News on Food Trends from the United States

January 24, 2011

FDA expects to issue menu-labeling proposal for restaurant chains by March 23, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration indicated Jan. 21 that it will officially withdraw Aug. 25, 2010, "draft guidance"for restaurants on how to follow new federal menu-labeling rules.

January 22, 2011

What high food prices mean for business

High food prices are good for farmers. Low food prices are good for consumers. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), food prices last month surpassed their previous high in 2008.

January 21, 2011

McCain Foods USA joins efforts to increase availability of Healthy School Meals

A new multi-industry voluntary agreement announced today by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation brings together leading food manufacturers, group purchasing organizations and technology companies to help America’s schools serve healthier meals at more affordable prices.

January 21, 2011

Joe Sowokinos wins NPC Meritorious Service Award

Joe Sowokinos winning the prestigious National Potato Council (NPC) Meritorious Service Award marked the second straight year the East Grand Forks, Minnesota USDA Potato Research Lab has produced a winner for this award!

January 21, 2011

Lamb Weston sweet potato factory earns LEED platinum certification

ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston's Delhi, La., processing facility received its official Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED(R)) Platinum certification today, awarded by the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

January 20, 2011

Wendy's/Arby's Group may sell Arby's

Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc. (NYSE: WEN), the third-largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, today announced it is exploring strategic alternatives for Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc., including a sale of the brand.

January 20, 2011

Analysts: Arby's could fetch $300M-plus

Arby’s, the 3,700-unit chain that is under strategic review by parent company Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Inc., may fetch a price tag of more than $300 million, according to a few securities analysts who cover the company.

Michelle Obama at Walmart healthier foods announcement

January 20, 2011

Walmart Launches Major Initiative to Make Food Healthier and Healthier Foods More Affordable

At an event today in Washington, D.C., Walmart, the nation’s largest grocer, unveiled a comprehensive effort to provide its customers with healthier and more affordable food choices. The company was joined by First Lady Michelle Obama as it outlined t...

Michelle Obama haciendo el anuncio en las instalaciones de Walmart

January 20, 2011

Wal-Mart lanza iniciativa de gran envergadura para que los alimentos saludables sean más asequibles

En un acto celebrado en la ciudad Washington D.C., Wal-Mart, la mayor tienda de comestibles de la nación, dio a conocer la campaña a través de la cual ofrecerá a sus clientes alimentos saludables en forma más asequible. Esta compañía se unió a la de l...

January 20, 2011

Private label gets a quality reputation, causing consumers to change their buying habits

Private label companies continue to introduce better-for-you products and more attractive packaging, all while being easier on consumers’ pockets. Their efforts seem to be working, since recent Mintel research found that 44% of grocery shoppers believe store brand products are of better quality today than they were five years ago.

recalled barrel of fun salt and vinegar potato chips

January 19, 2011

Barrel O’ Fun Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Protein in Valu Time Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips

Barrel O’ Fun Snack Foods Co. of Perham, MN is recalling 'Valu Time Salt &Vinegar Potato Chips”, 5 oz., UPC Code 11225-03388 as the product contains undeclared milk protein.

January 18, 2011

Yum to sell Long John Silver's, A&W

um! Brands Inc. said Tuesday it planned to sell Long John Silver’s and A&W All-American Food in order to focus on its three larger quick-service brands.

January 17, 2011

Now the shopping cart belongs to Daddy. [Goodbye Linda?]

Mom is losing ground to Dad in the grocery aisle, with more than half of men now supposedly believing they control the shopping cart.

January 15, 2011

Restaurant Industry Outlook 2011 (NRN Survey)

January 13, 2011

National Potato Council: New Proposed School Meals Guidelines Could be a Step Backward

The potato industry firmly believes that the health of our nation's children is a top priority and applauds efforts to improve children's nutrition.

January 13, 2011

20 potatoes a day followed up with Potato Recipies

His mono-food 20 Potatoes a Day Diet successfully behind him, Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, is turning to potato recipes he wished he could have eaten during his two-month regimen.

January 12, 2011

Four Key Opportunities for increasing Retail Potato Sales

As the United Stats potato marketing organization, one of the key areas where the USPB invests our growers’ contributions are in better understanding consumers, shoppers and the retail shopping environment. Drawing on insights and implications gleaned ...

January 12, 2011

Crop prices leap after US cuts supply hopes

Crop prices jumped, taking corn and soybeans to two-year highs in Chicago, after a barrage of data from US officials signalled further tightness in farm commodities