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CONSUMER TRENDS
May 12, 2008
Even Whole Foods is showing signs of strain, with falling profits and its stock price off 20 percent this year. "A sharp consumer downturn in 2008 will create at least some downside pressure on sales," Credit Suisse food analyst Edward Kelly wrote in a new report predicting a further drop in its stock.
Read the entire story
FAST CASUAL -DEFINED
Fast-casual concepts are hybrids of quick-service and casual dining that provide counter service and offer more customized and freshly prepared dishes than traditional quick-serves, all in a upscaled, inviting atmosphere.
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Al Dente...
"I believe in looking reality straight in the eye and denying it." - Garrison Keillor |
"Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important."
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DATES
May 17 - 20
NRA Show 2008
McCormick Place -Chicago.
The world's largest foodservice & hospitality event.
June 8-10
Sosland Publishing's 31st annual Purchasing Seminar
InterContinental Hotel
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COMMODITY NEWS
US predicts no wheat price collapse this year... |
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United States wheat growers are worried about a reversal of soaring prices this season, if world production rebounds. But US agriculture officials say they've no reason to worry. Despite sharply lower wheat prices on US futures markets, USDA's Foreign Ag Service chief, Mike Yost, does not expect a US wheat price collapse, even if this season's harvest is 'big'. Read the entire story Pork, chicken prices may rise in next wave of food inflation ...
Tyson Foods Inc., forecasts its expenses will rise $1 billion this year, including $600 million for corn and soybean meal and $100 million on grain. The balance will come from higher prices for cooking oil, breading and fuel costs. Last week Tyson reported a $5 million second-quarter loss and withdrew its earnings outlook, saying feed prices were too volatile. |
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INGREDIENT NEWS
Wheat, soy, whey and even peas offer distinct advantages when adding protein.
Consider your options, both in formulating and marketing, when packing grain-based foods with protein. While protein sourced from wheat may work well in foods already containing wheat, choosing protein sourced from soy may reduce costs and possibly allow an approved Food and Drug Administration health claim for your finished product. Advances continue in the application of whey protein technology, and a novel ingredient featuring protein sourced from peas is now on the market. Read the entire story
What is the Special Nutritional Power found in Phytonutrients?
The array of phytonutrients offered by plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes further supports the fact that these foods can make important contributions to our health.
Although they are officially considered "non-essential nutrients," meaning that their intake is not necessary for survival, phytonutrients seem to truly be essential for the sustenance of a good life, one full of health and abundant energy. Read the entire story
Emulsifiers extend their functional range when combined with enzymes and other ingredients.
Water holding, fat structuring, crumb softening and dough strengthening have long defined the jobs that product developers assign to emulsifiers. Now, emulsifiers blended with enzymes or gums are taking on additional roles in baked foods and snacks, enabling trans-fat-free products, building freeze-thaw stability and standing up to the rigors of whole-grain ingredients. Read the entire story
Ancient Grains on the Rise
By Annie Launois for Food Production News 07-May-2008 - According to the database of new product launches, the number of new food and beverage products introduced worldwide featuring ancient grains like quinoa, spelt, kamut, amaranth and chia rose from 257 in 2005 to 515 in 2007, representing a 50 per cent rise. Read the entire story |
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PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh-based H.J. Heinz Co. said it plans to close a plant in Dallas next month. The move will affect nearly 200 employees. >>>>
CARROLLTON, Texas -- T.G.I. Friday's Restaurants Make 'Right Portion, Right Price' Permanent Part of Menu. T.G.I. Friday'sŪ restaurants, which shocked the restaurant industry over a year ago by introducing smaller portions at lower prices, recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its wildly successful "Right Portion, Right Price" menu by announcing the selection of entrees will become a permanent part of the company's menu at its 600+ US restaurants. >>>>
SHANGHAI -- Yum's KFC was the first foreign fast food company to move into China, opening its first outlet in 1987. Since then, Yum has become China's biggest restaurant chain with some $2 billion of annual sales and over 2,500 KFC and Pizza Hut stores. That dwarfs the roughly 900 outlets of McDonald's Corp, its nearest rival in China's $28 billion fast food market.
Chinese customers are often not even interested in fried chicken. He Qi, a 35-year-old employee at a Shanghai advertising agency, says she visits KFC three or four times a week to eat fish, porridge and egg tarts.
Yum intends to increase its lead and plans to add 425 restaurants in China this year. McDonald's has said it aims to open at least 125 stores in the country during 2008. >>>> |
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