The Food Institute Report articles from September 2005

The Food Institute Report archives from September 2005

Katrina as it affected the food industry.
September 5, 2005... While assisting the victims from Hurricane Katrina is of key concern to the entire nation the entire U.S. economy is feeling its wrath as well, and the food industry in particular is being impacted. Most significant is the surge in fuel...

Fuel, energy prices hit restaurants with challenges.
September 5, 2005... The impact of rising gas prices seems to be finally taking its toll on consumer restaurant spending, according to the results of a recent overnight survey conducted by TECHNOMIC, INC. Roughly 18% of consumers said they have reduced their...

Albertsons ponders sale, other strategic alternatives.(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... ALBERTSONS INC.'S Board of Directors is exploring strategic alternatives to increase shareholder value, including a possible sale of the company. Albertsons said there can be no assurance that any transaction will occur or, if one is...

Chicken chains offer up new strategies.(food services competition in chicken menus)
September 5, 2005... Although the 2004 ranking of the top chicken chains in the U.S. is the same as in 2003, competition remains intense and operators are implementing new strategies aimed at strengthening operations, increasing traffic volumes and fostering...

Organic offerings increasing at foodservice venues.(organic foods picking up)
September 5, 2005... Organic options are increasingly being offered at foodservice venues throughout the U.S., as concessionaires are making a concerted effort to offer sustainable and organic options as part of their corporate philosophy, reported THE ORGANIC...

Mergers & acquisitions.(Charterhouse Group PLC)(Flowers Industries Inc.)(Rosen's Diversified Inc.)
September 5, 2005... Food distributors CASH-WA DISTRIBUTING CO., Kearney, NE, and HRS FOODSERVICE, Aberdeen, SD, will merge by the end of September. Both segments will maintain their identities in their marketplaces for the time being, while operating under the...

Cadbury Schweppes.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... CADBURY SCHWEPPES confirmed its intention to sell its Europe Beverages business, in order to focus its resources on its confectionery and other beverage businesses, which have greater potential for higher growth and returns. Europe Beverages'...

Sodexho USA.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... SODEXHO USA is converting to trans fat free oil products (containing zero grams of trans fat per serving as defined by the FDA) in its foodservice operations nationwide. Gaithersburg, MD-based Sodexho is making the conversion to trans fat free...

Citing prohibitive labor costs, Food Lion has withdrawn Boston Market's hot chicken and meatloaf program from all 12 stores in Charlotte, NC, where the companies had been testing the offering.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... * Citing prohibitive labor costs, FOOD LION has withdrawn BOSTON MARKET'S hot chicken and meatloaf program from all 12 stores in Charlotte, NC, where the companies had been testing the offering. Salisbury, NC-based Food Lion will continue to...

Safeway.com.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Safeway Stores Inc)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... SAFEWAY.COM began offering its online grocery service to Baltimore residents two weeks ago. Online orders are fulfilled within local retail locations... Supermarket News

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... The distribution complex WAL-MART STORES INC. plans for Elwood, IL could eventually reach nearly five million-sq. ft. The Elwood operation will be a bulk storage facility, where Wal-Mart will ship products to other distribution centers,...

Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... ANHEUSER-BUSCH COS. INC., St. Louis, plans to test market a new caffeinated version of Natural Light beer, called Natty Up, according to Advertising Age, referring to a Anheuser-Busch company memo. The drink will be test marketed in North...

Monterey Gourmet Foods, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(OneStep Gourmet)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... Salinas, Ca-based MONTEREY GOURMET FOODS, INC. is moving into the frozen food category with its newest product line, "OneStep Gourmet" meals. This new product line, developed over the past eight months, provides a restaurant quality meal that...

Farmer Jack.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Farmer Jack Supermarkets)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... Last week, FARMER JACK workers voted by a small margin to reject a new labor contract that called for a 10% pay cut and other concessions that union leaders had said were needed to attract a buyer for the chain and save thousands of jobs......

University of Georgia.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... A UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA professor developed a process of turning dark poultry meat into a white meat product. The finished product isn't designed to compete with the real thing. Instead, it's a filler that can be used to add protein and amino...

Massachusetts Institute of Technology.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Teresa Baker developed a new process in ice cream industry)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY graduate student Teresa Baker developed a new process that has the potential to change the way ice cream is made in the $20 billion-a-year industry. Her work involves liquid carbon dioxide, bulky stainless...

P.F. Chang, Scottsdale, plans on opening its newest concept, Taneko Japanese Tavern, by summer 2006.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... P.F. CHANG, Scottsdale, plans on opening its newest concept, TANEKO JAPANESE TAVERN, by summer 2006. Much of the food at Taneko, which will feature an exhibition-style kitchen, will be prepared on grills and in ovens fired by a special hard-oak...

Bravo! Foods International Corp., a brand development and marketing company that manufactures, promotes and distributes vitamin-fortified flavored milks, has signed an exclusive, 10-year distribution agreement with Coca-Cola Enterprises.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... BRAVO! FOODS INTERNATIONAL CORP., a brand development and marketing company that manufactures, promotes and distributes vitamin-fortified flavored milks, has signed an exclusive, 10-year distribution agreement with COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES. CCE...

Starting this fall, Coca-Cola Enterprises will distribute Von Dutch Energy Drink. Coca-Cola Co. will not own the new drink brand, but both Coca-Cola and CCE will get a share of the profit.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... Starting this fall, COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES will distribute Von Dutch Energy Drink. Coca-Cola Co. will not own the new drink brand, but both Coca-Cola and CCE will get a share of the profit. ROCKSTAR, the company that makes Rockstar and Diet...

McCormick & Company, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(introduction of McCormick Veggie Steamers)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... * MCCORMICK & COMPANY, INC., Hunt Valley, MD, is adding something innovative to the seasoning mix aisle--McCormick Veggie Steamers, steamer bags touted to make perfectly seasoned, steamed vegetables in the microwave in less than eight minutes....

To accelerate deployment of RFID technology, more than 40 companies, including 3M Co., Kraft Foods Inc. and S.C. Johnson & Son Inc., are contributing $500,000 combined to start a lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University is adding $62,000.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... To accelerate deployment of RFID technology, more than 40 companies, including 3M CO., KRAFT FOODS INC. and S.C. JOHNSON & SON INC., are contributing $500,000 combined to start a lab at the UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON, and the University is...

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(introduction of Extra Bittersweet Chocolate Bar)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... GHIRARDELLI CHOCOLATE COMPANY is launching new dark baking chocolate--Extra Bittersweet Chocolate Bar with 70% cocoa, 60% Cocoa Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Bar, and 60% Bittersweet Chocolate Chips.

University of Scranton.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Coffee research)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... Coffee provides more healthful antioxidants than any other food or beverage in the American diet, according to a newly-released study from the UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON of Pennsylvania. The antioxidants in coffee are known as polyphenols. They are...

Farmland Foods, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(expansion of pork processing facility )(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... FARMLAND FOODS, INC. began an $81 million expansion of its pork processing facility in Denison, IA that will allow for additional processing capacity for smoked sausage, ham slicing and hot dogs.

Food prices seen rising 2% to 3% in '06, before Katrina hit.
September 5, 2005... Prior to Hurricane Katrina, USDA updated its food price forecasts for 2005 and 2006. Overall, the Consumer Price Index for food-at-home for 2005 and 2006 was still expected to rise 2.5% to 3.5%, and 2.0% to 3.0%, respectively. While Hurricane...

Latest financial reports.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago CHAMPPS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. (LITTLETON, CO) Qtr. To July 3: Sales $53,694 ...

Trinity Capital LLC partnered with Chris Scanlan, the former president and chief executive of Kazi Restaurants, to form Trinity Restaurants LLC, which will focus on the acquisition and management of quick-service and quick-casual restaurants.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... TRINITY CAPITAL LLC partnered with Chris Scanlan, the former president and chief executive of Kazi Restaurants, to form TRINITY RESTAURANTS LLC, which will focus on the acquisition and management of quick-service and quick-casual restaurants...

Ascendant Partners.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
September 5, 2005... Headquartered in Greenwood Village, CO, Ascendant Partners is a professional service organization dedicated to helping food, agribusiness and renewable energy companies create sustainable business success. Their experienced team specializes in...

Don Latino Foods & Beverages, Inc.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)
September 5, 2005... From Jugo--Frijoles--Cafe--Salsa de Chile Mortia--Adobo and everything in between, Don Latino is the complete food and beverage source of authentically known products for Hispanic and Latino consumers. Don Latino has nearly 200 SKU's that will...

Rice Lake Weighing Systems.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... Rice Lake Weighing Systems, an ISO 9001-registered company, has been the leader in the industrial scale and process-control weighing industry for almost 60 years. Rice Lake designs, manufactures, and distributes equipment through a worldwide...

What to do with existing labels after trans fat labeling is in effect.(WASHINGTON)
September 5, 2005... The Food and Drug Administration published a document for businesses wishing to extend the use of their existing labeling stock after the effective date of the trans fat labeling final rule in the Sept. 1, 2005 Federal Regsiter. Comments on the...

Private industry role seen in animal ID system.(National Animal Identification System)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... USDA's National Animal Identification System (NAIS), a national traceback system to help figt outbreaks of livestock diseases including mad cow disease will include a public/private partnership that enables the private sector to maintain animal...

USDA releases more about Texas BSE case.(Department of Agriculture)(bovine spongiform encephalopathy)
September 5, 2005... USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service FDA completed their investigations regarding a cow that tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in June 2005, finding that the animal was born and raised on a ranch in...

Food product recalls reported.(WASHINGTON)
September 5, 2005... E.D. SMITH USA of PA, recalled about 52,992 16 oz. bottles of Classic Sensations Honey Dijon Dressing, with the date code of 08-10-06 08C and UPC code 36294-40006 and Garden Goodness Honey Dijon Dressing with the date codes 07-15-06 05C,...

You should know.(G & G Dairy recieves warning letter from FDA)(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sues Tyson foods Inc)(San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District imposes air regulations on wineries)
September 5, 2005... ... . G & G DAIRY, Twin Falls, ID received a warning letter from FDA as the result of an inspection on May 12-13, 2005. The inspection confirmed that the dairy offered an animal for sale for slaughter as food that contained a new animal drug...

U.S. Fisheries.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)
September 5, 2005... U.S. FISHERIES: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) NMFS closed fishing for pollock in Gulf of Alaska Statistical Areas 630 and 620. Contact Josh Keaton, 907-586-7228. Aug. 30 FR70 51300-51301 NMFS prohibited retention of yellowfin...

Dairy imports.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... DAIRY IMPORTS: A $150 fee for each 2006 tariff-rate quota dairy import license was set by USDA. Contact Bettyann Gonzales, Dairy Tariff-Rate Import Quota Program, 202-720-1344, Bettyann.Gonzales@fas.usda.gov. Sept. 1 FR70 52068-52069

Produce.(produce industry market analysis)
September 5, 2005... SWEET POTATOES--Louisiana sweet potato growers in the northern part of the state only saw wind and rain when Hurricane Katrina hit and say the crop remains unaffected. The harvest is about three weeks late, but so far shippers are seeing good...

Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)
September 5, 2005... ASPARAGUS--Processor list pricing of 24/300 cases of canned asparagus is around $18.25, f.o.b. Midwest. Foodservice 6/10 asparagus are between $36.25-$36.75 per case, f.o.b. Midwest. Preliminary production of asparagus for canning in 2005...

Tomato products.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... USDA OFFERS TO BUY CANNED TOMATO PRODUCTS *Deliveries between Nov. 16 - Nov. 30, 2005* Case Size Cases Tomato Paste 6/10 9,120 *Deliveries between Nov. 16, 2005 -...

Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... SELECTED FROZEN VEGETABLE EXPORTS JAN. 1 - JULY 1, 2005 (Source: Bureau of Census) Pounds % Chge. Dollars % Chge. (1,000) Last Yr. ($1,000) Last Yr. Peas ...

Canned fruit.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... USDA OFFERS TO BUY CANNED FRUIT *Shipments between Nov. 16, 2005-Apr. 30, 2006* Case Size Cases Mixed Fruit 6/10 259,920 Pineapple (Chunks) 6/10 51,072 Pineapple (Tidbits) ...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... SALMON--The preliminary projection for the Alaska statewide salmon catch of 180.7 million fish has been surpassed by over 20.0 million fish through Aug. 26. ALASKA SALMON CATCH, AUG. 26 (Source: ADFG) ...

Katrina impacts shrimping and oyster industries.(MARKETS)(Hurricane Katrina)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... Hurricane Katrina severely damaged the Gulf's shrimp and oyster fisheries, said John Connelly, president of the National Fisheries Institute, reported Los Angeles Times. Warehouse operators and cold storage houses along gulf ports are almost...

Dried vegetables.(MARKETS)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... USDA OFFERS TO BUY DRY EDIBLE BEANS *Shipments between Nov. 16, 2005 - Apr. 30, 2006* Case Size Cases Great Northern Bean 25 lb. bag 3,200 Pinto Beans 25 lb. bag 30,400 USDA HAS...

Dried fruit and nuts.(MARKETS)
September 5, 2005... PECANS--Hurricane Katrina barreled through Gulf States last week, causing havoc for the area's farmers. The major pecan producing regions appeared to have escaped significant damage according to non-official reports. USDA's first forecast of...

Chinese almond production climbing.(MARKETS)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2005... Almonds are planted mainly in southern Xinjiang, with annual production reaching 1,200 metric tons in marketing year 2004.Expansion projects for almonds continue with production areas expected to reach 66,000 hectares by 2010.Almonds produced...

Frozen fruit.(MARKETS)
September 5, 2005... STRAWBERRIES--While total production of California strawberries through Aug. 27 is up 5% from last year at 1.5 billion pounds, strong demand from the fresh market has limited the supplies of freezer berries. Deliveries of No. 1 freezer berries...

Juice and concentrates.(MARKETS)
September 5, 2005... Correction--Based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, U.S. imports of Argentina's lemon concentrate, 500 GPL, are not duty free. APPLE CONCENTRATE--The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will conduct an expedited five-year review of...

Butter.(MARKETS)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... BUTTER BUTTER MARKET, SEPT. 2 (Source: USDA) Cents Per Pound: 9/2/2005 8/26/2005 Chge. Grade AA 1.6950 1.7000 +.0050

Cheese.(MARKETS)(prices )(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... CHEESE CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET SEPT. 2 Cents Per Pound: 9/2/2005 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 1.49 +0.0100 Blocks (40-lbs.) 1.50 +0.0300

Eggs.(MARKETS)(prices)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... EGGS EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS SEPT. 2 (Source: USDA) Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Chng. Cents per dozen: 2-Sep 26-Aug Extra Large-NY 78-82 70-74 +8 Large-NY 76-80...

Chicken.(MARKETS)(prices)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... CHICKEN PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF SEPT. 5 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 67-70 65-68 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few Too...

Futures prices.(MARKETS)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... FUTURES PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Cash Sept. Dec. As of Sept. 2, 2005 Price Futures Futures Corn, bu. $1.91 $2.08 $2.22 Soybeans, bu....

Commodity prices.(MARKETS)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 5, 2005... COMMODITY PRICES (Source: Wall Street Journal) Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last Sept. 2 Aug....

Assessment of Hurricane Katrina's impact continues.
September 12, 2005... The cost of Hurricane Katrina is estimated at about $2 billion to farmers nationwide, including $500 million in higher fuel and energy prices, according to an early analysis by the AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, with Louisiana sugar and rice...

As plastics prices increase, so does the market for alternatives.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... Faced with dramatic increases in plastics prices, consumer products and food manufacturers may soon turn to alternative packaging or pass higher costs on to consumers, according to KPMG Consumer Markets Insider (Aug. 31). Prices of...

Discounter save-a-lot fitting in where many supermarkets don't.
September 12, 2005... Save-A-Lot has generated high profits by opening stores in low-income areas, stepping into territory that other chains have exited or chosen not to enter. The chain is setting up small, inexpensive stores catering to U.S. households earning...

Albertsons to slim down to a smaller, more profitable player ...(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... Albertsons affirmed last week that it is moving more aggressively to divest underperforming assets, or what it now refers to as "non-core" assets, which would allow it to focus more on its growing "core" asset base and eventually emerge as a...

... Analysts weigh in on possibilities.(supermarkets market analysis)
September 12, 2005... Since it revealed on Sept. 2 that it was exploring strategic alternatives to increase shareholder value, including a possible sale of the company, several analysts have speculated on possible scenarios. "I think it's a superb strategic...

How big is food manufacturing in the U.S.?(food industry shipment data)
September 12, 2005... The Food Institute receives hundred requests for information each month on a variety of food industry topics. One that we find ourselves answering over and over again concerns the size of the food manufacturing industry and what facets are...

Mergers & acquisitions.
September 12, 2005... U.S. FOODSERVICE completed the sale of its SOFCO division in New York to BUNZL DISTRIBUTION MIDCENTRAL, INC., a subsidiary of BUNZL PLC, a UK-based distribution and outsourcing company. The SOFCO division is a specialty distributor of...

Aldi Inc. is planning to build a new 515,000-sq. ft regional distribution center in Faribault, MN, with completion slated for October 2007.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
September 12, 2005... ALDI INC. is planning to build a new 515,000-sq. ft regional distribution center in Faribault, MN, with completion slated for October 2007. The Faribault distribution center will serve Aldi Foods stores throughout the upper Midwest. In the Twin...

Kraft Foods Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(company sales and earnings)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... KRAFT FOODS INC. projects new product revenues in 2005 to exceed $1.5 billion, including its South Beach Diet line of products, which recently achieved $100 million in revenues after only six months in market.

7-eleven.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(marketing)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... 7-ELEVEN will expand its wine selection this month with the addition of a new brand it classified as affordable premium. Thousand Oaks will be available in cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and merlot at a suggested retail price of $6.99 per 750...

John Morrell & Co.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(production management)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... Cincinnati, OH-based JOHN MORRELL & CO., a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc., will expand its Sioux Falls, SD pork processing facility. The $100 million construction project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2007. The Sioux Falls...

DiCarlo Distributors, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(buildings and facilities)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... Broadliner DICARLO DISTRIBUTORS, INC. is building a more than 80,000-sq. ft. addition to its distribution center on Long Island that will more than double its sales within a few years, raising its revenues to the quarter-billion dollar plateau,...

Bravo! Foods International expects to launch its newest product, Bravo! Breakfast Blenders, developed in collaboration with 7-Eleven, Inc., during November 2005.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... BRAVO! FOODS INTERNATIONAL expects to launch its newest product, Bravo! Breakfast Blenders, developed in collaboration with 7-ELEVEN, INC., during November 2005. Breakfast Blenders, a line of fortified milks designed to provide the nutritional...

The KFC Corp. is launching a $25 million marketing campaign for its latest additions to its menu, the Flavor Station.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
September 12, 2005... THE KFC CORP. is launching a $25 million marketing campaign for its latest additions to its menu, the Flavor Station. The Flavor Station features four lunch items--chicken wings with bones or boneless, popcorn chicken and chicken strips--that...

Poore Brothers, Inc. signed a licensing agreement with Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)
September 12, 2005... POORE BROTHERS, INC. signed a licensing agreement with PANDA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC. for the development, manufacture and sale of salty snack food products under the Panda Express brand name.

My Organic Market.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(buildings and facilities)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... MY ORGANIC MARKET, an organic grocer and health food store, plans to open 15 additional stores by 2015. My Organic Market has three Washington, DC area stores and construction is underway on its fourth store in Frederick, MD, scheduled to open...

Entenmann's, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(product introduction)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... ENTENMANN'S, INC. is introducing a new line of baked sweets called Entenmini's, consisting of seven new cakes, brownies and dessert treats.

Joey's only eafood restaurants signed 11 franchise agreements to open locations in Arkansas, California and North Carolina.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... JOEY'S ONLY SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS signed 11 franchise agreements to open locations in Arkansas, California and North Carolina. An EMBERS AMERICA division, Joey's Only has signed agreements to open 71 stores overall and will open 49 locations in...

Apple Valley Farms.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... APPLE VALLEY FARMS is leasing a poultry plant in Fresno, CA to make chicken burgers, chicken mignon and, soon, chicken bacon through a licensing agreement with Chef Cary Neff. Neff works with Apple Valley Farms in the development of new items,...

Capacity increases in top 20 international PRWs.(public refrigerated warehouses)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... Customer capacity in the top 20 international public refrigerated warehouses (PRWs) grew 2.7% this past year, according to statistics just released by the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REFRIGERATED WAREHOUSES (IARW). The combined space of...

Houlihan's Restaurants.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... HOULIHAN'S RESTAURANTS plans to open 15 locations in Greater Boston, MA over the next five to seven years... The Boston Globe (Sept. 3)

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. completed its Asian alliance with Yeo Hiap Seng Limited.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... THE HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP, INC. completed its Asian alliance with YEO HIAP SENG LIMITED. The companies exchanged $2 million in equity investments in each other on Sept. 6. The companies are currently pursuing joint interests in marketing and...

Burger King.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2005... BURGER KING plans to have 1,000 stores in China before 2015 and possibly as early as 2010, the National Business Daily reported, citing Steve DeSutter, president of Burger King's Asia-Pacific business. Burger King opened its first mainland...

Latest financial reports (in $000).(Food industry)(Illustration)
September 12, 2005... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago ALBERTSON'S, INC. (BOISE, ID) 13 Wks. To Aug. 4: Sales $10,188,000 0.2% Net...

Guidance on recordkeeping issued.(WASHINGTON)
September 12, 2005... The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a guidance document entitled "Questions and Answers Regarding Establishment and Maintenance of Records". The final guidance document is effective immediately. The guidance was reviewed by the...

How schools deal with "competitive" foods.(WASHINGTON)(Government Accountability Office)
September 12, 2005... Nearly 9 out of 10 schools sold competitive foods to students in school year. Competitive foods in schools are those foods sold to students during the school day that are not part of the federal meal programs. 2003-2004, and the...

Food product recalls reported.(WASHINGTON)(Rhee Bros. Inc.)(Orchid Island Juice Company)(New Land Trading Inc.)
September 12, 2005... Continental Mills of Seattle, WA recalled 18.75 oz. Boxes of Ghirardelli Chocolate Brownie Premium Mix, with the code dates K_5181_; K_5182_; K_ 5194_; K5195_; K_5201_; and K_5231_, (Underscore could represent any letter). Distributed in retail...

You should know.(Relief from Regulations section regarding Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration safety regulations)(Wal-Mart Stores Inc. executive H. Lee Scott Jr. opinion)(Senate delayed on estate tax )
September 12, 2005... ... . A U.S. government decision to add folic acid to enriched grain products has reduced the incidence of two devastating birth defects, but more needs to be done, according to a study published in the September issue of Pediatrics. Researchers...

National Organic Program.(NOTED IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER)
September 12, 2005... NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: USDA plans to release the names of certified producers and handlers under the National Organic Program--no date given. Contact Keith Jones, Director, Program Development, 202-720-3252; Fax 20-205-7808;...