The Food Institute Report articles from October 2005

The Food Institute Report archives from October 2005

Food-at-home prices still seen climbing just 2% to 3% in 2006.(due to Hurricane Katrina and due to rise in energy prices)
October 3, 2005... Despite the sharp rise in energy prices as a result of Hurricane Katrina earlier this month, USDA continues to project overall food-at-home prices will rise 2.5% to 3.5% this year, and 2% to 3% in 2006. Both are lower than the 3.8% gain seen in...

General mills: not for sale.(nor hiring investment bank)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... General Mills Inc. shareholders rejected a proposal to hire an investment bank to explore a possible sale of the company. When the votes were tallied at the company's annual meeting held on Sept. 26, it was 274 million shares against, compared...

Retailers move ahead with technology.(companies are implementing new technologies such as RFID equipment, electronic product code)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... U.S. retailers are implementing emerging technologies such as the electronic product code and RFID at a slower pace, with 23% of companies surveyed having a designated individual or team examining EPC/RFID applications, down from 48% in 2004,...

Foundation behind successful Chilean businesses.(Fundacion Chile scientists developed recombinant DNA vaccine for the treatment of Salmon)(growth in Chile's Salmon exports)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... FUNDACION CHILE, a Santiago, Chile-based business incubator, is credited with developing Chile's salmon industry and helped boost exports of berries and other fresh fruits to $2 billion last year via biotech research and the development of...

Wal-Mart to take controlling stake in Seiyu ...(Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Seiyu Ltd.)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... In a move that will make Japanese retailer Seiyu a subsidiary, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will increase its stake to more than 50% from 42% at a cost of as much as nearly $600 million, reported USA Today (Sept. 30). Seiyu will issue new...

... Give its U.S. distribution system an overhaul.(Wal-Mart Stores Inc. remix program to increase sales)(changes in warehouses )(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... This fall, in a program dubbed "Remix," WAL-MART STORES INC. is going to revamp its distribution system, a move aimed at improving sales by replenishing store shelves with fast-selling merchandise, while at the same time cutting costs by...

Damaged frozen food packaging impacts brand loyalty.(study by Perception Research Services)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Favorable impressions of the store and the product diminish with damaged frozen food packaging, the results of a study conducted by PERCEPTION RESEARCH SERVICES and prompted by MEADWESTVACO COATED BOARD indicate. Additionally, brand loyalty...

Tesco eyeing growth in the U.S.(Tesco PLC. acquisitions of Carrefour S.A.)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Britain's biggest retailer, Tesco PLC, has installed a 65-strong team of top executives in America to weigh the acquisition of a leading U.S. grocery chain. This team is based in New York and the West Coast. The retailer has also held...

MyPyramid for kids aims to improve childrens' health.(introduced by Department of Agriculture)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... USDA unveiled MyPyramid for Kids last week, a child-friendly version of the new MyPyramid Food Guidance System that provides age-appropriate information to help children ages six to 11 make healthy eating and physical activity choices. The...

Many blame parents for kids' obesity.(survey of adults by Mintel)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... More than 77% of adults surveyed cited that the parents, not the children, are to blame for America's obesity issues with children, according to a recent MINTEL report. There are other major concerns emerging, beyond a lack of portion control...

Soy product demand to hit $8.7 billion in 2009.(according to the study of The Freedonia Group Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... U.S. demand for soy products is expected to increase over 5% per year to $8.7 billion in 2009, according to Soy Products & Markets, a study from Cleveland, OH-based THE FREEDONIA GROUP, INC. Within the industry, soy protein products are...

Top 10 power brands.
October 3, 2005... Brands that have withstood the test of time, forged an emotional connection with consumers, and have relevance today are common attributes of Food Processing's compilation of the top 10 power brands. Keeping in mind that brands want a lifelong...

Javalution coffee, the Fort Lauderdale, FL-based marketer of the JavaFit brand of functional coffees, will launch its coffees in 10-oz. self-heating containers in early 2006.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... JAVALUTION COFFEE, the Fort Lauderdale, FL-based marketer of the JavaFit brand of functional coffees, will launch its coffees in 10-oz. self-heating containers in early 2006. With the press of a button, consumers can enjoy steaming hot coffee...

Nutrasweet, the U.S. sweetener company, is looking for a way into the sucralose market, posing a challenge to Britain's Tate & Lyle, at present the world's only mass producer of the product.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... NUTRASWEET, the U.S. sweetener company, is looking for a way into the sucralose market, posing a challenge to Britain's TATE & LYLE, at present the world's only mass producer of the product. Craig Petray, the company's chief executive, said it...

Freshdirect.(online grocery stores planning to introduce food products)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... FRESHDIRECT, the New York online grocer, is offering a new lineup of all-natural lunches and dinners for children. The new lunches include options such as turkey mozzarella pinwheels, pizza rolls, turkey hot dogs, and peanut butter and jelly on...

All products containing natural cocoa have flavanol antioxidants, confirmed a study sponsored by The Hershey Company in conjunction with Cornell University and Brunswick Laboratories.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... All products containing natural cocoa have flavanol antioxidants, confirmed a study sponsored by THE HERSHEY COMPANY in conjunction with CORNELL UNIVERSITY and BRUNSWICK LABORATORIES. The study also found that the level of antioxidants in...

Southwest Food Distributors LLC in Tulsa has leased a former Osco Drug building.(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... SOUTHWEST FOOD DISTRIBUTORS LLC in Tulsa has leased a former OSCO DRUG building. Initial plans call for opening a food retail and warehouse center where shoppers and restaurants can buy individual products or items in bulk. Southwest intends to...

Cinnabon.(to introduce Cinnabon Bites)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... CINNABON is introducing Cinnabon Bites, portable, bite-size snacks aimed at customers who want a convenient, on-the-go snack while window shopping or running through airports. Cinnabon Bites are packaged in an easy-to-handle, portable sleeve,...

McDonald.(meal plans)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... MCDONALD'S Apple Dippers option in extra value meals should be expanded to about 800 restaurants in Southern California by the end of the year... The Packer Online (Sept. 23)

Taco Del Mar.(to open services at new locations )(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... TACO DEL MAR, the Seattle-based FreshMex chain, expects to open 38 new locations by the end of 2005, bringing the total number of locations to 210... MSNBC.com (Sept. 25)

Zeeland Farm Services Inc., a farm supplier and food processor, has teamed up with Monsanto Co. to process into oil a newly developed soybean that does not require hydrogenation.(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... ZEELAND FARM SERVICES INC., a farm supplier and food processor, has teamed up with MONSANTO CO. to process into oil a newly developed soybean that does not require hydrogenation. Over the past decade, Monsanto developed a soybean--Vistive--with...

Burger King Corp.(to launch new coffee brand called "BK Joe")(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... BURGER KING CORP. will launch a new coffee brand called "BK Joe" in the next 10 days. BK Joe, which will replace the existing coffee, will come in three varieties--regular, decaffeinated, and a double-caffeine version called turbo. McDonald's...

McDonald's Corp.(toasted deli sandwiches tested)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... MCDONALD'S CORP. has ended its test of toasted deli sandwiches in Richmond, VA. High equipment costs and being labor intensive are among issues linked to pulling the sandwiches. The burger giant is evaluating whether to scale back or end the...

Piggly Wiggly and Dick's Supermarkets in Wisconsin will roll out a new service that will allow customers to buy hard-to-find grocery items online.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
October 3, 2005... PIGGLY WIGGLY and DICK'S SUPERMARKETS in Wisconsin will roll out a new service that will allow customers to buy hard-to-find grocery items online. Beginning Oct. 10, customers can log onto either of these two websites: www.shopthepig.com or...

In a letter sharply critical of Spartan Stores' board of directors and management, New York-based investor Loeb Partners aggressively resumed its campaign.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... In a letter sharply critical of SPARTAN STORES' board of directors and management, New York-based investor LOEB PARTNERS aggressively resumed its campaign to convince the retailer-distributor to consider selling all or parts of the company......

Kraft Foods Inc.(launch of health foods)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... KRAFT FOODS INC. is introducing a better-for-you macaroni and cheese, Supermac & Cheese pasta and sauce. It provides a good source of whole grain and vitamins B1, C, D & E and an excellent source of calcium in each serving. Supermac & Cheese...

Wilson Farms chose McLane Northeast, a Texas-based foodservice distribution company, as its distributor, replacing C&S Wholesale Grocers.(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... WILSON FARMS chose MCLANE NORTHEAST, a Texas-based foodservice distribution company, as its distributor, replacing C&S WHOLESALE GROCERS. The McLane warehouse is in the Syracuse suburb of Baldwinsville. The move will be completed by the...

Cott Corp.(realignment plans)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... COTT CORP. will realign its Canadian and U.S. businesses over the next 12 to 18 months, a plan that includes rationalizing product offerings, eliminating underperforming assets and increasing focus on high potential accounts.

Heinz Silly Squirts Ketchup.(Heinz Corp. tomato Ketchup)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... HEINZ SILLY SQUIRTS KETCHUP, which enables kids to be creative and is easy for small hands to grip, is now available nationally. Heinz Silly Squirts' kid-friendly bottle has a cap with three flip-top drawing nozzles, each dispensing Heinz...

Mergers & acquisitions.(Trimaran Capital Partners acquired El Pollo Loco Inc.)(Glacier Water Services Inc. acquired Gestion BI-Eau Pure, Inc.)(Golden Nugget Inc. acquired by Landry's Restaurants Inc.)
October 3, 2005... G. WILLI-FOOD INTERNATIONAL LTD., one of Israel's leading distributors of kosher food products, has terminated the previously announced acquisition of VITARROZ CORP., a Jersey City, NJ-based distributor of Hispanic food products. G Willi-Food...

Latest financial reports.(McCormick and Company Inc., Topps Company Inc., Walgreen Co.)(food industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 3, 2005... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago DIEDRICH COFFEE, INC. (IRVINE, CA) 16 Wks. To June 29: Sales $16,258 ...

New food code unveiled.(by Food and Drug Administration)
October 3, 2005... The FDA issued the 2005 FDA Food Code, a model food safety guideline for retail food operations and institutions. Many of the changes in the 2005 Food Code are minor, including editorial changes made for consistency and clarity. More...

GAO report on subsidized school meals summarized.(Government Accountability Office)
October 3, 2005... Food Institute counsel, Olsson, Frank & Weeda, P.C., has summarized the recent report released concerning foods sold in competition with federally subsidized school meals by The Government Accountability Office (GAO). The report was requested...

FDA looking at Italian cheese, frozen dessert standards.(Food and Drug Administration)
October 3, 2005... In response to two petitions submitted to the agency, FDA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) requesting public comment on two potential regulatory actions: the revocation and/or amendment of certain standards of...

FDA denies calcium/menstrual disorders qualified health claim petition.(Food and Drug Administration)(health claim petition for calcium dietary supplements)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... FDA posted a decision letter on its website denying a qualified health claim petition for calcium dietary supplements and reduced risk of various menstrual disorders (available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/qhcca.html). The petition,...

Food product recalls reported.(WASHINGTON)
October 3, 2005... WHOLESOME FOODS, INC. of Edinburg, VA recalled approximately 165 lbs. of "Ole Fashioned Sugar Cured Country Ham, The Old Dominion Brand Fine Meats, Premium Fully Cooked Country Ham," with the product "207" and the packaging date "7/27/2005."...

You should know.(Lester M. Crawford resigned from Food and Drug Administration and Andrew von Eschenbach appointed as acting commissioner)(cases filed against MasterCard Inc., Visa U.S.A. Inc., and banks by National Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Community Pharmacists Association and National Cooperative Grocery Association)(foodborne illness are caused due to untreated juices and cider)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... ... .The Fish and Wildlife Service suspended import of and foreign commerce in beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) caviar and meat originating in the Caspian Sea littoral states of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, the Russian...

Healthy foods and sodium.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Food and Drug Administration rules for the usage of sodium in preparing foods)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... HEALTHY FOODS AND SODIUM: FDA's final rule amended the maximum sodium levels permitted for foods making a "healthy" claim. FDA is retaining the currently effective, less restrictive, "first-tier" sodium level requirements for all food...

Codes Alimentarius Commission.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)
October 3, 2005... CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION: On Nov. 10, USDA is holding a public meeting to prepare for the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 28--Dec. 2. For information on the Melbourne Codex, contact Dr. Catherine Carnevale,...

Mideast milk marketing.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Department of Agriculture trade regulations for milk)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... MIDEAST MILK MARKETING: USDA's interim rule amended the Mideast milk marketing order to: 1) Prohibit the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the Mideast Federal milk order and on a marketwide equalization pool administered by...

Poultry slaughter.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Food Safety and Inspection Service rules for poultry breeding)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... POULTRY SLAUGHTER: FSIS reminds all poultry slaughter establishments that live poultry must be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices, which means they should be treated humanely. Comments due Oct. 28; contact...

Egg grading.(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... EGG GRADING: USDA proposed to revise the definition of washed ungraded eggs governing the voluntary shell egg grading program. Comments due Nov. 25; contact Charles Johnson, Grading Branch, 202-720-3271. Sept. 26 FR70 56139-56140

U.S. fisheries.(fishing for mackerel closed)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... U.S. FISHERIES: The National Marine Fisheries Service closed fishing for Atka mackerel in the Central Aleutian District of the Bering Sea. Sept. 27 FR70 56377 NMFS proposed changes to implement Generic Amendment 3 of the seven Gulf of...

Garlic.(antidumping duties levied by USDA on imports from China)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... GARLIC: USDA set antidumping duties on garlic from China between 10.78% and 19.68%. Contact Sochieta Moth, Import Administration, 202-482-0168. Sept. 28 FR70 56639-56640.

Produce.(prices)
October 3, 2005... CARROTS--The market for Michigan product is steady, with 48/1-lb film bags Medium 6.85-7.35; 50-lb sacks loose Jumbos 6.85-7.85, f.o.b. In California's Kern District, sacks 48/1-lb film bags Medium Large are 8.85-9.85, mostly 9.85 50 lb,...

Canned vegetables.(prices and exports)
October 3, 2005... MIXED VEGETABLES--Private label prices of canned 24/300 mixed vegetables are between $8.50-$8.75 per case, f.o.b. Midwest. Foodservice 6/10 mixed vegetables are between $12.50-$12.75 per case, f.o.b. Midwest. WAX BEANS--Private label...

Tomato products.(exports)
October 3, 2005... During the week ending Oct. 1, California processing tomato deliveries are projected to total 536,816 tons, bringing the season-to-date total to approximately 9.2 million tons, reported the Processing Tomato Advisory Board. CANNED...

Frozen vegetables.(prices and demand)
October 3, 2005... PEAS--Sept. 1 cold storage inventories were down 6% from a year ago, mainly due to a 15% drop in stocks in the Pacific region. All other major regions showed larger inventories on Sept. 1. REGIONAL HOLDINGS OF FROZEN GREEN PEAS - SEPT. 1...

Canned fruit.(prices and imports)
October 3, 2005... APPLESAUCE--After four consecutive years of decreased physical movement, supermarket patrons purchased more applesauce/ fruit sauce during the first half of 2005. Physical sales were up approximately 2%, while dollar sales were up over 1%...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)
October 3, 2005... CATFISH--Farm-raised catfish processed during August 2005 totaled 50.7 million pounds round weight, down 5% from August 2004. The average price paid to producers was 72.4 cents per pound for August 2005, up 0.1 cent from last month and 4.1...

Dried vegetables.(prices and shipment figures)
October 3, 2005... DRIED BEANS--Trading activity in the dry edible bean market is moderate, as shipping of previous contracts are being completed. Demand is moderate to good. DRIED BEAN PRICES Per cwt. f.o.b. area indicated Pinto ...

Dried fruit and nuts.(prices)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... PECANS--While Hurricane Katrina avoided most of Louisiana's significant production area as it barreled through the eastern portion of the state, and in Mississippi, that was not the case with Hurricane Rita. The latter roared through western...

Frozen fruit.(prices)
October 3, 2005... BLUEBERRIES--Cold storage inventories as of Sept. 1 are down sharply in New England and the Pacific regions. In the East North Central region stocks are just about even with last year, but the USDA's figures include both sold and unsold...

Juice and concentrates.(prices and production figures)
October 3, 2005... USDA HAS PURCHASED JUICES AND CONCENTRATES * Shipments between Dec. 1 - June 30 * Cases Total Cost Cranberry Concentrate (12/11.5) 252,000 $1,986,876 Clement Pappas Co. ...

Farm prices.(Illustration)
October 3, 2005... WHAT FARMERS WERE PAID FOR FARM PRODUCTS - SEPT. (Source: USDA) % Chge. % Chge. Commodity & Unit Sept. Last Mo. Last Yr. Beans, Dry Edible, Cwt. 20.200 -5.2% ...

Butter.(prices)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 3, 2005... BUTTER MARKET, SEPT. 30 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 9/30/2005 9/23/2005 Chge. Grade AA 1.6475 1.7025 -0.0550

Cheese.(prices)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 3, 2005... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET SEPT. 30 Cents Per Pound: 9/30/2005 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 1.4375 -0.0500 Blocks (40-lbs.) 1.5950 0

Eggs.(prices)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 3, 2005... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS SEPT. 30 (Source: USDA) Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Cents per dozen: 30-Sep 23-Sep Chge. Extra Large-NY 66-70 73-77 -7 Large-NY 64-68 ...

Chicken.(prices)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 3, 2005... PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF OCT. 3 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 62-65 63-66 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few Too Few Los...

Futures prices.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 3, 2005... FUTURES PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash Oct. Dec. As of Sept. 30, 2005: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $1.67 $2.04 (Dec.) $2.17...

Commodity prices.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 3, 2005... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last Sept. 30...

FI exclusive: M&A activity up 45% in the first half of 2005.
October 10, 2005... The Food institute tracked a significant 224 mergers and acquisitions among food and food-related firms in 2005's first half--45% more than the first half of 2004, and 15% more than two years earlier. If this trend continues through the entire...

Rising gas prices gave consumer packaged goods spending a boost.
October 10, 2005... When nationwide gasoline prices surpassed the $2.00 per gallon price in the spring of this year, CPG industry sales across all outlets increased 2.5% versus prior year after a period of flat sales when prices were below $2.00 per gallon,...

Dashboard dining, takeout meals on the rise.
October 10, 2005... Americans are "dashboard dining" and getting takeout much more than they did 20 years ago--and they are more likely to order those meals right from their cars, according to a survey from THE NPD GROUP. To satisfy those who do not want to get...

Organic private label an up and coming category.
October 10, 2005... Although still in the early stages of development, indications are that private label organic products will proliferate and may be at the forefront of the next generation of store brands, according to Facts, Figures, & the Future, published...

Private label's share of global consumer goods marketplace grows.
October 10, 2005... Worldwide, private label products have a 17% share of the global marketplace for consumer goods, in terms of dollar sales for the 12 months ending the first quarter of 2005, according to The Power of Private Label 2005 Executive News Report...

Percentage of overweight Americans stable, says NPD ...(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... More than half of adults, approximately 62%, and 34% of children are overweight or obese, a percentage that has been nearly the same since 2001, according to a new study released last week by NPD GROUP. "I'm not saying we're getting skinnier,...

... More kids eating deep-fried fast food ...(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Both the number and frequency of American children eating restaurant-served fried foods are rising at an alarming rate, revealed a new study of 14,355 nine to 14-year olds. Harvard researches found the number of children who ate meals outside...

... Obesity projections.
October 10, 2005... Some 90% of U.S. men and 70% of women will eventually become overweight, reported U.S. researchers on Oct. 3. The report, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, revealed that over 30 years, nine out of 10 men and seven out of 10 women...

Latest financial reports.(Illustration)
October 10, 2005... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago CAL-MAINE FOODS, INC. (JACKSON, MS) Qtr. To Aug. 27: Sales $79,756 -21.8%...

Spartan Stores.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... After an extensive process of analyzing and exploring strategic alternatives for enhancing shareholder value, SPARTAN STORES' board of directors has directed management to continue to implement its present strategic plan. Grand Rapids, MI-based...

Pepperidge Farm, Inc., Norwalk, CT-based subsidiary of The Campbell Soup Company.(NEW PRODUCTS ROUNDUP)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... PEPPERIDGE FARM, INC., Norwalk, CT-based subsidiary of THE CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY, is rolling out Chocolate Dipped cookies, available in three varieties: Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate Dipped Chessmen and Chocolate Dipped Soft Baked...

Sundia Corporation.(NEW PRODUCTS ROUNDUP)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... SUNDIA CORPORATION, San Francisco, will become the first mass-manufacturer of watermelon juice with its introduction of Sundia Watermelon Juice. The 100% watermelon juice is naturally rich in vitamin A, B6, C and cancer-fighting Lycopene...

Altiplano Gold.(NEW PRODUCTS ROUNDUP)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... ALTIPLANO GOLD, San Francisco, is marketing AltiPlano Gold Instant Quinoa Hot Cereal. The gluten-free breakfast cereal, made from organically-grown quinoa and other natural ingredients, comes in five gourmet flavors: Chai Almond, Oaxacan...

McCormick & Company, Inc.(NEW PRODUCTS ROUNDUP)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... MCCORMICK & COMPANY, INC., Hunt Valley, MD, is coming out with McCormick Skillet Paste, "a thick, cooking sauce that turns vegetables, meat and chicken into a delicious home-cooked dinner in minutes." The paste, hitting seasoning aisles this...

McNeil Nutritionals, LLC.(NEW PRODUCTS ROUNDUP)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... MCNEIL NUTRITIONALS, LLC has introduced Splenda Brown Sugar Blend to stores nationwide...

Blue Dog Bakery.(NEW PRODUCTS ROUNDUP)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... BLUE DOG BAKERY, Seattle, is recognizing two of the hottest trends in pet food--premium and all-natural--with the launch of Natural Peanut Butter Softies, a premium dog treat made with the "highest quality human-grade bakery ingredients." The...

Loeb Partners Corp.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Meanwhile, a shareholder group, which includes LOEB PARTNERS CORP., set forth demands that included the launch of a fixed-price tender offer for 20% of its shares in SPARTAN STORES at $13.50 each... Progressive Grocer (Oct. 4)

Food Lion.(remodeled its stores at Maryland and Delaware)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... FOOD LION unveiled fresh makeovers at stores in Maryland and Delaware on Oct. 5. It has remodeled 63 stores in Maryland and Delaware. Much of the focus has been on the stores' fresh departments--produce, meats and deli/bakery. More than 40...

Galaxy Nutritional Foods, Inc., a leading producer and marketer of nutritious plant-based dairy alternatives for the retail and foodservice markets.(contracts with Goldman Sachs and Co.)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... GALAXY NUTRITIONAL FOODS, INC., a leading producer and marketer of nutritious plant-based dairy alternatives for the retail and foodservice markets, has been working with GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. to explore strategic alternatives for the...

Royal Ahold NV may be interested in buying parts of Albertson's Inc.(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... ROYAL AHOLD NV may be interested in buying parts of ALBERTSON'S INC., chief executive Anders Moberg said, although he ruled out buying all of Albertson's, the second-largest U.S. supermarket chain... The Morning Call (Oct. 4).

Tetra Pak.(launches food processing machinery)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... TETRA PAK introduced a new low temperature ice cream solution called Hoyer DeepBlue. A cold kneading freezing process creates a fine-structured ice cream with improved product quality that allows the production of new and healthier products....

Coca-Cola North America.(joining Dasani to introduced new flavors of soft drinks)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... COCA-COLA NORTH AMERICA has added Dasani Strawberry to its line of Dasani flavored water beverages, joining Dasani Lemon and Dasani Raspberry. Dasani Strawberry is naturally flavored and lightly sweetened with Splenda.

Mexico's largest dollar store chain, Waldo's Dolar Mart De Mexico, plans to add 85 stores in 2006 and is eyeing other Latin American markets.(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Mexico's largest dollar store chain, WALDO'S DOLAR MART DE MEXICO, plans to add 85 stores in 2006 and is eyeing other Latin American markets. The dollar format is still in its infancy in Mexico, with fewer than 1,000 stores nationwide compared...