Industry News

Hershey will introduce an enhanced food labeling system to its U.S. product portfolio that provides front-of-pack nutrition information. Hershey will begin to roll out front-of-pack nutrition information in the second half of 2013, and will be updating its website to provide better access to nutrition information. Full Story

IRI released its list of New Product Pacesetters, products that captured more than $13 million in year-one sales across the multi-outlet geography, with an individual average of $39.5 million in first-year revenues. The top three products were Dannon Oikos, with one-year sales of $283.8 million; Starbucks K-Cups, with one-year sales of $198.9 million; and Bud Light Platinum, with $162.2 million worth of sales in 2012. The best products introduced in 2012 "provide new options that serve cross-occasion eating behaviors, support proactive wellness efforts and satisfy desires for intelligent indulgence," according to IRI. Full Story

Nestlé expects the food market to remain volatile this year, and reported a 5.4% rise in first-quarter sales as weak consumer confidence in Europe continued and demand slowed in the Americas and emerging markets. Organic sales growth by revenue was 4.3%, the lowest level for the company since the third quarter of 2009, and below its long-term annual target of 5% to 6%. For the three months to the end of March, Nestlé revenue rose to 21.94 billion Swiss francs ($23.54 billion), from 20.82 billion francs a year earlier ($22.38 billion) and below expectations of 22.62 billion francs ($24.31 billion), reported The Wall Street Journal. Full Story (WSJ Subscription Required)

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Elevation Burger has tapped into a surging trend for natural foods, and in particular, the currently red-hot demand for grass-fed beef. The chain launched in the Washington, D.C. area in 2005, and now has nearly three-dozen locations in 10 states, including Texas and California. It also has outposts in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, reported USA Today. Full Story

Facebook is launching a new system that lets advertisers target users based on what groceries they buy, amongst other categories. The company's new "partner categories" belies a bold mission: tying disparate real-world data to Facebook's online social graph. The system allows Facebook advertisers to target groups of users based on loyalty card usage at grocery stores and elsewhere, based on public records like auto registration, and based on email addresses consumers give out at retail checkout registers, reported Wired. Full Story

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

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Food Institute News

Given the public's growing concern about food safety, a recall can quickly escalate into a local, national or even international news story. But, it need not be a cause for panic. Following responsible and sensible procedures, as outlined in the updated Food Products Recall Manual, can help contain any fallout. The manual also includes special sections on "Handling the Logistics of a Product Recall," contributed by Stericycle ExpertRECALL, and a section on "Handling the Media" by Dezenhall Resources. The guide can be ordered online by clicking here, or by calling Sue Antista at (201) 791-5570, ext. 212.

Country Pure Foods Country Pure Foods makes individually packaged fresh fruit drinks, juices, and nectars. Today, it is one of the nation's largest independent processors of juice products for grocery and convenience stores, foodservice and contract manufacturing segments. Multiple plant locations allow Country Pure Foods to efficiently service its nationwide customer base with a broad line of product packaging alternatives. Private labeling and contract packaging are also available. To learn more about this Food Institute member, please visit: www.juice4u.com. Interested in seeing your company featured here? Email us for more details.

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International News

A master franchisee and operator of Carl's Jr. restaurants in Russia was granted the rights to subfranchise Carl's Jr. restaurants throughout the Russia market. Bright Star, which currently operates 28 Carl's Jr. restaurants in St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk, Russia, opened its first Carl's Jr. restaurant in St. Petersburg in 2006 and plans to open additional Carl's Jr. locations throughout this year. Full Story

Health News

Larger servings of food will increase consumption despite the impact of portion size, according to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology. Engaging in mindful eating also did not decrease food intake with larger servings. The research strives to find new ways to reduce effects of portion size on overeating, reported Science Daily. Full Story

Washington News

The Choose California Act cleared the Assembly Agriculture Committee on a seven-to-zero vote, and moves to the Assembly's Appropriations Committee for fiscal review. The proposed law, AB 199, would mandate public institutions to buy California agriculture products if the price is within 5% of the lowest out-of-state competitor, reported The Los Angeles Times. Full Story

Market News

BrightFarms has opened a $2 million, 56,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse in Yardley, PA on a leased, 1.2-acre sliver of the 234-acre Patterson Farm. The hydroponically grown greens, salad lettuces, and tomatoes will be sold at all four McCaffrey Markets in the Yardley area and two of A&P's SuperFresh supermarkets in Philadelphia's Bella Vista and Northern Liberties neighborhoods. New greenhouses are under construction or will soon be built in Brooklyn, NY (SuperFresh), Oklahoma City (Homeland Stores), St. Paul, MN (Cub Foods), and St. Louis, MO (Schnucks). In the coming months, A&P will start selling BrightFarms produce in its Food Emporium, Pathmark, and A&P stores in the Philadelphia area. And once the Brooklyn greenhouse opens, more A&P stores in the New York area will be included, reported The Philadelphia Inquirer. Full Story

Growing strawberries in the South is especially challenging because of its variable weather, like that seen this spring. According to a Mississippi State University Extension horticulture specialist, strawberries struggled because of excessive rain. A fruit crops specialist with the MSU Extension Service estimates the crop's potential is unknown, and he expects an average yield, reported Mississippi Business Journal. Full Story