Food Institute News

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The Food Institute's Article Index has been updated through August 24, 2009! FI Members click here to search for articles that have appeared in the weekly Food Institute Report. Search by company or by subject.

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The Food Institute:

   * Strives to be the best "single source" for current, timely and relevant information about the food industry from "farm to fork."
   * Serves as a trusted source of information, providing balanced coverage of the issues.
   * Delivers information through multiple media so that industry professionals worldwide can tap in when and how they choose.

Industry News

As the economy begins to pull out of the recession, food retailers and wholesalers are showing a greater propensity to spend on technology, according to Supermarket News' annual technology survey. More than half (54.4%) of the respondents plan to increase their IT budgets this year by up to 10%, and 62% overall expect to spend more on IT. That represents an uptick from last year's survey, when about one-third (34%) said their IT budget would grow up to 10%, and 49% overall said it would increase.

International News

Kirin Holdings ended merger talks with Suntory Holdings. However, "Kirin will keep looking for mergers as part of its growth strategy," noted president Kazuyasu Kato, reported Bloomberg.com.

Health News

Individuals who drink two or more sweetened soft drinks a week have a 87% higher risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a University of Minnesota study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, reported Reuters.

Washington News

The Obama administration will introduce legislation that will require schools to offer more nutritious fare. A proposed ban on candy and sugary beverages in schools is expected as well, according to The New York Times on the Web. Vending machines in schools will have to be stocked with healthy offerings, according to excerpts of a speech provided to the Times that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will deliver Feb. 8.

Market News

The Honduran apple market experienced growth over the past three years, increasing its importation of apples from $9.5 million in 2006 to $10.9 million in 2007 and $11.8 million in 2008, noted FAS. The U.S. is the major supplier of apples to Honduras, enjoying a reputation for high quality and having a high level of acceptance. In 2008, the value of U.S. apple exports to Honduras was $7.5 million, with Chile being the second largest exporter of apples to Honduras at a value of $3.5 million.