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 18, 2005

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Editor's Note: Specialty Food News will not be published on Monday, Feb. 21.

The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute launched a program to promote kosher Israeli exports in the American market called "Fine Food from Israel." The project, initiated by the group in 2002, increased food exports to the U.S. by about 35% annually, to $597 million in 2004. One company, Osem USA, had been attempting to conquer the U.S. market for 15 years and now has annual sales of about $20 million to the kosher market, reported Haaret.com. Full Story

Publix is expected to announce plans to convert at least one of its existing supermarkets to a Hispanic-inventory format as part of a new initiative aimed at drawing more Latino consumers. In mid-January, the company registered two Spanish phrases as trademarks: Publix Acentos and Publix Sabor. Both were described in documents as "retail goods and services," according to The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Full Story

For Immediate Release - News Direct From The Specialty Food Trade

rondelé Specialty Foods has added cheddar ingredients to its rondele Pub Cheese product line, responding to consumer demand. rondelé's Pub Cheese Cheddar flavors - Sharp Cheddar, Cheddar & Jalapeno and Cheddar & Horseradish - are about to hit retail stores throughout the U.S. Full Story

California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) has appointed of Peggy Miars as president of the nonprofit organization, which certifies more than 1,300 organic farmers, processors, handlers, retailers and private labelers. Full Story

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Wholesale food prices dropped 0.2% from December during January, but were 4.1% above the same month last year, according to just released government data. Egg prices declined a sharp 19.5% from December, marking the largest decline, although fresh vegetable prices were down a a substantial 12%. On the up side, coffee prices rose 10.8%, and confections rose 3.5%. Full Story

Harris Teeter Inc. signed a deal to build its first Washington, DC store in the growing Adams Morgan neighborhood, reported The Washington Post. The 39,000-sq.ft. store is expected to open in fall 2006. Harris Teeter, which operates six stores in the area, has signed leases for 11 more, most of them in Northern Virginia. The chain expects to open a second DC store on Capitol Hill in 2007. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

The World Trade Organization established a panel to rule on the legality of U.S. and Canadian sanctions against the EU, imposed because of Brussels' ban on hormone-treated beef imports, reported Forbes.com. Full Story

Affluent consumers clip coupons and shop at discount stores, according to a new survey of about 800 consumers earning at least $125,000 in annual household income, commissioned by Visa. Seventy-two percent of high-income earners said they clip coupons, compared with the national average of 65%, and 66% said they shop at discount and warehouse stores, compared with 47% of consumers on average nationwide, reported The Mercury News. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

The Wichita Eagle examines the growing organic trend in Wichita, KS. Full Story

Takeout at full-service restaurants has increased 8% annually over the last three years, as opposed to 4% for full-service restaurant sales, says Michael Allenson of market research firm Technomic Inc. Estimated takeout sales from full-service restaurants were $14 billion in 2004, reported Los Angeles Daily News. Full Story

The Mercury News takes a look at SteamCuisine, a convenience meal that can be purchased from the refrigerator case of grocery stores, then heated it up in a microwave for two minutes, with the wrapper acting as a steamer and pressure cooker, reported The Mercury News. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Calcium absorption is not reduced by the dietary intake of meat or soy protein, found researchers at the Agricultural Research Service. Their results contradict previous studies that claim increased protein intake could lead to calcium loss. Full Story

Tito Beveridge started out making fruit-flavored vodka for his friends during Christmas, now sales of Tito's Handmade Vodka are doubling every year and the product ships to 38 states and four Canadian provinces. In 1997, about 1,000 cases of Tito's were produced, last year's output was 58,000 cases and Beveridge predicts production in 2005 could be as high as 120,000 cases, reported The Dallas Morning News. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Cold Stone Creamery will expand franchise operations in Central Florida. It currently has 49 stores open in Florida and has another 81 stores awarded that are in various stages of development. Cold Stone Creamery opened 23 new stores in Florida during 2004, and is slated to open an additional 25 stores across the state in 2005. Full Story

Food Companies Improving Labeling To Encourage Healthy Diets

With Kraft recently announcing that it will begin a new better-for-you labeling program and the release of USDA's new Dietary Guidelines, now is the time to review your labels. At The Food Institute's Food Labeling Seminar on Mar. 1 in Newark, NJ you will learn about new labeling requirements and opportunities directly from an FDA official. The Hartman Group will provide insight on what manufacturers should know about food labeling from a consumer perspective. For more information, click here.

The trend towards sugar-free and low-calorie foods is gathering momentum in India. Categories that already had approval from the ministry of health for use of artificial sweeteners include biscuits, bread, cakes and pastries, jams and jellies, chocolates, confectionery, carbonated soft drinks and powder concentrate beverages, reported Just-food.com. Full Story