Recent Outbreak Prompts Renewed Commitment to Safety
On December 13, PMA President Bryan Silbermann issued a statement about the recent disease outbreak affecting Taco Bell. It read in part: "The farmers and shippers of lettuce products recognize that their livelihood depends on their ability to provide consumers with safe, healthy, and flavorful eating experiences — each bite, every time. Our thoughts are with the consumers and their families affected by the recent outbreak. Even though the industry has always put the health and safety of the public first, it's clear we must do even more. With that in mind, we are focused on redoubling our efforts to enhance our food safety systems. Most recently, the industry has revised existing standards and, in addition, developed new standards to ensure our practices are founded on the latest science. These specific and measurable best practices are being developed by industry research scientists, academia, and regulatory agencies working together cooperatively. The industry is committed to continually revising recommendations whenever new scientific information indicates opportunities for enhancing the safety of nutritious fruits and vegetables and to protect public health. We will do whatever it takes to ensure the most effective food safety measures possible, up to and including regulatory solutions aimed at enhancing produce safety. Consumers deserve no less." For the complete statement and other resources on this outbreak, see www.pma.com/TacoBell.
California Growers Propose Safety Seal
Consumers buying California-grown lettuce and spinach would be able to check for a safety seal of approval under an industry-backed proposal formulated in the wake of recent E. coli outbreaks. A draft of the proposal was sent this week to lettuce shippers and packers. The plan was designed by the Western Growers Association and other trade groups, with the California Department of Food and Agriculture taking an advisory role. A second, mandatory program is being developed by the industry for lettuce and spinach growers, industry representatives say. The grower-shipper program would be paid for by charging participants up to 5 cents per carton of produce, according to the draft plan. A "certification mark," or label, would be affixed to the produce to show that it was handled, shipped, and sold using industry-developed best practices which are still under development. Rules could include water and soil testing and increased washing of produce, all verified by periodic visits from state, federal, and county inspectors. The packer-shipper program requires approval by a substantial percentage of the companies in the state's packing and shipping industry. Though the draft of the plan describes a voluntary program, industry representatives say that, in effect, companies will be forced to participate to satisfy consumers who are demanding peace of mind. "We feel that through market pressures, it will automatically become mandatory," said a spokesperson for the California Farm Bureau Federation.
Leadership Symposium to Show Ways to "Think Outside the Box"
PMA's 2007 Leadership Symposium, to be held January 18-20 in Dallas, Texas, will provide attendees with an opportunity to break away from the daily grind and think outside the box to address critical business topics. Steve Farber, president of Extreme Leadership, Inc., will focus on the idea of leaders transforming business by going to extremes. Successful businesswoman Roxanne Emmerich will explain how to use change as a way to double or triple sales and profits. Stan Slap, president of an international consulting company, will share his insight about the impact of emotional commitment. Well-known life coach Keith Harrell will discuss the relationship between positive attitude and success. Dr. Ed McLaughlin, Director of Undergraduate Business and Food Industry Management Programs at Cornell University, will examine why retailers seem to have all the power despite suppliers' greater financial returns. Registration is limited to the first 100 paid registrants and is confirmed on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information or to register, visit www.pma.com/leadership.
Sandwich Market Worth $121 Billion in 2005
Americans' fondness for sandwiches resulted in a market worth more than $121 billion in 2005, according to "Sandwiches in the U.S.: Foodservice and Retail Market and Trends," a report from Packaged Facts. The company forecasts that the market for prepared sandwiches will keep growing exponentially, attributable in part to the runaway popularity of sandwich chains such as Quizno's and Subway, which boast a wide range of offerings. Channels such as retail outlets, warehouse clubs, and convenience stores have also capitalized on the trend: sandwiches account for 25% of total U.S. foodservice sales. The report examines the current and future market, detailing the role of sandwiches in retail, commercial, and noncommercial foodservice outlets and identifying trends driving sales and sandwich innovation.
PMA Headline News Debuts in January
Starting January 1, 2007, PMA will offer members a first-of-its-kind benefit. "PMA Headline News" is a fast, easy-to-use online news center that will enable members to select from a range of information categories that best meets their business needs. As news is reported across the globe, PMA will electronically capture and categorize the information. The categories include consumer news, floral, food safety and security, global business, packaging/fresh-cut, technology and standards, transportation, and more. Members will receive e-mail messages alerting them when new content is available in their areas of interest. Because it is electronically-based, PMA Headline News will provide even more information and in a more timely manner than was previously possible with Freshline–This Week in Produce newsletter. As a result, those currently receiving Freshline via fax or mail will need to provide a valid e-mail address in order to receive news from PMA. Those receiving Freshline in Spanish will receive a similar service with Spanish news articles, as well as a separate section on the PMA Headline News site called "Noticias en espaņol." If you have questions or need to provide your e-mail address in order to take advantage of this state-of-the-art offering, please contact PMA's Solution Center at +1 (302) 738-7100 or solutionctr@pma.com.
Increased Restaurant Industry Sales Predicted in 2007
Restaurant industry sales are expected to reach a record $537 billion in the U.S. in 2007—a solid 5.0% increase over 2006 sales — according to the National Restaurant Association's 2007 Restaurant Industry Forecast. The report also reveals consumer and menu trends, including:
- "Hot" items include pomegranates, figs, fresh herbs, and exotic mushrooms.
- Organic items are growing in popularity across the board at tableservice restaurants. Locally produced food items are also growing in popularity.
- 46% of Americans say they are likely to use customer-activated ordering and payment terminals if available in their favorite tableservice restaurant. About half of all adults #&8212; and roughly two-thirds of those aged 18 to 34 #&8212; say they would use a self-serve order and payment terminal at a quickservice restaurant if it was available.
- 36% of adults say they are eating on-the-go less frequently now than they did two years ago. In addition, 48% say they eat in their car less frequently.
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