The Food Institute Report articles from May 2006

The Food Institute Report archives from May 2006

No change in "real" sales at supermarkets in march vs. '05; eating & drinking places gain 6.2%.(Market overview)
May 1, 2006... With food-at-home inflation running at just 2.4% during the first quarter of 2006, (see FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT, Apr. 24, page 1) "real" or deflated sales at the nation's grocery stores were up just 0.19%. During March, these "real" sales were...

Cadbury Schweppes taking full control of DR Pepper/Seven Up Bottling Group.(soft drinks business)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Cadbury Schweppes plc agreed to acquire the remaining 55% stake in DR PEPPER/SEVEN UP BOTTLING GROUP (BG) it does not already own for $353 million in cash to boost its U.S. soft drinks business. Under the agreement, Cadbury Schweppes will buy a...

Portion-controlled snacks are getting bigger.(market analysis)(Brief article)(Market overview)
May 1, 2006... In the realm of snacking, the portion-controlled, smaller-sized 100-calorie pack trend continues to grow as originally reported in the FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT, Jan. 16, page 1. Most notably, the category has expanded with cookies, breakfast bars,...

Universities expand organic options.(organic food used by universities)
May 1, 2006... While campuses throughout the nation traditionally offer some organic food, The University of California's Berkeley campus is the first to offer a salad bar that holds an organic certification from CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARMERS, a Santa...

Natural food, specialty stores encroach on mainstream markets' share of specialty food sales.(natural food stores and specialty food stores )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Sales of specialty food at retailers in 2005 increased to $34.8 billion, up 15.1% from the previous year--or 11.7% after adjusting for inflation, according to The NASFT State of the Specialty Food Industry 2005, a study prepared by MINTEL...

Dream Dinners grows as consumers turn to meal assembly centers.
May 1, 2006... DREAM DINNERS, a West Seattle-based concept which began operating in 2003 after two Seattle-area women streamlined a process whereby customers could make 12 dinners for six in two hours for under $200, has 64 stores under construction....

Weightloss products still geared towards low-fat.(lower Glycemic Index)
May 1, 2006... As obesity rates continue to increase rapidly in the U.S., consumer spending on diet products is forecast to grow by 20% in 2009 to $54 billion, compared to $45 billion in 2004, according to a new report by Datamonitor. In 2004, 7.4% of new...

Alternative ingredients lowering salt, fat in foods.(processed foods)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Food manufacturers seeking to reduce fat, sugar and salt content from their products are turning to several new alternatives, which accomplish the task without compromising taste. Also, companies that once that once relied solely on fat-free...

Kum & Go, Des Moines, IA-based operator of more than 430 convenience stores.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... KUM & GO, Des Moines, IA-based operator of more than 430 convenience stores, acquired 11 JR FOODS convenience stores from J. WADE QUINN COMPANY INC., Jonesboro, AR. Kum & Go will now have 17 stores in Arkansas... Convenience Store News

Sovereign Investment Co., Princeton, NJ, completed the acquisition of a CIRCLE K convenience store portfolio worth $9.5 million which includes four c-store/gas stations in Illinois.(Daily News )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... SOVEREIGN INVESTMENT CO., Princeton, NJ, completed the acquisition of a CIRCLE K convenience store portfolio worth $9.5 million which includes four c-store/gas stations in Illinois. Circle K Stores, Inc. is a subsidiary of ALIMENTATION...

JDA Software Group Inc., Scottsdale, AZ, plans to acquire Rockville, MD-based Manugistics, a global supplier of synchronized supply chain and revenue management solutions.(Rockville)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... JDA SOFTWARE GROUP INC., Scottsdale, AZ, plans to acquire Rockville, MD-based MANUGISTICS, a global supplier of synchronized supply chain and revenue management solutions. THOMA CRESSEY EQUITY PARTNERS, an enterprise software investor with...

Treehouse Foods, Inc. completed the purchase of the private label soup and infant feeding businesses of Del Monte Foods Company.(soup business )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... TREEHOUSE FOODS, INC. completed the purchase of the private label soup and infant feeding businesses of DEL MONTE FOODS COMPANY. The soup business is a leader in the private label wet soup category. The Nature's Goodness infant feeding business...

FPA and GMA agree to merge.(Food Products Association)(Grocery Manufacturers Association )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The Board of Directors of the Food Products Association (formerly the NATIONAL FOOD PROCESSORS ASSOCIATION) and the Executive Committee of the Grocery Manufacturers Association agreed in principle to merge the two organizations effective Jan....

ACH Food Service Inc., Ft. Mill, SC, Food Service Action Inc., Stone Mountain, GA, and Food Sales, Inc., Nashville, TN, announced the formation of a new regional foodservice sales and marketing agency-Food Sales East, Inc.- to better serve their distributors, operators and manufacturer clients.(regional foodservice )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * ACH FOOD SERVICE INC., Ft. Mill, SC, FOOD SERVICE ACTION INC., Stone Mountain, GA, and FOOD SALES, INC., Nashville, TN, announced the formation of a new regional foodservice sales and marketing agency-FOOD SALES EAST, INC.- to better serve...

Archer Daniels Midland Company.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND COMPANY selected Hazleton, PA as the site for its new U.S. cocoa processing facility.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Los Angeles, plans open more than 40 locations in California this year, putting the total number of locations above 200.(signed a deal )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF, Los Angeles, plans open more than 40 locations in California this year, putting the total number of locations above 200. The chain also recently signed a deal to license as many as 40 mini cafes in RALPHS GROCERY CO....

Three Food 4 Less stores, in Paso Robles, Atascadero and San Luis Obispo, CA, will not see major changes as a result of a recent sale to PAQ Inc., of Stockton, CA.(Paq Inc)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * Three FOOD 4 LESS stores, in Paso Robles, Atascadero and San Luis Obispo, CA, will not see major changes as a result of a recent sale to PAQ INC., of Stockton, CA. The name will stay the same... San Luis Obispo Tribune (Apr. 22)

Grace's Kitchen's chef-made meals for two will be sold at 153 Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. locations throughout the Northeast starting May 3.(vegetarian and non-vegetarian frozen selections)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * GRACE'S KITCHEN'S chef-made meals for two will be sold at 153 SHAW'S SUPERMARKETS, INC. locations throughout the Northeast starting May 3. Seattle-based Grace's offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian frozen selections, which feature menu items...

Hardee's, a division of CKE Restaurants Inc., launched a meat-on-meat Philly cheesesteak thickburger featuring one-third of a pound of Angus beef.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * HARDEE'S, a division of CKE RESTAURANTS INC., launched a meat-on-meat Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger featuring one-third of a pound of Angus beef, along with both Swiss and American cheeses, green peppers and onions, topped with thinly sliced...

James Desiderio Inc.(different fruits)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * JAMES DESIDERIO INC. is preparing for a $2.1 million, 20,000-sq. ft. expansion of its Buffalo, NY operations. A 50,000-sq. ft. addition is expected to be added to an adjacent building next year. The company distributes more than 300 different...

Miller Brewing.(ethanol production plant)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * A project aims to turn the old MILLER BREWING plant in Fulton, NY, into the Northeast's first ethanol production plant... The New York Times on the Web

National Chicken Council.(chicken sandwiches)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * Forty-two percent of chicken is now sold through foodservice outlets, according to the NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL. Of this amount, 60% is sold through fast-food chains, which have introduced new lines of chicken sandwiches, salads, wraps and...

Newly Weds Foods.(research and development)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * NEWLY WEDS FOODS, Chicago, plans to invest about $40 million in a new facility in Mount Pleasant, TX, to produce cracker meals, dry batter mixes and spice blends for customers in Texas and the surrounding region. It will also house research...

Fourteen convenience stores with gasoline in Illinois and Missouri are being offered by multiple owners via a sealed-bid sale.
May 1, 2006... * Fourteen convenience stores with gasoline in Illinois and Missouri are being offered by multiple owners via a sealed-bid sale. Bidders may bid on one, some, or all of the stores. The sale deadline is May 23... CSP Daily News (Apr. 24)

Outback Steakhouse.(advertising campaign)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE will try some new concepts to reignite business from women and younger diners, who it found are no longer that fond of the 18-year-old concept. Outback plans to fix or ditch its much-touted new advertising campaign,...

Papa John.(ovens with higher air velocity and higher-speed burners )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * PAPA JOHN'S plans to roll out Papa's 10 Minute Carry-out Customer Guarantee, which will apply to lunch time orders only. In test markets, the guarantee had been: if the pizza doesn't arrive in 10 minutes or less, it's free. Test stores are...

Two Ralphs supermarkets, in Irvine and Fullerton, CA, are undergoing major remodels to attract consumers straying to alternative supermarkets that offer premium goods, such as Gelson's and Whole Foods Market.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * Two RALPHS supermarkets, in Irvine and Fullerton, CA, are undergoing major remodels to attract consumers straying to alternative supermarkets that offer premium goods, such as GELSON'S and WHOLE FOODS MARKET. More gourmet to-go items, new...

Rockelle Corporation, Miller Place, NY, will open two more Stewart's Original Root Beer Restaurant franchises.(opened seven new franchise)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * ROCKELLE CORPORATION, Miller Place, NY, will open two more STEWART'S ORIGINAL ROOT BEER RESTAURANT franchises. The first site will be located in Glen Burnie, MD, and the second location will be in Pocomoke City, MD. The firm has now opened...

Sanderson Farms.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * SANDERSON FARMS will construct on a new $62 million poultry processing complex in Waco, TX.

Star Buffet, Inc. entered into a strategic alliance with Western Sizzlin Corporation.(terms of the agreement)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * STAR BUFFET, INC. entered into a strategic alliance with WESTERN SIZZLIN CORPORATION. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, Star Buffet, Inc. plans to convert certain of its existing restaurants to the Western Sizzlin brand; test a...

The Hershey Co.(reduces totoal number of products )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * THE HERSHEY CO. plans to reduce its total number of products by 20% to 25% over the next 12 to 18 months, while expanding offerings in high-growth categories such as dark chocolate, cookies and snack nuts, according to Reuters. CFO David West...

Tops Markets LLC remains the preferred grocery store for residents in the Buffalo Niagara region, according to a Business First/Goldhaber Research Associates survey taken last month.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * TOPS MARKETS LLC remains the preferred grocery store for residents in the Buffalo Niagara region, according to a BUSINESS FIRST/ GOLDHABER RESEARCH ASSOCIATES survey taken last month. Tops remained at the top of the annual supermarket...

Tyson Foods.(demand for products decline)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * TYSON FOODS said avian influenza fears reduced international demand for its products which led to a glut in inventory that "contributed to historically low breast meat prices." Shares of Tyson Foods Inc. fell more than 2% after the poultry...

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * WAL-MART STORES INC. will not bow to opponents who say the retailer is too big and will continue to grow as long as customers keep coming to its stores, according to chief executive Lee Scott. The retailer is in the midst of a transformation...

Wal-Mart.(trucking fleet fuel efficient)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * In separate news, WAL-MART plans to make its trucking fleet 25% more fuel-efficient within three years. The retailer's fleet of 7,100 trucks already is on track to become 18% more efficient over the next year alone.

Additionally, Wal-Mart data shows that last year's sales at 275 stores that serve predominantly Hispanic communities rose 9%.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * Additionally, WAL-MART data shows that last year's sales at 275 stores that serve predominantly Hispanic communities rose 9%, exceeding the roughly 4% growth in sales at individual stores in the chain... The New York Times on the Web.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Sam's Club plans to offer more "affordable luxuries" such as gourmet foods and premium wines, to better compete with Costco Wholesale Corp.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * WAL-MART STORES INC.'S SAM'S CLUB plans to offer more "affordable luxuries" such as gourmet foods and premium wines, to better compete with COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP. This is a similar strategy that Wal-Mart's namesake discount stores have used...

Wendys.(Wendy's International Inc)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * WENDY'S is expanding its Kids' Meal Choices Menu with two deli sandwiches and a low-fat yogurt and granola cup. New options include a roasted turkey breast and cheese sandwich and a Black Forest ham and cheese sandwich. When selecting an...

Bravo! Foods International Corp. will launch flavored, fortified, extended shelf life milk drinks under a recently signed five-year trademark licensing agreement with General Mills Marketing, Inc.(BEVERAGE BRIEFS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * BRAVO! FOODS INTERNATIONAL CORP. will launch flavored, fortified, extended shelf life milk drinks under a recently signed five-year trademark licensing agreement with GENERAL MILLS MARKETING, INC. Bravo! will market these GENERAL MILLS brands...

Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages.(BEVERAGE BRIEFS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * 7UP is now made from 100% natural ingredients, touts CADBURY SCHWEPPES AMERICAS BEVERAGES. Also, sodium has been reduced nearly 50% in the 12-ounce can, from 75mg to 40mg.

Despite Coca-Cola Co.'s new global campaign to try to convince consumers that its flagship brand is "happiness in a bottle," a smaller, gourmet brand called Cricket Cola claims it already owns that tagline.(BEVERAGE BRIEFS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * Despite COCA-COLA CO.'S new global campaign to try to convince consumers that its flagship brand is "happiness in a bottle," a smaller, gourmet brand called Cricket Cola claims it already owns that tagline. The company's lawyer, sent a...

Dunkin' Donuts is launching three new yogurt-and-fruit blended drinks In New England.(BEVERAGE BRIEFS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * DUNKIN' DONUTS is launching three new yogurt-and-fruit blended drinks In New England. The company, under the ownership of BAIN CAPITAL, THOMAS H. LEE PARTNERS, and the CARLYLE GROUP, says its smoothies are the beginning of an effort to evolve...

Nestle Waters North America.(introduction of Aquapod bottles)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * NESTLE WATERS NORTH AMERICA is introducing Aquapod bottles, 11-oz. round shaped bottles of water for kids.

Meanwhile, with the safety of children in mind, Nestle Waters North America's Poland Spring Brand Natural Spring Water 8-oz. with Added Fluoride is being packaged in a new bottle with a child-safe twist cap.(BEVERAGE BRIEFS)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * Meanwhile, with the safety of children in mind, NESTLE WATERS NORTH AMERICA'S Poland Spring Brand Natural Spring Water 8-oz. with Added Fluoride is being packaged in a new bottle with a child-safe twist cap, which twists open, not off.

Starbucks.(iced coffees launch)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... * STARBUCKS launched a line of premium ready-to-drink iced coffees, available in both Starbucks coffee houses and grocery stores across the U.S. in regular and light varieties. The new Starbucks Iced Coffee range includes Starbucks Italian...

Latest financial reports.(Statistical table)
May 1, 2006... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year CO. Year Ago ALBERTO-CULVER (MELROSE PARK, IL) Qtr. To Mar. 31: Sales $946.778 7.1%...

Carlos Steffens, Inc.(international marketing of Carlos Steffens Inc)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Headquartered in Livermore,CA, Carlos Steffens, Inc. is one of the largest industrial ingredient brokers in the U.S., specializing in concentrated fruit juice products. With suppliers located throughout the world and mainly in South America,...

Lakeside Foods.(company overview )(Company overview)
May 1, 2006... Founded in 1887, Lakeside Foods is a privately held, leading international food processor. Headquartered in Manitowoc, WI, Lakeside has 15 plants and eight distribution centers in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ohio and employs 1,700. Lakeside...

Technomic Inc.(company profile)(Company overview)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Technomic provides clients with the research findings, insights and strategic consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. For nearly 40 years, Technomic has helped clients grow profitably;...

Label uniformity law would impact only 11 laws, says industry coalition.(WASHINGTON)(National Uniformity for Food Act )(Law overview)
May 1, 2006... Representatives of the National Uniformity for Food Coalition released a legal analysis showing that H.R. 4167, the National Uniformity for Food Act, would affect only 11 state laws and regulations as part of the effort to set national food...

Workshop looks at obesity problem.(WASHINGTON)(Conference news)
May 1, 2006... On Apr. 21, 2006, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held a stakeholder workshop to discuss ARS's Obesity Prevention Research Initiative....

FDA issues warning letters.(Food and Drug Administration)
May 1, 2006... JAPANESE FOOD EXPRESS, INC., Wyandotte, was issued a warning letter by FDA's Detroit District as a result of an inspection between Feb. 2 through Mar. 8, 2006. Inspectors found serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical...

Agricultural Coalition for U.S.-Peru Trade.(trade agreements )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The AGRICULTURAL COALITION FOR U.S.-PERU TRADE, comprised of 58 trade associations and individual companies, last week sent a letter to members of Congress urging passage of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. The broad-based group of U.S....

A California lawmaker's proposal to create a new state Department of Public Health has received the support of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... A California lawmaker's proposal to create a new state Department of Public Health has received the support of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger The measure has been approved by the state Senate and is being considered by the Assembly Health...

European Commission plans to update its rules on active and intelligent packaging.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The European Commission plans to update its rules on active and intelligent packaging in order to fill gaps left by a 2004 regulation that overturned the EU's previous ban on packaging materials that interact with food.

Institute For Agriculture And Trade Policy.(www.iatp.org)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The U.S. government's long-term agriculture policy has had a detrimental effect on consumers' waistlines, claims a new report by the INSTITUTE FOR AGRICULTURE AND TRADE POLICY. The report, Food Without Thought: How U.S. Farm Policy Contributes...

A federal judge ruled that a long list of Washington state liquor control laws are illegal antitrust violations.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... A federal judge ruled that a long list of Washington state liquor control laws are illegal antitrust violations, agreeing with Costco Wholesale Corporation that the state's mandatory price markups and other rules unfairly force large retailers...

Homeland Security Department inspectors at U.S. airports do not have enough training to keep a deadly strain of bird flu from getting into the country, a union official is charging.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Homeland Security Department inspectors at U.S. airports do not have enough training to keep a deadly strain of bird flu from getting into the country, a union official is charging, citing the handling of live birds found in the luggage of a...

Fifty-five bottlers suing Coca-Cola Co. and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., one of its bottlers, dropped their request for a preliminary injunction against a new distribution system underway at Wal-Mart Stores Inc.(cases)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Fifty-five bottlers suing COCA-COLA CO. and COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES INC., one of its bottlers, dropped their request for a preliminary injunction against a new distribution system underway at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. In a court filing, the bottlers...

Produce.(vegetable market)
May 1, 2006... ICEBERG LETTUCE--The current lettuce market is extremely active because the Huron season is nearly complete and production in Salinas and Santa Maria cannot make up the difference. This is to be blamed on slow growth rates induced by the...

In a joint effort to help the fresh produce industry ensure the highest levels of food safety.(.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... In a joint effort to help the fresh produce industry ensure the highest levels of food safety, the International Fresh-cut Produce Association (IFPA), Produce Marketing Association (PMA), United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (United) and...

Developed by a group of leading produce food safety experts and representatives of operations within the industry, the document provides food safety guidance for the entire lettuce and leafy greens supply chain, including production and harvest, postharvest, fresh-cut and value added, distribution, and end-user handling operations.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Developed by a group of leading produce food safety experts and representatives of operations within the industry, the document provides food safety guidance for the entire lettuce and leafy greens supply chain, including production and...

Canned vegetables.(Private label price)
May 1, 2006... USDA OFFERS TO BUY CANNED VEGETABLES * Deliveries between July 1--Nov. 15, 2006 * Case Size Cases Sweet Potatoes, Syrup 24/300 385,560 * Deliveries between July 1--Nov. 15, 2006 * ...

Tomato products.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... As a result of heavy rainfall and waterlogged fields, some growers are abandoning plans to plant processing tomatoes this season. The California Tomato Growers Association now expects this year's crop to be about 15% smaller than originally...

Frozen vegetables.(Cold storage)
May 1, 2006... USDA OFFERS TO BUY FROZEN VEGETABLES * Deliveries between July 1--Nov. 15, 2006 * Case Size Cases Green Beans 30 lb. 66,000 Potatoes, Oven 6/5 lb. 388,080 Potatoes, Round...

Canned fruits.(imports of canned citrus fruits)
May 1, 2006... USDA OFFERS TO BUY CANNED FRUITS * Deliveries between July 1--Nov. 15, 2006 * Case Size Cases Pineapple, Tidbits 6/10 237,120 Pineapple, Crushed 6/10 11,856 Pineapple, Chunks ...

Processed fish.(canned salmon)
May 1, 2006... SALMON--Despite a record pink harvest in 2005, canned salmon as a percentage of finished product weight fell to 39% in 2005. This reflects the ongoing product form shift from canned to frozen pink salmon (pinks made up 53% of 2005 live-weight...

NMFS announced that the directed fishery for Loligo squid in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) closed effective 0001 hours, April 21, 2006.(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... NMFS announced that the directed fishery for Loligo squid in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) closed effective 0001 hours, April 21, 2006. Vessels issued a Federal permit to harvest Loligo squid may not retain or land more than 2,500 lb (1,134...

Yellowfin sole by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... NMFS is closing directed fishing for yellowfin sole by vessels using trawl gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area.

Dried vegetables.(table)(Table)
May 1, 2006... KANSAS CITY COMMODITY OFFER * Shipments Between June 6-27 and June 27-July 20. 2006 * Metric Tons Product Destination Pack Size Quantity Lentils Burkina Faso 50 K ...

Dried fruit & nuts.(dried cherries)
May 1, 2006... CRANBERRIES--Prices on 25 lb. cases are around $3.95 per pound for U.S. dried cranberries, ex-warehouse New Jersey. U.S. IMPORTS OF DRIED FRUITS JAN. 1-MAR. 1, 2006 Pounds % Chge. Dollars % Chge. ...

Ocean Spray might start making Craisins in Wisconsin Rapids, WI as part of a national expansion of production of the dried, sweetened cranberry product, reported Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Ocean Spray might start making Craisins in Wisconsin Rapids, WI as part of a national expansion of production of the dried, sweetened cranberry product, reported Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A 172,000-sq. ft. plant it bought from Northland...

Frozen fruits.(freezer berries from California)
May 1, 2006... USDA OFFERS TO BUY FROZEN FRUIT * Deliveries between July 1-Nov. 15 2006 * Case Size Cases Apricots 20 lb. 26,600 Cherries 30 lb. 10,240 Cherries, IQF 40 lb. 4,800 For...

Juices & concentrates.(market analysis)(Market overview)
May 1, 2006... GRAPE CONCENTRATE--California grape growers were instructed at a meeting that they should be more diverse with their crops in order to keep all the grape industries healthy, reported The Fresno Bee. Such diverse uses for Thompson seedless...

Brazil-based Industry Utiara is aiming to increase juice sales to the Arab market after selling 20 metric tons of FCOJ to the United Arab Emirates last year.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Brazil-based Industry Utiara is aiming to increase juice sales to the Arab market after selling 20 metric tons of FCOJ to the United Arab Emirates last year. Utiara is hoping to sell tropical juices and pulps such as passion fruit, papaya,...

Butter.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
May 1, 2006... BUTTER BUTTER MARKET, APR. 28 Cents Per Pound: 4/28/2006 4/21/2006 Chge. Grade AA 1.1800 1.1700 +0.0100 (Source: CME)

Cheese.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
May 1, 2006... CHEESE CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET APR. 28 Cents Per Pound: 4/28/2006 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Blocks (40-Ibs.) 1.1600 0 Barrels 1.1325 0

Eggs.(market overview)(Statistical table)
May 1, 2006... EGGS EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS APR. 28 Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Cents per dozen: 28-Apr 21-Apr Chge Extra Large-NY 54-58 56-60 -2 Large-NY 52-56 54-58 -2...

Chicken.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
May 1, 2006... CHICKEN PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF MAY 1 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 46-49 46-49 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few ...

Future prices.(table)(Table)
May 1, 2006... FUTURES PRICES Cash May July As of Apr. 28, 2006 Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $2.16 $2.31 $2.43 Soybeans, bu. 5.60 5.7525 ...

Commodity prices.(food industry)(Table)
May 1, 2006... COMMODITY PRICES Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last Apr. 28 Apr. 21 Year Steers, Tex.-Okl....

Meat, poultry & eggs.(prices for turkey)
May 1, 2006... POULTRY--U.S. broiler production is expected to grow by more than 2% in 2006 to 36.2 billion pounds. Taking expected export increases into account, product available for consumption is expected to increase by almost 2 pounds, to over 87.7...

Higher vegetable, egg and seafood prices seen.(Statistical table)
May 8, 2006... Price projections for a bevy of foods were lifted by USDA this month for 2006 although the overall projection for food-at-home remains unchanged at 2.0% to 3.0%, while food-away-from-home prices are forecast to increase 2.5% to 3.5%. The...

Home Depot c-store targeting "pro" customer.(Brief article)
May 8, 2006... HOME DEPOT FUEL, the new convenience store concept opened recently in Brentwood, TN, by home-improvement retailer HOME DEPOT, is catering to the retailer's existing customer base. Hours of operation, offerings, design and site placement reflect...