Food Institute News
Food Institute Launches Podcast Series!
The Food Institute's podcast on Food Business Mergers & Acquisitions is now available. To listen to this free podcast, which takes a look at the transactions that occurred in 2007 and reveals some of the emerging trends, click here.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
U.S. Food Labeling Seminar 2008 - Presented by The Food Institute
June 3, 2008 ** At The Marriott Newark Liberty International Airport Hotel, Newark, NJ ** 8:00AM-5:00PM
Featuring:
Robert Hahn, Esq., Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Bode
Matz PC
&
James E. Hoadley, Ph.D., Senior Consultant, EAS
Consulting LLC
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 to register.
Consumer Understanding of Buying Local - A Webinar hosted by the Food Institute and The Hartman Group
Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 2pm (EST)
The Food Institute and The Hartman Group will host a webinar that will examine American consumers' understanding of what the term "buy local" means. This webinar is your guide to understanding consumer perceptions of what "buy local" means in the context of products, brands, retailers, restaurants and businesses. Additionally, this webinar will provide a current view on where "buy local" is at with consumers and how this acquired knowledge translates into marketing opportunities.
Better managing the integrity of the food supply from farm to fork is a complex issue that defies easy solutions, according to a recent Supermarket News roundtable featuring eight members of The Food Institute who cumulatively represent several different sides of the food safety issue. Balancing business interests with the perceptions and well-being of consumers is, in many ways, at the heart of contemporary food safety. Full Story
Is your business trending in the right direction?
A comprehensive analysis of your financial trends and a comparison of your performance to others in the food industry is now offered by The Food Institute in conjunction with the iLumen Financial Information Network. Register now to find out how you are performing and how you compare.
FI Members Only
For members only
The Food Institute's Article Index has been updated through Feb. 25, 2008! FI Members click here to search for articles that have appeared in the weekly Food Institute Report. Search by company or by subject. To learn about becoming a Food Institute Member, click here.If you're not a member, click here to sign up!
Our Mission Statement
The Food Institute:* Strives to be the best "single source" for current, timely and relevant information about the food industry from "farm to fork."
* Serves as a trusted source of information, providing balanced coverage of the issues.
* Delivers information through multiple media so that industry professionals worldwide can tap in when and how they choose.
Industry News
Strong competition (90%) and general economic conditions (83%) are the most common risk factors among the 100 largest public U.S. retailers, according to The 2008 BDO Seidman RiskFactor Report for Retail Businesses. An increasing concern, as compared to 2007, was the risk associated with international suppliers, reflecting unease over recent product safety issues with China (79% and the 3rd highest risk).
International News
The price of tortillas in Mexico is expected to jump about 18% by June on rising costs for fuel and corn, according to the head of the National Chamber for the Tortilla and Dough Industry, which groups together about 40% of the country's tortilla producers. In the past, the Mexican government has made deals with retailers and producers to control tortilla costs, according to Reuters.
Health News
Several studies probing the health effects and stability of a calorie-free natural sweetener that Cargill Inc. and Coca-Cola Co. aim to market will soon be published, offering evidence of its safety. The results could put the two companies one step closer toward gaining U.S. regulatory approval for their sweetener, which is derived from the South American herb stevia, reported The Wall Street Journal.
Washington News
The House passed a $290 billion Farm Bill with increased subsidies for farmers and food stamps for the poor. The 318-106 vote for the five-year bill gave supporters 28 more than they need to override a promised veto from President Bush, who complained the measure is too expensive and generous to farmers now enjoying record earnings. The Senate plans to vote on the bill May 15, reported The Associated Press.
Market News
Rice production in Asia, Africa and Latin America is forecast to reach a new record level in 2008, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. However, world rice prices could remain high in the short term, as much of the 2008 crops will only be harvested by the end of the year.