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Industry News
Target will give a 5%
discount on everything shoppers buy at
Target or on Target.com if they pay with a Target credit
or debit card starting this fall. Full
Story
Although restaurant traffic declined
for the seventh consecutive quarter in the first quarter
of 2010, the rate of visit losses began to ease compared
to steeper declines in previous quarters, according
to The NPD Group. NPD's foodservice market research
reports that commercial restaurant traffic declined
by 2% in the quarter, and consumer spending slipped
0.3% below year-ago levels. Improved performance in
the morning meal daypart and quick service restaurants,
led by the pizza category, helped to soften traffic
declines. Full
Story
Sam's Club is adding 24 imported
cheeses to its product assortment as part of a three-year
remodeling project called "Project Portfolio." Shoppers
will also see more fresh product and meat with the remodels,
reported Reuters. Full
Story
Consumers support the use of food
biotechnology when they consider its potential benefits
for reducing the impact of food and food production
on the environment, and for improving sustainability,
claims a survey from The International Food Information
Council. Full
Story
 Charlie
Brown's overhauled its menu and is redesigning its restaurants
in a quest to become a more competitive player in the
steakhouse segment, according to chief executive Samuel
Borgese. The 49-unit chain's menu features fresh, seasonal
and local ingredients and better cuts of beef. New items
include prime rib sliders, a variety of filets, fresh
fish and seafood, pasta and chicken, reported Nation's
Restaurant News. Full
Story (Free Registration Required)
In
response to a recent Daily Brief survey, "Do
you think the latest stock market downturn is simply
a correction, or something more ominous," 47%
voted Correction and 53% voted More Ominous.
International News
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has talked with
several potential partners in Russia,
but continues to search for the best way to enter the
country, according to Doug McMillon, Walmart International's
president and chief executive. Walmart  International's
CFO, Cathy Smith, did not comment on particular acquisitions,
but stated the company tends to make an acquisition
to enter a new market, reported Reuters. Full
Story
Coca-Cola finalized plans to set
up facilities in India to produce fruit-based beverages,
reported Food Navigator USA. Full
Story
Health News
There
is not enough evidence to suggest that cutting consumption
of sugary drinks would reduce
obesity rates, claims a research review published
in Obesity Reviews, reported Food Navigator
USA. Full
Story
Washington News
Kellogg Company agreed to new advertising
restrictions to resolve a FTC investigation
into questionable immunity-related claims for Rice Krispies
cereal. The company agreed to expand a settlement order
that was reached last year. The expanded order against
Kellogg prohibits the company from making claims about
any health benefit of any food unless the claims are
backed by scientific evidence and not misleading.
Full Story
Tyson Foods and the U.S. Department
of Labor reached an agreement over a lawsuit that
sought back wages at the company's Blountsville, AL-based
poultry plant and prospective injunctive relief at the
company's other poultry processing facilities. Full
Story
Market News
Gulf of Mexico shrimp are selling
at prices 50% higher than
this time last year, stated Worldwide Shrimp wholesaler
John Appelbaum. The company would normally pack 250,000-lbs.
a day of Gulf of Mexico shrimp, but is currently getting
about 15,000-lbs. Buyers nationwide are also canceling
more orders over consumer concern, reported USA Today.
Full
Story
Del Campo Supreme Inc. plans to open
a satellite location for forward distribution and
sales in Philadelphia, reported The Packer Online.
Full
Story (Subscription Required)
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