The Food Institute Report articles from May 2005

The Food Institute Report archives from May 2005

Two investment funds bite into Wendy's, one may propose change.(Pershing Square Capital Management LP )
May 2, 2005... PERSHING SQUARE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LP acquired stock and options that could give the New York-based investment fund a 9.3% stake in WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC., and may seek major changes at the fast-food chain, according to an SEC filing. It...

Kraft CEO keeping an eye out for healthy food and drink brands.
May 2, 2005... Kraft Foods Inc. is "actively looking" to acquire healthy food and drink brands, as a growing number of consumers are concerned about their weight, chief executive Roger Deromedi said. The Northfield, IL-based company will probably market...

Future ingredients and challenges of functional products.
May 2, 2005... Antioxidants and dietary fiber were cited by more than half of the manufacturers surveyed (57.30% and 55.80%, respectively) as the ingredients expected to become more important in functional foods formulation efforts during the next two years,...

Latest financial reports.(Illustration)
May 2, 2005... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS Current % Change Year Year Ago ALTRIA GROUP, INC. (NEW YORK, NY) Qtr. To Mar. 31 Sales $23,618,000 8.7% Net Income $2,596,000 ...

Captain D's Inc. is preparing to move into multibranding, as its new owners hunt for dining concepts to add to Captain D's. Boston, MA-based Charlesbank Capital Partners and Grotech Capital Group, Maryland, are looking for companies that, when combined with Captain D's, would create a chain of up to 3,000 stores and $1 billion in sales.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... CAPTAIN D'S INC. is preparing to move into multibranding, as its new owners hunt for dining concepts to add to Captain D's. Boston, MA-based CHARLESBANK CAPITAL PARTNERS and GROTECH CAPITAL GROUP, Maryland, are looking for companies that, when...

Albertsons, Inc., Boise, ID, is installing a new media system in key shopping areas in its stores to enhance the shopping experience for customers.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... ALBERTSONS, INC., Boise, ID, is installing a new media system in key shopping areas in its stores to enhance the shopping experience for customers. The new system, which features 15-inch flat-panel LCD screens at each checkout lane and 42-inch...

Meijer, Publix Super Markets, Tops Markets, Giant Foods--Carlisle, Schnuck Markets, Kroger's Southwest Division, and Harris Teeter are participating this year in Produce for Kids, a campaign that promotes produce consumption while raising money for Children's Miracle Network-affiliated hospitals.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
May 2, 2005... MEIJER, PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, TOPS MARKETS, GIANT FOODS--CARLISLE, SCHNUCK MARKETS, KROGER'S SOUTHWEST DIVISION, and HARRIS TEETER are participating this year in Produce for Kids, a campaign that promotes produce consumption while raising money...

Rockstar Inc., maker of Rockstar Energy Drink, struck a distribution agreement with Coca-Cola North America and Coca-Cola Enterprises.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
May 2, 2005... ROCKSTAR INC., maker of Rockstar Energy Drink, struck a distribution agreement with COCA-COLA NORTH AMERICA and COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES. CCE will distribute Rockstar in all of its territories covered in the distribution agreement in the U.S. and...

Coleman Natural Foods.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... COLEMAN NATURAL FOODS, Golden, CO, introduced a new line of all natural beef, poultry, lamb, pork and sausage products specifically for the conventional grocery channel. The new Coleman Purely Natural line will be offered in dedicated natural...

American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA).(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(American Pet Products Manufacturers Association)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... Pet ownership is currently at an all-time high, revealed a new survey from the AMERICAN PET PRODUCTS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (APPMA). Sixty-three percent of all U.S. households currently own a pet, up from 64 million in 2002 and 51 million in...

Interstate Bakeries Corporation.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... INTERSTATE BAKERIES CORPORATION, Kansas City, MO, plans to consolidate operations in its Florida Profit Center by closing its bakery in Miami and consolidating routes, depots and thrift stores in Florida and Georgia, where it maintains regional...

Following its acquisition of Genisoy for roughly $20 million, San Francisco-based Swander Pace Capital will consolidate a number of soy-based food brands under its portfolio company, Shadewell Grove Foods Inc., Tulsa, OK.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... Following its acquisition of GENISOY for roughly $20 million, San Francisco-based SWANDER PACE CAPITAL will consolidate a number of soy-based food brands under its portfolio company, SHADEWELL GROVE FOODS INC., Tulsa, OK. GeniSoy, a wellknown...

SPA finder.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... Spa-inspired food will become "everyday fare in American homes, workplaces and perhaps even schools," according to New York-based SPA FINDER, a global spa resource. A growing number of Americans will look to spa cookbooks, spa cooking classes...

7-Eleven could create its own brand of gasoline once its 20-year supply agreement with Citgo Petroleum Corp. expires in September 2006, noted CEO Jim Keyes.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... 7-ELEVEN could create its own brand of gasoline once its 20-year supply agreement with CITGO PETROLEUM CORP. expires in September 2006, noted CEO Jim Keyes... The Dallas Morning News

Cold Stone Creamery.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... COLD STONE CREAMERY, Scottsdale, AR, plans to expand in Illinois, where it projects to open 75 new locations in the next three to five years. It currently has 41 stores across the state. Eight locations in Chicago, and locations in Evanston,...

Rita's Water Ice Franchise Corp.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... RITA'S WATER ICE FRANCHISE CORP. of Bensalem, PA, the nation's largest Italian ice chain, is launching Rita's Squeezers, the company's first frozen novelty item specifically designed for consumers to take home and store in their freezers. The...

Overhill Farms, Inc. announced that based in part on its recent improved financial performance, it has retained Piper Jaffray & Co. as its financial advisor to explore strategic financial alternatives to improve shareholder value.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... OVERHILL FARMS, INC. announced that based in part on its recent improved financial performance, it has retained PIPER JAFFRAY & CO. as its financial advisor to explore strategic financial alternatives to improve shareholder value....

Owners of nearly all Dairy Queen outlets in Oregon and Washington are debating whether to disband their cooperative to work directly with franchisor International Dairy Queen, owned by Omaha-based Berhshire Hathaway Inc. Dairy Queen Of The Pacific Northwest is the only co-op in the DQ system.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... Owners of nearly all DAIRY QUEEN outlets in Oregon and Washington are debating whether to disband their cooperative to work directly with franchisor INTERNATIONAL DAIRY QUEEN, owned by Omaha-based BERHSHIRE HATHAWAY INC. DAIRY QUEEN OF THE...

Sbarro Inc., Melville, NY, launched a casual-dining brand called Carmela's Of Brooklyn and has a joint venture development pact in place for the Orlando, FL market.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... SBARRO INC., Melville, NY, launched a casual-dining brand called CARMELA'S OF BROOKLYN and has a joint venture development pact in place for the Orlando, FL market. The concept, catering to families, features table service as well as takeout....

Jack In The Box closed its JBX test locations in Hillcrest and Pacific Beach, CA.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... JACK IN THE BOX closed its JBX test locations in Hillcrest and Pacific Beach, CA. The two restaurants will be converted back to regular Jack in the Box quick-service locations. The company is applying the lessons learned from its test locations...

Dunkin' Donuts has begun installing a piece of equipment that lets workers cost-effectively offer regular and decaffeinated hot and twice-brewed iced coffee in seven additional flavors: blueberry, raspberry, marshmallow, caramel, toasted almond, cinnamon and coconut.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... DUNKIN' DONUTS has begun installing a piece of equipment that lets workers cost-effectively offer regular and decaffeinated hot and twice-brewed iced coffee in seven additional flavors: blueberry, raspberry, marshmallow, caramel, toasted...

Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc., Metairie, LA, plans an initial public offering of as much as $235 million of common stock, according to an SEC regulatory filing.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
May 2, 2005... RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE INC., Metairie, LA, plans an initial public offering of as much as $235 million of common stock, according to an SEC regulatory filing. At the end of December, there were 86 Ruth's Chris restaurants, including 10...

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORPORATION, Pittsburg, TX, is introducing a new product line, called EatWellStayHealthy, that makes it easier for consumers to find and enjoy healthy poultry products. The line includes includes eight different choices,...

Bar fight for allied Domecq.
May 2, 2005... One of the few public wine-and-spirits companies and with a strong brand portfolio, ALLIED DOMECQ is a very attractive takeover target. The recent PERNOD RICARD--FORTUNE BRANDS $14.2 billion bid (see Food Institute Report Apr. 25, page 7) is no...

Gain a better understanding of the impact mergers have on your business.(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... During The Food Institute's May 12 Webinar, "Insights into Food-Industry Mergers and Acquisitions," several experts will explore last year's trends and hot-spots across all food sectors. They'll also discuss what 2004 and early 2005 activity...

Mergers & acquisitions.
May 2, 2005... CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, INC., Los Angeles, agreed to acquire the remaining approximately 75% of LA FOOD SHOW, INC., a one-unit casual dining concept founded by CPK's co-founders and co-CEOs Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. Under terms of the...

Only 2.6% of Americans eat at a fast-casual chain each week.
May 2, 2005... The fast-casual market pulls together the finer qualities of multiple restaurant sectors. It takes the fast from fast food, its quality and ambience from the casual dining experience, adds a focus on health and freshness for which both family...

ITC to review Thai/Indian shrimp duties in tsunami's wake ...(WASHINGTON)(International Trade Commission )(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... A changed circumstances review concerning the International Trade Commission January affirmative injury determinations regarding imports of certain frozen warmwater shrimp from India and Thailand is getting underway. On Jan. 6, the ITC...

... Thai shrimpers allege China may be avoiding duties.(WASHINGTON)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... Meanwhile, Thai shrimp exporters suspect that certain countries are increasing their share of the U.S. market by routing business through third countries to avoid anti-dumping duties according to The Bangkok Post. Thai exporters question...

NAFTA has opened Mexican markets, but some hurdles remain.(WASHINGTON)(North American Free Trade Agreement)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... American farm exports to Mexico have nearly doubled in the past decade, but still confront some recurring hurdles, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). While lower tariffs enabled U.S. agricultural exports to reach $7.9...

Nutrition labeling at restaurants assessed by USDA.(WASHINGTON)(United States Department of Agriculture)
May 2, 2005... While Americans spend about 46% of their total food budget on food away from home, up from 27% in 1962, such foods tend to be less nutritious and higher in calories than foods prepared at home notes a new study from USDA which provides an...

FDA issues warning letters.(WASHINGTON)
May 2, 2005... After finding serious deviations from its Seafood Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulations that resulted in the firm's crabmeat being adulterated FDA issued a warning letter to LYNN'S SEAFOOD, Gautier, MS, on Apr. 14 stating,...

You should know.(Food Safety - Laws and Regulations)
May 2, 2005... ... . EU food safety experts failed to agree on authorizing imports of a genetically modified maize by Monsanto known as GA21, revealing their deadlock over biotech foods for the 10th time in a row, reported MSNBC.com. The lack of a decision on...

Food recalls reported.(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... Ho's Trading Inc., Brooklyn, NY, recalled Home Special Soup Mix in 4-oz. plastic bags, sold nationwide. Reason: May contain undeclared sulfites. Sino Bestfood, Inc. recalled preserved fruit (apple) from China, sold in 12.35 oz. packages in...

Fruit fly regulations.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Brief Article)
May 2, 2005... FRUIT FLY REGULATIONS: Grapefruit, sweet lime, sour orange and sweet orange are removed from West Indian fruit fly regulations. Comments due June 27; contact Wayne Burnett, National Program Manager, 301-734-4387. Apr. 26 FR70 21325-21326

Labeling and advertising requirements for alcoholic beverages.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)
May 2, 2005... LABELING AND ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Comments are requested about revised labeling and advertising requirements for alcoholic beverages. Under consideration by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau are mandates...

Produce.(MARKETS)(Consumption data)
May 2, 2005... Analyst: Justin Marsling 201-791-5570 ext. 26 jmarsling@foodinstitute.com CONSUMPTION OVERVIEW--Per capita use of fresh market vegetables and melons (excluding potatoes, sweet potatoes, pulses, and mushrooms) is forecasted to total 175.5...

Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)
May 2, 2005... Analyst: Justin Marsling 201-791-5570 ext. 26 jmarsling@foodinstitute.com CANNED VEGETABLES USDA OFFERS TO BUY CANNED VEGETABLES *Deliveries between July 1-Sept. 30, 2005* ...

Tomato products.(MARKETS)
May 2, 2005... Analyst: Justin Marsling 201-791-5570 ext. 26 jmarsling@foodinstitute.com TOMATO PRODUCTS Analyst: Justin Marsling 201-791-5570 ext. 26 jmarsling@foodinstitute.com USDA OFFERS TO BUY CANNED TOMATO PRODUCTS *Deliveries...

Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)
May 2, 2005... Analyst: Justin Marsling 201-791-5570 ext. 26 jmarsling@foodinstitute.com FROZEN VEGETABLES Analyst: Cheryl Nita 201-791-5570 ext. 22 cnita@foodinstitute.com SELECTED FROZEN VEGETABLE IMPORTS JAN. 1-MAR. 1 (Source: Bureau...

Canned fruit.(MARKETS)
May 2, 2005... Analyst: Justin Marsling 201-791-5570 ext. 26 jmarsling@foodinstitute.com USDA OFFERS TO BUY CANNED FRUITS * Deliveries between July 1 - Sept. 30, 2005 * Case Size Cases Apricots, Halves ...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)
May 2, 2005... Analyst: Justin Marsling 201-791-5570 ext. 26 jmarsling@foodinstitute.com TUNA--Scientists called for tighter commercial fishing restrictions to protect dwindling stocks of Atlantic bluefin tuna. An electronic tagging study of the ocean...

Dried vegetables.(MARKETS)
May 2, 2005... Analyst: Justin Marsling 201-791-5570 ext. 26 jmarsling@foodinstitute.com USDA OFFERS TO BUY DRIED BEANS & DEHYDRATED POTATOES * Deliveries between July 1 - Sept. 30, 2005 * Case Size Cases ...

Dried fruit and nuts.(MARKETS)
May 2, 2005... Analyst: Cheryl Nita 201-791-5570 ext. 22 cnita@foodinstitute.com U.S. IMPORTS OF NUTS AND NUTMEATS, JAN. 1-MAR. 1, 2005 (Source: Bureau of Census) Pounds Dollars ...

Frozen fruit.(MARKETS)
May 2, 2005... Analyst: Cheryl Nita 201-791-5570 ext. 22 cnita@foodinstitute.com CHERRIES--CherrCo's base price for May is 85 cents per pound for 5+1 and 95 cents per pound for IQF, each up 1 cent per pound from last month. U.S. imports of tart...

Juices and concentrates.(MARKETS)
May 2, 2005... Analyst: Cheryl Nita 201-791-5570 ext. 22 cnita@foodinstitute.com USDA OFFERS TO BUY CANNED JUICES * Deliveries between July 1 - Sept. 2005 * Case Size Cases Grape Juice (Ctn) 12/46 oz. ...

Butter.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
May 2, 2005... BUTTER MARKET, APR. 29 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 4/29/2005 4/22/2005 Chge. Grade AA 1.3975 1.4575 -.06

Cheese.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
May 2, 2005... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET APR. 29 Cents Per Pound: 4/29/2005 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 138.50 -1.50 Blocks (40-lbs.) 144.50 -1.50

Eggs.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
May 2, 2005... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS APR. 29 (Source: USDA) Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Chng. Cents per dozen: Apr. 29 Apr. 22 Extra Large-NY 61-65 61-65 N/C Large-NY 59-63 ...

Chicken.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
May 2, 2005... PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF MAY 2 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 66-69 66-69 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few Too Few Los Angeles...

Futures prices.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
May 2, 2005... FUTURES PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash May. 05 Jul. 05 As of Apr. 29, 2005: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. 1.925 2.045 2.13 Soybeans,...

Commodity prices.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
May 2, 2005... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last Apr. 29 Apr. 22 ...

Supermarket sales up 3.5% in 2004, extremes vary widely.
May 9, 2005... At first glance, supermarket industry sales increased nearly 3.5% on average against food price inflation of 2.7% in 2004. However, a further look shows that the top 25% performers saw sales increase 7.3% and the top 50% grew nearly 4.8%, while...

Raley's launches every day value price campaign.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... Raley's started a new pricing strategy on May 4, permanently marking down about 5,700 items in its 125 RALEY'S, BEL AIR MARKETS and NOB HILL FOODS stores. Instead of traditional "high-low" pricing, Raley's new pricing averages an item's sale...

Hain to increase prices, continue streamlining.(Hain Celestial Group Inc)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. plans to implement a new price increase, averaging 2.5% to 3.5%, on certain of its brands effective June 2005, in order to offset the increased costs of doing business. Gross margins of 28.2% in the third quarter...

Giant food to invest in stores, streamline supply chain operations.(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... During the next two years, Giant plans to make substantial investments in building new and replacement stores and remodeling existing stores, as it seeks to enhance productivity and efficiency in its supply chain operations. Prior to the end of...

$6.9 billion U.S. demand for meat, poultry and seafood packaging by 2009.
May 9, 2005... Increased meat, poultry and seafood production, combined with changes in packaging practices, will result in a 4.0% annual increase in demand for meat, poultry and seafood packaging through 2009. Processors are expanding both their offerings of...

China: a growing market for U.S. ag exports.
May 9, 2005... China's demand for agricultural products has boomed over the past two years and unlike previous one-year surges in 1989 and 1995, this latest increase appears to have staying power. According to a new report from USDA's Economic Research...

Latest financial reports.(Illustration)
May 9, 2005... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS Current % Change Year Years Ago ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO. (DECATUR, IL) Qtr. To Mar. 31: Sales $8,484,171 -8.9% Net Income * ...

Buehler Foods Inc., which owns and operates more than 60 grocery stores in five states, filed for bankruptcy protection, citing delays in assuming control of 16 Winn-Dixie stores it purchased last year.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
May 9, 2005... BUEHLER FOODS INC., which owns and operates more than 60 grocery stores in five states, filed for bankruptcy protection, citing delays in assuming control of 16 WINN-DIXIE stores it purchased last year. Jasper, IN-based Buehler will continue...

Dean Foods Company.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(spin-off )(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... DEAN FOODS COMPANY, Dallas, received a favorable ruling from the IRS regarding the planned spin-off of its Specialty Foods unit. The planned debt-free spin-off will create a publicly traded private label and regionally branded packaged foods...

Supervalu.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
May 9, 2005... SUPERVALU is targeting acculturated Hispanics and non-Hispanics with Carlita, a new Tex-Mex signature brand. The center store line of products includes such items as diced tomatoes, prepared chiles and jalapenos, taco kits and refried beans....

Coca-Cola Company hopes to challenge Pepsico's Mountain Dew with Vault, a citrus-flavored soda to be being tested later in 2005.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... COCA-COLA COMPANY hopes to challenge PEPSICO'S Mountain Dew with Vault, a citrus-flavored soda to be being tested later in 2005. Coke has been studying an energy-drink version of Powerade called Advance and a lower-calorie version dubbed...

Campbell Soup Co.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... CAMPBELL SOUP CO. will start selling a new line of high-end, preservative-free vegetarian soups. Campbell Select Gold Label soups will start shipping in August and be available nationwide by October. The new soups will come in five varieties at...

Mrs. Dash.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... MRS. DASH is introducing Southwest Chipotle Seasoning Blend, touted as a smokin' seasoning that combines the best flavors of the Southwest in one bottle. It is made from a blend of red peppers, cayenne pepper, and fiery chipotle chili peppers...

Ready-Pac Produce Inc., Irwindale, CA, will introduce grab-and-go cups of water-packed carrots and celery in grocery stores this summer.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... READY-PAC PRODUCE INC., Irwindale, CA, will introduce grab-and-go cups of water-packed carrots and celery in grocery stores this summer. California-based SUNKIST GROWERS INC. will be rolling out SunKist Fun Fruits--sliced oranges, apples,...

Kroger Co. will market a service that lets its customers order specialty food such a pineapple jelly, coconut vinegar and SweeTouch-Nee tea from its website.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... KROGER CO. will market a service that lets its customers order specialty food such a pineapple jelly, coconut vinegar and SweeTouch-Nee tea from its website. The web program, Kroger Special Order, which has been quietly tested for a year, is...

Future Now Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Internet food sales )(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... Internet food sales are projected to grow to $17.4 billion in 2008 from $3.7 billion this year, noted Bryan Eisenberg of FUTURE NOW INC., a web consultant... MSNBC.com (May 1)

ED&F Man, a merchant of cocoa, sugar and coffee, has formed Corigins, a new U.S.-based supplier of ingredients to organic and natural foods manufacturers.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... ED&F MAN, a merchant of cocoa, sugar and coffee, has formed CORIGINS, a new U.S.-based supplier of ingredients to organic and natural foods manufacturers. It will supply ingredients such as certified organic sugar from Costa Rica, Fair Trade...

Conagra Foods Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... CONAGRA FOODS INC. will introduce Hunt's Organic Tomatoes and Orville Redenbacher's Organic Microwave Popcorn later this year. These new products will bear the "USDA Organic" seal, verifying they are produced using certified organic practices,...

Wal-Mart.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... WAL-MART will add 22,000-sq. ft. to a recently closed store in Lakewood, CO and operate it as the state's first "mini-supercenter." The $4 million expansion will bring the store to 150,000-sq. ft., while typical Wal-Mart supercenters range from...

The ethnic foods market, including Hispanic, Asian, and African-American food and beverage products, currently generates about $75 billion in annual sales, noted ethnic marketing expert Terry Soto of Burbank, CA-based About Marketing Solutions at last week's Food Marketing Institute convention.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... The ethnic foods market, including Hispanic, Asian, and African-American food and beverage products, currently generates about $75 billion in annual sales, noted ethnic marketing expert Terry Soto of Burbank, CA-based ABOUT MARKETING SOLUTIONS...

Sara Lee Corp. is relocating headquarters from Chicago to the Downers Grove suburb of Illinois.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... SARA LEE CORP. is relocating headquarters from Chicago to the Downers Grove suburb of Illinois. The shift is part of its restructuring announced Feb. 10 under which Sara Lee is moving its bakery and packaged meats businesses from St. Louis and...

An experimental diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans had double the LDL cholesterol-lowering benefit of a standard low-fat diet.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... An experimental diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans had double the LDL cholesterol-lowering benefit of a standard low-fat diet, according to a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine... MedPageToday.com (May 2)

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... Only broiled or baked fish--not fried--actually protects against heart disease, according to new research funded by the NATIONAL HEART, LUNG AND BLOOD INSTITUTE... ABCNEWS.com (May 3)

The J.M. Smucker Company.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(toppings)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... THE J.M. SMUCKER COMPANY, Orrville, OH, is introducing Smucker's Sundae Singles--individually-portioned and microwaveable toppings, available in Hot Fudge and Caramel flavors. The convenient packages of topping, ideal for ice cream or as a dip...

Heinz.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... HEINZ is testing the new "SqueezMe!" ketchup packets in the UK, and intends to bring it to the U.S. soon. The product is touted as "simple to open and mess-free." A plastic tab snaps off neatly and a portion three times the size of an American...

Pepsico.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Gatorade's plant construction)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... Maryland is one of three finalists for a $150 million plant for PEPSICO'S Gatorade that would bring between 200 and 500 jobs to the state. The state is competing with Virginia and North Carolina to lure the factory. The plant would also produce...

Costco.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(self checkout lanes)
May 9, 2005... COSTCO is installing more self-service lanes. After testing self-service checkout lanes in four U.S. stores, Costco found that people using self-service checkout lanes are buying as much as those who depend on the checkers... The Seattle...

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... GREEN MOUNTAIN COFFEE ROASTERS, INC., Waterbury, VT, has introduced "Extra Bold" K-Cups in two varieties, Dark Magic and Fair Trade Certified Organic Sumatran Reserve. A K-Cup holds a single serving of ground coffee or tea for use in the Keurig...

Pizza Hut.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... PIZZA HUT introduced a new menu in Israel, including such dishes as grilled cauliflower, lasagna and grilled eggplant. The expanded menu will not include healthier foods or reduced calorie pizza, but the salads have been improved to provide a...

Bear Rock Franchise Systems Inc., franchisor of Bear Rock Cafe, signed a 30-unit area development franchise for Los Angeles and a five unit commitment in Ventura County, CA.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... BEAR ROCK FRANCHISE SYSTEMS INC., franchisor of BEAR ROCK CAFE, signed a 30-unit area development franchise for Los Angeles and a five unit commitment in Ventura County, CA. The first restaurants to open under these agreements are planned for...

Benihana Inc. plans to open its first Texas-based RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Houston.(NEW STORE NEWS)
May 9, 2005... BENIHANA INC. plans to open its first Texas-based RA SUSHI BAR RESTAURANT in Houston. No date has been set for the opening.

A former Jubliee supermarket location in North Buffalo, NY, will reopen soon as a Budwey's Food Market.(NEW STORE NEWS)(Brief Article)
May 9, 2005... A former JUBILEE supermarket location in North Buffalo, NY, will reopen soon.