Specialty Food News presented by NASFT in affiliation with The Food Institute

The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc., 120 Wall Street, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10005 - www.specialtyfood.com

February 17, 2005

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Starbucks Corp.'s introduced an alcoholic coffee drink called Starbucks Coffee Liqueur, which it will market through a partnership with Jim Beam Brands. The drink will be sold in bars, liquor stores and restaurants in 750-milliliter bottles. It will not be available at Starbucks coffee outlets, reported Los Angeles Daily News. Full Story

The Columbus, OH-based maker of southern foods, Glory Foods Inc. has begun selling its wares directly to consumers over the internet. Glory Foods primarily sells through grocery stores, but many stores don't carry its products or don't carry its entire line, according to Business First of Columbus. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

For Immediate Release - News Direct From The Specialty Food Trade

Flavors of the East and West marry at Hawaii's Island Princess, with the introduction of Wasabi Macadamia Nuts. The Wasabi Macadamia Nuts are made from Hawaiian-grown macadamia nuts from the Island Princess orchards and are available in 5-ounce jars or 0.5- and 2.5-ounce snack bags. Full Release

Groupe Lactalis acquired the McLelland Group, the third largest cheese company in the UK. Based in Glasgow, Scotland, McLelland produces 100-million pounds of cheddar annually under the Seriously Strong brand. Full Release

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Gardenburger is introducing 100% natural Gardenburger Wraps. The line consists of two microwavable, hand-held products - Black Bean Chipotle and Sun-Dried Tomato Basil. Full Story

Great Harvest Bread Company is featuring whole grain stamps on its bread. The stamp was created by the Whole Grains Council to help consumers identify whole grain foods. Other companies plan to start using the stamp, including Arrowhead Mills and Roman Meal Co., reported Bakingbusiness.com. Full Story

Growth at warehouse clubs and supercenters was extremely strong in 2004, as sales at these retail formats, which compete against traditional supermarkets, climbed a sharp 13.9% to $247 billion in total sales, according to Food Institute analysis. Drug stores and e-retailers also saw significant growth. Full Story

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Warehouse clubs, supercenters, drugs stores, and dollar stores are just a few of the formats that have taken a piece of the retail food pie from traditional supermarkets over the past decade. Find out: Which types of food stores will be gaining and losing market shares through 2008? What's driving these changes? How can suppliers and retailers react to these changes? Rebroadcasts of the webinar are just $49 - For details, click here.

NEW STORE NEWS: Trader Joe's is looking for a location in Brooklyn, NY, reported The New York Daily News. Full Story . . . The Fresh Market will take over a little more than half of a long-vacant Winn-Dixie location in Bonita Springs, FL, according to Naples Daily News. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

The Seattle Times asked registered dietitian Kathleen Mahan to comment on claims that certain foods help you lose weight. Full Story

Centennial Specialty Foods Corporation is exploring a wide range of strategic alternatives, both inside and outside the food industry. The company is evaluating its business plan and beginning to search for other alternatives, which may include other financing arrangements, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. Full Story

Jungle Jim's International Market's new candy shop, Jungle's Candy Spot, measures about 96 running feet of candy and features a large Jelly Belly display, as well as bulk and bagged candy. The store brought together displays that over the years have proliferated throughout the store to situate them near its mascot, a singing lion robot named Elvis that's popular with children, reported Supermarket News. International food departments will continue to have their own candy selections.

The Times-Herald looks at the new Wines Central, LLC wine storage facility on California's Mare Island. Full Story

Pacific Wine Partners will release six wines as part of a brand called Twin Fin. All Twin Fin wines will be available in screwcap bottles only. Full Story

The New York Times on the Web compares the quality and ease of use of frozen vegetables versus their fresh counterparts. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

A disease that rots lobsters' shells and can kill the crustaceans now affects 30% of lobsters along the New England coast, and is having a detrimental affect on the industry in many areas, according to scientists who will seek state and federal money for further studies about the cause of the disease and how it spreads. The disease does not taint the lobsters' meat, but makes the shells too unsightly to serve whole. It can also weaken lobsters so much that some die prematurely, reported Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Full Story