The Food Institute Report articles from March 2009

The Food Institute Report archives from March 2009

Wholesale food price declines exceed retail in January.(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... As in prior recessionary periods, wholesale food prices are declining more rapidly than retail food prices. This was most exemplified by the January data released late last month that showed food-at-home prices were still running 5.6% higher...

Could food inflation be reignited this year?(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... While food inflation is projected to be under last year's 5.5% level, it could be impacted by production cuts and a stronger U.S. dollar, according to Kenneth Zaslow, a senior analyst for BMO CAPITAL MARKETS speaking during the THE FOOD...

Target to expand food offerings.(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... Target plans to place greater emphasis on food, aiming "to further enhance our assortment of dry, dairy and frozen [food products], and add perishable items in new and remodeled general-merchandise stores," according to president and chief...

Top 10 wholesalers.(Statistical table)(Brief article)(Company rankings)
March 2, 2009... Top 10 Wholesalers A = Actual sales, E = Estimated sales # of Stores Sales ($ Billions) Rank Company 1 Supervalu 2491 $45.0E 2 C&S Wholesale Grocers 0 ...

Food-at-home prices rose 0.5% in January.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... Food-at-home prices increased 0.5% from a month earlier during January, according to government data analyzed by THE FOOD INSTITUTE. This brought prices 5.6% above year earlier levels. Food away-from-home prices rose 0.3%, and were 4.9% above...

Wholesale food prices fall in January vs. prior month.(Statistical table)
March 2, 2009... The decline in the index for finished consumer foods slowed to 0.4% in January from 1.4% in the prior month. The index for fluid milk products fell 0.6% following a 5.3% decrease in December. Prices for fresh vegetables (except potatoes),...

Coupon inhibitions diminishing during slumping economy.(Brief article)(Statistical data)
March 2, 2009... About 22% consumers admit they feel self-conscious redeeming coupons at grocery stores, according to nationwide research released from ICOM INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS L.P. (ICOM). However, the harsh economic climate is helping to reduce...

Access Beverage, Inc., Santa Ana, CA, entered into a Letter of Intent with New Patagonia SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina, to acquire a 40% interest in Lauquen Natural Artesian Water.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... ACCESS BEVERAGE, INC., Santa Ana, CA, entered into a Letter of Intent with NEW PATAGONIA SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina, to acquire a 40% interest in LAUQUEN NATURAL ARTESIAN WATER. Access Beverage is expected to acquire exclusive marketing and...

Agrium Inc., Calgary, Alberta, offered to acquire rival fertilizer producer CF Industries Holdings, Inc., Deerfield, IL, in a $3.6 billion cash-and-stock bid.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... AGRIUM INC., Calgary, Alberta, offered to acquire rival fertilizer producer CF INDUSTRIES HOLDINGS, INC., Deerfield, IL, in a $3.6 billion cash-and-stock bid. This comes on the heels of CF Industries' proposed acquisition of rival TERRA...

DayMark Safety Systems, Bowling Green, OH, acquired Dovemart, Ltd., Winsford, Cheshire, England, which will now do business as CMC DayMark, Ltd.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... DAYMARK SAFETY SYSTEMS, Bowling Green, OH, acquired DOVEMART, LTD., Winsford, Cheshire, England, which will now do business as CMC DAYMARK, LTD. Already with a strong presence in the UK and Europe, CMC DayMark, Ltd. will continue as a leading...

JBS S.A., Brazil, terminated the acquisition process of National Beef Packing Company LLC effective Feb. 23 claiming a lack of satisfactory conditions as a reason.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... JBS S.A., Brazil, terminated the acquisition process of NATIONAL BEEF PACKING COMPANY LLC effective Feb. 23 claiming a lack of satisfactory conditions as a reason. All related litigation with THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE will also be...

KPS Capital Partners, LP, a New York-based private equity firm, formed North American Breweries, Inc., which the company describes as a national platform for investments and growth in the beer and malt beverage industries.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... KPS CAPITAL PARTNERS, LP, a New York-based private equity firm, formed NORTH AMERICAN BREWERIES, INC., which the company describes as a national platform for investments and growth in the beer and malt beverage industries. The company agreed to...

French retailer Carrefour made a non-binding offer to buy control of Russia's Seventh Continent, two banking sources told Reuters.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... French retailer CARREFOUR made a non-binding offer to buy control of Russia's SEVENTH CONTINENT, two banking sources told Reuters. A source close to Deutsche Bank also confirmed that Carrefour offered to buy the stake and help Seventh...

GF Group, a European operator in the fresh produce and logistics industries, acquired 9% of Apofruit Group's Canova SRL through its sub holding Fruttital Distribuzione Holding.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... GF GROUP, a European operator in the fresh produce and logistics industries, acquired 9% of APOFRUIT GROUP'S CANOVA SRL through its sub holding FRUTTITAL DISTRIBUZIONE HOLDING. Canova SRL works in the organic sector and is the reference partner...

Kirin Holdings Company, Ltd., Tokyo, will buy a 43% stake in the brewery unit of San Miguel Corp., Manila, Philippines, in a move to strengthen its Asian operations.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... KIRIN HOLDINGS COMPANY, LTD., Tokyo, will buy a 43% stake in the brewery unit of SAN MIGUEL CORP., Manila, Philippines, in a move to strengthen its Asian operations. The deal, worth $1.23 billion, involves Kirin selling its 20% stake in San...

Lawson Inc., Japan's second-largest convenience store chain, agreed to acquire AM/PM Japan Co. for $149 million, boosting its presence in the Tokyo area.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... LAWSON INC., Japan's second-largest convenience store chain, agreed to acquire AM/PM JAPAN CO. for $149 million, boosting its presence in the Tokyo area. Japan's seventh-largest chain, am/pm is 62.6% owned by REX HOLDINGS. JAPAN ENERGY CORP., a...

Quaker Oats, a Chicago-based unit of Pepsico Inc., is launching Quaker True Delights Granola Bars, combining real fruit, whole nuts and dark chocolate mixed into honey-drizzled Quaker Oats.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... QUAKER OATS, a Chicago-based unit of PEPSICO INC., is launching Quaker True Delights Granola Bars, combining real fruit, whole nuts and dark chocolate mixed into honey-drizzled Quaker Oats. The bars are available in three varieties: Toasted...

Palermo Villa, Inc.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... PALERMO VILLA, INC., Milwaukee, is rolling out Breakfast Pizza, marking its debut in the frozen breakfast category. Breakfast Pizza has a rising crust, cheddar cheese sauce and scrambled eggs, bacon and Italian sausage.

Pierre's Ice Cream Company.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... PIERRE'S ICE CREAM COMPANY, Cleveland, is marketing Yovation, frozen yogurt with live and active cultures plus a probiotic culture to help promote digestive health. Yovation comes in six varieties: Cookie Fudge Crunch, Double Fudge Brownie,...

Bernardi, the Italian food division of Windsor Foods, Houston, unveiled two Grand-i-Oli's flavors.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... BERNARDI, the Italian food division of WINDSOR FOODS, Houston, unveiled two Grand-i-Oli's flavors, Breaded 5-Cheese and Shrimp Scampi, extending the stuffed pasta line to six products.

Marinela USA, Forth Worth, TX, is introducing a line of 100 calorie snack cakes and cookies: Choco Roles, Pinguinos, Gransito, Strawberry Sponch! And Triki-Trakes.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... MARINELA USA, Forth Worth, TX, is introducing a line of 100 Calorie snack cakes and cookies: Choco Roles, Pinguinos, Gransito, Strawberry Sponch! And Triki-Trakes. Marinela is produced by BIMBO BAKERIES USA, a division of Mexico's GRUPO BIMBO.

Consumers seeking environmentally-friendly products ...(Survey)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... Slightly more than one-third of consumers claim they are more likely to buy environmentally responsible products today, and another 44% report their environmental shopping habits have not changed as a result of the recession, revealed the 2009...

Not all restaurateurs giving green light to green initiatives.
March 2, 2009... The harsh economic climate spurred some restaurateurs to rethink how much they can spend on environmental initiatives. While more operators claim they would like to boost their eco-friendly efforts, many are postponing green-related investments...

Nearly three in five Americans purchase wine.(Survey)(Brief article)(Statistical data)
March 2, 2009... Almost 58% of Americans are wine buyers, while 39% claim they never purchase a bottle of wine, according to a survey by HARRIS INTERACTIVE. Those who are buying wine are doing so slightly more frequently compared to five years ago. About 67%...

Panera testing catering in Chicago.(Panera Bread Co.)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... The over 80 Chicago-area Panera Bread eateries will serve as a test market for the company's increased focus on catering, reported Crain's Chicago Business (Feb. 24). Redesigned packaging to keep products hot will enter the Chicago market in...

Some manufacturers expanding products sizes, but not raising price.(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... HEINZ and FRITO-LAY are among a growing number of manufacturers that are introducing larger-sized products but not increasing their prices. Heinz is offering larger ketchup bottles and Frito-Lay will begin adding 20% more product to take-home...

Top 20 North American food retailers.(Statistical table)(Company rankings)
March 2, 2009... Top 20 North American Food Retailers A = Actual sales, E = Estimated sales Corporate/ Franchise Sales in $ Billions, Rank Company Stores ...

The transformation of U.S. livestock agriculture.(Report)
March 2, 2009... Livestock agriculture has undergone a series of profound transformations, according to a report by USDA'S ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE (ERS). Production is more specialized; farms usually confine and feed a single species of animal, often with...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(Statistical table)
March 2, 2009... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 OMITTED) Current % Change Year Year Ago AMERICAN ITALIAN PASTA CO. (KANSAS CITY, MO) 14 Wks. To Jan. 2: Sales ...

2010 AG & HHS budget proposals unveiled by President.(WASHINGTON)(Department of Health and Human Services)(Department of Agriculture)
March 2, 2009... President Obama gave an overview of the $3.55 trillion 2010 federal budget, and while somewhat limited on the specifics, an overview on the internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ usbudget/fy10/pdf/fy10-newera.pdf does provide some insight....

Allergen Committee meeting.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Allergenic Products Advisory Committee )(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... ALLERGEN COMMITTEE MEETING: FDA's Allergenic Products Advisory Committee will meet on Mar. 18 in Rockville, MD to discuss structured product labeling. The committee will also receive an update on research programs in the Laboratory of...

Codex meeting.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(The Office of the Acting Deputy Under Secretary)(Brief article)(Conference notes)
March 2, 2009... CODEX MEETING: The Office of the Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, USDA, FDA and U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES are sponsoring a public meeting on Mar. 5 to provide information and receive public comments on agenda...

Study: consumer confidence in food safety plunges.(WASHINGTON)(Survey)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... Fewer than one in four consumers now believe the U.S. food supply is safer than it was a year ago, according to new data from the UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA's Food Industry Center. After January's national salmonella outbreak, just 22.5% of...

Court enjoins seafood processing company.(WASHINGTON)(Captain's Select Seafood Inc.)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... At the request of FDA, the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota on Feb. 17, 2009, entered an order of permanent injunction against seafood processor CAPTAIN'S SELECT SEAFOOD INC., Minneapolis, MN, and its co-owners Carolyn M. Young...

Sec. Vilsack announces implementation of cool program.(WASHINGTON)(Tom Vilsack)
March 2, 2009... Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the final rule for the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) program will go into effect on Mar. 16 as scheduled. The rule was originally published in the Federal Register on Jan. 15, 2009 but was...

Today in food's most read stories, Feb. 17 to Feb. 20.(WASHINGTON)(briefs)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... 1. GENERAL MILLS and CONAGRA FOODS will not reduce prices of cereal, pasta and other products significantly even as commodity costs subsided, according to the companies' chief executives... Bloomberg.com (Feb. 17) 2. CAMPBELL SOUP CO. is...

New legislation looks to curb organized retail crime.(WASHINGTON)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... Three Congressional measures introduced on Feb. 25 intend to protect consumers by providing law enforcement with the tools necessary to combat the growing criminal activity known as organized retail crime (ORC), according to the RETAIL INDUSTRY...

FDA issues warning letter.(WASHINGTON)(MVP Livestock Inc.)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... Sunnyside, WA-based MVP LIVESTOCK, INC. was issued a warning letter on Feb. 11, 2009 by FDA after an investigation of the company's operation on Nov. 17 & 19, 2008. The investigation confirmed that the company sold several Holstein cows for...

Food product recalls reported.(WASHINGTON)(Statistical table)
March 2, 2009... FDA is expanding its report on manufacturers who are voluntarily recalling peanut butter items in association with PEANUT CORPORATION OF AMERICA's Salmonella outbreak. For more information, see FDA's recall alerts at http://...

Environmental Protection Agency.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... The ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) is expected to act for the first time to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, according to top Obama administration officials. The decision, which most likely would be enacted in stages...

FDA.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Joshua Sharfstein and Henry A. Waxman are appointed)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... President Obama's team narrowed down a field of candidates for FDA Commissioner to two finalists. They are Joshua Sharfstein, former health policy adviser to Rep. Henry A. Waxman, and Margaret Hamburg, former New York City health commissioner...

President Barack Obama nominated Kathleen A. Merrigan.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... President Barack Obama nominated Kathleen A. Merrigan to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association called for the Canadian government to undertake all available actions against the U.S. Country-Of-Origin-Labeling rule.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
March 2, 2009... The CANADIAN CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION called for the Canadian government to undertake all available actions against the U.S. Country-Of-Origin-Labeling rule, including an early resumption of a WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION challenge.

Produce.(MARKETS)
March 2, 2009... WEATHER--Beneficial precipitation continued from California to the Intermountain West. Although February precipitation slightly improved California's water-supply prospects, the state's reservoir storage stood at just 14.7 million acre feet...

Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
March 2, 2009... [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Fruit and vegetable canners are stressing the nutrition of their products in an effort to lift consumption, according to The Modesto Bee (Feb 23). The industry uses a 2007 study from the University of California at Davis...

Tomato products.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
March 2, 2009... SAUCE--Foodservice 6/10 canned tomato sauce is selling between $15.00-$15.30, while retail 24/300 size is selling between $9.70-$9.85, both f.o.b. Mid-Atlantic. PASTE--Foodservice 6/10 canned tomato paste is selling between $29.60-$29.85,...

Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
March 2, 2009... [GRAPHIC OMITTED] ASPARAGUS--Foodservice 6/2.5-lb. cuts are priced between $1.90-$2.00, and 6/2.5-lb. spears are around $2.75, f.o.b. Northwest. Retail spears in 12/12-oz. poly bags are between $18.65-$18.75, f.o.b. Northwest. ...

Canned fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
March 2, 2009... OLIVES--OLIVE ASSESSMENT JUMPS: USDA issued an Interim final rule with a request for comments that would increase the assessment rate established for the California Olive Committee for the 2009 and subsequent fiscal years from $15.60 to $28.63...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
March 2, 2009... [GRAPHIC OMITTED] SALMON--China: Vac.Pack: 4-oz. $3.35-3.50, 6-oz. f$3.353.50, 8-oz. $3.35-3.50. Chile: IQF: Portions: 4-oz. $4.90-5.00, 6-oz. $4.95-5.15; 8-oz. $5.10-5.15. Nor: 10# IQF: Portions: 6/8-oz. $6.50-$6.60 TUNA--Imports...

Dried vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
March 2, 2009... DRIED BEANS--All prices quoted are quoted on very limited trading. Great Northern, Dark Red Kidney, Pink and Cranberry prices were not established. Light Red Kidney from Nebraska and Michigan were not established. PEAS & LENTILS--Trading...

Dried fruits & nuts.(Statistical data)
March 2, 2009... PEANUTS--Peanut prices received by farmers for all farmer stock peanuts averaged 25.6 cents per pound for the week ending Feb. 14. The price per pound increased 0.4 cent from the previous week. Marketings of all farmer stock peanuts for the...

Frozen fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
March 2, 2009... CHERRIES--USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service established final free and restricted percentages for the 2008-2009 crop year tart cherries covered under the Federal marketing order regulating tart cherries grown in seven states at 73% free and...

Juices & concentrates.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
March 2, 2009... ORANGE JUICE--Florida orange juice is priced at 92 cents per pound solid. Juice from Mexico is closer to 90 cents per pound solid. APPLE--Apple concentrate pricing from China can be found for around $3.75--$4.00 per gallon. Meanwhile,...

Butter.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
March 2, 2009... BUTTER MARKET, FEBRUARY 25 Cents Per Pound: 2/25/2009 2/18/2009 Chge. Grade AA 1.1350 1.1025 0.0325

Cheese.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
March 2, 2009... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET FEBRUARY 25 Cents Per Pound: 2/25/2009 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 1.2100 -0.0900 Blocks (40-lbs.) 1.2250 -0.1050

Eggs.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
March 2, 2009... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS FEBRUARY 25 (Source: USDA) Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Cents per dozen: 25-Feb 19-Feb Chge. Extra Large-NY 95-99 95-99 0.00...

Chicken.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
March 2, 2009... PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 20 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 60-72 61-73 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few ...

Futures prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
March 2, 2009... FUTURE PRICES Cash March May As of February 26, 2009: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $3.53 3.638 3.723 Soybeans, bu. ...

Commodity prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
March 2, 2009... COMMODITY PRICES Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last 26-Feb 18-Feb Year Steers,...

Food GDP & expenditures dropped sharply at end of 2008.(gross domestic product)(Brief article)(Statistical data)
March 9, 2009... For the second consecutive quarter, the GDP (gross domestic product) index for food, which represents the market value of goods and services produced by labor and property in the U.S., regardless of nationality, declined in the last quarter of...

Companies implement new strategies to maximize performance.
March 9, 2009... In order to cut costs and maximize profits, many companies are looking to downsize portfolios and reduce product offerings and varieties, while others are looking to further innovate and possibly reinvigorate already successful brands through...

Many convenience categories face decline, energy drinks to grow.
March 9, 2009... Convenience stores are facing stiff competition from supermarkets as well as mass-merchandisers, according to Convenience Store News, but that does not necessarily mean that all categories will face negative growth. Overall, the total number of...

Tesco takes new marketing approach for fresh & easy.
March 9, 2009... Tesco PLC is rethinking its marketing strategy for Fresh & Easy supermarkets in the U.S. as the economic recession influences consumer purchases. While the British retailer initially emphasized high-quality foods and "Every Day Low Price"...

2009 customer loyalty engagement index released.(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... In the face of the current economic downturn, value is more important to consumers than price, according to the Customer Loyalty Engagement Index by BRAND KEYS, INC. "This year's findings indicate that shopper-consciousness has shifted from a...

Snack trends highlighted.
March 9, 2009... Three of 2008's top menu trends had to do with downsizing: mini food, value pricing and lighter food alternatives, reported MINTEL MENU INSIGHTS. "Many foodservice establishments focused on providing targeted value, the exact food people wanted...

Farmer Bros. Co. completed its acquisition of Sara Lee Corp.'s U.S. direct-store delivery foodservice coffee business.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Farmer Brothers Co.)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... FARMER BROS. CO. completed its acquisition of SARA LEE CORP.'S U.S. direct-store delivery foodservice coffee business. The $45 million acquisition makes Farmer Bros. the nation's largest direct-store delivery business for coffee and allied...

Frutarom Industries Ltd., a global flavors and fine ingredients company headquartered in Haifa, Israel, signed an agreement to acquire the assets and business of Flavors Specialties Inc., Corona, CA, for a cash payment of $17.2 million.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... FRUTAROM INDUSTRIES LTD., a global flavors and fine ingredients company headquartered in Haifa, Israel, signed an agreement to acquire the assets and business of FLAVORS SPECIALTIES INC., Corona, CA, for a cash payment of $17.2 million. Flavors...

Vita Food Products, Inc., Chicago, will merge with an entity beneficially owned by Howard E. Bedford.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... VITA FOOD PRODUCTS, INC., Chicago, will merge with an entity beneficially owned by Howard E. Bedford. Mr. Bedford is a member of the company's Board of Directors and the company's largest stockholder and beneficial owner of the company's...

Xcell International Corporation.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... XCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, Lemont, IL, purchased GRAND CARNIVAL, St. Louis, MO, and will continue to supply the Grand Carnival products to customers under the Fun Pack Foods brands through Xcell International Corporation. Grand Carnival...

Barry Callebaut and Spanish food group NATRA signed a memorandum of understanding whereby Barry Callebaut would transfer its consumer chocolate division, Stollwerck, to Natra.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Barry Callebaut Canada Inc.)(NATRA)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... BARRY CALLEBAUT and Spanish food group NATRA signed a memorandum of understanding whereby Barry Callebaut would transfer its consumer chocolate division, STOLLWERCK, to Natra. Barry Callebaut will focus on its core business with industrial and...

Nestle.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Nestle S.A.)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... NESTLE is seeking acquisitions in Poland. The company, which currently has eight factories in Poland, had 2008 sales of $830 million in the country... Reuters (Mar. 4)

UK-based Sainsbury's acquired 24 stores from the Cooperative Group.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(J Sainsbury PLC)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... UK-based SAINSBURY'S acquired 24 stores from the COOPERATIVE GROUP, comprising 22 Somerfield and two Co-operative branded stores. The stores have a net selling area of 236,000-sq. ft. and were purchased for 83 million [pounds sterling].

Beijing Sanyuan Group Co Ltd. won the bidding at $90 million for all valid assets and stake ownership of Sanlu Dairy Group.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... BEIJING SANYUAN GROUP CO LTD. won the bidding at $90 million for all valid assets and stake ownership of SANLU DAIRY GROUP. Beijing Sanyuan Group, parent of BEIJING SANYUAN FOODS CO., made the joint bid with its subsidiary, Hebei Sanyuan Foods...

The Seafood Co Ltd, part of the Foodvest group, agreed to acquire UK chilled fish business Pinneys of Scotland.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(The Seafood Co. (London, England))(Uniq PLC)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... THE SEAFOOD CO LTD, part of the FOODVEST group, agreed to acquire UK chilled fish business PINNEYS OF SCOTLAND from British convenience food maker UNIQ PLC for an initial consideration of 1 million [pounds sterling].

Sos Cuetara.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... Spanish food company SOS CUETARA is in the process of selling non-core businesses such as its olive oil, vinegar and sauce brands... Reuters (Mar. 5)

Tiger Brands Ltd., South Africa's largest branded food company, abandoned plans to bid for smaller rival Avi Ltd.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... TIGER BRANDS LTD., South Africa's largest branded food company, abandoned plans to bid for smaller rival AVI LTD. because of worsening market conditions... The Wall Street Journal (Mar. 4)

The sale of Canadian-based Lakeside Farm Industries by Tyson Foods, Inc. to XL Foods Ltd. is expected to be completed by mid-March.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... The sale of Canadian-based LAKESIDE FARM INDUSTRIES by TYSON FOODS, INC. to XL FOODS LTD. is expected to be completed by mid-March. The transaction, which was first announced in June 2008, is proceeding now that the CANADIAN COMPETITION BUREAU...

Unilever agreed to acquire Romanian ice cream brand Napoca and will launch an ice cream business in the country.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Unilever Ice Cream)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... UNILEVER agreed to acquire Romanian ice cream brand NAPOCA and will launch an ice cream business in the country. The product portfolio will include Magnum, Carte d'Or, Cornetto, Vienetta and Big Milk as well as Napoca brands once the...

Seapak Shrimp Company.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... SEAPAK SHRIMP COMPANY, St. Simons Island, GA, introduced Culinary Classics, a line of fish filets, and Tilapia Tenders, whole, hand-cut and lightly battered tilapia fillets

Ruiz Foods.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)(Ruiz Food Products Inc.)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... RUIZ FOODS, Dinuba, CA, introduced Tornados by El Monterey--flour tortilla rolled in a crispy seasoned batter and stuffed with savory meats and real cheese--to retail grocers. The convenience- oriented product, which can be prepared by...

Kahiki Foods.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... KAHIKI FOODS, Ohio, introduced a line of all-natural Tempura white meat chicken in four flavors: General Tso's, Sweet and Sour, Crispy Honey and Mandarin Orange. The Tempura chicken products include sauce packets for dipping

Natural Snacks, LLC.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... NATURAL SNACKS, LLC, Adison, IL, extended its offerings with Michael Season's Baked Multigrain Chips in three varieties: Original, Cheddar and Honey Chipotle

Pepsico.(NEW PRODUCT NEWS)(pepsi natural, Pepsi throwback and mountain dew throwback)(Brief article)
March 9, 2009... PEPSICO, Purchase, NY, introduced three new products, Pepsi Natural, Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback, all sweetened with natural sugar.

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(Statistical table)
March 9, 2009... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 OMITTED) Current % Change Year Year Ago BJ'S WHOLESALE CLUB, INC. (NATICK, MA) 13 Wks. To Jan. 31: Sales ...