The Leading Source for Food Manufacturing News
Pilgrim's Pride Completes Reorganization
January 4, 2010 4:41 am | News | CommentsPITTSBURG, Texas, (PRNewswire-FirstCall) — Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (Pink Sheets: PGPDQ) announced on December 28, 2009 that the company and six of its subsidiaries have emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after a 13-month restructuring. In connection with its emergence, the company has entered into a $1.
Cadbury Bidding War Speculation Mounts
January 4, 2010 4:40 am | News | CommentsLONDON (AP) — Speculation of a bidding war for British candy maker Cadbury PLC mounted on Monday after Swiss food group Nestle agreed to sell off its majority stake in eyecare unit Alcon and announced a smaller-than-anticipated share buyback program. Analysts suggested that Nestle could be clearing its decks in preparation to counter a hostile 9.
Smithfield Sells 2 'Non-Core Businesses'
January 4, 2010 4:39 am | News | CommentsSMITHFIELD, Va. (AP) — Smithfield Foods Inc. has sold two companies as part of its plan to divest non-core businesses. The nation's largest hog producer and processor announced Monday that it has completed the sales of RMH Foods LLC and Maverick Food Company Limited. Smithfield says a group of investors led by the Rocke family acquired RMH Foods.
Citrus Growers Struggling To Save Industry
January 4, 2010 4:38 am | News | CommentsSARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Citrus growers are starting out the new decade in what many of them view as their final fight for survival. The threat from so-called citrus greening — also called Huanglongbing or yellow dragon disease — is so great that growers, who by nature grouse at any levy on their fruit, have voted to further tax themselves to pay for the international last stand against the tree killer.
Demand For Microwave Pacakaging Jumps
January 4, 2010 4:37 am | News | CommentsCleveland, OH (The Freedonia Group, Inc.) — The demand for microwave packaging is projected to climb 7.0 percent annually to $2.4 billion in 2013 , driven by consumer demand for convenient meal options, the ubiquitousness of microwave ovens and rapid growth for foods developed specifically for microwave preparation.
Drive Scrappage Scheme
January 4, 2010 4:35 am | Product Releases | CommentsA unique initiative makes the latest in variable speed drive technology an even more cost-effective solution for helping manufacturers’ reduce energy bills. From January 2010, IMO Precision Controls will operate a Drives Scrappage Scheme—the company’s own version of the Government’s ‘cash for clunkers’ scheme—which will allow customers to swap old for new at a reduced cost, while ensuring that the scrapped drives will be responsibly disposed of.
Combustible Gas Detection Web Video
January 4, 2010 4:34 am | Product Releases | CommentsThe IR4000 Multi-Point Combustible Gas Detection System Calibration Demo is now available online. The 3-D web demo takes you inside a gas compressor facility, shows the appropriate placement of the system’s multiple IR400 Gas Detectors and explains how to gas check, zero and calibrate the systems multiple detectors utilizing the IR4000M Monitor.
Laundry Bags
January 4, 2010 4:30 am | Product Releases | CommentsThe Econobag line of laundry route and counter bags has been developed for textile rental companies, drycleaners and on-premise laundry operations for delivering clean linens and picking up soiled, the line features 30" x 40" laundry route bags and 22" x 28" counter bags, both available in a choice of sturdy Econobag 150 denier polyester, standard duty 200 denier nylon or heavy duty 400 denier nylon for strength, cleanability and resistance to mold and mildew.
Nestle Closes Facility To Ensure Workers' Security
December 23, 2009 7:13 am | News | CommentsVEVEY, Switzerland (AP) — Nestle SA, the world's biggest food and drink company, said Wednesday it has temporarily closed its production site in the Zimbabwe capital because employee security is no longer guaranteed. Nestle's factory in Harare on Saturday received an unannounced visit from Zimbabwean government officials and authorities who forced it to unload a truck of milk, the company said.
Food Manufacturing: Top 10 Stories Of 2009
December 22, 2009 8:19 am | Articles | CommentsWith 2009 but a distant memory, Food Manufacturing brings you our requisite top ten list, complete with 2009's most-viewed stories and videos.
Jones Soda Reviews Buyout Offer
December 22, 2009 4:40 am | News | CommentsSEATTLE (AP) — Jones Soda Co. said Monday its board will review a buyout offer from Big Red Holdings Corp. that amounts to less than half of the company's market capitalization. Privately held soft drink maker Big Red has offered 30 cents per share in cash for Jones Soda, marking a 55 percent discount to the stock's 66-cent closing price Monday.
Lawmaker Wants To Relax Food Regulations
December 22, 2009 4:39 am | News | CommentsCASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Legislation that eased restrictions on cottage food businesses in Wyoming has touched off a debate over government's role in overseeing homemade food products. Some health officials worry rules that allow home-produced foods to be sold without inspection at farmers' markets and roadside stands expose people to risk from food-borne illness and unlabeled allergens.
ConAgra Profit Up On Consumer Foods Gains
December 22, 2009 4:38 am | News | CommentsPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — ConAgra Foods Inc.'s profit jumped 43 percent in the second quarter as the popularity of its foods continued to grow with frugal shoppers. The company, which makes Chef Boyardee, Marie Callender's and Healthy Choice products, raised its full-year guidance for the second time in three months based on the strong performance.
Pepsi Not Advertising In 2010 Super Bowl
December 22, 2009 4:37 am | News | CommentsMILWAUKEE (AP) — Pepsi's Super Bowl streak is over after a 23-year run. Ads for the drinks won't appear in next year's Super Bowl on CBS. Instead, the company plans to shift ad dollars to a new marketing effort that's mostly online. Pepsi was one of the biggest advertisers in this year's game and has advertised every year since 1987.
EPA, USDA Push Farmers To Use Coal Waste
December 22, 2009 4:35 am | News | CommentsINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The federal government is encouraging farmers to spread a chalky waste from coal-fired power plants on their fields to loosen and fertilize soil even as it considers regulating coal wastes for the first time. The material is produced by power plant "scrubbers" that remove acid rain causing sulfur dioxide from plant emissions.
Giving Your Local Community A Lift This Holiday Season
December 18, 2009 4:05 am | Articles | CommentsThe holiday season already is fast upon us. In light of this festive time of year and the spirit of goodwill, those in the material handling industry can maximize the use of some of the equipment at their disposal—in particular, their forklift(s). Consider these options to leverage the lift trucks in your facility for spreading holiday cheer: 1.
See You In 2010
December 18, 2009 4:03 am | by Krystal Gabert, Associate Editor | Articles | CommentsToday marks the deployment of Today In Food ’s last newsletter of 2009. In August of this year, we launched our daily newsletter, and over the last several months, we’ve enjoyed building relationships with those of you who have subscribed to the magazine, visited the website, followed us on twitter or just heard about us through word-of-mouth.
Cereal For Dinner? Recession Boosts General Mills
December 18, 2009 3:49 am | News | CommentsMILWAUKEE (AP) — Cereal for dinner? It's a tough reality for some cash-strapped people. Rising popularity of cereal among those looking for a cheap meal combined with plunging ingredient costs to boost the second-quarter profit of Cheerios maker General Mills Inc. 50 percent. The maker of Green Giant, Hamburger Helper and Yoplait yogurt also boosted its full-year earnings guidance for the second time in three months following the strong quarter.
Engineer: Manure No Significant Affect On River
December 18, 2009 3:47 am | News | CommentsTULSA, Okla. (AP) — An environmental engineer says using bird manure as a crop fertilizer does not affect the Illinois River or Lake Tenkiller to "any significant extent." John Connolly testified Wednesday on behalf of Arkansas poultry companies being sued by Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson.
Sara Lee To Cut Salt Content
December 18, 2009 3:46 am | News | CommentsDOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (AP) — Sara Lee Corp. said Wednesday it plans to cut the salt in certain products by 20 percent over the next five years, in response to consumer requests for less salt. The products include its fresh bread, hot dogs, lunchmeat, breakfast foods and cooked sausage sold under its Jimmy Dean, Ball Park, Hillshire Farm and Sara Lee brands.
