Industry News

Walmart would have to open as many as 159 stores in New York City to gain 21% of the city's grocery market, according to an ALIGN study, The Walmartization of New York City. Walmart would have to open 11 Walmart Supercenters, 34 Walmart Markets and 114 Walmart Express stores across the five boroughs to achieve that goal. Full Story, Full Report Meanwhile, a stagnant economy that is causing consumers to further contract spending at Walmart and the polarizing nature of Walmart's "Ad Match Guarantee" were found to contribute to Walmart's lackluster second quarter performance, according to the Blueocean Market Intelligence Why Walmart's Woes Continue study. Some shoppers feel that the Guarantee is a hassle that slows down check-outs and erodes the image of Walmart's low price leadership, and also that the retailer is not improving convenience and pleasant store experience. Full Story

Brick Meets Click takes a look at the fallout surrounding Target's limited-time Missoni promotion in a post entitled Missoni for Target: Great marketing or missed opportunity?. Full Story

Aldi is revamping and updating its stores as the company is seeing increased competition from other discounters as well as traditional grocers. Aldi added beer, wine, and fresh meat and bread, and expanded its healthier food options, according to the company's VP of its Batavia, IL division. The company also adopted a new store prototype in recent years, with higher ceilings, more natural light and a warmer feel, reported Chicago Tribune. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Sales of Fair Trade Certified products at mainstream grocery stores grew by 87% in the second quarter over the previous quarter, according to SPINS sales figures released by Fair Trade USA. The specialty and gourmet channels grew 32%, for an overall growth rate of 63%. There are 10,000 Fair Trade Certified products on U.S. stores shelves. Full Story In related news, Fair Trade USA named Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. the largest purchaser of Fair Trade Certified coffee in the world for 2010 with over 26 million-lbs. of Fair Trade Certified coffee purchased. Full Story

About 70% of U.S. consumers claim purchase decisions are affected by how food is grown and raised, with 72% thinking about this topic while purchasing groceries, according to the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance's 2011 USFRA Consumer Survey, conducted by Ketchum Global Research Network and Braun Research. About 42% believe the way that food is grown and raised improved in the last 10 years, while 37% believe it worsened. Full Story

New! Despite premium prices, value-added produce grows, according to the Sept. 22 edition of the Lempert Report, hosted by Phil Lempert. Also, weighing the image of celebrity chefs. Click here to view.

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

Food Institute News

New! The Food Institute will explore Food Labeling in two 2-hour webinars, Understanding Food Labels 2011, touting the most up-to-the-minute information on mandatory label information. The series will commence with The Hartman Group, who will provide a consumer perspective of food labels - what are consumers looking at and looking for on product labels and on signage in retail outlets? Consumer attitudes towards many aspects of the labeling issue will be explored. OFW Law attorneys will provide insight on the "Basics of Labeling: requirements and mandates", which will then be complimented by a discussion on understanding the "Tough Spots" of food labeling, including claims such as Natural, Omega-3 claims, antioxidant claims, allergen labeling and so much more! FDA representation will also join the series to address changes to the Nutrition Facts panel which are being contemplated by the agency. The 2-part series will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 12 p.m. (EST) and Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 12 p.m. (EST). To learn more and register, click here.

Kendall Frozen Fruits, Inc. Kendall Frozen Fruits is an industrial food brokerage specializing in the sale and marketing of frozen, dried and concentrated fruit products. Headquartered in Beverly Hills/Dana Point, CA, Kendall sources product both domestically and abroad, proudly representing the finest food manufacturers in the industry. By working directly with growers, packers and customers, Kendall Frozen Fruits, Inc. remains on the cutting edge of innovation and will continue expanding its presence both nationally and internationally. Kendall Frozen Fruits was named one of the top 25 women owned businesses in Los Angeles County. To learn more about this 42-year Food Institute member, please visit: www.kendallfruit.com. Interested in seeing your company featured here? Email us for more details.

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International News

India's almond imports for the 2011/12 marketing year (MY) are forecast to reach a record 65,000 tons (in-shell basis), with continuing strong demand for California almonds, noted FAS. Indian walnut production for MY 2011/12 is forecast at 45,000 tons (kernel weight basis), up 50% over the previous year. Rising international demand for walnuts will likely push Indian walnut exports to a record 28,000 tons in MY 2011/12, up 115% from last year. FAS Report

Washington News

Some $16.9 billion in federal subsidies went to producers and others in the business of corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, corn starch and soy oils from 1995 to 2010, according to the Apples to Twinkies: Comparing Federal Subsidies of Fresh Produce and Junk Food report by CALPIRG and the U.S. PIRG Education Fund. Full Story, Study

Market News

Garlic prices stabilized in September after a drop this summer. Some shippers are suggesting prices could rise again, as various garlic deals ship mid-September. What once seemed to be overproduction in June may lead to strong demand and upward pressure on pricing in October due to worldwide pulls, reported The Packer Online. 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.

Cargill aims to pay cocoa farmers more than $2.2 million in premiums next year for the sales of sustainable beans. Cargill's sustainable cocoa program led to a 30% increase in yields in projects in Ivory Coast in two years, claimed the company's manager of sustainable cocoa, reported Bloomberg.com. Full Story