Industry News

Some 81% of consumers are spending more or about the same on groceries as they did two years ago, according to research commissioned by Bumble Bee Foods. However, 81% are also actively looking for ways to save on their grocery bills, including shopping for the best prices at a variety of stores and using coupons. About 25% noted that they throw away 10% or more of their grocery purchases as a result of items spoiling. Full Story

Spartan Stores, Inc. plans to operate all supply chain activities from its Grand Rapids, MI distribution center. Part of the optimization strategy includes the potential closure of the company's 415,000- sq. ft. Plymouth, MI dry grocery warehouse by the end of its fiscal 2010 fourth quarter. Full Story

What forecasted trend do you anticipate taking off in 2010? Korean cuisine Food with health benefits Umami Hibiscus

Subway was ranked the No. 1 franchise on Entrepreneur magazine's 2010 list of the Top 10 franchises. McDonald's came in at No. 2, 7-Eleven was third and BP's ampm was No. 10, reported Convenience Store News. Full Story

Pizza, frozen or ordered out, is the seventh most popular item eaten at dinner in the U.S., stated Harry Balzer, a food analyst at NPD Group, reported The Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Many fast-food chains are touting their diet and low-calorie offerings to appeal to New Year's dieters. Starbucks, for instance, is rolling out four hot panini sandwiches on Jan. 12 that have under 400 calories, reported USA Today. Full Story

Latest sales & earnings for food related companies (Updated Daily - FI Membership Required)

The Daily Update is a substantially abbreviated version of Today In Food. You can get a subscription to Today In Food, which usually has over 30 news items each day, as well as access to the archives for just $49.95 per year. Click here to sign up.

Food Institute News

Purchase Today! The Food Institute's 2009 Food Industry Review has valuable information to help guarantee the success of your business by keeping on top of the latest developments. The latest edition, just like in previous years, is updated to include information on supermarkets, supercenters, and c-stores and what consumers look for when shopping at these and other outlets. In addition, no one else provides such a comprehensive look at the foodservice industry, covering restaurants, vending, non-commercial outlets and more. To order, click here.

BAYERNWALD GmbH For more than 80 years, Bayernwald has processed approximately 40 different types of fruit into juices, juice concentrates, purees, puree concentrates, pulp concentrates, dietary fibers and other special products. These products are manufactured from berry fruits but also soft, tropical and citrus fruits. Part of the Hengersberg, Germany-based company's product range is also available in organic. Many of Bayernwald's products are tailor-made following customers' requirements (example: smoothie blends). To learn more about this 19-year Food Institute member visit: www.bayernwald.com. Interested in seeing your company featured here? Email us for more details.

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International News

China Marine Food Group Ltd. closed its acquisition of Shishi Xianghe Food Science and Technology Co., Ltd. Full Story

Health News

Pomegranates contain chemicals that reduce the risk that women will develop hormone-dependent breast cancers, according to a study published in Cancer Prevention Research, reported HealthDay. Full Story

Washington News

Kellogg reached a settlement with the Oregon Department of Justice over immunity claims for its Rice Krispies cereal. The settlement requires Kellogg to stop shipping cereal boxes with the immunity language by Jan. 15, destroy more than two million units of packaging with the immunity claim and cease making such health claim unless it provides the Oregon Department of Justice with advance notice and competent reliable scientific evidence. Full Story

Market News

Central Florida's winter strawberry shipments have come to a near halt as growers deal with a week of unusual overnight freezing temperatures. Prices increased as the weather created a demand exceeding supply, according to USDA. Forecasters predict more nights of freezing temperatures, reported The Packer Online. Full Story (Subscription Required)

Orange-juice futures increased 7.5% on concern that weather-related losses would reduce the crop in Florida, reported Bloomberg.com. In addition, wheat crops in the U.S. central Plains states may suffer due to a combination of low snow cover, which normally insulates the plant sprouts, and "very cold air," according to Bob Tarr, a meteorologist at Accuweather. Full Story