Specialty Food News

Some 48% of consumers are spending money saved on gas on groceries, according to a survey by analytics firm Precima. When asked about the factors that drive their choice of grocery stores, 76% stated fresh produce, 72% reported meat and seafood and 71% noted dairy. Full Story
Time named the top ten food trends of 2008, including recession dining, the Clover coffee maker, caffeinated foods, goat and the local food backlash. Full Story

	For Immediate Release: News from the Specialty Food Trade
	The Denver Post profiled Udi's Granola, an NASFT member in its fourth year of business offering all-natural granola, which is now available in WalMart and on Frontier Airlines. Full Story

The Daily Breeze makes "a seasonal toast to the nation's food industry," touting the effectiveness of the U.S. food industry from farm to fork. Full Story
Some 85% to 90% of CT-based Bridgewater Chocolate's sales come from corporate and global mail orders, with only 5% to 10% coming from local sales, noted the News-Times. The business garnered increased attention when it was featured on the Food Network a little over six years ago. Full Story
The New York Times on the Web profiles the food options at seven U.S. airports. The Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport, for example, has three Texas-style barbeque joints and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson boasts restaurants serving Southern cuisine. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

	For Immediate Release: News from the Specialty Food Trade
	Norseland, Inc. announces the passing of Dorthe J. Schechter, marketing manager for Norseland partner brands, who died in November ending a two-year battle with breast cancer. Full Release

Dom Perignon and sparkling wine preservation company Perlage Systems partnered to create a Champagne preservation system to keep opened bottles fresher for a longer duration of time. Full Story
Wichita, KS-based Nifty Nut House began selling its 1,000-plus products online at niftynuthouse.com. Owner Steve Jahn claims 90% of website visitors made a purchase since its debut Dec. 2, reported The Witchita Eagle. Full Story (Free Registration Required)
The Star-Ledger released its 2008 Top Ten Restaurants of the Year list. One example is Blueplate in Mullica Hill, NJ, which is known for both its breakfast and dinner menus. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

	For Immediate Release: News from the Specialty Food Trade
	Bay Beyond Inc., Melfa, Va., introduces a new line of Inner Ocean Seaweed Soaps. Full Release

Zare at Fly Trap is profiled by The San Francisco Chronicle. The menu uses strong flavors with a Middle Eastern twist with dishes like lamb shank, celery Victor and spiced ground meat for famed Meatball Mondays. Full Story (Free Registration Required)
Trian Fund Management reported a 7.18% stake in Dr Pepper Snapple Group, claiming the beverage company's shares were undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity. Trian, controlled by activist investor Nelson Pellet, stated in an SEC filing that it met with the board and management of Dr Pepper Snapple and relayed to them that investors see it as more of a beverage batter than a branded beverage company, according to Reuters. Full Story
Kraft launched the iFood Assistant App for iPhone and iPod touch users. It allows users to search recipes, compile shopping lists and locate nearby grocery stores. Full Story

Nigeria's foodservice sector, consisting of hotels, restaurants and institutional contracts, was valued at $3 billion in 2007, according to FAS. The largest and fastest growing segment is quick service restaurants. U.S. products with best market prospects include potato chips, sauces, seasonings, pastry mixes, seafood, canned food, wine and ice cream. FAS Report
Health named the top 10 health and weight-loss stories of 2008, including low-carb vs. low-fat and food diaries. Full Story
New Store News: Chipotle Mexican Grill opened a new facility in Santa Ana, CA, reported The Orange County Register. Full Story ... Smart & Final Inc. will open two Smart & Final Extra stores in the Sacramento region in the first half of next year, reported The Sacramento Business Journal. Full Story (Free Registration Required)