Specialty Food News

Consumers are expected to spend a total of $14.4 billion on Easter food, apparel, gifts, flowers, decorations and candy, according to the National Retail Federation's 2008 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch. The average consumer will spend $135.03 on the holiday, with the majority of consumers spending the most on meals at $41.09 on average. Full Story

The Los Angeles Times profiles Dan Kim the North America president and chief executive of Red Mango, a frozen-yogurt chain founded in South Korea. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Global confectionery sales will increase as a result of healthier eating patterns and strong economic growth, in both developing and developed markets, to $159.6 billion by 2010, according to a report by Global Industry Analysts. The market will average compound annual growth of 3.95%, due to products such as sugarless sweets and functional chocolate, reported Food Production Daily. Full Story

Tropical Traditions added Organic Raw Coconut Water Vinegar to their product line. It is believed to be the first product of its kind introduced to the US market, as vinegar made from the water inside of coconuts is a cottage industry in the Philippines, and not a commercial one. Full Story

For Immediate Release: News from the Specialty Food Trade

Harrisons & Crosfield USA LLC, Chatham, N.J., has expanded its range of English teas to include organic tea in boxes. Full Release

Bel Air, MD-based McShane's gourmet shop will donate 15% of its receipts this week in support of Harford County nonprofits, reported The Baltimore Sun. Full Story

Publix Super Markets will likely build a new distribution center in Orlando instead of Punta Gorda because Orlando's central location would be more efficient as a distribution site. Publix originally planned to build a 600,000-sq. ft. distribution center on 87 acres in Punta Gorda, noted The Lakeland Ledger. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

For Immediate Release: News from the Specialty Food Trade

Charleston Cookie Company, Charleston, S.C., has been honored with a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award. Full Release

The Irish whiskey category is growing globally, with U.S. Irish whiskey sales growing 20% in 2007 alone. In addition to its increasing appeal to 25 to 35-year-olds, Irish whiskey is also becoming more of a year-round drink, reported AZCentral.com. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Lance, Inc. acquired privately held Brent & Sam's, Inc., a producer of branded and private label premium gourmet cookies. Full Story

Crain's Detroit Business profiles King Coffee Tea Services and Mokarabia USA, which began distributing Mokarabia coffee in 2005 through a 50-50 joint venture with China Mist Tea Co. Last year, U.S. sales of Mokarabia exceeded $1.2 million, and this year sales are expected to exceed $2.5 million. Full Story (Free Registration Required)

Lifeway Foods, Inc. introduced a line of probiotic Kefir Wellness snack bars, to be available in three flavors, Chocolate, Sweet and Salty, and Pomegranate. Full Story

Nutritious Living debuted three new cereal products under its Natural Living line. These cereals target specific high-demand nutritional attributes, and comes in Antioxidant Indulgence, Artisan Inspiration, and Omega-3 Harmony flavors. Full Story

NEW STORE NEWS: Planet Organic Market opened a new 13,400-sq. ft. store in Vaughan, Ontario. Full Story ...

Roundy's Supermarkets Inc. will open a location in Minneapolis, MN, reported The Business Journal of Milwaukee. Full Story (Free Registration Required)