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Industry
News
In the highly competitive restaurant
industry, restaurant chains are turning to trained
chefs, food scientists, nutritionists and operations
specialists to develop a steady stream of new or improved
menu items. The economy has become the biggest near-term
driver of menu changes, stated Maria Caranfa, a food-service
analyst and director of Mintel Menu Insights. Restaurants
are coming up with items at lower price points and pushing
the boundaries of what they offer, stated Ms. Caranfa.
Last year alone, Mintel Menu Insights tracked almost
12,000 new food items on the menus of 575 U.S. restaurants
included in its survey, according to The Atlanta
Journal-Constitution. Full
Story (Free Registration Required)
Chipotle Mexican grill posted 22.27%
systemwide sales  growth
in 2008, while Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
posted growth of 20.85%, according to The 36th Annual
Nation's Restaurant
News Top 100. Chipotle also posted top total unit
growth for 2008, with 18.75%. Full
Story (Free Registration Required)
Parents magazine released
its list of the top 10 fast-casual restaurants in
the foodservice industry. The magazine based their list
on nutritional value of the menu and in-store family-friendly
conveniences, such as changing tables in the restrooms.
Cosi took the top spot on the list, followed by Jason's
Deli and Noodles & Company, reported QSR Magazine.
Full
Story
National Starch introduced a range
of clean-label starches for use in gluten-free products
for the North American market, reported Food Navigator
USA. Full
Story
New
Product News: General
Mills' Progresso will introduce a line of high fiber
soups this fall in
four varieties: Chicken Tuscany; Creamy Tomato Basil;
Hearty Vegetable and Noodles; and Homestyle Minestrone.
Full
Story
... IZZE
Beverage Company launched two all-natural flavors:
Sparkling Birch and Sparkling Ginger. In addition, the
company expanded availability of Sparkling Lime. Full
Story ... Reasor's Foods launched Certified
Angus Beef brand Prime Natural at its 15 Oklahoma stores.
Full
Story ... Tesco introduced British fare including
Marmite and Heinz baked  beans
and Colman's mustard at selected Fresh & Easy stores
in the U.S., reported RetailWeek. Full
Story
... Rutter's Farm Stores launched a dinner menu
that includes meat loaf, pot roast and pasta, each for
$5.99 or less. Full
Story
International News
The European agricultural
products market generated total revenues of $337.3 billion
in 2007, representing a compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 4.2% for the period spanning 2003-2007, according
to Research and Markets. The frozen food market generated
total revenues of $37.2, representing a CAGR of 3.7%
for the period spanning 2004-2008, and the organic food
market generated total revenues  of
$24.7 billion in 2008, representing a CAGR of 13.7%
for the period spanning 2004-2008. Full
Story
Lianhua Supermarket Holdings Co.,
Ltd entered into an agreement to acquire Hualian Supermarket
Company Limited. The acquisition will add Hualian
Supermarket's 1,396 retail outlets to the Lianhua Supermarket
network, for a combined total of 5,268. The total includes
3,184 supermarkets. Full
Story
Health News
Researchers
linked high intake of fat from red meat and dairy products
with increased risk of pancreatic cancer
in a study published in the Journal of the National
Cancer Institute, reported Food Navigator Europe.
Full
Story, Study
Abstract
Washington News
Nestle claims it has fully complied
and always fully complies
with regulatory authorities wherever it operates. Full
Story
JBS Swift Beef Company is voluntarily
expanding its recall to include 380,000-lbs. of
assorted beef primal products due to the potential risk
of E. coli. Full
Story
Market News
A new economic stimulus policy implemented
by China is expected to have a positive impact for U.S.
garlic producers over the
next year. The price per 20-lb. box of Chinese peeled
garlic was $8 a month ago and is now selling for $18
a box. As a result, Jim Provost, president of I Love
Produce LLC, is expecting higher-than- normal pricing
for domestic peeled garlic this season, reported The
Produce News. Full
Story
Wisconsin Farmers Union Specialty
Cheese Co. LLC was sold to Arthur Schuman Inc.,
the exclusive distributor of the cheese maker's Montforte
Bleu and Gorgonzola cheeses since January, reported
The Business Journal of Milwaukee. Full
Story (Free Registration Required)
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