Industry News

Wal-Mart lost its hold on U.S. households earning less than $70,000 a year after making a push for up-market consumers, as the customers, which made up 68% of its domestic business, are looking to other discounters. Some analysts believe it could take years for Wal-Mart to rebound, unless it quickly opens smaller locations to counter the explosion of dollar stores, which plan to add more than 1,000 locations this year, reported The Wall Street Journal. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Recording Now Available! The Food Institute, NPD Group and the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) presented a one-hour webinar entitled Private Label: Consumer Perceptions & Intentions. Whether private label offers you an opportunity or a threat, this presentation is not to be missed! Know and understand today's private label shopper! To learn more and purchase the recording, click here.

Kraft Foods will roll out MiO liquid water enhancers this year, the company's largest beverage brand introduction in a decade. About 60% of the company's revenue is generated from overseas. High-growth snacks comprise about half its portfolio. Full Story

New! Shoppers are saying "it's about more than price," according to the Feb. 22 edition of the Lempert Report, hosted by Phil Lempert. Also, is bison the next trend in meat? Click here to view.

U.S. Foodservice purchased Midway Produce Inc., an Indianapolis-based produce distributor serving restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools and other business and industry customers throughout central Indiana. Full Story

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. and Dunkin' Donuts signed a promotion, manufacturing and distribution agreement that will make Dunkin' Donuts coffee available in single-serve K-Cup portion packs for use with Keurig Single-Cup Brewers. Beginning this summer, Dunkin' Donuts will offer 14-count boxes of Dunkin' Donuts coffee in single-serve K-Cup portion packs exclusively at participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. Full Story

7-Eleven Inc. aims to increase food sales by 10% this year, more than double the typical 3% to 4%. Foodservice makes up 17.3% of the company's sales. New products being tested include a pretzel/croissant breakfast sandwich with egg and ham and Angus beef hot dogs, reported The Dallas Morning News. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

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

Food Institute News

The CPG industry will continue to serve a very conservative consumer base as 2011 unfolds, according to SymphonyIRI's CPG Year in Review: Out of Turmoil Rises Opportunity Times & Trends report. Inflating prices will add a layer of complexity to the already difficult task of balancing the value proposition versus margin and share goals. Still, it is a time of opportunity for CPG marketers. To capitalize on these opportunities, CPG marketers must act with a clear and precise understanding of the changing attitudes, needs and behaviors of their most important shopper and target segments. For the report, click here. (FI Membership Required)

Washington Red Raspberry Commission The Washington Red Raspberry Commission (WRRC) helps raspberry growers with field research, developing market opportunities, and engaging in fair trade discussions. The WRRC is funded by grower assessments and is governed by a grower elected Board of Directors. There are 150 raspberry growers and over 40 different suppliers of red raspberry products who make up the Washington Red Raspberry Commission. Each company is committed to growing, harvesting and processing the highest quality berries in the world, and meeting the most stringent quality standards on the planet. The WRRC growers and processors are spread throughout southern Canada, the western part of Washington state and northern Oregon. To learn more about this Food Institute member visit: www.red-raspberry.org. Interested in seeing your company featured here? Email us for more details.

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International News

The Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd. is looking to expand operations into Asia, drawn by an emerging middle class raising demand and prices for milk. Fonterra is currently building its second farm in China and considering a third, reported The Wall Sreet Journal. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Washington News

The World Trade Organization made a final ruling in Brazil's favor in a dispute with the U.S. over anti-dumping measures imposed on its orange juice exports. Brazil challenged the methodology of the U.S. Department of Commerce used in applying antidumping tariffs on Brazilian orange juice, reported Chicago Breaking Business. Full Story

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment blocking federal funding of EPA action to implement the use of E15. The amendment passed by a vote of 286 to 135. Full Story

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.

Market News

Hanson Logistics will spend $2 million to expand the company's Decatur, MI-based facility used for cold storage, mixing and packaging by Dole Packaged Foods. Hanson Logistics reached an extended lease and service support agreement with Dole Packaged Foods, which includes facility enhancements for higher volume fruit storage, mixing and packaging. Full Story

Walnut processor Poindexter Nut Co. installed a pasteurizer at its plant, which may be a first for the industry. Poindexter ships walnuts to more than 40 countries and 35 states in the U.S., reported The Fresno Bee. Full Story (Free Registration Required)