Industry News

Food prices for a family of four are expected to increase more than $4 a week this year, according to an analysis by The Food Institute. Meat prices will face the biggest jump, accounting for nearly a quarter of the projected increase, but prices of all foods consumed at home will be higher. It's basic economics, stated Brian Todd, president and chief executive of The Food Institute, reported The Record. Full Story

Independent grocers account for nearly 1% of the total U.S. GDP, and are made up of 20,884 stores operated by independent supermarket companies, according to a study from the National Grocers Association. Independent grocers are also responsible for $129.5 billion in annual sales, employ 944,200 people, and pay more than $30 billion in wages each year, with an additional 569,380 jobs created through spending of wages or by companies that support the supermarket industry, according to the research. Full Story, Economic Impact

Annie's took Wall Street by surprise last year when its initial public offering posted first-day gains of 90%, besting the market debuts of Facebook and Yelp. Since it was founded in 1989, the natural and organic foodmaker has grown from a niche brand at grocers like Whole Foods Market to a mainstay at mainstream supermarkets, Walmart and other retailers. But Annies has recently hit some snags, and the stock has dropped by nearly a quarter since its peak, reported The Wall Street Journal. Full Story (WSJ Subscription Required)

Click Here to view The Lempert Report, hosted by Phil Lempert.

Supervalu reported lower revenues in most of its business lines and a net loss of $1.41 billion for the fourth fiscal quarter. Since it sold chains like Jewel-Osco, Albertson's and others to a group led by Cerberus Capital Management in January, much of its past business is now counted as discontinued and there is a fair bit of business to parse, reported Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal. Full Story

Merger and acquisition activity in the U.S. restaurant industry increased to $3.9 billion, from $3.7 billion, according to the GE Capital, Franchise Finance Chain Restaurant Industry Review. Nominal restaurant sales also rose 4.2% to $425.6 billion in 2012, and sales are projected to increase 3.8% to $441.9 billion this year. The top 100 restaurant chains' system-wide sales were nearly $210 billion, with sales growing 4.7% year-over-year. Full Story

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

Food Institute News

Overall, food retail's growth seems to be nearly nonexistent ... basically in line with population increases. Dig deep, though, and you will find a dynamic market that has been marked by upheaval and will continue to change at a rapid pace. Set aside an hour and join the Food Institute and Willard Bishop for FREE Webinar on June 19 on what promises to be one of the hottest topics for 2013 and beyond. Click here to register

Brick Meets Click Brick Meets Click is a new forum dedicated to exploring the space where online and in-store retailing meet. Technology is reshaping the shopping experience, and customer relationships are being redrawn at all levels of the retail chain. BMC aims to develop thought-leading direction for more sure-footed responses to meeting the needs of 21st century shoppers - and to become the essential resource for professionals who want to help shape the future of shopping. To learn more about this Food Institute member, please visit: www.brickmeetsclick.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

GlaxoSmithKline decided to sell its popular soft drink brands Lucozade and Ribena in a disposal that analysts think could bring in more than 1 billion pounds ($1.5 billion ), reported Reuters. Full Story

Health News

Regulation of big sugary drinks and processed foods can help reduce alarmingly high rates of obesity among Hispanics, but individuals must change diet and exercise habits, too, according to a new report by The Hispanic Institute. The report, "Obesity: Hispanic America's Big Challenge," criticizes the processed food industry for its complicity in flooding stores with drinks that are too sugary and foods that are too salty and fat. It also notes support from community organizations is crucial. Full Story

Washington News

Associated Wholesale Grocers claims that the United Potato Growers of America, United Potato state groups and many potato grower-shippers are illegally setting potato prices. The recent lawsuit claims the United Potato groups are operating outside the Act because growers have affiliations to marketing/processing/and other non-grower entities, reported The Packer Online. Full Story

Market News

Cold and freezing weather in Kansas and across the southern Great Plains are adding to the already damaged wheat crops. About 25% of hard, red winter wheat will be abandoned by farmers and it is estimated output will drop 27%, reported Bloomberg Businessweek. Full Story

AquaBounty Technologies expects regulatory approval to produce genetically engineered salmon by the fourth quarter of this year. FDA is due to close a public comment period April 26 and will then likely take 30 to 60 days to review the comments, which include heavy opposition from consumer and environmental groups, reported Reuters. 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.