The Food Institute Report articles from September 2006

The Food Institute Report archives from September 2006

Higher food price inflation projected for 2007.
September 4, 2006... The first look at food prices for 2007 from USDA's Economic Research Service indicates food-at-home price inflation will step up to a projected 2% to 3%, on top of the 1.5% to 2.5% advance seen for all of 2006. Food-away-from-home prices are...

A look inside Tesco Express.(Tesco PLC development plans in the United States)
September 4, 2006... Earlier this year, London-based TESCO PLC, announced plans to enter the U.S. through the development of a new convenience format with capital expenditures up to $435 million, beginning on the West Coast in 2007. See FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT Feb....

Prepared food sections and in-store dining is growing.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Nearly four out of 10 retailers (almost 39.8%) now feature quick-stop prepared foods areas, compared with the previous year's 28.2%. About 45% of these food retail stores now also offer in-store dining areas, according to the FOOD MARKETING...

Hospitals going upscale with menus dining experience.(food services)
September 4, 2006... While grilled sweet-and-sour chicken, Italian wedding soup, and carved flank steak conjure up the image of dining at a private restaurant establishment, it is not the case. These selections are part of the foodservice program at LANCASTER...

"Real" growth slows at supermarkets & restaurants.
September 4, 2006... Higher fuel prices during July appear to have impacted real sales at the nation's supermarkets and eating and drinking places. Following three months of strong growth in "real" sales at the nation's supermarkets versus a year earlier, The Food...

Top food packaging trends.(Datamonitor study)
September 4, 2006... The Top Ten Packaging Trends according to Datamonitor, with commentary by Tom Vierhile, director of Productscan: * Built-in Cheese Graters: "This is all part of the trend toward fresher food products as well as the trend toward...

Popularity of store brands on the rise PLMA's 2006 private label yearbook tracks growth.(Private Label Manufacturers Association)
September 4, 2006... Market shares for private label in 2005 rose to record levels in both U.S. supermarkets and drug chains. Store brand market share in terms of units climbed to 20.8% in supermarkets, up from 20.6% a year previous. In drug chains, unit market...

Private label marketing still needs updating, finds study.(Daymon Worldwide, ACNielsen and Demand Tec)
September 4, 2006... While private label products' image has shifted and items are no longer perceived as just for low- to middle-income, some U.S. retailers are still using out-of-date practices to market them, revealed a new study. Many retailers, according to an...

Delano Retail Partners signed papers to purchase 11 Cala Foods and Bell Markets in San Francisco, CA from the Ralphs division of Cincinnati, OH-based Kroger Co.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... DELANO RETAIL PARTNERS signed papers to purchase 11 CALA FOODS and BELL MARKETS in San Francisco, CA from the RALPHS division of Cincinnati, OH-based KROGER CO. It expects to take over the stores Nov. 1, pending landlord approval, operate them...

White Plains, NY-based Kari-Out Co. will acquire Superior Quality Products, a food-container operation, for $4.5 million and renovate its plant in Glenville, NY.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... White Plains, NY-based KARI-OUT CO. will acquire SUPERIOR QUALITY PRODUCTS, a food-container operation, for $4.5 million and renovate its plant in Glenville, NY. Kari-Out Co. is the maker of soy sauce, mustard and duck sauce packets that...

Kirkland, WA-based Larry's Markets reached agreements to sell its remaining three stores in Washington.(to Associated Grocers Inc., Tukwila Trading and Hop Thanh Supermarket)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Kirkland, WA-based LARRY'S MARKETS reached agreements to sell its remaining three stores in Washington. ASSOCIATED GROCERS will purchase the Redmond location for an estimated $430,000 to $440,000 and continue to operate it under the Larry's...

Philadelphia, PA-based Aramark Refreshment Services acquired the office coffee business of Hialeah, FL-based Coffee One Service Inc., provider of office refreshments to businesses in the South Florida region.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Philadelphia, PA-based ARAMARK REFRESHMENT SERVICES acquired the office coffee business of Hialeah, FL-based COFFEE ONE SERVICE INC., provider of office refreshments to businesses in the South Florida region. The acquisition, which was...

The Coca-Cola Company signed agreements with J. Bruce Llewellyn and Wilmington, DE-based Brucephil, Inc., the parent company of The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, for the potential purchase of the remaining shares of Brucephil not currently owned by The Coca-Cola Company.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... THE COCA-COLA COMPANY signed agreements with J. Bruce Llewellyn and Wilmington, DE-based BRUCEPHIL, INC., the parent company of THE PHILADELPHIA COCA-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY, for the potential purchase of the remaining shares of Brucephil not...

Americold Realty Trust agreed to acquire four refrigerated warehouse facilities and a lease on a fifth facility from Conagra Foods Inc. for about $190 million.(MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... AMERICOLD REALTY TRUST agreed to acquire four refrigerated warehouse facilities and a lease on a fifth facility from CONAGRA FOODS INC. for about $190 million. The facilities are located in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Victorville, CA, York, PA...

Back Yard Burgers Inc., Memphis, TN, rejected a proposal from BBAC, LLC to acquire the company, because the terms of the proposed confidentiality agreement were not acceptable.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... BACK YARD BURGERS INC., Memphis, TN, rejected a proposal from BBAC, LLC to acquire the company, because the terms of the proposed confidentiality agreement were not acceptable. Back Yard Burgers operates and franchises quick-service restaurants...

Alex Lee, Inc., Hickory, NC, the parent company of Lowes Food Stores, Inc., Winston Salem, NC, signed a long-term supply agreement with Vantage Foods, through which Vantage Foods will run a $21.1 million new centralized case-ready meat facility that will supply the chain's stores throughout Virginia and the Carolinas.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... ALEX LEE, INC., Hickory, NC, the parent company of LOWES FOOD STORES, INC., Winston Salem, NC, signed a long-term supply agreement with VANTAGE FOODS, through which Vantage Foods will run a $21.1 million new centralized case-ready meat facility...

Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Open Pantry Food Marts selling 10 of its convenience stores )(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... OPEN PANTRY FOOD MARTS OF WISCONSIN INC., Pleasant Prairie, WI, is selling 10 of its 36 convenience stores in a move to invest efforts on new builds. Open Pantry is a privately held corporation consisting of 33 corporate stores, three franchise...

The Hartley Co.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Hartley Co. is selling its units)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... THE HARTLEY CO., Cambridge, OH, is selling 24 units throughout Ohio. All of the stores offer traditional convenience items, and while the company-operated stores are not currently offering beer and wine. THE HARTLEY CO. is a petroleum...

Rita's Water Ice.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Rita's Water Ice looking for franchisees)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... RITA'S WATER ICE, Philadelphia, PA, wants to open 20 to 30 more stores in the Baltimore-Washington area and the company is looking for new franchisees. Rita's is an Italian Ice chain with more than 380 locations operating and another 30 under...

Knouse Foods.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Knouse Foods introducing apple sauces)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... KNOUSE FOODS, Peach Glen, PA-based maker of Musselman's products, launched a line of single-serve apple sauces available in Homestyle Chunky flavor.

General Mills.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(General Mills Inc. launched products namely Stand 'N Stuff and Taco Toppers)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... GENERAL MILLS introduced Old El Paso Salsa and Nacho flavored Stand 'N Stuff taco shells and Taco Toppers sauces, which are available in two flavor varieties--Mild Taco and Zesty Ranch.

Marco's Franchising, LLC.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Marco's Franchising, LLC.'s agreement to open outlets)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... MARCO'S FRANCHISING, LLC, Toledo, OH, signed an agreement to open 22 Marco's Pizzas in the Las Vegas, NV area. The company has 155 units and plans to grow to 500 units by 2010. Marco's Pizza stores offer pizza, hot sub sandwiches, salads and...

Restaurant.com.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... RESTAURANT.COM plans to launch online take-out and delivery through a network of thousands of restaurants across the country. The company is offering the free service as a convenient way for diners to find local restaurants and place orders...

Pizza Inn, Inc., The Colony, TX, signed distribution agreements with two different service providers, The Sygma Network, a subsidiary of Sysco Corporation, and Institutional Jobbers Company.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... PIZZA INN, INC., The Colony, TX, signed distribution agreements with two different service providers, THE SYGMA NETWORK, a subsidiary of SYSCO CORPORATION, and INSTITUTIONAL JOBBERS COMPANY. This is a significant change to its supply chain,...

Tropical Beverage Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... TROPICAL BEVERAGE INC., Santa Ana, CA, will improve in-house efficiencies by buying its subcontractors outright or installing equipment for production at the bottling facilities. Tropical Beverage Inc. manufactures and distributes a line of...

Levy Restaurants, Chicago, contracted to operate a 7,250-sq. ft. restaurant and food service at the Harley-Davidson Museum, set to open in Milwaukee in 2009.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... LEVY RESTAURANTS, Chicago, contracted to operate a 7,250-sq. ft. restaurant and food service at the HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM, set to open in Milwaukee in 2009. Levy's restaurant group includes 22 locations, ranging from fine dining to casual...

Decas Cranberry Products, Inc.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(reorganization of Decas Cranberry Products, Inc.)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... DECAS CRANBERRY PRODUCTS, INC., Carver MA, is moving all sales, marketing, finance, operations and research and development into a new office complex located at its Carver, MA processing plant. The Carver plant produces sweetened dried...

Unilever North American Ice Cream.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Unilever North American Ice Cream is launching Breyers All Natural Organic Ice Cream )(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... UNILEVER NORTH AMERICAN ICE CREAM is introducing Breyers All Natural Organic Ice Cream this September. Breyers Organic Ice Cream will be offered in Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Coffee and Vanilla Fudge Swirl flavors. Breyers also created the...

Ohio State University.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(The Ohio State University has launched Buckeye HerOes)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY launched Buckeye HerOes, the newest university-licensed food, soon available in grocery stores. The box of honey-nut-flavored toasted oats features three former mascots from the university. Other universities have had...

Approximately 90% of consumers are not aware of stores dedicated solely to selling their own branded merchandise.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Approximately 90% of consumers are not aware of stores dedicated solely to selling their own branded merchandise. For many consumers (82%), store brands have closed the gap with national brands, and shoppers now perceive private labels to be...

Tops Markets LLC, Williamsville, NY, finished remodeling six of 11 Buffalo-NY area stores planned for upgrades this year.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... TOPS MARKETS LLC, Williamsville, NY, finished remodeling six of 11 Buffalo-NY area stores planned for upgrades this year. Tops will spend about $25 million to remodel the 11 stores, higher than the $20 million originally announced. Tops is one...

Big Y World Class Market.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Big Y Foods Inc. opened a supermarket in Ellington)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... BIG Y WORLD CLASS MARKET, Springfield, MA, opened a 60,000-sq. ft supermarket in Ellington, CT, which has some features that are new to the family-owned chain. Among the new features is a more prominent produce department with over 700 types of...

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is now featuring the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) independent blue eco-label on 10 fish products, including the world's first MSC-labeled surimi products, in its Supercenter and Neighborhood Market locations across the U.S.(NEWS IN A MINUTE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... WAL-MART STORES, INC. is now featuring the MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL'S (MSC) independent blue eco-label on 10 fish products, including the world's first MSC-labeled surimi products, in its Supercenter and Neighborhood Market locations across...

Kettle Foods.(introduced Bakes Pretzel Chips)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... KETTLE FOODS, Salem, OR, introduced Bakes Pretzel Chips, a thin, flat interpretation of a classic pretzel that looks and crunches like a chip. Available in three flavors--Original, Fully Loaded and Honey Dijon... Houston Chronicle (Aug. 30)

Latest financial reports.(food industry)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... LATEST FINANCIAL REPORTS (in $000) Current % Change Year Year Ago BAYER AG (LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY) * Qtr. To June 30: Sales 7,072,000 5.8% Net...

Juanita's Foods.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Established in 1946, Juanita's Foods is a third generation family run business and the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of prepared Menudo. Juanita's also offers Pozole, Meatball Soup, Mexican-Style Hominy, Hot and Mild Sauces,...

Monterey Bay Corporate Development.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Food Institute member)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Apros, CA-based Monterey Bay Corporate Development (MBCD) is a leading financial advisory firm to small to mid-market natural and organic food companies. MBCD provides the leadership and experience necessary for the successful close of any...

VIP Foods Inc.(FI MEMBER PROFILE)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... VIP Foods has been in business for over 36 years and is recognized as one of the most established and leading marketers of frozen foods in the country. Headquartered in Tulsa, OK, VIP has a state-of-the-art packing plant in Fort Worth, TX as...

Rutter's Farm Stores.(opened a convenience store )(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... RUTTER'S FARM STORES opened a 5,200-sq. ft. convenience store in Shippensburg Township, PA, representing a return to Cumberland County after a 17-year absence... CSP Daily News (Sept. 1)...

Iguana Kitchen.(opens in Neptune, New Jersy )(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... IGUANA KITCHEN, a food store specializing in take-out meals is opening in Neptune, NJ... Asbury Park Press (Sept. 1)...

Trader Joe.(Trader Joe's Company Inc. opens its new store)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... TRADER JOE'S will open its first Charlotte, NC store in 2007. A company spokesperson also confirmed it is looking at possible locations in north and central Charlotte... The Charlotte Observer (Sept. 1)

Who's eating school lunches.(United States. Department of Agriculture)
September 4, 2006... In 2004, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) served an average of 29 million lunches daily, at a Federal cost of $7.6 billion. Schools are reimbursed by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) according to the number of each type of meal...

USDA issues biotech report.(United States. Department of Agriculture)
September 4, 2006... A report about the future of biotechnology was prepared by USDA's Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21). "Opportunities and Challenges in Agricultural Biotechnology: The Decade Ahead" describes the advances in...

FDA issues warning letters.(Food and Drug Administration warned Blue Sea Import Corporation)(Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... FDA's Los Angeles District sent a warning letter to BLUE SEA IMPORT CORPORATION of Arcadia, CA as the result of a June 7, 2006 inspection. Inspectors found serious violations of the seafood Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)...

.... California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, asked the Federal government to aid dairy operators, chicken ranchers and other farmers who experience financial losses caused by the heat wave, reported The Los Angeles Times.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... ... . California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, asked the Federal government to aid dairy operators, chicken ranchers and other farmers who experience financial losses caused by the heat wave, reported The Los Angeles Times. The dairy industry...

.... Due to its merger agreement, Marsh Supermarkets Inc. may not, under any circumstances, pursue any proposal from Cardinal and Drawbridge.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... ... . Due to its merger agreement, Marsh Supermarkets Inc. may not, under any circumstances, pursue any proposal from Cardinal and Drawbridge, according to the Hamilton Superior Court issued ruling in the declaratory judgment action the company...

.... Cereality Cereal Bar & Cafe settled a federal lawsuit it filed against Cereals L.L.C. in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio-Eastern Division.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... ... . Cereality Cereal Bar & Cafe settled a federal lawsuit it filed against Cereals L.L.C. in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio-Eastern Division. The lawsuit contended that Cereals, doing business as Cerealicious, had engaged...

.... USDA's Food and Nutrition Service did not ensure the consistent application of the meal requirements for suppers served in schools according to an audit report by USDA's Office of the Inspector General, which also noted that these problems can be corrected through the issuance of guidances and an amendment to existing regulations.
September 4, 2006... ... . USDA's Food and Nutrition Service did not ensure the consistent application of the meal requirements for suppers served in schools according to an audit report by USDA's Office of the Inspector General, which also noted that these problems...

.... A renewal of open trade with Cuba would be a boost for Florida agricultural producers.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... ... . A renewal of open trade with Cuba would be a boost for Florida agricultural producers. Research indicated that a resumption of trade between the U.S. and Cuba will have a more significant impact on Florida agriculture than any single event...

.... Another case of mad cow disease in Canada.(Department of Agriculture)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... ... . Another case of mad cow disease in Canada prompted USDA to put a hold on expanding cattle and beef imports from Canada, reported UPI.

.... The U.S. and Mexico agreed to end their long-running dispute over trade in sugar and corn sweetener by setting a temporary quota for each product, which will lead to the lifting of duties by the end of 2007.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... ... . The U.S. and Mexico agreed to end their long-running dispute over trade in sugar and corn sweetener by setting a temporary quota for each product, which will lead to the lifting of duties by the end of 2007. Under the terms of the...

.... NOCO Express is one of the few convenience store chains in New York State to have its food safety program get the approval of the Department of Agriculture and Markets.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... ... . NOCO Express is one of the few convenience store chains in New York State to have its food safety program get the approval of the Department of Agriculture and Markets. As a result of recent legislation, Article 20-C of the New York...

.... Sheetz Inc. settled all but a few customer lawsuits spawned by salmonella-tainted tomatoes sold at its convenience stores two years ago.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... ... . Sheetz Inc. settled all but a few customer lawsuits spawned by salmonella-tainted tomatoes sold at its convenience stores two years ago. However, insurance companies and food suppliers must now settle this question: Who will pay the...

Wal-Mart.(YOU SHOULD KNOW....)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... ... . Bills that would give California's local governments more power to fight WAL-MART and other large stores are heading to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, over the objections of the retailer, business groups and Republican lawmakers, reported...

Food product recalls reported.(Public notice)
September 4, 2006... The August 30 FDA Enforcement Report includes the following product recalls: Harry and David Wild N Spicy Hot Chili Pepper Tortilla Chips in 14-oz. bag, was recalled by Harry & David, Medford, OR and was manufactured by Bien Padre Foods,...

Produce.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... USDA OFFERS TO BUY--USDA offers to purchase 30,492 cases of fresh apples (37/40 lb.) for use in child nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs. Offers are due 1:00 p.m. (CT), Sept. 14 and deliveries are to be made between Nov. 20...

Maui Pineapple Co. unveiled its new $17.5 million fresh fruit packing system.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Maui Pineapple Co. unveiled its new $17.5 million fresh fruit packing system at its Hawaii plant. The new facility has a high-speed, gentle water flume to deliver pineapples to sorting conveyers and an express de-topper separates cannery-bound...

Increased assessment rates for nectarines and peaches grown in California.(Agricultural Marketing Service)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Agricultural Marketing Service increased assessment rates for nectarines and peaches grown in California in the 2006-07 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.20 to $0.21 per 25-lb. container.

Pear growers may have to leave part of their crop unpicked because of the lack of harvest help.(IN THE NEWS ...)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Pear growers may have to leave part of their crop unpicked because of the lack of harvest help in Lake and Mendocino counties of California. Farmers report they have only been able to hire about half the workers they need and the problem has...

Canned vegetables.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... GREEN BEANS--Harvesting of snap beans is in full swing in the Midwest and thus far the crop is in good condition. Private label pricing for 24/300 Fancy Cut 4s are between $8.35-$8.55 per case, f.o.b. Midwest and foodservice 6/10 cases are...

Tomato products.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... During the week ending Sept. 2, California processing tomato deliveries are projected to total 949,823 tons, bringing the season-to-date total to over 5.8 million tons. TOMATO SAUCE--Total imports for the 2006/07 marketing year are off to...

Frozen vegetables.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... CAULIFLOWER--Production is on target and processors are expecting budget packs. BROCCOLI--Total imports of broccoli as of July 1, are 223.7 million pounds, down 10% from the same time period the previous year. Broccoli, except spears, over...

Unilever PLC reached an agreement to sell the majority of its European Frozen Foods business to the Permira Funds for about $2.21 billion.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Unilever PLC reached an agreement to sell the majority of its European Frozen Foods business to the Permira Funds for about $2.21 billion. The Unilever businesses being sold in this transaction include the Frozen Foods operations in Austria,...

Canned fruits.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... PINEAPPLE--Private label, fancy sliced pineapple in 24/8 oz. packages are listed between $13.00 and $13.50, f.o.b. CA. Foodservice private label coarse cut crushed pineapple in 6/10 oz. is listed between $27.00 and $27.50, f.o.b. CA. ...

Processed fish.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... SHRIMP--Demand for domestic shrimp remains strong as landings continue to increase. Gulf shrimp landings as of Aug. 1 totaled 72.2 million pounds, up 27% from one year ago. Louisiana continues to lead the Gulf production, bringing in 41.7...

Increased the daily Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limits.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... NMFS increased the daily Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limits to provide general commercial fishing in all areas, while minimizing the risk of an over harvest.

State of Florida is transferring commercial bluefish quota to the State of New York.(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... NMFS said the State of Florida is transferring commercial bluefish quota to the State of New York.

Summer flounder commercial quota available in Maine was harvested.(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... NMFS stated the summer flounder commercial quota available in Maine was harvested. Vessels issued a commercial Federal fisheries permit, may not fish for summer flounder for the remainder of 2006, unless additional quota becomes available.

Directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska.(National Marine Fisheries Service)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... NMFS prohibited directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska to prevent exceeding the C season catch allowance for 2006.

Support is growing for congressional action to enforce widespread use of individual transferable quotas (ITQs).(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... Support is growing for congressional action to enforce widespread use of individual transferable quotas (ITQs), which give fishermen individual property rights to fish in the sea. As the U.S. commercial fishing industry is being impacted by...

The diminishing catch has left America's fishing industry vulnerable to two powerful economic storms.(Darden Restaurants Inc., Legal Sea Foods Inc.)(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... The diminishing catch has left America's fishing industry vulnerable to two powerful economic storms. Better air transportation has allowed fish retailers to purchase fresh fish from almost anywhere on the planet. Darden Restaurants Inc., owner...

The second storm is the spread of fish farming in Asia, Latin America, and Europe.(Brief article)
September 4, 2006... The second storm is the spread of fish farming in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Aquaculture has massively increased the supply of the most popular foods from the deep, such as salmon and shrimp. Over 80% of the seafood eaten in the U.S. was...

Dried vegetables.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... DRIED BEANS--Trading in the dry edible bean market is slow with the market anticipating the new crop. Demand remains light to moderate and many warehouses have withdrawn current offers due to harvest activities in the Mid-West. CALIFORNIA...

Dried fruit & nuts.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... USDA HAS PURCHASED--USDA purchased 1,848 (8/2 lb.) cases and 5,544 (4/4 lb.) cases of dried cherries for distribution to Child Nutrition and other related domestic food assistance programs at an estimated cost of $436,941. Both bids were...

Frozen fruits.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... STRAWBERRIES--For the week through Aug. 26, 2.7 million pounds of freezer berries from California were delivered to processors, bringing the year-to-date total to 367.5 million pounds, up from 341.6 million pounds the same week in 2005, but...

Juices & concentrates.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... PINEAPPLE CONCENTRATE--As of July 1, pineapple 72 Brix was up about 15% from last year, helped by imports from Indonesia, which were up 256% from the previous year. APPLE CONCENTRATE--A few processing plants continue to receive old crop...

Butter.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... BUTTER BUTTER MARKET, SEPT. 1 Cents Per Pound: 9/1/2006 8/25/2006 Chge. Grade AA 1.337 1.312 0.025 (Source: USDA)

Cheese.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... CHEESE CHEDDAR CHEESE MARKET SEPT. 1 Cents Per Pound: 9/1/2006 Chge. Fr. Last Wk. Barrels 1.3185 +0.064 Blocks (40-lbs.) 1.3270 +0.0735

Eggs.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... EGGS EGG PRICES TO RETAILERS SEPT. 1 Wk. Ending Wk. Ending Cents per dozen: 1-Sep 25-Aug Chge. Extra Large-NY 68-72 68-72 0 Large-NY 66-70 ...

Chicken.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... CHICKEN PRELIMINARY BROILER PRICES FOR DELIVERY THE WEEK OF SEPT. 4 Cents Per Pound: This Week Last Week Chicago 63-66 63-66 Cleveland Too Few Too Few Detroit Too Few Too...

Futures prices.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... FUTURES PRICES Cash Sep. Dec. Price Futures Futures As of Sept. 1, 2006: Corn, bu. $2.15 $2.32 $2.48...

Commodity prices.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... COMMODITY PRICES Week Week % Chge. Ended Ended Last 1-Sep 25-Aug Year Steers,...

Farm prices.(MARKETS)
September 4, 2006... WHAT FARMERS WERE PAID FOR FARM PRODUCTS--AUG. % Chge. % Chge. Commodity & Unit Aug. Last Mo. Last Yr. Beans, Dry Edible, Cwt. 20.300 -6.5% -5.1%...

Top processors face obstacles in 2006.
September 11, 2006... Rising costs for energy, raw materials and employee benefits were some of the biggest hurdles for food processors in 2005. Against this challenging backdrop, it was difficult for food companies to turn in stellar financial performances in 2005,...