It's a sign of the times in the volatile food industry: Two big companies are pulling back on their offerings at the giant restaurant trade show coming to Chicago this weekend, while another is abandoning it altogether.
Among them are two of the nation's largest chicken producers, which have been battered by soaring commodity costs.
Among them are two of the nation's largest chicken producers, which have been battered by soaring commodity costs.
Meanwhile, McCain Foods Ltd. abruptly pulled out of the show, though it's not clear whether its exit was connected to tough times in the restaurant business. The company didn't respond to requests for comment.
The restaurant industry is in one of its worst slumps in 30 years as a weakening economy has prompted consumers to cut back on dining out.
