Industry News

Family Dollar Stores, Inc. rejected a takeover proposal from Nelson Peltz's Trian Group to acquire Family Dollar, stating that it substantially undervalues the company and that the sale of the company is not in the best interest of shareholders. The Board also adopted a "poison pill" shareholder rights plan with a term of 12 months and a 10% beneficial ownership threshold. Full Story

H.J. Heinz Company agreed to acquire an 80% stake in Coniexpress S.A. Industrias Alimenticias, a Brazilian manufacturer of the Quero brand of tomato-based sauces, tomato paste, ketchup, condiments and vegetables. The acquisition includes a factory in Neropolis and a new, fully automated distribution center. Full Story Meanwhile, emerging markets were responsible for 16% of Heinz's total sales in the fiscal third quarter of 2011. The company expects emerging markets to generate more than 20% of its total sales in fiscal 2012, which begins Apr. 28. 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.

Beech-Nut Nutrition Corp. will close its baby food factory in Canajoharie, NY this month. The company expects to stop production on Mar. 18, and is in the process of moving into a new, $124 million facility in Florida, NY, reported The Business Review of Albany. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Signature Brands, LLC opened a 207,000-sq. ft. popcorn popping production and distribution facility in Ocala, FL. Full Story

Restaurants posted signs of improvement in the second half of 2010, according to The NPD Group. Restaurant traffic was flat for the quarter ending December 2010, compared to a 3% decline for same quarter year ago. Visits to quick-service restaurants increased in the second half of 2010. Non-deal visits stopped declining. Full Story

New! The Mar. 3 edition of the Lempert Report, hosted by Phil Lempert, discusses front of package labeling and using mobile to empower our next generation. Click here to view.

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Food Institute News

The Food Institute's flagship publication - Food Industry Review, 2010 Edition - is now available. This 600+ page publication is meant to provide readers facts, figures and analysis of the quantitative performance of food retailing. Featuring comprehensive write-ups and detailed sales charts, this year's edition includes new chapters on: Social Media- a new wave of marketing where dissemination of information is nearly limitless; Sustainability- a growing food industry movement receiving attention in every sector; and New Concepts. Other topics explored in-depth include retailing formats, private label, food business mergers and acquisitions, vending, restaurants and foodservice, new products launches, consumer trends, demographics of consumer food spending, organic, specialty and natural food and food processing. Click Here for more information.

Tip Top Canning Company Centrally located in Ohio, Tip Top Canning Company has been producing quality canned tomato products for over 85 years. Tip Top is owned and operated by fourth generation family members. Strong in private label retail and foodservice, Tip Top offers a wide selection and sizes of canned tomato products including whole peeled, diced stewed, flavored items, sauces, PET ketchup, tomato and vegetable juice. Tip Top is dedicated to quality and superior canned tomato products. To learn more about this Food Institute member, please visit: www.tiptopcanning.com, call: 937-667-3713 or fax: 937-667-3802. Interested in seeing your company featured here? Email us for more details.

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International News

Global food prices increased for the eighth consecutive month in February, with prices of all commodity groups monitored rising again, except for sugar, according to FAO. The agency expects a tightening of the global cereal supply and demand balance in 2010/11. Full Story

Delhaize Group entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Delta Maxi Group for €932.5 million, which operates approximately 450 stores in five countries in Southeastern Europe. The acquisition will allow Delhaize to generate revenues of approximately €3.4 billion and cover a network of more than 800 stores in Southeastern Europe in 2011. Full Story

Washington News

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) and California Certified Organic Farmers Inc. (CCOF) formed a strategic alliance to strengthen the organic industry's national public policy effectiveness. OTA will collaborate with CCOF Inc. to increase the representation of organic producers in federal legislative advocacy. Full Story

Market News

Chiquita Brands International reported a 7% decline in net sales in the banana segment in 2010 due in part to a global supply shortage. The company also posted a 9% decline in Fresh Express bagged salad sales for the year. Full Story

Texas-based Loop Cold Storage is expanding one of its three distribution facilities. The construction will include an additional 55,000-sq. ft. of dock space and coolers, as well as 13 additional docks, consolidated battery charging areas, shrink-compensating floors and storage areas, reported The Packer Online. Full Story (Subscription Required)