Research from Northern America

September 27, 2007

Conagra announces dividend increase and share repurchase

Today the board of directors of ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE:CAG) announced two items related to the company's capital allocation program: The quarterly dividend has been raised to $0.19 per common share. This new rate will start with the Dec. 3, 2007...

September 21, 2007

Dr. Alexander Pavlista elected president of PAA

Dr. Alexander Pavlista of Scottsbluff was elected president of the Potato Association of America in August, during the organization's annual meeting at Idaho Falls, Idaho. The association has more than 700 members, including scientists in university, ...

September 20, 2007

ConAgra Foods reports stronger prices and volumes for Lamb Weston Potato Specialties operations

ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE:CAG) one of North America’s leading packaged food companies, today reported results for the fiscal 2008 first quarter ended Aug. 26, 2007. Diluted EPS from continuing operations was $0.36, including net $0.02 per diluted sha...

September 19, 2007

United Potato Growers asks Idaho farmers to withhold potato shipments

United Potato Growers of America issued an open letter asking farmers in Idaho to withhold some potato shipments to help shore up potato prices and prevent a shortage later this year. A hot growing season meant farmers dug up fewer potatoes compared...

September 17, 2007

ALL CANDY EXPO(R) Forecasts Upcoming Confectionery and Snack Trends

At the annual ALL CANDY EXPO, starting today, confectionery and snack-food industry leaders, distributors and retailersreveal the new trends that will drive sales for 2007 and 2008. The largest confectionery show in North America now adds savory snacks...

September 14, 2007

ConAgra buys Prosser plant

ConAgra Foods, an Omaha, Neb.-based food processing company, has an agreement to purchase the Prosser facility from Stanwood, Wash.-based Twin City Foods. The purchase is scheduled to close in the next 30 days, and does not include the facility in El...

September 12, 2007

Idaho Potato Commission announced new marketing plans

The Idaho Potato Commission announced initiatives for its 2007-08 season that include the release of two new commercials with spokesperson Denise Austin and the launch of a major cable television commercial campaign expected to make over a billion con...

September 01, 2007

Kroger recalls some potato salad on E. coli concerns

Supermarket operator Kroger Co. said it recalled Kroger brand Mustard and Southern-Style potato salad with a "best if used by"date of Sept. 5 from sale in its stores because it may contain E. coli O157:H7. To date, no illnesses have been repo...

August 31, 2007

After being largely ignored, root vegetables making a comeback

Root vegetables seem to be coming out of a long hiatus and anyone who has tasted roasted roots like parsnips, beets, carrots and rutubaga will no doubt cheer. "When I was growing up, before we got all this imported produce coming into the countr...

August 24, 2007

Fat remains major baddie for healthy eaters, says Datamonitor

Reducing fat intake continues to be the main priority of consumers looking to improve their diets, according to a new report from market analyst Datamonitor.The new report, Moderation and Avoidance Trends in Food and Drinks: Implications for 'Better-Fo...

August 23, 2007

National Starch is set to be sold

Leading food starch firm National Starch could be up for a change in ownership, following news of a possible takeover of its parent company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI).Great Britain-based ICI, which is active in the coatings, adhesives, starch ...

August 22, 2007

ADM streamlines Merchandising, Marketing

Agricultural processor Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) said Wednesday that it has offered buyouts to about 40 managers as it reorganizes its operations. Most are members of upper management. The Decatur-based company is creating a single operations gr...

August 22, 2007

Cargill Reports Earnings Up Sharply in 4th Quarter

Cargill said Tuesday its fourth-quarter earnings rose sharply on strong results in its financial and ingredient sectors and lower tax bill.Cargill earned $628 million during the quarter ending May 31, up 75 percent from $358 million earned a year ago.

August 15, 2007

Heinz Chairman Details Successes and Growth Strategies at Annual Shareholders Meeting

At today's annual shareholders meeting of the H. J. Heinz Company (NYSE:HNZ - News), Heinz Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer William R. Johnson called Fiscal 2007 an "excellent year with strong operating and financial results across ...

August 09, 2007

American Frozen Food Institute joins 'Coalition for a stronger FDA'

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) today announced it has joined the Coalition for a Stronger FDA in its efforts to build public support and increase much-needed funding for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Coalition for a Strong...

August 07, 2007

Study says ads trick children's taste buds

Anything made by McDonald's tastes better, preschoolers said in a study that powerfully demonstrates how advertising can trick the taste buds of young children. The study had youngsters sample identical McDonald's foods in name-brand and unmarked wrapp...

August 04, 2007

P&G profit jumps 19 percent;stock buyback accelerated

Procter &Gamble Co., boosted by strong sales of new Gillette shavers and by new products in longtime brands such as Tide and Crest, reported profits for its fourth quarter and the full year each rose 19 percent. P&G also announced plans to step...

July 26, 2007

RD Offutt, United II Potato Growers of Idaho and Idahoan Foods join forces

RD Offutt Company and United II Potato Growers of Idaho, Inc. announce the formation of North American Foods, LLC. The new company, resulting from the contribution of certain assets of the companies unites the industry’s top talent from field to shelf...