Industry News

Subway surpassed McDonald's to become the world's largest restaurant chain in terms of units. Subway had 33,749 restaurants around the globe at the end of 2010, compared to McDonald's 32,737, reported CNNMoney.com. Full Story

Sales of Fair Trade Certified products increased 24% at grocery stores during 2010, according to Fair Trade USA. Sales of Fair Trade Certified products at mainstream channels grew faster (26%) than those of specialty grocers (22%) and natural grocers (16%). Ready-to-drink tea and coffee registered a 39% increase and coffee posted a 33% gain, noted SPINS. Full Story

New! Hidden allergens and giving your customers a great smile in the produce aisles are discussed in the Mar. 8 edition of the Lempert Report, featuring Phil Lempert. Click here to view.

Kwik Trip's wholesale business could account for as much as half of the food that the company produces by 2030, reported Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Kwik Trip will make and sell 15.6 million pizzas this year and produce 83.7 million doughnuts and sweet rolls. Full Story

Global Foods Processing Inc. plans to expand its operation in Sioux City, IA. The company plans to build a 67,000-sq. ft. building, citing growing pork exports for the need to expand. Global Foods is an exporter of sausages and other prepared meat and sells 85% to 90% of its products overseas, reported Bloomberg Businessweek. Full Story

Del Monte Foods Company's stockholders approved the proposed merger with an affiliate of an investor group led by funds affiliated with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., Vestar Capital Partners and Centerview Capital, L.P. Of the holders of approximately 149.8 million shares of the company's outstanding common stock, 99% voted in favor. Full Story

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)

Encore Fruit Marketing Inc. Since 1989, Encore Fruit Marketing has been an innovative leader in providing processed fruit and vegetable ingredients to the food and beverage industry. Encore's service driven professionals match customer requirements with qualified global suppliers. In addition to the fruits, Encore excels at sourcing unique functional ingredients like Acai, Mangosteen, Pomegranate or Sea Buckthorn. Based in San Dimas, CA, Encore is staffed to handle the toughest assignment and loves a challenge. To learn more about this Food Institute member, please visit: www.encorefruit.com. Interested in seeing your company featured here? Email us for more details.

About Us | Publications | Merger & Acquisition Search* | Report Article Search* | Ask an Expert

* Members only

International News

Japanese seasonings maker Ajinomoto Co. may spend $3.7 billion on acquisitions in the next three years as the company expands overseas. "We want to beef up our strong areas like Brazil and Southeast Asian countries as well as expand in new markets such as the Middle East and Africa," stated president Masatoshi Ito. In July, a team directly reporting to Mr. Ito will be set up to study potential purchases and alliances, reported Bloomberg.com. Full Story

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. will set up an instant noodle plant in Vietnam to meet increasing demand in the country, tentatively setting the overall investment at around Y3.4 billion. The Japanese company will launch a 100%-owned subsidiary and new plant north of Ho Chi Minh City, and plans to kick off production and sales around June 2012, reported The Wall Street Journal. Full Story (WSJ Subscription 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.

Health News

The Mediterranean diet, long known to be heart-healthy, also reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors that boost the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, according to a review published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology, reported HealthDay. Full Story

Washington News

JB's Family Restaurants filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. JB's operates 50 company-operated, franchised or licensed restaurants in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, reported New Mexico Business Weekly. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Recording Now Available for Purchase! The Food Institute presented Understanding the New Food Safety Legislation, a webinar designed for those who want and need to understand the impact of the new food safety legislation. John W. Bode, Principal at Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Bode Matz PC, and Dr. David William Kennedy Acheson, Managing Director, Food and Import Safety Practice, at Leavitt Partners were the speakers. To purchase the recording and learn more, click here.

Market News

Rising food prices may result in greater acceptance of genetically modified seed in emerging markets, according to Financial Times. There has been a change of mood in countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Kenya, noted the head of biotechnology policy at DuPont Co., reported Bloomberg.com. Full Story