Industry News

Starbucks Corp. plans to raise the price of its coffee by about 5 cents a cup, marking the first price increase in two years. The 1.9% increase takes effect Oct. 3 and applies to brewed coffee, espresso-based beverages and other drinks, as well as some packaged whole-bean coffees by about 50 cents per pound, or 3.9%, reported AZCentral.com. Full Story

Non-Traditional Grocery Retailers To Dominate Grocery & Consumables Market By 2012 Traditional grocery retailers' share of the market for grocery & consumables is expected to decline 6.3 percentage points by 2010, leaving these retailers with a combined 44.1% share and annual sales of $444.5 billion. At the same time, non-traditional retailers' share of the market will increase 7.1 percentage points to 40.5%, according to analysis presented by Willard Bishop during the recent "Future of Food Retailing" Webinar sponsored by the Food Institute. To purchase a re-broadcast of the webinar, click here.

RARE Hospitality International Inc.'s plans to improve long-term shareholder value include the possible sale of its Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants and brand. The company also plans to accelerate the growth of its now 25-unit Capital Grille concept starting next year. RARE Hospitality International, Inc. currently owns, operates and franchises 323 restaurants. Full Story

Beverages & More is opening its first location outside California next week in Chandler, AZ, offering new choices for consumers and potential challenges to existing stores that cater to wine and beer connoisseurs. The stores offer more than 3,000 wines, 1,500 spirits and 800 beers, as well as food, cigars, glassware and gifts, reported AZCentral.com. Full Story

E.coli & Spinach

FDA's latest update on E.coli and spinach. Full Story

Government regulators and the produce industry are working on a plan to market spinach produced outside California's Salinas Valley. One possibility, is a label stating where the spinach came from, and another is creating advertising campaigns to restore consumer confidence, reported The Philadelphia Inquirer. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

International News

The High Court in the Indian state of Kerala overturned a ban on the production and sale of Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the state. The High Court upheld the argument by Coke and Pepsi that Kerala had no jurisdiction to impose a ban on the manufacture and sale of their products, reported Palm Beach Post. Full Story

Washington News

FDA updated its guidance on the Establishment and Maintenance of Records as required in the Bioterrorism Act. Full Story

Market News

The California Tomato Commission is dropping its marketing and government affairs programs, but will continue its research efforts. The cutbacks are due to changes in the marketing of tomatoes and a growing belief that "marketing and government affairs are best in the hands of the industry" rather than the commission, reported The Fresno Bee. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

How Can You Comply With Complex Food Safety Regulations? The Food Institute's HACCP & U.S. Food Safety Guide - 2nd Edition provides clear explanations of the recent regulations and requirements issued by FDA and USDA regarding the handling and sanitation of food products. Authored by Olsson, Frank & Weeda, P.C., this guide includes information on applying HACCP plans in the plant, mandatory HACCP systems in general and specific HACCP requirements for seafood, meat & poultry. For details, click here.

USDA proposed a revision to the voluntary U.S. Standards for Grades of Table Grapes. It was requested by two industry associations that the standards be modified by adding a 10% allowance for shattered grapes in consumer containers for shipment that are en route or at destination. Full Notice