Industry News

For the typical American, food inflation is more an inconvenience than a dire threat, reported Newsweek. The average U.S. consumer devotes only 14.9% of expenditures to food and beverages, whereas in the poorest countries people may spend half their daily income on sustenance. Full Story

Jamba Juice signed a multitier marketing partnership with Dole Foods, in response to moves by McDonald's and Starbucks to enter the smoothie category, and also as part of a strategy to expand beyond the confines of its stores. Tens of millions of Dole bananas are now hitting supermarkets with a sticker that reads: "I want to Jamba" alongside the chain's tornado logo. The sticker directs people to co-branded JambaFruit.com, where Jamba and Dole offer smoothie recipes and encourage visitors to post their own, reported Brandweek. Full Story, Press Release

Newsday looks at the steps small independent food stores are taking to battle rising costs for fuel and supplies. In 2007, independent grocers made up about 18% of the nation's 34,967 supermarkets and brought in $29.7 billion in revenues, about 5.5% of total supermarket sales. Full Story

The new management team at Bojangles' Restaurants Inc. plans to more than double the size and revenue of the fried-chicken chain in the next 10 years, despite the slowing economy. The company, now with about 403 stores, plans to have nearly 450 stores by the end of 2008, reported Charlotte Business Journal. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Coca-Cola Co. is giving its Nestea line a makeover, adding flavors and new packaging. The drinks will have new labels and come in slimmer, straight-walled plastic bottles designed to more clearly distinguish them from carbonated soft drinks. Nestea also will introduce Green Tea Citrus and Diet Green Tea Citrus flavors. In 2007, U.S. take-home sales volume for tea rose 20.5%, according to Beverage Digest. Lipton, a PepsiCo Inc. brand, led teas last year with 38.1% of the U.S. take-home market, while Nestea ranked fourth with 8.5% of the market, reported The Denver Post. Full Story

Food Institute News

Complying With The Latest Labeling Regulations? Find out at the Food Institute's U.S. Food Labeling Seminar June 3, 2008 At The Marriott Newark Liberty International Airport Hotel, Newark, NJ

Featuring Elizabeth (Betty) Campbell, Vice President at EAS Consulting Group, LLC & former Acting Director, Office of Food Labeling, FDA & Robert Hahn, Esq., Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Bode Matz PC

This day-long seminar will update you about the latest developments impacting the labeling of food products, as well as provide an overview of the basics of food labeling. Learn what important changes in food labeling may lie ahead and could affect your products. Click here for details.

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International News

China's food export industry is facing a difficult year as the overall environment for Chinese food export has tightened and stricter examinations are required from Western importers. Some companies are seeking opportunities from the Middle East, Russia and Africa to offset the loss in the European and U.S. markets, according to China Daily. Full Story

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Health News

Genetically modified plants or immunotherapy may eliminate allergies to peanuts within five years, according to a scientist from Duke University. Peanuts can cause the most severe food allergies, affecting about three million U.S. residents a year, and causing up to 150 deaths, reported Food Production Daily. Full Story

Washington News

Amazon.com is suing New York over a new law that requires out-of-state online companies to collect sales tax from shoppers in New York. The suit argues the change unfairly targets Amazon, is overly broad and vague, and violates the commerce clause of the constitution because it imposes tax-collection obligations on out-of-state entities. New York state argued that the law closes a "tax loophole," reported The Associated Press. Full Story

Market News

U.S. government food surpluses have evaporated due to farmers selling their crops on the open market. Experts believe that large government stockpiles are not only unnecessary, they are counterproductive, reported USA Today. Full Story