The Food Institute Report articles from September 2003

The Food Institute Report archives from September 2003

Food company merger activity heavy prior to Labor Day weekend.
September 1, 2003... A flurry of mergers and acquisitions in the food industry was disclosed prior to the start of the Labor Day weekend. Chiquita Brands International, Inc. sold its interest in a Florida citrus joint venture, The Packers of Indian River, Ltd., to...

Burger King restructuring operations.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Burger King is restructuring its U.S. operations organization, in a move that will put more personnel in the field, working closely with franchisees and restaurant managers, as part of its effort to improve restaurant performance, reported The...

Donut chain undergoing "Transformation".(Dunkin' Donuts)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Since taking over seven months ago, Jon Luther, CEO of Randolph, MA-based Allied Domecq Quick-Service Restaurants, a unit of Allied Domecq that includes Dunkin' Donuts, Togo's sandwich shops and Baskin-Robbins ice cream, abandoned some of the...

Company aims to block bitter tastes.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... In April, the Linguagen Corp., a Cranbury, NJ-based biotechnology company that is conducting taste research, received a patent for the first molecular compound that will block bitter tastes in foods, beverages and some pharmaceuticals. The...

Fast-casual Greek chains rolling out units.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... While there are many full-service Greek restaurants in most major American cities, fast-casual Greek restaurants are seeing sales growth and rolling out units in the U.S. and Canada. Some of the main players include San Diego, CA-based 32-unit...

Pizza drives cheese consumption.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... A typical consumer eats 30 pounds of cheese per year, far more than the 6-pound annual average of 1944, mainly because many restaurants and eateries are including it in various dishes, according to USDA. About 20% or 35% of cheese consumption...

Food companies can benefit from Wi-Fi.
September 1, 2003... The fast-dropping price of Wi-Fi, technically known as the 802.11 format and its ability to transmit a large volume of digital data wirelessly over short distances have made it possible for various businesses to improve sales and profits, while...

Wi-Fi access: to charge or not to charge.
September 1, 2003... While some large retail chains like Starbucks adopted the pay-to-log-on model for Wi-Fi, using the services of large telecom companies, where customers typically pay the service provider for use of Wi-Fi access, some small business owners are...

Fuddruckers Inc.(plans to open 60 more locations in the next three years)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Fuddruckers Inc. plans to open 60 more locations in the next three years. The multimillion-dollar expansion would mark a dramatic increase in the number of company-owned restaurants, now at 112. Three restaurants are scheduled to open by...

Health Express USA announced a franchisee will construct, develop and open Healthy Bites restaurants in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Health Express USA announced a franchisee will construct, develop and open Healthy Bites restaurants in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida. The first of several anticipated locations in South Florida is scheduled to open...

Qdoba Mexican Grill plans to open a dozen outlets in the Chicago, IL area next year.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Qdoba Mexican Grill plans to open a dozen outlets in the Chicago, IL area next year. The 100-unit chain, based in the Denver, CO suburb of Wheat Ridge, is owned by Jack in the Box... CBSMarketwatch.com. (Aug. 24)

Wingstop, a 117-unit chicken wing chain, entered into an agreement with VS Venture Partners, LLC to expand into the San Diego, CA area.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Wingstop, a 117-unit chicken wing chain, entered into an agreement with VS Venture Partners, LLC to expand into the San Diego, CA area. Wingstop's ambition is to develop the concept into a chain of 18 to 20 dine-in or carry out restaurants...

In a separate announcement, Wingstop entered Nebraska on Aug. 18, with the opening of a 1,200-sq. ft. restaurant in Omaha.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... In a separate announcement, Wingstop entered Nebraska on Aug. 18, with the opening of a 1,200-sq. ft. restaurant in Omaha. Currently, 133 units are under development... World Herald (Aug. 27)

Cub Foods will have 50 stores in Minnesota's Twin Cities metro-area by early 2005.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Cub Foods will have 50 stores in Minnesota's Twin Cities metro-area by early 2005. The chain, owned by Eden Prairie, MN-based Supervalu Inc., unveiled plans for six new locations, including stores in Shorewood, Savage and Arden Hills that will...

Whole Foods.(adding stores in the Atlanta area)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Whole Foods is on a growth binge in metro Atlanta, GA, saying the market could support three more stores by 2006. The chain is growing so much that it may even be more than that, said the president of the Southern region. A new store is...

In southern Ontario, Canada, 13 Wal-Mart stores began selling Krispy Kreme's trademark "original glazed" doughnuts.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... In southern Ontario, Canada, 13 Wal-Mart stores began selling Krispy Kreme's trademark "original glazed" doughnuts... The Toronto Star (Aug. 26)

Customer satisfaction takes center stage at McDonald's.(On The Expansion Front)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... McDonald's deployed 500 in-house consultants to grade its stores on a 100-point scale beginning 18 months ago. The consultants evaluate everything--the taste of Big Mac sandwiches, how long it takes to fill an order, how clean the bathrooms are...

The Hain Celestial Group and Cargill Health & Food Technologies.(to jointly develop new healthy food and beverages product solutions )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * The Hain Celestial Group and Cargill Health & Food Technologies plan to jointly develop new food and beverages product solutions for consumers to address a broad range of health concerns.

The Yellow Pages Integrated Media Association reported that of the top 300 Yellow Pages headings, "Restaurants" ranks first and "Pizza" is fifth.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * The Yellow Pages Integrated Media Association reported that of the top 300 Yellow Pages headings, "Restaurants" ranks first and "Pizza" is fifth. Restaurant-related headings account for more than 1.7 billion references or searches per year,...

McCain Foods USA.(introduced frozen oven-baked French fries cooked in non-hydrogenated, 100% pure canola oil)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * McCain Foods USA introduced frozen oven-baked French fries cooked in non-hydrogenated, 100% pure canola oil. The new French fries are available in supermarkets throughout the Northeast U.S in five varieties: Classic Cut, Crinkle Cut,...

Carl's Jr.(to unveil a limited time charbroiled chicken sandwich)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Carl's Jr. will unveil a charbroiled chicken sandwich, the BBQ Ranch Charbroiled Chicken, available for a limited time at participating Carl's Jr. restaurants... Brandweek.com (Aug. 28)

Winn-Dixie Stores Inc.(cutting administrative jobs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. will cut an unspecified number of jobs at its corporate headquarters and at division offices, blaming a sluggish economy and slow sales. The goal is to reduce administrative ranks 10%... The Tampa Tribune (Aug. 27)

Publix Super Markets Inc. closed PublixDirect.(online grocery shopping service )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Publix Super Markets Inc. closed PublixDirect, the online grocery shopping service it began testing in south Florida two years ago. PublixDirect simply did not have enough volume to continue this service, according to Publix's CEO.

Tully's Coffee will offer 12-oz. premium ground coffee bags in 183 northern California Albertsons locations.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Tully's Coffee will offer 12-oz. premium ground coffee bags in 183 northern California Albertsons locations. This partnership represents the first major grocery store to carry Tully's packaged coffee in significant quantities in northern...

Harvard Medical School.(News In A Minute)
September 1, 2003... * Molecules of resveratrol found in red wine, peanuts and other products of the plant world have for the first time been shown to mimic the life-extending effects of calorie restriction, a finding that could help researchers develop drugs that...

Don Pablo.(testing low-carb fajitas)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * In Cincinnati, OH, Don Pablo's has been testing low-carb fajitas, which are wrapped in lettuce instead of flour tortillas. The low-carb fajitas will be available nationwide in October. Don Pablo's is also working on a low-carb Margarita......

Wendy's International.(running meal promotions with low-fat items)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Wendy's International is trying to appeal to health-seeking consumers by running test-market promotions of various meal combinations that highlight low-fat items that have been on the company's menu for years. The company is promoting four...

Ruby Tuesday.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Ruby Tuesday is testing $8.99-a-plate combos, such as broiled fish, grilled chicken or a chopped beef patty paired with sliced tomatoes, steamed broccoli and cottage cheese, at 50 of its restaurants. Those sites are featuring a Low Carb...

Domino's Pizza, Ann Arbor, MI, will introduce its customers to auction site eBay.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Domino's Pizza, Ann Arbor, MI, will introduce its customers to auction site eBay using its pizza boxes to deliver back-to-school and college football offers from eBay... DMNews (Aug. 22)

Food Marketing Institute.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Supermarkets, looking for new revenue generators, are increasingly turning to pharmacies to add convenience and boost sales. This year, supermarkets are expected to increase pharmacy outlets by 8.6%, up from the 3% growth in 2002, according...

Latrobe Brewing Co.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Latrobe Brewing Co., best known for its Rolling Rock beer, is introducing a low-carb beer called Rock Green Light on Oct. 1. Rolling Rock Light, introduced in 1982, will be phased out... The Morning Cal (Aug. 25)

Classica Microwave Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of The Classica Group, Inc., Sayreville, NJ, successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of its microwave pasteurization technology.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Classica Microwave Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of The Classica Group, Inc., Sayreville, NJ, successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of its microwave pasteurization technology for extending the shelf life of packaged fresh Waffles at...

A small study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that eating dark chocolate can lower your blood pressure.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * A small study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that eating dark chocolate can lower your blood pressure. The short study would need to be confirmed in larger, longer-term ones before doctors could...

Anheuser-Busch Cos.(News In A Minute)(launched the nationwide sale of raspberry-flavored Bacardi Silver Raz)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * Anheuser-Busch Cos. launched the nationwide sale of raspberry-flavored Bacardi Silver Raz, which will be made at Anheuser-Busch's brewery in Baldwinsville, NY. The new drink comes out just six months after the St. Louis, MO-based company...

UK-based Tesco plans to cut prices by $95 million on more than 350 products across its stores.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... * UK-based Tesco plans to cut prices by $95 million on more than 350 products across its stores. The cuts come just weeks before rival Asda is due to unveil its biggest price cuts this year... Financial Times (Aug. 29)

Mergers & acquisitions.
September 1, 2003... B&G Foods, Inc., Parsippany, NJ, completed its purchase of the Ortega brand from Nestle Prepared Foods Co. (see FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT, Aug. 4, page 7). Fleming Cos., Inc., Dallas, TX, completed the sale of its grocery wholesale assets. The...

Latest financial reports (000 omitted).
September 1, 2003... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (000 omitted) BENIHANA, INC. (Miami, FL) 16 Wks. To July 20: Sales $61,100 6.9% Net Income $2,950 5.8% BLUE SQUARE ISRAEL, LTD. (Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel) ...

Regional private label trends.
September 1, 2003... Regional Combined Channels * Private Label Dollar & Unit Volume (Private Label Manufacturers Association, 2003 Yearbook) Dollar Volume Region 2002 2001 California...

USDA issuing permits to allow Canadian beef to cross border.(Washington)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... U.S. officials said Aug. 25 that some permits to allow truckloads of Canadian beef across the U.S. border would be issued that week, reported The Globe and Mail (Aug. 25). The boneless beef cuts, which are considered at low risk for mad cow...

FDA gives stamp of approval for spray to kill bacteria in beef.(Washington)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... FDA says it is safe to spray lactoferrin, a milk protein, on to beef carcasses to fight disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli 0157:H7. Scientists with Salt Lake City, UT-based aLF Ventures found that spraying lactoferrin on raw beef...

EU lists products it wants tied to geographical locations.(Washington)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The 15-nation European Union disclosed a list of 41 products with names it wants tied to specific geographical locations and traditional means of production, reported The Washington Times (Aug. 29). The EU will push trade ministers to consider...

Kansas State University major player in protecting U.S. food supply.(Washington)
September 1, 2003... In the wake of an outbreak of disease threatening the nation's food supply, Kansas State University would play a key role in the swift diagnosis that could mean the difference between a temporary emergency and a widespread, long-term disaster,...

Food recalls reported.(Washington)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Unilever, Inc., Baltimore, MD, is recalling 35,745 tubs of Lee Iacocca's brand Olivio Premium Spread with olive oil. The 1-lb. tubs were distributed nationwide. Reason for recall: The products contain undeclared whey. Tone Brothers, Inc.,...

In the courts.
September 1, 2003... ... The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) lodged a grievance against Safeway Inc. ... The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) lodged a grievance against Safeway Inc., saying the grocer failed to act in "good...

You should know ...
September 1, 2003... ... U.S. agriculture officials certified 22 U.S. beef plants to export beef to Japan under a new trade agreement aimed at calming Asian fears related to mad cow disease. An additional 79 plants are seeking certification in order to meet a Sept....

Cost-sharing for Animal & Plant Health Emergency Programs.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... COST-SHARING FOR ANIMAL & PLANT HEALTH EMERGENCY PROGRAMS: USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is extending the comment period for its proposed rule that would establish criteria to determine the Federal share of financial...

Ingredient labeling of dietary supplements that contain botanicals.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... INGREDIENT LABELING OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS THAT CONTAIN BOTANICALS: FDA is proposing to amend its regulation on declaring botanical ingredients in dietary supplements to incorporate by reference the latest editions of two books. Currently, the...

Standards for privately owned quarantine facilities for ruminants.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... STANDARDS FOR PRIVATELY OWNED QUARANTINE FACILITIES FOR RUMINANTS: USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to amend the regulations for the importation of ruminants into the U.S. to establish standards for privately owned...

Milk orders.(Noted In The Federal Register)
September 1, 2003... MILK ORDERS: USDA proposed adopting as a final rule, order language contained in the interim final rule published in the Federal Register on Feb. 12, 2003, concerning pooling provisions of the Central Federal milk order. It sets forth the...

Meeting of Advisory Committee on Biotechnology.(Noted In The Federal Register)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... MEETING OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON BIOTECHNOLOGY: A meeting of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21) will be held on Sept. 15-16 in Washington, DC. The AC21 consists of 18 members representing the...

Produce.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... SELECTED U.S. IMPORTS OF FRESH FRUITS, JAN. 1-JULY 1, 2003 Pounds 2003 2002 Cantaloupes, Sept. 16-July 31 900,349,786 954,120,038 Melons, NESOI, Dec. 1-May 31 272,516,965...

Canned vegetables.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... *** USDA HAS PURCHASED *** CANNED VEGETABLES * Deliveries between Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2003 * Delivered Cases Cost Green Beans (24/300) ...

Tomato products.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... Recent rains over the past week are affecting tomatoes with rot and mold. Fungicides continue to be applied to processing tomatoes and many fields are receiving aphid treatments. USDA HAS PURCHASED TOMATO PRODUCTS * Shipments between...

Frozen vegetables.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... POTATOES--U.S. imports of French fries as of July 1 were up 5% from the previous year to 723.5 million pounds. SELECTED FROZEN VEGETABLE IMPORTS JAN. 1-JULY 1 1,000 Pounds: 2003 2002 % Chge. Asparagus...

Canned fruits.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... USDA HAS PURCHASED CANNED FRUIT * Deliveries between Sept. 16, 2003 and Nov. 31, 2003 * Cases Estimated Cost Canned Mixed Fruit (6/10) 46,512 $743,937 Barrios Foods, Inc. ...

Processed fish.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... USDA HAS PURCHASED--USDA purchased 43,472 cases (14.75 oz.) of canned pink salmon at a delivered cost of $804,000 and will be distributed to Federal food and nutrition programs. The entire bid was awarded to Trident Seafoods Corp. Deliveries...

Dried vegetables.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... TOMATOES--U.S. imports of tomato powder totaled 10.3 million pounds during the first half of 2003, down 5% from the same period in 2002. Shipments from Spain are down 40% from last year, but shipments from Morocco are up 58% from 2002, at 3.5...

Dried fruits.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... U.S. IMPORTS OF DRIED FRUITS JAN. 1-JULY 1, 2003 In Pounds 2003 2002 % Chge. Apricots 14,823,751 22,251,679 -33.4% Raisins Seedless 12,834,614 13,919,774 -7.8% Apples ...

Nuts & nutmeats.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... PISTACHIOS--USDA issued a final rule, effective Sept. 22, 2003, that revises the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pistachio Nuts in the Shell and the U.S. Standards for Grades of Shelled Pistachio Nuts, noted the Federal Register (Aug. 22). ...

Frozen fruits.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... U.S. IMPORTS OF SELECTED FROZEN FRUITS, JAN. 1-JULY 1, 2003 % Chge. Pounds 2003 2002 Prev. Yr. Strawberries 96,322,114 83,455,005 ...

Juice & concentrates.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... APPLE CONCENTRATE--In the first half of 2003, the U.S. imported close to 30 million gallons of 70 Brix concentrate, approximately 6.4 million more gallons than in the same period of time in 2002. Over 33.0 million single strength equivalent...

Butter.(Markets)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... BUTTER MARKET, AUG. 29 Cents Per Pound: 8/29/03 8/22/03 Chge. Grade AA 113.50 114.00 -0.50 (Source: USDA)

Cheese.(Markets)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET AUG. 29 Cents Per Pounds: 08/29/2003 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 156.75 NC Blocks 160.00 NC

Eggs.(Markets)
September 1, 2003... EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS Aug. 29 This Week Ending Chng. From Wk. Cents per dozen: Week 22 Au Ending Aug. 22 Extra Large-NY 95-99 98-102 -3 Large-NY ...

Chicken.(Markets)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF SEPT. 1 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 54.00-57.00 54.00-57.00 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few Too...

Future prices.(Markets)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... FUTURES PRICES Cash Sept. Oct. As of Aug. 28, 2003: Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $2.28 $2.30 2.39(Dec.) Soybeans, bu. 5.985 ...

Commodity.(Markets)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... COMMODITY PRICES Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last Aug. 28 Aug. 21 Year Steers, Tex.-Okl....

Ahold will try to rebuild U.S. Foodservice unit.
September 8, 2003... Ahold will keep its U.S. Foodservice unit for now, and will look at disposals and the capital markets to restore its finances, its new chief executive, Anders Moberg, told shareholders Sept. 4. "To sell it off today would create a massive...

Acquisition flurry in the foodservice sector ...
September 8, 2003... ... Marking its third acquisition in three years, Cara Donna Provision Co. acquired the foodservice distribution arm of Leroux Meats, Worcester, MA, a meat fabricator and distributor. The Braintree, MA-based distributor, which expects to post...

Kraft to acquire cereal brand, sell Italian cheese business.(Invernizzi)(Company Profile)
September 8, 2003... Adding to its other natural foods products--the Balance and Boca brands--Kraft Foods North America is acquiring the Back to Nature brand cereal and granola business from Organic Milling, Inc., a San Dimas, CA-based privately held manufacturer...

Hain Celestial plans new products.(Company Profile)
September 8, 2003... Hain Celestial Group, whose brands include Celestial Seasonings teas, Health Valley, Soy Dream, Earth's Best and Terra Chips, plans to bring out its first cereal lines, low-carbohydrate pastas, and cookies that contain no trans-fatty acids or...

Preliminary findings show hormone can decrease appetite.(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... A single infusion of an intestinal hormone made people eat less for the rest of the day, regardless of whether they were overweight or thin, researchers reported in The New England Journal of Medicine. The hormone, peptide YY 3-36 (PYY),...

Pepsi Bottling Group.(Beverage Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... * Pepsi Bottling Group, Somers, NY, will drop Monarch's All Sport brand by the end of the year, revealed Beverage Digest. Monarch bought the sports drink from Pepsi in 2001, but sales have dropped sharply, reported The Atlanta...

The Coca-Cola Co.(Beverage Briefs)(plans to introduce Diet Coke with Lime)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... * The Coca-Cola Co. plans to introduce Diet Coke with Lime early next year... The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Aug. 29)

The Coca-Cola Company.(Beverage Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... * While The Coca-Cola Company stated it is rolling back all of its marketing efforts to children under 12, some parents are concerned that a senior vice president at Coca-Cola's largest bottler now has a seat on the National PTA's board of...

The Snaple Beverage Group, a unit of Cadbury Schweppes, plc, is targeting the young back-to-school crowd with new eight-ounce packaging for Snapple.(Beverage Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... * The Snapple Beverage Group, a unit of Cadbury Schweppes, plc, is targeting the young back-to-school crowd with new eight-ounce packaging for Snapple. The down-sized plastic bottles will be available with four of Snapple's best selling...

Suntory and Groupe Danone agreed to create a joint venture.(Beverage Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... * Suntory and Groupe Danone agreed to create a joint venture, which will operate the combined businesses of their subsidiaries, Suntory Water Group and the home office delivery business of Danone Waters of North America. The joint venture will...

Heineken.(Beverage Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... * Much to Heineken's chagrin, the $367 billion world beer market is changing, examined BusinessWeek Online (Sept. 8). Beer consumption is declining in the U.S. and Europe, the source of two-thirds of Heineken's profits, thanks to tougher...

Mac Farms Inc.(Beverage Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... * The company that makes the carbonated eMoo milk drink, Mac Farms Inc., started production on another carbonated milk-based drink called Refreshing Power Milk (RPM) and they already have orders coming in from school districts. RPM combines...

ChampionLyte Beverages, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ChampionLyte Holdings, Inc., will introduce four new sugar-free flavors of ChampionLyte to the isotonic sports drink market.(Beverage Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... * ChampionLyte Beverages, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ChampionLyte Holdings, Inc., will introduce four new sugar-free flavors of ChampionLyte to the isotonic sports drink market. The new flavors are kiwi strawberry, peach tea, citrus and...

Store characteristics by format type store averages, 2002.
September 8, 2003... Store Characteristics by Format Type Store Averages, 2003 (Source: Competitive Edge) Total Area Weekly Traditional (Sq. Ft.) Sales Grocery Channel Conventional 25,800 ...

Store format growth trends, 1980-2007.
September 8, 2003... Store Format Growth Trends, 1980-2007 (Source: Competitive Edge) 1980 2002 Share Share Traditional Stores (%ACV) Stores...

Definitions.
September 8, 2003... (Source: Competitive Edge) Traditional Grocery Channel Conventional Supermarket--The original supermarket format, offering a full line of groceries, meat and produce with at least $2 million in annual sales. Conventional stores will...

Smithfield Foods' chief executive said the company does not plan to make any more major acquisitions within the U.S. following its purchase of Farmland Foods.(News In A Minute)(Brief Article)
September 8, 2003... * Smithfield Foods' chief executive said the company does not plan to make any more major acquisitions within the U.S. following its purchase of Farmland Foods. "We certainly think that Farmland will be our last major acquisition in this...