The Food Institute Report articles from November 2008

The Food Institute Report archives from November 2008

Sharp rise in processed fruit & vegetable prices.(Statistical table)
November 3, 2008... In 2008, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all food is projected by USDA'S ECONOMIC RESEARCH to increase 5.5% to 6.5%, as retailers pass on higher commodity and energy costs to consumers in the form of higher retail prices for most of the...

FI releases revised OSHA inspection manual.
November 3, 2008... Authored by FOOD INSTITUTE counsel, OLSSON FRANK WEEDA TERMAN BODE MATZ PC, this third OSHA edition has been completely updated. Since food industry establishments are subject to periodic inspection by the federal OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH...

Grocery stores move into negative "real sales" growth.(REPORT)(Financial report)
November 3, 2008... For the fourth consecutive month, "real" or deflated sales at the nation's grocery stores declined from a year earlier. September marked the largest decline, however, reaching 3.5%. This brings year-to-date real sales growth one-tenth of a...

Consumers want greater say in food issues.(REPORT)(Report)
November 3, 2008... By the year 2020 consumers globally expect the way the shop and what they choose to be different, according to Food 2020: The Consumer as CEO that examined consumers in the U.S., the UK, Germany, Argentina and China. Consumers wish to have a...

McDonald's, Yum! Brands making changes.(REPORT)(McDonald's Corp.)(Financial report)
November 3, 2008... Because of McDonald's Corp.'s low prices on staple fast food items, customers have typically turned to McDonald's for the chain's value-priced offerings when budgets are stretched. But as unemployment rises, more diners choose not to eat...

Health labeling takes off in U.S.(REPORT)(Report)
November 3, 2008... A major supermarket chain, a coalition of leading CPG manufacturers and a beverage company recently within the space of three business days separately announced nutritional navigation initiatives that will help consumers make healthier...

Rabobank sees opportunity and concern in growing demand.(REPORT)(Report)
November 3, 2008... A new report from RABOBANK INTERNATIONAL, The Boom Beyond Commodities--A New Era Shaping Global Food and Agribusiness, 2008, concluded that soaring commodity demand and rising prices were not simply the consequences of a shaky global economy,...

Aquaculture growth slowing, according to FAO.(REPORT)(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)(Report)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... The world aquaculture industry appears to be expanding at a slower rate after significant growth in the late 1980s and 1990s, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN. In the three years ended 2006, aquaculture grew...

Hormel Foods Corporation.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Americans reduce purchasing of food after rise in food prices)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... Nearly six out of 10 Americans say they have had to cut back on the quantity or quality of food they buy because of increasing prices, according to The 2008 Hormel Hunger Survey, conducted by HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION. Most Americans (67%) say...

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s Sam's Club division is opening a new type of warehouse club aimed at attracting Hispanic shoppers with an expanded selection of products from Mexico.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Sam's Club)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... WAL-MART STORES INC.'S SAM'S CLUB division is opening a new type of warehouse club aimed at attracting Hispanic shoppers with an expanded selection of products from Mexico. The club, to be called MAS CLUB, will open in Houston in the first half...

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(building and facilities of retail stores )(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... Meanwhile, WAL-MART STORES INC. plans to open 191 stores in fiscal 2009 and between 142 to 157 stores in fiscal 2010, down from the 218 stores opened in fiscal 2008. The company will focus on remodeling existing locations as it responds to a...

Leo J. Shapiro & Associates.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... The most popular category in frozen foods is vegetables, which account for 40% of shopper purchases, according to Frozen Food Departments: Store Traffic and Shopper Satisfaction, conducted by LEO J. SHAPIRO & ASSOCIATES in cooperation with...

7-Eleven.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(7-Eleven Inc. plans to test centralized distribution for bottled and canned beverage )(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... 7-ELEVEN plans to test centralized distribution for bottled and canned beverage deliveries at 300 stores in Los Angeles next year, according to Joe DePinto, president and chief executive. The average 7-Eleven gets 62 deliveries a week,...

Starbucks will double its Fair Trade Certified coffee purchases to 40 million-lbs. in 2009.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Starbucks Corp.)(Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... STARBUCKS will double its Fair Trade Certified coffee purchases to 40 million-lbs. in 2009 as part of a joint initiative with TRANSFAIR USA and the FAIRTRADE LABELLING ORGANIZATIONS INTERNATIONAL.

Starbucks.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Starbucks Corp. launches its Starbucks Shared Planet)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... Meanwhile, STARBUCKS launched Starbucks Shared Planet, consisting of thirteen measurable goals to be achieved by 2015. Initiatives include: 100% of the company's coffee will be responsibly grown and ethically traded; 100% of Starbucks cups will...

U.S. beer sales are slowing but still increasing, as sales to retailers this year are up about 0.5%, down from the 1.4% growth rate last year and 2.1% in 2006, according to Benj Steinman, publisher of Beer Marketer's Insights.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Financial report)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... U.S. beer sales are slowing but still increasing, as sales to retailers this year are up about 0.5%, down from the 1.4% growth rate last year and 2.1% in 2006, according to Benj Steinman, publisher of Beer Marketer's Insights. Sales of imported...

Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... CANADIAN TIRE CORP. LTD. will start testing selling a range of foods, including bread, cereal, milk and frozen pizza, at two Ontario stores in November... The Globe and Mail (Oct. 27)

ACH Food Companies, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods (ABF), and Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), created Stratas Foods, LLC, a joint venture for the manufacture, marketing and distribution of packaged oil products in the U.S. and Canada.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... ACH FOOD COMPANIES, INC., a wholly owned subsidiary of ASSOCIATED BRITISH FOODS (ABF), and ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND COMPANY (ADM), created STRATAS FOODS, LLC, a joint venture for the manufacture, marketing and distribution of packaged oil...

Sandella's Flatbread Cafe.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... SANDELLA'S FLATBREAD CAFE will open 25 locations in the Boston area.

North America's top 25 seafood suppliers.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(List)
November 3, 2008... North America's Top 25 Seafood Suppliers 2007 2007 Sales Rank Company Headquarters (In Millions) 1 Red Chamber Co. Vernon, CA ...

Lates financial reports (000 omitted).(REPORT)(Financial report)
November 3, 2008... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 OMITTED) Current % Change Year Year Ago ALBERTO-CULVER CO. (MELROSE PARK, IL) Qtr. To Sept. 30: Sales $385,987...

CVS Caremark Corporation successfully completed the subsequent offering period of its tender offer for all of the outstanding common stock of Longs Drug Stores Corporation.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... CVS CAREMARK CORPORATION successfully completed the subsequent offering period of its tender offer for all of the outstanding common stock of LONGS DRUG STORES CORPORATION. CVS Caremark expects a short-form merger on or about Oct. 30 to...

Dineequity Inc., Glendale, CA, entered into asset purchase agreements for the sale of agreed to sell 66 company-owned Applebee's restaurants in Texas and New Mexico to reduce debt.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Peterson Group Inc.)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... DINEEQUITY INC., Glendale, CA, entered into asset purchase agreements for the sale of agreed to sell 66 company-owned APPLEBEE'S restaurants in Texas and New Mexico to reduce debt. WELLINGTON YU, president of real estate development and...

The Manitowoc Company, Inc., Manitowoc, WI, completed its $2.7 billion acquisition of Enodis.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... THE MANITOWOC COMPANY, INC., Manitowoc, WI, completed its $2.7 billion acquisition of ENODIS. For agreement and increased offer, see FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT Apr. 21, page 7 and May 26, page 6.

Pepsico, Purchase, NY, agreed to acquire Spitz International Inc., Bow Island, Alberta, the leading manufacturer of sunflower and pumpkin seeds in Canada.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(PepsiCo Inc.)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... PEPSICO, Purchase, NY, agreed to acquire SPITZ INTERNATIONAL INC., Bow Island, Alberta, the leading manufacturer of sunflower and pumpkin seeds in Canada. Spitz seeds are distributed nationally in Canada and are readily available in the U.S....

Smithfield Foods, Inc. completed its sale of Smithfield Beef Group, Inc. to JBS S.A. for $565 million in cash.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. completed its sale of SMITHFIELD BEEF GROUP, INC. to JBS S.A. for $565 million in cash. The sale included 100% of FIVE RIVERS RANCH CATTLE FEEDING LLC, which was in a 50/50 joint venture with CONTINENTAL GRAIN COMPANY....

Titan Global Holdings, Inc., a Richardson, TX-based diversified holding company, purchased Crescent Fuels Inc., a privately held petroleum distribution company based in Independence, KS.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... TITAN GLOBAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Richardson, TX-based diversified holding company, purchased CRESCENT FUELS INC., a privately held petroleum distribution company based in Independence, KS. Through its CRESCENT OIL subsidiary, it distributes...

Tree Top Inc., Selah, WA, purchased Sabroso, a Medford, OR-based fruit puree processor.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Sabroso Co.)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... TREE TOP INC., Selah, WA, purchased SABROSO, a Medford, OR-based fruit puree processor. Sabroso has $90 million in worldwide sales annually. Tree Top Inc. manufactures juices and fruit-based products under the Tree Top brand...The Bellingham...

Both Campofrio Alimentacion S.A. and Groupe Smithfield Holdings S.L. shareholders approved a merger.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... Both CAMPOFRIO ALIMENTACION S.A. and GROUPE SMITHFIELD HOLDINGS S.L. shareholders approved a merger. The new company, to be named CAMPOFRIO FOOD GROUP, S.A., is expected to have sales of over 2.1 billion [euro].

Suntory Ltd. signed an agreement with Danone Asia PTE Ltd., a subsidiary of Groupe Danone SA, to purchase the Frucor unit for more than $771 million.(MERGER RELATED NEWS)
November 3, 2008... SUNTORY LTD. signed an agreement with DANONE ASIA PTE LTD., a subsidiary of GROUPE DANONE SA, to purchase the FRUCOR unit for more than $771 million. Danone will use the proceeds to cut debt, according to the company.

University of Hong Kong.(HEALTH HITS)(soy isoflavones for stroke patients )(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... A diet rich in soybeans and soy isoflavones boosts artery health, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal by researchers at the UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. Fifty stroke patients were randomly assigned a daily intake of 80 mg...

American Dietetic Association.(HEALTH HITS)(canned tomatoes are good for cardiovascular diseases)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... People who ate at least one-quarter cup of canned tomatoes had lower levels of C-reactive protein, one of the markers for cardiovascular disease risk, than people who ate less than that amount, providing reason to believe canned tomatoes may...

University of Guelph.(HEALTH HITS)(merlot grapes and red wine can control tumor growth )(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... Tumor growth was almost completely halted in mice that were given polyphenols extracted from merlot grapes and red wine, according to research from Canada's UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH published in Nutrition Research. Polyphenols are commonly found in...

Diets heavy in fried foods, salty snacks and meat account for about 30% of heart attacks globally, according to a study of dietary patterns in 52 countries.(HEALTH HITS)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... Diets heavy in fried foods, salty snacks and meat account for about 30% of heart attacks globally, according to a study of dietary patterns in 52 countries, reported Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

A diet rich in phytochemicals from grapes may reduce the blood pressure increases associated with high salt intake, according to an animal study from the University of Michigan that was partly funded by the California Table Grape Commission.(HEALTH HITS)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... A diet rich in phytochemicals from grapes may reduce the blood pressure increases associated with high salt intake, according to an animal study from the UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN that was partly funded by the CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPE COMMISSION....

Whole Foods disagrees with FTC's proposed merger process review.(WASHINGTON)(Whole Foods Market Inc.'s merger with Wild Oats Markets Inc.)
November 3, 2008... Currently involved in a lawsuit with the FTC over its merger with WILD OATS MARKETS, Whole Foods Markets Inc. called the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) proposed changes to its merger review process "bad policy," and stated that it would...

USDA announces Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee members.(WASHINGTON)(United States. Department of Agriculture)(Department of Health and Human Services)
November 3, 2008... USDA and the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) announced the appointment of 13 nationally recognized experts to serve on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The Committee will be comprised of leaders in the medical and...

Meatpacker to pay $10 million fine.(WASHINGTON)(Agriprocessors Inc.)(Brief article)
November 3, 2008... A fine of almost $10 million was levied against AGRIPROCESSORS INC., Pottsville, IA. Iowa Labor Commissioner Dave Neil stated the meatpacking company "once again... demonstrated a complete disregard for Iowa law." The kosher meatpacking...

FDA issues warning letters.(WASHINGTON)
November 3, 2008... Mendota Heights, MN-based MOREY'S SEAFOOD INTERNATIONAL, LLC was issued a warning letter on July 8, 2008 by FDA after an investigation of the company's seafood processing facility on Jan. 28-Feb. 7, 2008. The investigation found serious...

Food product recalls reported.(WASHINGTON)
November 3, 2008... Brownberry Whole Grains Bread is being recalled by ARNOLD FOODS COMPANY, INC., Horsham, PA. The products were distributed in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The firm initiated recall began on Oct. 8, 2008, and is ongoing....

Orthodox Union Kosher alert.(WASHINGTON)(corrective action against Jelly Belly Candy Co.)
November 3, 2008... Swedish Fish, Cinnamon Imperial and Lemon Drops candy, manufactured by THE JELLY BELLY CANDY CO., are mislabeled. The Jelly Belly Candy Company incorrectly represented the above products as being OU certified. Corrective action is being taken....

Produce.(MARKETS)
November 3, 2008... Analyst: Megan Myers 201-791-5570 ext. 225 mmyers@foodinstitute.com The Government of India Department of Agriculture and Cooperation published new rules that will allow the importation of U.S. and Canadian blueberries, according...

Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
November 3, 2008... Analyst: Megan Myers 201-791-5570 ext. 225 mmyers@foodinstitute.com All prices f.o.b. Midwest unless otherwise noted. ASPARAGUS--Foodservice prices of 6/10 canned asparagus are between $39.70-$39.90. Private label prices...

Tomato products.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
November 3, 2008... Analyst: Megan Myers 201-791-5570 ext. 225 mmyers@foodinstitute.com People who ate at least one-quarter cup of canned tomatoes had lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), according to new research presented at the American...

Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
November 3, 2008... Analyst: Megan Myers 201-791-5570 ext. 225 mmyers@foodinstitute.com The most popular category in the frozen foods sector is vegetables, accounting for 40% of shopper purchases, according to a study conducted by Leo J. Shapiro &...

Canned fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
November 3, 2008... Analyst: Robert Kraly 201-791-5570 ext. 224 rkraly@foodinstitute.com PEACHES--Imports of canned peaches into the U.S. as of Sept. 1 have fallen 36% to 92.7 million pounds compared to the same time in 2007. The value of canned...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
November 3, 2008... Analyst: Robert Kraly 201-791-5570 ext. 224 rkraly@foodinstitute.com COD: Supply is light with moderate demand while the market remains strong. China: Cod Tails: Pacific: 3/6-oz. $3.25-3.40; Atlantic: 3/6-oz. $3.40-3.90,...

Dried vegetables.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
November 3, 2008... Analyst: Henry Mollman 201-791-5570 ext. 215 hmollman@foodinstitute.com PEAS & LENTILS--Trading activity was slow. Demand light to moderate with pending government CCC Tenders. Prices were mostly steady on all classes except for...

Dried fruits & nuts.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
November 3, 2008... Analyst: Henry Mollman 201-791-5570 ext. 215 hmollman@foodinstitute.com PEANUTS--Peanut stocks reported in commercial storage on Sept. 30, 2008 totaled 1.04 billion pounds of equivalent farmer stock, compared with 1.07 billion...

Frozen fruits.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
November 3, 2008... Analyst: Robert Kraly 201-791-5570 ext. 224 rkraly@foodinstitute.com STRAWBERRIES--For the week of Oct. 25, 1,373 pounds of freezer berries from California were delivered to processors, bringing the year-to-date total to 375,315...

Juices & concentrates.(MARKETS)(Statistical data)
November 3, 2008... Analyst: Robert Kraly 201-791-5570 ext. 224 rkraly@foodinstitute.com ORANGE JUICE--USDA has cancelled its offer to sell frozen concentrated orange juice, 12/32-oz. and orange juice from concentrate, 70/4-oz. for distribution to...

Butter.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
November 3, 2008... BUTTER BUTTER MARKET, OCTOBER 22 Cents Per Pound: 10/22/2008 10/15/2008 Chge. Grade AA 1.75 1.75 NC

Cheese.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
November 3, 2008... CHEESE CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET OCTOBER 22 Cents Per Pound: 10/15/2008 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 1.8500 -0.0500 Blocks (40-lbs.) 1.7950 -0.0950

Eggs.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
November 3, 2008... EGGS EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS OCTOBER 22 Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Cents per dozen: 22-Oct 15-Oct Chge. Extra Large-NY 122-126 119-123 3.00 Large-NY 120-124 117-121...

Chicken.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
November 3, 2008... CHICKEN PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF October 13 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 66-72 60-66 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few ...

Futures prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
November 3, 2008... FUTURES PRICES Cash December As of October 23, 2008: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $3.47 3.85 (Dec) 4.007 (Mar) Soybeans, bu. ...

Commodity prices.(MARKETS)(Statistical table)
November 3, 2008... COMMODITY PRICES Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last 23-Oct 16-Oct Year Steers,...

Look for increased action on the regulatory front.(Food and Drug Administration)
November 10, 2008... After decades of a trend toward lesser government regulation for business, the tide has turned, summarized The Wall Street Journal (Nov. 6). President-elect Obama and the Democrat Congress are expected to push for significant changes in a...

Reports examine the changing state of the restaurant industry.(Survey)(Financial report)
November 10, 2008... Reflecting the tumult of the U.S. economy, the outlook for the restaurant industry worsened rapidly in September, according to the NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION (NRA). NRA's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) stood at a record-low 96.7 in...

University of California at San Diego.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... The amount families spent on food contracted in the third quarter, according to new government data. Consumers carefully monitored their food budgets and nominal spending on food showed an actual decline in the latest quarter. "Food is a big...

Deloitte.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(buying habits of consumers change when product safety and quality issues arise)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... The buying habits of consumers change dramatically and cost companies millions when product safety and quality issues arise, according to Food and Product Safety and Its Effect on Consumer Buying Habits, a study conducted by DELOITTE. Some 58%...

PepsiCo.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(PepsiCo Inc. to invest $1 billion in China over the next four years to expand manufacturing capacity)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... PEPSICO plans to invest $1 billion in China over the next four years to expand manufacturing capacity, local research and development facilities and build the company's sales force. It also will fund brand-building initiatives as well as...

As the economy falters, more beer drinkers are purchasing so-called "budget beers.".(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(MillerCoors L.L.C.)(Financial report)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... As the economy falters, more beer drinkers are purchasing so-called "budget beers." For instance, MILLERCOORS' High Life grew 6.5% during the four weeks ended Oct. 7, according to INFORMATION RESOURCES INC., while another MillerCoors beer,...

General Mills' new Holistic Margin Management system is helping the company obtain greater profits from its brands.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(General Mills Inc.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... GENERAL MILLS' new Holistic Margin Management system is helping the company obtain greater profits from its brands. Each of the company's divisions has a three-year savings goal and virtually everyone meets once a week to focus on cuts....

Should the U.S. government send out another round of stimulus checks, some 39% of consumers would spend the additional money, 38% would save it and 18% would pay down debt, according to a survey of 1,000 consumers commissioned by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Survey)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... Should the U.S. government send out another round of stimulus checks, some 39% of consumers would spend the additional money, 38% would save it and 18% would pay down debt, according to a survey of 1,000 consumers commissioned by the...

Sara Lee Corp.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Sara Lee Corp. implements changes to its North American organizational struture)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... SARA LEE CORP. implemented changes to its North American organizational structure, including transferring the frozen bakery and beverage operations from the North American Retail Bakery segment into the North American Retail Meats segment and a...

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Dean Foods Company, Whitewave Foods Company, and Hero Group launched a 50/50 strategic joint venture, Hero/WhiteWave, to introduce new chilled fruit products in North America.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... A wholly-owned subsidiary of DEAN FOODS COMPANY, WHITEWAVE FOODS COMPANY, and HERO GROUP launched a 50/50 strategic joint venture, Hero/WhiteWave, to introduce new chilled fruit products in North America. The first product, Fruit2Day, will be...

Online food ordering service Snapfinger.com expects to raise up to $7 million by year-end and is considering offers from two West Coast venture capital companies and two search-engine companies, according to Snapfinger CEO James Garrett.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... Online food ordering service SNAPFINGER.COM expects to raise up to $7 million by year-end and is considering offers from two West Coast venture capital companies and two search-engine companies, according to Snapfinger CEO James Garrett. The...

Burger King.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Burger King Corp.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... Last year was the first time BURGER KING opened more restaurants than it closed in six years. The company is also testing its $1 Whopper Jr. with smaller hamburger patties... The Wall Street Journal (Oct. 31)

Starbucks.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Starbucks Corp. opens stores in urban areas)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... STARBUCKS will begin to tailor new stores to specific neighborhoods and will focus on opening stores in urban areas, according to Arthur Rubinfeld, Starbucks director of global development. In addition, Mr. Rubinfeld wants to change the inside...

Ingles markets.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Ingles Markets Inc. to offer email service to its loyalty card shoppers)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... INGLES MARKETS is offering a new email service to its loyalty card shoppers. Ingles AdvantageMail email will notify customers when items are available at a reduced price... Progressive Grocer (Nov. 5)

Glutten Intolerance Group.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(15 to 25% of consumers seeking out gluten-free products)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... About 15 to 25% of consumers are seeking out gluten-free products, despite the fact that only 1% of the U.S. population is medically advised to do so, according to Cynthia Kupper, a dietitian and the executive director of the GLUTEN INTOLERANCE...

Inbev.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(InBev S.A. to focus on its brands with greater growth potential )(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... INBEV will focus on its brands with greater growth potential within each relevant consumer segment, such as global brands Beck's and Stella Artois.

Papa John's International, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(reduction in the price of cheese)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... PAPA JOHN'S INTERNATIONAL, INC. will reduce the price of cheese it charges its domestic franchisees for the last two months of 2008. The modified formula will result in domestic restaurants paying the expected futures spot market price for...

Marketing, advertising becomes more interactive.
November 10, 2008... Technology may soon be changing the way consumers will be exposed to packed goods and advertising, as a start-up company is attempting to make "printed electronics" a low-cost option, according to Advertising Age (Oct. 20). Testing the "use of...

Cheese becoming popular snack food.(Financial report)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... Cheese is becoming a popular commodity in the $90 billion snack food industry. Some 4.5% of consumers eat cheese as a snack, up from 2.5% a decade ago, according to NPD GROUP. Overall, Americans consumed 1.1 billion cheese snacks in 2008....

Consumer's understanding of soy in on the rise.(Survey)(Financial report)
November 10, 2008... Some 85% of consumers rated soy products as healthy as perception increased by 26% during the last 11 years, according to the U.S. SOYBEAN BOARD's Consumer Attitudes About Nutrition 2008 survey, reported Food Business News (Oct. 14). In...

Latest financial reports: 000 omitted.(REPORT)(Financial report)
November 10, 2008... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 OMITTED) Current % Change Year Year Ago AGRIUM INC. (CALGARY, CANADA) Qtr. To Sept. 30: Sales $3,113,000 214.7%...

National economic impact of cooperatives examined.(Financial report)
November 10, 2008... Total assets of cooperatives in the U.S. total more than $1 trillion, according to the NATIONAL COOPERATIVE BANK. Cooperatives in the U.S. generate nearly $250 billion in annual revenue. Upon inclusion of indirect and induced effects, these...

Acosta Sales and Marketing Co., Jacksonville, FL, agreed to acquire Promo Depot Inc., a promotional products company and marketing agency, also based in Jacksonville.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... ACOSTA SALES AND MARKETING CO., Jacksonville, FL, agreed to acquire PROMO DEPOT INC., a promotional products company and marketing agency, also based in Jacksonville. When the acquisition closes on Dec. 1, Acosta plans to merge its MATCHPOINT...

Dole Food Company, Inc. completed the sale of Dole ripening and distribution businesses in England (JP Fresh) and France (Dole France) to the Compagnie Fruitiere Group.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... DOLE FOOD COMPANY, INC. completed the sale of DOLE ripening and distribution businesses in England (JP FRESH) and France (DOLE FRANCE) to the COMPAGNIE FRUITIERE GROUP. For definitive agreement, see FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT Oct. 6, Page 8.

Monsanto Company, St. Louis, MO, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aly Participacoes Ltda., which operates the sugarcane breeding and technology companies, Canavialis S.A. and Alellyx S.A., both of which are based in Brazil, from Votorantim Novos Negocios Ltda and its sister company, Votorantim Industrial S.A., for $290 million.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... MONSANTO COMPANY, St. Louis, MO, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ALY PARTICIPACOES LTDA., which operates the sugarcane breeding and technology companies, CANAVIALIS S.A. and ALELLYX S.A., both of which are based in Brazil, from...

NPC International, Inc., Overland Park, KS, entered into agreements to acquire 191 Pizza Hut units and sell 70 units to Pizza Hut, Inc.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NPC INTERNATIONAL, INC., Overland Park, KS, entered into agreements to acquire 191 PIZZA HUT units and sell 70 units to PIZZA HUT, INC. NPC International, Inc. is the world's largest Pizza Hut franchisee and operates 978 Pizza Hut restaurants...

Reinhart Foodservice, LLC, a part of Reyes Holdings, L.L.C., Rosemont, IL, completed the acquisition of Institutional Jobbers Company (IJ Company) and its subsidiaries, American Diversified Supply Company and Kitchen-Pro, Inc., based in Knoxville, TN.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... REINHART FOODSERVICE, LLC, a part of REYES HOLDINGS, L.L.C., Rosemont, IL, completed the acquisition of INSTITUTIONAL JOBBERS COMPANY (IJ COMPANY) and its subsidiaries, AMERICAN DIVERSIFIED SUPPLY COMPANY and KITCHEN-PRO, INC., based in...