Industry News

Some 72% of consumers are more concerned with quality than price at the grocery store, while nine out of 10 claim that value and nutrition will be of equal or greater importance when the recession ends, according to an IBM survey. Almost 50% of respondents are shopping at more stores to get the best deal, 35% changed grocery stores to save money, 52% are reducing the volume of food they purchase from the grocery store and 45% of those making less than $20,000 want foods that keep them full longer. Meat, poultry, and coffee top the list of the one item shoppers do not want to give up, but they are willing to cut spending on prepared food and individual-sized beverages. Full Story

The Top 100 pizza chains had U.S. sales of $18.8 billion in 2008, up 2% over 2007, according to Technomic's 2009 Technomic Top 100 Limited-Service Pizza Chains Restaurant Report. The total limited-service pizza industry grossed $29 billion, with growth comparable to the total restaurant industry at 0.4%. Pizza Hut led the Top 100 chains with $5.3 billion in U.S. sales in 2008, up 3.9% over 2007; it also registered unit growth of 1.3%. Domino's Pizza and Papa John's followed with $3 billion and $2 billion in sales respectively. Despite flat sales in 2008 and into 2009 throughout most of the limited-service pizza industry, some pizza chain operators are finding success through a strategy of focused positioning. Full Story

A glatt kosher Subway restaurant opened in North Miami Beach, FL, one of only nine in the entire country. The only other national fast-food company with kosher stores in the U.S. is reportedly Dunkin' Donuts, which has more than 30 Kosher stores. "It's a niche opportunity,'' stated Ron Paul, president of Technomic. "It's a good idea because it gets the brand the good will of the kosher community. I'm surprised that others haven't tried it.'' While the kosher Subway stores are open fewer hours than a typical fast-food restaurant, they typically do sales as much as 25% higher, reported Miami Herald. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

ARAMARK Higher Education launched Burger Studio, a brand created entirely by students. Using electronic touch-screen ordering kiosks, students can design their own individual order by selecting an Angus, chicken or veggie burger customized with more than 30 toppings, cheeses and special sauces. Full Story

Sandwich shop Togo's plans to add 30 more units in 2010 and is exploring non-traditional openings including universities, airports and military bases. The chain currently has 250 locations, reported Brandweek. Full Story

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

Food Institute News

The Food Institute's Almanac of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables is now available for purchase. Did you know that U.S. broccoli production in 2008 totaled 19.7 million cwt., a 600,000 cwt increase over 2007 and right in line with the five-year average of 19.7 million cwt? Meanwhile, U.S. cucumber production for the fresh market totaled 9.9 million cwt. in 2008, up 6.5% from the prior year. The value of the crop increased 6.2% to $228.2 million. To order, click here.

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International News

Ajinomoto Co. may spend more than $1.1 billion on acquisitions in the next three years to help cut costs and expand overseas, according to chief executive Officer Masatoshi Ito. Ajinomoto is seeking partnerships with Japanese companies for distribution and raw-material purchasing, and takeovers abroad to boost sales, stated Mr. Ito. The company is aiming for overseas sales to make up 40% of total revenue by 2016, compared with 30% now, reported Bloomberg.com. Full Story

In-Store Marketing Triggers: The Effect on Brands and Purchase Behavior Purchase the recording today! In-Store Marketing Triggers: The Effect on Brands and Purchase Behavior, a webinar presented by The Food Institute & Miller Zell, examined Miller Zell research on shopping habits and provides guidance in how to more effectively target food and beverage shoppers in the grocery and mass channels by using the store as a valuable media. The webinar featured Curt Johnson, SVP Consumer Industries, Miller Zell and was moderated by Food Institute president Brian Todd. To purchase a recording, click here.

Sweden relies heavily on imported food and agricultural products. There are opportunities for high-value products, products which are not produced domestically and new-to-market products, including ethnic and "healthy" food and drink products, noted FAS. FAS Report

Health News

Calorie intake from beverages has increased in the past decades, which most likely contributes to higher obesity rates, according to a CDC report. Full Story

Washington News

Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. allegedly slaughtered potentially contaminated cows for four years before undercover video of animal abuse prompted a beef recall, according to amended federal court filings. The filing alleges the government paid Westland/Hallmark millions of dollars to which it was not entitled because the company lied about meeting all the conditions for the 140 government contracts it held between 2003 and 2008, reported The Associated Press. Full Story

How Can You Comply With Complex Food Safety Regulations? The Food Institute's HACCP & U.S. Food Safety Guide - 2nd Edition provides clear explanations of the recent regulations and requirements issued by FDA and USDA regarding the handling and sanitation of food products. Authored by Olsson, Frank & Weeda, P.C., this guide includes information on applying HACCP plans in the plant, mandatory HACCP systems in general and specific HACCP requirements for seafood, meat & poultry. For details, click here.

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.

Market News

Potato production in 2008 is revised to 415 million cwt, up 1% from the estimate in the January Crop Production 2008 Summary but 7% below the 2007 crop. Harvested area, at 1.05 million acres, decreased 7% from 2007. The value of all potatoes sold in 2008, at $3.49 billion, increased 13% from the previous year. The average price, at $8.42 per cwt, is up $0.91 from 2007. USDA Potato Report