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Volume 7, Issue 5 February 1, 2008 |
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Weekly News in Review
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| Burger King Q2 profit is a whopper, up 29% |
Burger King Holdings (BKC) said Thursday that its second-quarter profit jumped 29% as the stalwart Whopper, the new Homestyle Melt and promotions with TV tie-ins gave a boost to worldwide sales at stores open at least a year.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: USA Today |
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| NYS Restaurant Association Files Suit Again To Stop NYC Government Intrusion |
The New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) filed suit in federal district court in Manhattan today challenging a New York City health department regulation scheduled to go into effect on March 31, 2008 which dictates how restaurants must provide information to their customers.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: readMedia, Inc. |
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| Restaurant Performance Index Declines for the Fourth Consecutive Month |
Operators reported negative same-store sales and traffic, Economy is a growing concern
Restaurant industry performance continued to soften in December, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant activity declined for the fourth consecutive month.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: Hotel News Resource |
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| Chick-fil-A's 2007 sales hit $2.64B |
Chick-fil-A Inc. is boasting another strong year in 2007 with sales up 16 percent, and it said 2008 will feature an aggressive launch of several new menu items.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle |
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| Starbucks closes stores, makes changes as sales cool |
After decades of eye-popping growth, Starbucks (SBUX) suddenly finds itself contemplating something once viewed as unthinkable: cutbacks.
As rattled off by recently returned CEO Howard Schultz in an analysts conference call late Wednesday, the cuts will be many.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: USA Today |
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| Restaurant owner gets prison over illegals |
A former owner of a Springfield-area Chinese restaurant has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for housing and employing more than two dozen undocumented workers.
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: BND.com |
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| Wendy's To Set Self Apart As 'W-a-a-a-ay Better Than Fast Food' |
WENDY'S IS READY TO LAUNCH a new campaign that is designed to set it apart from its rivals as it proclaims its offerings to be "w-a-a-a-ay better than fast food."
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Read Article Browse All News | Source: MediaPost Communications |
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More News | Casual Dining News | QSR News | Fast Casual News | Manufacturer News
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The Passion of Pomegranates
By Kate Mazzarella-Minshall
Why are we so passionate about Pomegranates? They’re weird looking, expensive, hard to spell, difficult to eat and messy; the juice will stain everything around you; especially your mouth, your hands and your clothes. Yet, much of the population seems to be drinking in, decorating with, smearing on and salivating over this unusual fruit in one way or another. If ever there were such a thing as a designer fruit, the Pomegranate would be it. No fruit has done more to change the world of produce than the Pomegranate and even more impressive is its far-reaching acceptance.
A native of Persia, the Pomegranate is one of the oldest fruits known to man and its origins can be traced back to nearly 4000 B.C. Since its humble beginnings, this ancient fruit has been shrouded in controversy, intrigue and symbolism. Historians believe the Pomegrante, not the apple, was the forbidden fruit that tempted Eve on that fateful day in the Garden of Eden. Throughout its history, the Pomegranate has had a significant influence on religion, mythology, art and literature and it has inspired many poets, writers, painters and sculptors to create great works.
The name "Pomegranate" is derived from the Middle French words, pomme and garnete, which translates to seeded apple, and because of its’ over abundance of seeds, and rounded shape, the Pomegranate has long been a symbol of fertility and new life.
Today the Pomegranate is symbolic of good taste and good health. While it is currently enjoying a super-food celebrity status, when it initially resurfaced, and was nominated as "fruit of the year" in The Best American Recipes 1999; most assumed it was nothing more than a passing fad but according to the National Restaurant Association, Pomegranates were still a hot food trend for 2007. "There is no denying that the pomegranate has developed a reputation for being trendy," said Pam Holmgren, Manager of Corporate Communications at Pom Wonderful in Los Angeles. "The Pomegranate is revered not only for its taste but for its many health benefits, which makes it not only trendy, but a rediscovery that's here to stay."
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"The two greatest days in a person's life: 1) The day you're born 2) The day you discover why....."
- William Barclay
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View updated pricing and information each week on the website for the following food-commodity markets:
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Beef, Veal & Lamb |
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The January 1st cattle in feedlot inventory was 1.1% larger than a year ago. The February near slaughter ready cattle in feedlot estimate is 9.8% less than 2007 but .2% more than the 3 year average for the month. Beef output gains, if any, could be minimal during February. Cattle placements into feedlots during December were .8% smaller than 2006 and were generally at lighter weights. The daily USDA choice boxed beef cutout has made its winter low from February 2nd through the 9th in each of the last 4 years. Prices per pound FOB from USDA.
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Dairy |
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The spot CME cheese and class III milk markets have been erratic during the past week attempting to find a stable selling ground. Cheese and class III milk fundamentals suggest fairly stable to soft prices in the coming weeks. After being lethargic this past summer, total US fluid milk sales during October and November were .6% more than the previous year. December US milk cow slaughter was .9% less than the prior year and the 2nd lowest for the month this decade. The butter market is stable. Prices per pound, except Class I Cream (hundred weight), from USDA.
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Poultry |
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The 2 largest chicken producers accounting for a majority of total output lost money during the last quarter due mostly to higher feed costs. However, Tyson and Pilgrim?s Pride insinuate that they will not cut chicken production soon apparently because of market share concerns. Chicken prices have generally edged upward during the past month but not enough to compensate for the rise in feed costs. Eventually, higher chicken prices, chicken output cutbacks or at least a slowdown in growth will likely have to occur. The chicken breast markets are tracking upward. Prices USDA, FOB per pound except eggs (dozen).
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Seafood |
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November US salmon filet/steak imports were 4.9% less than the previous year. A devalued US dollar could mitigate US salmon imports at times in 2008 as major exporters look to move their product to Europe. The current salmon markets are fairly stable. US per capita seafood consumption in 2007 is projected to rise to a record high. An increase in farmed seafood output should help boost consumption in 2008. Prices for fresh product, unless noted per pound from Fisheries Market News.
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Pork |
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Pork output last week declined 4.3% but was 12.8% larger than 2007. Inflated feed costs continue to pinch hog producer margins. Decreasing sow prices are a signal that hog farmers are beginning to reduce the swine breeding herd but a year to year decline in December sow slaughter suggests otherwise. Swine herd contraction will need to occur which could be bullish for pork prices later this year. Many pork markets typically track upward next month. Prices per pound FOB from USDA.
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Produce |
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US strawberry shipments last week were 31.6% less than a year ago. California fields received heavy rains over the weekend which will hamper the crop. In addition, Florida strawberry supplies are expected to remain limited into next month due to the earlier freeze. Inflated strawberry prices are anticipated to persevere over the next few weeks. Improving weather could boost the lettuce harvest in the coming days. The Florida tomato harvest is projected to be short from mid February through March. Whether or not Mexico can pick up the slack is left to be seen. Prices shipping point unless noted (terminal) FOB from USDA
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Oil and Grains |
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The soybean oil market has risen 16.8% during the past 8 weeks. Additional soybean oil market increases may be pending due to the inflated soybean and energy markets. Prices per pound (oils) or bushel (grains) FOB from USDA.
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Canned and Frozen Food |
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Tomato Products, Canned - Most California tomato processors have contracted 2008 tonnage with farmers at roughly $70 a ton, 13% higher than last year. The canned tomato markets are expected to remain fairly firm into the spring. Price per case (6/10) FOB from Supply and Market Report.
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Processed Fruits and Vegetables - Canned vegetable processors are meeting challenges, most notably increased costs, to contract acreage for this year. Thus, any acreage gains could be nominal. The canned vegetable markets are firm. Prices FOB per case from Supply and Market Report.
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The Employment Center is your gateway
for posting job listings or your resume
into 3 of the most
popular sites
in the foodservice industry.
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Par Levels
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Hello all,
I am extremely new to this business. Could someone explain the concept of par stock levels to me? Is there a definate formula for figuring it? Thanks.
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Another One Bites the Dust
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The largest locally owned restaurant in the area has officially closed. No doubt the victim of a volitile economy and the constant pounding of the well funded franchises along the same stretch of road. (Although his service and food quality has diminished over the past two years.)
As sad as I am for the owner (who owns and still operates the same rest. in another city) , I will gladly capitalize on the dinner items that he has left behind.
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All about Myths and Legends
Cultivated originally by the Romans I am all about myths and legends. The Greeks believed I was an aphrodisiac and I was a symbol of fertility for the Celts. I was brought over by the pilgrims, and Mr. Chapman made me famous in America, but that reality was more for a fermented drink than a nutritious snack. I have thousands of varieties; from Adam's tongue and Grandma's pie to papa's still and "of my eye" I am possibly the most famous of all fruits. I am the family activity of the fall season, as well as being very popular at every holiday from an eating and activity point of view. My skin is often speckled, and I run the gamut of shades from red, brown, green, gold and yellow. My size is most often round and I can range in diameter from 1.5 to over 5 inches. Often eaten out of hand, I can also be dried or cooked in hundreds of ways. You will find me in pies, sauce, stuffings, meats, salads, juices and all forms of candies and desserts. You will also find me in toothpaste, shampoo, air fresheners, candles, creams, potpourri, perfumes and lipsticks. I am high in pectin and a good source of fiber while containing limited amounts of vitamin C.
What am I?
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The Food Quiz has is brought to you by Culinary Specialty Produce, a specialty produce broker that scours the world for the very best in specialty produce. Contact them at 908-789-4700 or by sending an email to info@culinaryproduce.com.
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