Industry News

Sara Lee Corp. entered into an agreement to sell a majority of its North American foodservice coffee and tea operations to The J.M. Smucker Company for $350 million. The two companies will also establish a long-term partnership to collaborate on liquid coffee innovation. In addition, Senseo coffee in North America will be discontinued as of Mar. 31, 2012, with the exception of select online channels. The transaction is expected to close near the beginning of calendar year 2012. Full Story

New! Social media deals for food are discussed in the Oct. 24 edition of the Lempert Report, featuring Phil Lempert. Also, the new lunch is examined. Click here to view.

Kraft Foods is now selling five-stick packs of Trident and Stride gum in the U.S. for 50 cents each while Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. plans to offer smaller and less expensive packs of gum starting next year, according to Wrigley's director of corporate affairs in North America. Kraft expects sales of the smaller sizes to be incremental to its existing gum business and will prominently feature the smaller gum packs in convenience stores in standalone displays, reported MarketWatch. Full Story

Dead River Co. will sell its convenience stores to Circle K and exit the retail industry. The Circle K purchase covers 19 stores. The sale and switchover of the stores is expected to be completed in December, reported The Republic. Full Story

In order to speed customers through checkouts more efficiently, Whole Foods Market stopped accepting checks at many U.S. stores, reported News & Observer. "It's a noticing of a trend and an opportunity to take advantage of a trend," stated Whole Foods spokeswoman Teresa Jones, although a spokesperson for the National Retail Federation disputes that assertion, noting most retailers prefer cash and checks. Full Story

Walmart increased purchases of Halloween merchandise by 20% over last year, according to people familiar with the matter. Part of the effort is White Chocolate Candy Corn M&Ms, a limited-edition Mars product exclusive to Walmart in short supply in many stores, reported Advertising Age. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

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Food Institute News

Last Chance to Register for Session 1! 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.

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International News

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reopened 13 of its shuttered Chinese outlets and pledged to revamp procedures, reported Bloomberg.com. Full Story

Health News

Exposure to bisphenol-A before birth could affect girls' behavior at age three, according to a study published in Pediatrics, reported The Associated Press. Full Story

Washington News

Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V. expects to complete its acquisition of Sara Lee Corporation's North American Fresh Bakery business on Nov. 5, having received approval from DOJ. As a condition of approval for the deal, DOJ is requiring Bimbo Bakeries USA to divest the Sara Lee and EarthGrains brands in California and the Holsum & Milano brands in Central Pennsylvania; the EarthGrains & Mrs. Bairds brands in Kansas City; the EarthGrains & Healthy Choice brands in Omaha; and the EarthGrains brand in Oklahoma City. Full Story

Market News

Total frozen fruit stocks were up slightly from last month but down 5% from a year ago, according to NASS' Cold Storage report. Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 19% from last month but down 6% from a year ago. Full Report

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.

Global almond exports in 2011/12 are forecast to continue expanding at the rate of more than 10%, augmented by record production, according to FAS. In contrast, the global growth rate for walnuts is expected to slow due to tight supplies in the U.S. Hazelnut trade is forecast flat as it is historically reliant on the mature European market. Full Report