Specialty Food News

Sea2O, which sells organic energy drinks, might see its sales grow more than sevenfold through new contracts with international distributors and Costco. Costco.com will begin selling the Sea2O drinks next month, and the company's officials hope Costco's stores will take the product, too, after a limited run sold out last year, reported The Seattle Times. Full Story

In addition to a renewed focus on cost-cutting, Safeway plans to continue launching innovative programs to help drive top-line growth in the face of a weakening economy such as a take out entree program that recently saw success in a 10-store pilot, and an expansion of Safeway wellness initiatives, reported Progressive Grocer. Full Story

Small artisnal dairies are gaining in popularity for more than just cheese, providing customers with foods like creme fraiche, buttermilk, ice cream and puddings. The New York Times On The Web lauds a number of these small businesses, including Pike Place Market Creamery, Seattle, WA; Blue Ridge Dairy, Leesburg, VA; and Evans Farmhouse Creamery, Norwich, NY. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

For Immediate Release: News from the Specialty Food Trade

Simpson & Vail, Inc., introduces Yoga Teas, a complete line of caffeine-free herbal teas designed to meet the desires of yoga students for more holistic methods with which to treat their bodies. Full Release

Surplus grocers that sell closeout products, such as SharpShopper, will likely benefit from more cost conscious consumers, noted The Wall Street Journal. Another such chain, Amelia's, with 11 stores in eastern Pennsylvania, saw its sales jump 17% last year from a year earlier and expects same-store sales to climb 13% this year. Minneapolis-based So Low Grocery Outlet also saw its sales jump 30% last year, while Grocery Outlet Inc., which has 131 surplus stores in the western U.S., said it has seen a steady increase in same-store sales since last fall. Full Story (WSJ Subscription Required)

Culinary Concepts by Jean-Georges will open three new Spice Market restaurants within Starwood Hotels around the world. Full Story

Tea is enjoying a revival as a seasoning, tenderizer, rub and marinade for a variety of dishes, from green beans to cakes. Tea sales last year topped $6.2 billion, more than quadruple their level in the early 1990s, according to the Tea Council of the USA, reported The Arizona Republic. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Herbal sweet firm Ricola will focus on the UK, as it is the second largest sugar confectionery market in Europe, according to the company's UK and Ireland manager. Although Ricola is the second largest sugar confectionery brand in Europe, with a 3.7% market share, the UK is currently only the twelfth-largest market for the company in terms of sales, according to AC Nielson, reported Food Production Daily. Full Story

D&W Fresh Market introduced new private-label specialty coffees from its wholesaler, Spartan Stores. Marketed under the Spartan brand, the line includes nine flavored and 11 gourmet blends, including Hazelnut, Vanilla Nut, Caramel Créme and Chocolate Raspberry, reported Supermarket News. Full Story

Anheuser-Busch Cos. will boost its total media spending by 10% this year and the company plans to raise its spending on digital media more than 55%, reported STLtoday.com. Full Story

Dunkin Donuts will open 14 outlets in North Carolina in Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro; the first will open in Durham in March. Six will open in 2008 and the rest will open within five years. Full Story

7-Eleven, Inc. introduced Slurpuccino, a coffee-flavored Slurpee, which is not a milk-based product, but is caffeinated. Full Story

Cutting salty snacks is key to childhood weight loss, according to a study in the American Heart Association journal. Salt is "a hidden factor in the obesity epidemic," stated Graham MacGregor, a co-author of the study by researchers at St. George's University of London. Full Story

NEW STORE NEWS: A Cheesecake Factory restaurant is slated to open in Walnut Creek, CA, reported The Contra Costa Times. Full Story (Free Registration Required) ...

Schnucks Market Inc. will open grocery store in downtown St. Louis in late 2008 or early 2009, reported STLtoday.com. Full Story