURGERS, INC. (MEMPHIS, TN) 13 Wks. To Dec. 31: Sales ...

ICS Logistics.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... Jacksonville, FL- based ICS Logistics provides expertise and services of world-class quality through their family of companies. ICS Logistics operates Industrial Cold Storage, Jaxport Refrigerated Services, Mobile Refrigerated Services, Global...

Logret Import & Export Co.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... Headquartered in Industry, CA, Logret Import & Export Co. designs, develops and produces exclusive corporate brands for imported beer, domestic craft brewed and regular beer, malternatives as ready to drink cocktails, energy drinks, carbonated...

Rocky Mountain Products.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... Founded in 1992, Rocky Mountain Products started with one barbecue sauce from a family recipe. Today, the company manufactures close to 70 sauces and seasonings in their facility in Redmond, OR. In the last 10 years, Rocky Mountain Products has...

Bill to pre-empt state labeling laws headed for vote in house.(National Uniformity for Food Act of 2005)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... The House delayed a vote in the controversial National Uniformity for Food Act of 2005 Food (HR 4167) last week that would pre-empt state food safety labeling laws that are tougher than federal rules. This would include California's Proposition...

FTC reviewing marketing to kids.(Federal Trade Commission)
March 6, 2006... The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published a notice requesting information and comments on food industry marketing practices to children and adolescents in the Mar. 1 Federal Register. On Nov. 22, 2005, President Bush signed a bill...

Food emergency response model unveiled.(agricultural and food security plan)
March 6, 2006... FDA, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), USDA, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unveiled a model Food Emergency Response Plan Template. The Template, which is 89 pages long, is available on the...

FDA issues draft guidance for safe production of fresh-cut produce.(Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables)
March 6, 2006... To minimize microbial food safety hazards common to the processing of most fresh-cut fruits and vegetables sold to consumers in a ready-to-eat form, FDA published a draft guidance document for producers of fresh-cut produce entitled "Guide to...

Food product recall reported.(Arnold Foods Inc. recalls Natural Wheat Bread)(Federico's Bakery recalls its Apricot-filled Butter Cookies)(Log House Foods Inc. recalls its Flavored Chips)
March 6, 2006... The Mar. 1 FDA Enforcement Report included the Following food product recalls: Smoked Salmon sold under a variety of brand names including: Gleneagle, Hickory House, Fjord Superior, Golden Eagle and Imperial Salmon House, Labeled as...

.... The U.S. and India resolved long-standing issues regarding potential pests and diseases.(bilateral trade of commodities)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ... . The U.S. and India resolved long-standing issues regarding potential pests and diseases and agreed on a framework outlining fundamental requirements for bilateral trade of commodities treated by irradiation. This provided a road map for...

.... Embattled Oklahoma poultry growers and producers are lobbying lawmakers and urge an end to a federal lawsuit.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ... . Embattled Oklahoma poultry growers and producers are lobbying lawmakers and urge an end to a federal lawsuit that accuses them of polluting watersheds with chicken litter. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Arkansas' attempt to sue...

.... The U.S. Animal Identification Organization is launching a program that aims to assign each cow, bison and other livestock its own 15-digit number and track their movements in a national database.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ... . The U.S. Animal Identification Organization is launching a program that aims to assign each cow, bison and other livestock its own 15-digit number and track their movements in a national database. Animals would be tagged, perhaps in the...

.... USDA will begin adding results from individual Salmonella verification sample tests to reports.(United States Department of Agriculture)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ... . USDA will begin adding results from individual Salmonella verification sample tests to reports it regularly makes to meat and poultry establishments. Also, FSIS will begin posting quarterly nationwide data for Salmonella, presented by...

.... U.S. Sugar Association.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(law for food labeling)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ... . The U.S. SUGAR ASSOCIATION filed a petition requesting USDA establish the definition of "natural" on label claims made on foods and beverages regulated by FDA. The petition emphasizes the importance of two criteria: a "natural" food should...

.... Nine more small Coca-Cola bottlers joined the lawsuit to prevent The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. from implementing a large scale rollout of PowerAde to Wal-Mart Stores.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ... . Nine more small Coca-Cola bottlers joined the lawsuit to prevent THE COCA-COLA COMPANY and COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES INC. from implementing a large scale rollout of PowerAde to WAL-MART STORES. The U.S. District Court has scheduled a...

.... U.S. and Colombian negotiators concluded free trade agreement negotiations.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ... . U.S. and Colombian negotiators concluded free trade agreement negotiations between the U.S. and Colombia that will open new export opportunities for our farmers and ranchers, reported USDA.

.... Wrigley has sued rival gum maker Cadbury Adams.(Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ... . WRIGLEY has sued rival gum maker CADBURY ADAMS, alleging that packaging used for some of Cadbury's Trident and Dentyne brands mimics Wrigley gum packages, reported the Chicago Sun-Times.

.... Bird flu could soon infect U.S. wild and commercial flocks, although there is no indication the virus can spread from human to human, according to Health and Human Services secretary Michael Leavitt.(Bahamas investigates cause of death of flamingos )(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... ... . Bird flu could soon infect U.S. wild and commercial flocks, although there is no indication the virus can spread from human to human, according to HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Secretary Michael Leavitt. Meanwhile, officials in the Bahamas...

Produce.(production data)
March 6, 2006... CITRUS UPDATE--World citrus production in selected major producing countries in marketing year (MY) 2005/06 is estimated at 72.8 million metric tons, a slight increase from the MY 2004/05 level. The total consists of 47.1 million for oranges,...

Canned vegetables.(prices, exports, sales)
March 6, 2006... CORN--U.S. exports totaled 262.7 million pounds in 2005, 15% lower than in 2004. The value of exports in 2005 totaled $110.5 million, 8% lower than the previous year. Exports to Japan were up 10%, totaling 95.7 million pounds, while exports to...

Glory foods introduced sensibly seasoned, a new line of heat-and-serve vegetables that are lower-sodium, low-fat and meatless.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... Glory Foods introduced Sensibly Seasoned, a new line of heat-and-serve vegetables that are lower-sodium, low-fat and meatless. The 10 new Southern-style products include tomatoes, okra and corn, tomatoes and okra, string beans, mixed greens,...

Tomato products.(prices, exports and industry forecast)
March 6, 2006... The mid-January early crop intentions report indicated that California tomato processors would likely contract for more tomatoes in 2006. Because of surging input costs, especially for energy-based inputs such as fuel and fertilizer, processors...

Frozen vegetables.(stocks and inventories)
March 6, 2006... BROCCOLI--Holdings of spears are 8% higher this year, as of Feb. 1, from the same time period in 2005. The West South Central and South Atlantic regions were the only major regions to increase inventories over last year. Cold storage stocks are...

Canned fruits.(MARKETS)(exports compared for canned fruits)
March 6, 2006... PINEAPPLE--Exports of canned pineapple in 2005 were up 33% from the previous year, totaling 9.6 million pounds. Nearly 45% of all shipments were directed to Canada, which imported a total of 4.2 million pounds from the U.S. in 2005, compared to...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)(export prices of canned fish)
March 6, 2006... CLAMS--Supplies of whole baby clams have been extremely limited over the past six months as a result of the tsunami. Domestic sales remain strong and there is some question as to whether supplies will last until the new harvest begins this...

NMFS released the 2006 and 2007 final harvest specifications and prohibited species catch allowances for the groundfish fishery.(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... NMFS released the 2006 and 2007 final harvest specifications and prohibited species catch allowances for the groundfish fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area.

NMFS released the final 2006 and 2007 harvest specifications, reserves and apportionments thereof, Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits, and associated management measures.(IN THE NEWS ...)(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... NMFS released the final 2006 and 2007 harvest specifications, reserves and apportionments thereof, Pacific halibut prohibited species catch limits, and associated management measures for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska.

NMFS released the final specifications for the 2006 fishing year for the Atlantic herring fishery.(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... NMFS released the final specifications for the 2006 fishing year for the Atlantic herring fishery. The intent of this final rule is to promote the development and conservation of the herring resource.

NMFS amended the geographic coordinates that define the longline fishing prohibited area in waters of the U.S.(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... NMFS amended the geographic coordinates that define the longline fishing prohibited area in waters of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone around Guam.

NMFS released the final specifications for the 2006 Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries.(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... NMFS released the final specifications for the 2006 Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries, to promote the development and conservation of the MSB resources.

NMFS prohibited directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels 60-ft. in length overall.(commercial fishing)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... NMFS prohibited directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels 60-ft. in length overall and longer using hook-and-line gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area.

The Safe Harbor brand of certified low-mercury fresh fish was introduced at Holiday Quality Foods' 19 grocery stores in rural Northern California.(Pacific Seafood Group launches fresh fish)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... The Safe Harbor brand of certified low-mercury fresh fish was introduced at Holiday Quality Foods' 19 grocery stores in rural Northern California. It is part of a market test by the supermarket chain and fish wholesaler Pacific Seafood Group to...

NMFS reduced the trip limit in the commercial hook-and-line fishery for king mackerel in the southern Florida west coast subzone to 500 lbs.(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... NMFS reduced the trip limit in the commercial hook-and-line fishery for king mackerel in the southern Florida west coast subzone to 500 lbs. of king mackerel per day in or from the exclusive economic zone.

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 ft. in length overall.(commercial fishing)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 ft. in length overall using jig or hook-and-line gear in the Bogoslof Pacific cod exemption area of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area.

Dried vegetables.(exports)
March 6, 2006... GARLIC--Exports of garlic powder in 2005 totaled 5.4 million pounds, an increase of 20% from 2004. Shipments to the United Kingdom were up 15% to 847,373 pounds, while exports to Guatemala, another large market for U.S. garlic powder, were down...

Firebaugh, CA-based De Francesco & Sons, an onion and garlic dehydrating company, is closing all operations.(California)(Brief article)
March 6, 2006... Firebaugh, CA-based De Francesco & Sons, an onion and garlic dehydrating company, is closing all operations, citing low priced imports and rising business costs, reported The Modesto Bee.

Dried fruit & nuts.(MARKET)
March 6, 2006... USDA HAS PURCHASED DRIED FIGS * Shipments between Apr. 16-June 30, 2006 * Cases Total Cost Dried Fig Pieces (24/1 lb.) 152,064 $4,238,155 Fig Garden Packing, Inc. 1,584 Imperial Sales...

Frozen fruits.(stocks and inventories)
March 6, 2006... BLUEBERRIES--As of Feb. 1, nationwide cold storage inventories were 12% lower than the same time last year, a 9.3 million pound decrease. Regionally, supplies were down through the country. States in the East North Central region, the main cold...