The Food Institute Report articles from October 2003

The Food Institute Report archives from October 2003

Heinz Catering to trends with new launches.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Pittsburgh, PA -- based H.J. Heinz Company is seeking to fuel growth in the U.S. by responding to current consumers with a variety of innovations. It will be jumping on the low carb bandwagon when it debuts Heinz "One Carb" Ketchup. It touts...

BJ's boosts options with smaller packages.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... In an effort to lure customers to do their weekly food shopping at BJ's Wholesale Club stores, the Natick, MA-based company is rolling out smaller "life sizes," supermarket-size packages of perishable items in all 106 stores. Meat, seafood,...

Fast food chains look to innovative ways to find Prime Real Estate.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... There are 277,208 fast food outlets in the U.S., equivalent to one for every 1,000 people in the country, according to Chicago, IL-based Technomic Inc. In 1990, there was one outlet for every 1,400 people and every 2,000 people in 1980. As a...

Beverage sector sees highest median sales growth in CPG [Consumer Packaged Goods] Industry in 2002.
October 6, 2003... In 2002, the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry's median net sales increased 4.6%, compared to 2.9% in 2001, and returns on sales and assets improved 0.8% and 1.2%, respectively, reaching the highest levels in five years, despite the...

Canned fruit and vegetables losing market share to prepared meals.
October 6, 2003... Food processing is an important industry, representing about 13% of the value of all goods produced in the U.S., including the 7 billion pounds of fruit and vegetables canned each year. The canned fruit and vegetables market has grown slightly...

SYSCO Food Services of West Coast Florida, Inc.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * SYSCO Food Services of West Coast Florida, Inc. plans to add 70,000-sq. ft. of chilled warehouse space to expand its north Manatee County operations. "This year, we anticipate $450 million in (overall) sales," according to the company's vice...

Gerber Products Co.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Gerber Products Co. sees a switch from glass to plastic packaging for its infant and toddler foods as a way to please customers and grow revenues. The company's 900,000-sq. ft. Fort Smith, AR plant will invest $65 million to incorporate new...

Accuracy and speed help Chick-fil-A maintain its reign as drive-thru leader.
October 6, 2003... Chick-fil-A landed the top spot on this year's g3/QSR Drive-Thru Time Study--for the second year in a row. The chain finished in the top three in each of the four categories rated (speed, order accuracy, menuboard appearance and speaker...

Blimpie International.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Blimpie International introduced a new line of low-carb sandwiches and salads at 22 Long Island stores on Oct. 3, with a national rollout at Blimpie's 1,600 stores to follow. Blimpie will also offer Atkins Crunchers Chips (three grams of net...

Good Humor-Breyers.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Good Humor-Breyers introduced Breyers CarbSmart Ice Cream and a line of frozen novelties under the Klondike CarbSmart brand...Food Ingredients First

Wendy's International.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Wendy's International sold 15 locations in Columbus, OH to founder Dave Thomas' children. The sale makes the five Thomas children franchisees in the 6,341-restaurant chain, which is about 80% owned by franchisees, spokesman John Barker...

A McDonald's franchise in Renton, WA unveiled a full-service espresso bar, with trained baristas, that sells Seattle's Best Coffee, pastries and desserts.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * A McDonald's franchise in Renton, WA unveiled a full-service espresso bar, with trained baristas, that sells Seattle's Best Coffee, pastries and desserts. The espresso cafe section features upgraded decor with upholstered wood furniture,...

Hoping to overhaul two of its best-known products, Shoney's Restaurants Inc. entered into a partnership with Breyers Ice Cream and S&D Coffee Inc.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Hoping to overhaul two of its best-known products, Shoney's Restaurants Inc. entered into a partnership with Breyers Ice Cream and S&D Coffee Inc. The two are replacing the coffee and ice cream in all of Shoney's company-owned restaurants and...

Nick-N-Willy's World Famous Take-N-Bake Pizza.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Nick-N-Willy's World Famous Take-N-Bake Pizza plans to open another 13 U.S. stores and move into Canada by year-end. The chain of pizza stores, where customers buy fresh pizzas to bake at home, currently has 37 stores in eight states. It is...

Burger King.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Most Burger King restaurants are still seeing declining sales despite efforts to lure more customers to the chain, Burger King Corp. CEO Brad Blum said. Some franchisees reported short spikes in sales over the summer, but few had those...

Pizza Patron.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Pizza Patron, a Garland, TX-based chain catering to Hispanics, will be expanding to Houston. Development agreements have been reached for two units in that city. Eventually, units are expected to open throughout the city. Pizza Patron...

Grilled Mexican food can be healthier than regular fast food, but it contains high levels of calories, sodium and saturated fats, according to a study released by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), reported The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Oct. 1).(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Grilled Mexican food can be healthier than regular fast food, but it contains high levels of calories, sodium and saturated fats, according to a study released by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), reported The Atlanta...

Fiddleheads.(Fiddleheads, a voluntary cooperative, plans to create an independent natural food store in Mystic, CT, reported The Day.com. )(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Fiddleheads, a voluntary cooperative, plans to create an independent natural food store in Mystic, CT, reported The Day.com. The group hired a consultant to conduct a feasibility study and market research and secured a federal grant to get...

NationFresh signed on with Birds Eye Foods Inc. as the exclusive provider of tomatoes sold under the Birds Eye Fresh label.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * NationFresh signed on with Birds Eye Foods Inc. as the exclusive provider of tomatoes sold under the Birds Eye Fresh label. The licensing agreement makes NationFresh, which made its debut in January, one of five fresh produce suppliers for...

Dattilo Fine Foods LLC of Whittier, CA, a subsidiary of Dattilo Restaurant, has launched a premium line of all natural pasta sauces, dressings, vinegars, and infused extra virgin olive oil.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Dattilo Fine Foods LLC of Whittier, CA, a subsidiary of Dattilo Restaurant, has launched a premium line of all natural pasta sauces, dressings, vinegars, and infused extra virgin olive oil. A sampling of the entries includes: Marinara...

Mission Nigeria.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Mission Nigeria, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization under the leadership of Dr. Gloria Johnson-Rodgers, is seeking tax-deductible donations of rice and beans to provide food aid for the people of Nigeria, West Africa. For information contact...

Carrefour.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Carrefour has plans to invest $216.1 million in Korea next year in four new stores and improvements to existing stores-Just-food.com (Sept. 29)

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s expansion plans include between 50 and 55 new discount stores and 220 to 230 Supercenters-CNNmoney (Sept. 30)

Mintel.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * American kids spend $10 billion annually on food, according to a report by Mintel.

United Specialties, Inc. entered into a co-packing agreement with Victoria Packing Corporation.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * United Specialties, Inc. entered into a co-packing agreement with Victoria Packing Corporation. Under this agreement, Victoria Packing will produce products for United Specialties under the DaRosario Brand according to United Specialties...

Healthy Beverage Company.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * The Healthy Beverage Company is renaming Steap Green Tea Soda to coincide with its internationally recognized Steaz Green Tea Soda brand line. Steaz Soda will soon be replacing Steap Soda on the shelves of more than 3,000 stores across the...

Chicken of the Sea International, a unit of Tri-Union Seafoods, is touting its convenience-oriented Skinless & Boneless Pink Salmon in a pouch that's as shelf-stable as a can.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Chicken of the Sea International, a unit of Tri-Union Seafoods, is touting its convenience-oriented Skinless & Boneless Pink Salmon in a pouch that's as shelf-stable as a can. The salmon, which is caught wild in Alaska, does not need to be...

Interstate Bakeries Corporation.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... * Interstate Bakeries Corporation plans to close its bread and roll bakery in Grand Rapids, MI. The closing, scheduled for Dec. 3, will affect 160 employees. The Grand Rapids bakery primarily bakes bread and rolls under the Wonder, Butternut...

Not many consumers buy sandwiches from the supermarket.
October 6, 2003... Consumers eat an average of 4.1 sandwiches per week, of which an average 2.8 sandwiches are purchased, according to International Dairy Deli Bakery Association's (IDDBA) The Sandwich Study: Consumer Attitudes, Buying Behavior and Purchase...

Mergers & acquisitions.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Fairmont Capital is acquiring Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. for nearly $100 million, or $16.35 per share, as the Anaheim, CA-based private investment group looks to expand its restaurant holdings. San Diego, CA-based Garden Fresh operates...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).
October 6, 2003... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) Current % Chge. Year Year Ago CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC. (Jackson, MS) 13 Wks. To Aug. 30: Sales ...

New report critical of handling of ConAgra meat recall in 2002.
October 6, 2003... An investigation by USDA into ConAgra Foods Inc.'s 2002 recall of more than 18 million pounds of ground beef found the recall was "ineffective and inefficient" and the vast majority of the meat was never accounted for, reported Forbes.com (Oct....

House Subcommitte hears testimony on country-of-origin labeling.
October 6, 2003... The House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture met on Oct. 1, to discuss the mandatory country of origin labeling law (COOL) as it relates to fruits, vegetables, fish and peanuts. He added that he hopes the final...

Southern California food workers may strike this month.
October 6, 2003... Three major California supermarket chains--Safeway Inc., which owns Vons and Pavilions; Kroger Co., which owns Ralphs; and Albertson's Inc.--and 71,000 Southern California food clerks are currently negotiating new contracts that both sides say...

Coalition supports proposal to raise funds for pesticide programs.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... A broad coalition of 30 industrial, environmental and agricultural groups agreed to support a federal legislative proposal to raise more than $200 million to fund pesticide regulation and registration programs. The Pesticide Registration...

Some states look to prisoners' plates to cut costs.
October 6, 2003... Eager to slash budget deficits, officials in several states have begun reducing the amount or quality of food served to prison inmates, an issue that has long been a sensitive one for inmates and has often provoked protests, noted The New York...

Food recalls reported.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... Bingham Hill Cheese Co., Fort Collins, CO, is expanding its Sept. 12 recall of their cow's milk Rustic Blue Cheese purchased since Aug. 1. The expansion includes 2,000-lbs. distributed in CO, NY, CA, IL, TX, MN, OR, NM, FL, IA, WY and GA....

In the courts ...
October 6, 2003... ... Eleven black Mississippi residents sued Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc., alleging they received poor service compared to white patrons at several of the company's restaurants. The lawsuit claims the plaintiffs were subjected to racial...

You should know ...
October 6, 2003... ... U.S. Trade Representative Bob Zoellick said that U.S. negotiators had reached an agreement "in principle" with Russia to resolve issues of U.S. market access to Russia on poultry, beef and pork. The agreement would reserve 74 % of the...

United Soybean board representation.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... USDA issued a final rule that adjusts the number of members for certain States on the United Soybean Board to reflect changes in production levels that have occurred since the last time the Board was reapportioned in 2000. These adjustments are...

Dairy grading & inspection program.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) proposes to increase the hourly fees charged under the Federal dairy grading and inspection program. Dairy grading and inspection services are voluntary and are financed through user-fees assessed to...

Public meeting to discuss two sections of bioterrorism act.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... FDA will hold a public meeting (via satellite downlink) to discuss final regulations implementing two sections in Title III of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 regarding Registration of Food...

Classes of poultry.(Noted In The Federal Register)(The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the definitions and standards for the official U.S. classes of poultry )(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the definitions and standards for the official U.S. classes of poultry so that they more accurately and clearly describe the characteristics of poultry in the market today....

Produce.(Markets)(Industry Overview)
October 6, 2003... PEARS--An estimated 13% increase in this year's Oregon and Washington production does not have marketers worried, due to a 60% increase in export shipments through the end of September, which bodes well for the winter crop as far as growers are...

Canned vegetables.(Markets)(Supermarket sales of canned vegetables for the first half of 2003 were up 2% to 1.4 billion pounds)
October 6, 2003... SUPERMARKET SALES--Supermarket sales of canned vegetables for the first half of 2003 were up 2% to 1.4 billion pounds, and were valued at $1.1 billion. Total volume sales were at their second lowest level in the past five years, while total...

Tomato products.(Markets)
October 6, 2003... Harvesting is winding down throughout California and it appears that deliveries will come in under the estimated contract total of 10.5 million tons. During the week ending Oct. 4, California processing tomato deliveries are projected to...

Frozen vegetables.(Markets)(Supermarket sales of frozen plain vegetables for the first half of 2003 were down 1% to 532.1 million pounds)
October 6, 2003... SUPERMARKET OVERVIEW--Supermarket sales of frozen plain vegetables for the first half of 2003 were down 1% to 532.1 million pounds, while the value of the sales increased 1% to $823.3 million. Total volume sales were at their lowest level in...

Canned fruits.(Markets)
October 6, 2003... The canned fruit and vegetables market has grown slightly since 1998, from $4.2 billion to $4.7 billion, held back by consolidation in grocery retailing and wholesaling, which has gradually increased retailers' bargaining power over the last...

Processed fish.(Markets)(commercial fishery landings and projections for the 2003 Alaska salmon catch)
October 6, 2003... COMMERCIAL FISHERY LANDINGS AT MAJOR U.S. PORTS (Source: NMFS) Quantity (Million Pounds) 2002 2001 % Chg. Dutch Harbor - Unalaska, AK 908.1 834.5 8.8% Empire-Venice, LA 398.9 370.7 ...

Dried vegetables.(Markets)
October 6, 2003... DRIED BEANS--Trading in the dry edible bean market remains extremely slow, which is unusual for this time of year. The lack of shipments into Mexico continues to weigh heavily on several varieties. Demand is light to very light. Majority of the...

Dried fruits.(Markets)(raisin growers are shifting to mechanical harvesting in greater numbers as low prices and higher costs continue to shrink their bottom lines)
October 6, 2003... RAISINS--California growers are shifting to mechanical harvesting in greater numbers as low prices and higher costs continue to shrink their bottom lines. Harvesters in the San Joaquin Valley will pick about 10,000 acres, or 5% of the state's...

Nuts & nutmeats.(Markets)
October 6, 2003... OREGON HAZELNUTS--The official forecast is 35,000 tons for the new crop, which is smaller than expected due to lack of moisture and hot weather. The crop is expected to be about 79% larger than last year's final of 18,000 tons. However, this...

Frozen fruits.(Markets.)
October 6, 2003... TART CHERRIES--As of Oct. 1, CherrCo's base price will be 75 cents per pound for 5+1 and 81 cents per pound for IQF. REGIONAL HOLDINGS OF FROZEN RED TART CHERRIES - SEPT. 1 (Source: USDA/NASS) 1,000 Pounds: 2003 ...

Juices & concentrates.
October 6, 2003... Cranberry Juice Heads To Spain By the first quarter of next year, American Cranberry Corp. USA and its Spanish counterpart, American Cranberry Corp. Espana, hope to pour an estimated 45,000 bottles per day of cranberry juice--nearly 17...

Butter.(Markets.)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... BUTTER MARKET, OCT. 3 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 10/03/2003 09/26/2003 Chge. Grade AA 117 118.25 -1.25

Cheese.(Markets.)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET OCT. 3 Cents 10/03/2003 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 153.00 -2.50 Blocks 160.00 NC

Eggs.(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS Oct. 3 (Source: USDA) This Week Ending Chng. From Wk. Cents per dozen: Week Sept. 26 ...

Chicken.(Markets.)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF OCT. 6 Cents Per Pound: This Week Chicago 53.00-56.00 53.00-56.00 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few...

Futures prices.(Markets.)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... FUTURES PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash Oct. Dec. As of Oct. 2, 2003: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $2.03 2.20(Dec.) ...

Commodity prices.(Markets.)(Brief Article)
October 6, 2003... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last Oct. 2 ...

Bioterrorism registration & prior notice rules issued.
October 13, 2003... Taking up 184 pages of the Oct. 10 Federal Register, the Food & Drug Administration issued two interim final rules implementing the Bioterrorism Act of 2002--registration of facilities and prior notice of food import shipments. A summary of...

Food price outlook: food prices projected to rise 2% to 3% in 2004.(Illustration)
October 13, 2003... The Consumer Price Index for "all food" is projected to climb between 2% and 3% in 2004, according to new data from USDA's Economic Research Service. For 2003, USDA forecasts the all food index will range from 1.5% to 2.5% higher than 2002. It...

Wholesale food prices up sharply.(Illustration)
October 13, 2003... With fresh vegetable prices jumping 20.7% at the wholesale level during September over August, the Producer Price Index for all finished consumer foods posted its highest monthly increase since January of this year, rising a sharp 1.2%. This...

C-store operator to add over 1,500 stores to its roster through acquisition.(Couche-Tard Inc. to purchase ConocoPhillips Corp.'s Circle K Corp. retail chain)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... Extending its reach into the U.S., Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. will purchase ConocoPhillips Corp.'s Circle K Corp. retail chain for $1.16 billion, including the assumption of about $12.3 million in debt. The Circle K chain includes 1,663...

7-Eleven to bring its coffee stations upscale.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... Looking to maintain its lead in the $290 billion convenience store industry, 7-Eleven, Inc. is introducing new offerings at its coffee stations in participating U.S. and Canadian stores, allowing its customers to be able to create more than...

Survey findings predict staying power of low-carb trend.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... A survey conducted for the Grocery Manufacturers of America by Phil Lempert and published on SupermarketGuru.com found the following results: Meal Planning * 51% of consumers said they intend to cook more from scratch at home. *...

New low-carb items to hit the aisles.
October 13, 2003... Hain Celestial Group Inc. launched a line of low-carbohydrate products called "Carb Fit." The items, including cookies, pastas and snacks, are being co-branded with other Hain lines, such as Pure Snax and Health Valley, and do not contain...

Fast food outlets boost health offerings.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... Two major fast food outlets announced plans to enhance their menus with more healthful offerings. McDonald's Corp. plans to introduce a new, white-meat version of its Chicken McNugget this fall. The new McNuggets are smaller and have less fat...

Mergers & acquisitions.(food industry)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... Jacksonville, FL-based Acosta Sales and Marketing Co. signed a letter of intent to acquire Priority Food Brokers, Columbia, MD, a fresh foods sales and marketing agency serving the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. market. American Crystal Sugar...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).(food industry-related companies)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 13, 2003... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) Current % Chge. Year Year Ago COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP. (Issaquah, WA) 16 Wks. To Aug. 30: Sales ...

U.S. Foodservice Industry Forecast, * 2003/04.(Illustration)
October 13, 2003... U.S. Foodservice Industry Forecast, * 2003/04 (Source: Technomic, Inc.) Retail Sales Equivalent (In Billions)...

Littleton, CO-based smoothie operator Maui Wowi plans to go global next year.(News In A Minute)(Maui Wowi Fresh Hawaiian Blends)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Littleton, CO-based smoothie operator Maui Wowi plans to go global next year, selling franchises to people in Mexico, Canada, the UK and even Kuwait. Maui Wowi's chief executive Michael Haith said he expects the company to be in 1,000...

Fresh Choice.(News In A Minute)(launches new pasta initiative)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Fresh Choice is pumping $250,000 into a new pasta initiative that is now rolling out across the system. The 52-store cafeteria operator has been testing four new pasta dishes and is currently expanding the initiative into its six-store Los...

University of Leicester.(News In A minute)(researchers found that classical music played in restaurants was the most successful in encouraging people to spend)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * University of Leicester researchers found that classical music played in restaurants was the most successful in encouraging people to part with their cash, with diners spending more than $40 a head. When the music was Britney Spears, diners...

Dole Food Co. Inc.(News In A Minute)( is getting into fresh-cut fruit)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Dole Food Co. Inc. is getting into fresh-cut fruit, setting up a distribution center in Springfield, OH, initially, to serve markets in the Eastern U.S-The Packer Online (Oct. 7)

Looking to loosen Fresh Del Monte's grip on the $1 billion fresh pineapple market, where it controls 70% of the fresh whole pineapple business.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Looking to loosen Fresh Del Monte's grip on the $1 billion fresh pineapple market, where it controls 70% of the fresh whole pineapple business, Dole, Chiquita and others are planting thousands of acres of pineapples to compete with Del...

Hitachi.(News In A Minute)(electronic ID tag)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Hitachi developed a tiny electronic ID tag that can be embedded almost invisibly into food packaging or the inedible part of individual fresh vegetables. The company claims it will start to manufacture and sell each chip tag for as little as...

Hershey Foods Corp.(News In A Minute)(introduced Reese's Inside Out, other candies)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Hershey Foods Corp. introduced Reese's Inside Out, which are Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with chocolate encased with peanut butter, noted The Patriot-News. The firm also unveiled Kit Kat white chocolate and Kit Kat dark chocolate, as well as...

Kraft Foods Inc.(News In A Minute)(announced a new partnership with the Rainforest Alliance)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Kraft Foods Inc. announced a new partnership with the Rainforest Alliance, to support the development of sustainable coffee production in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Central America.

Sara Lee Foods is testing a line of Hillshire Farm seasoned.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Sara Lee Foods is testing a line of Hillshire Farm seasoned, sliced meats called Recipe Ready Slices that can be used to spice up salads or casseroles. The new line is being test marketed in Cincinnati, Columbus and Tampa-The Cincinnati Post...

Ben & Jerry's plans to open 100 stores in Canada.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Ben & Jerry's plans to open 100 stores in Canada. Ben & Jerry's Canadian franchiser already teamed with resort concern Intrawest Corp., Vancouver, to build ice cream shops at a number of their sites-The Globe and Mail (Oct. 6)

Bell.(News In A Minute)(has plans to sell its retail business )(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Swiss meat processor Bell has plans to sell its retail business as part of a move to focus on its meat wholesale business. The company said it would sell the butchers retail business to management. Bell's retail business generates annual...

National Retail Federation.(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Retailers can count on 55.8% of consumers to celebrate Halloween and spend an average of $41.77 each, a few dollars less than the $44.20 consumers spent in 2002, according to the National Retail Federation 2003 Halloween Consumer Intentions...

Krispy Kreme.(News In A Minute)(is focusing on Mexico, with Korea and Japan also priorities)(Brief Article)
October 13, 2003... * Mexico is likely next on the list for Krispy Kreme, while Japan and Korea are priorities too, said Krispy Kreme CEO Scott Livengood. As for China, Krispy Kreme is just beginning due diligence. "That will probably be over a longer period of...