Tasty Tidbits

• Walgreen, under financial pressure after its merger with Rite-Aid, had good news in March as electronic prescriptions were up 211% over the same period last year. The increase is part of a 40MM electronic prescription blizzard the company anticipates this year. Retailers see the switch to electronic scripts as a crucial component of future growth.

• Among the recipients of the National Restaurant Association’s Kitchen Innovation Awards is Hobart’s Bluetooth-enabled “Combi Oven with Barcode Scanner” that automatically controls the cooking program with a wireless recipe exchange capability.

• Campbell Soup Co. has fueled speculation about the growth of artisan breads with its purchase of East Brunswick, NJ-based Ecce Panis. While artisan breads are a niche in the baking industry, this move could signal a shift to mainstream distribution. Other companies currently pushing artisanal breads include Nestle.

• Soluble fiber can now be added to beef and other meats. Marketed under the name LuraLean, the product is made from glucomannan which comes from the roots of the konjac plant. The fiber has already been successfully marketed for weight loss beverages and supplements due to its ability to absorb water and form a gel in the gut, increasing the sensation of being full. The company also claims the product will lengthen shelf life of meats because of its water-absorbing quality.

• With untold millions of bees dying off around the US for as-yet unknown causes, one potential culprit has been identified: mites. Mite-resistant bees will be introduced this Spring into the White House garden to pollinate its tress and shrubs.

• Despite the salmonella scare, peanut butter sales increased 5.6% in March over this time last year according to the National Peanut Board (yes, Virginia, there IS a National Peanut Board).

• According to a list of top 50 brewing companies by The Brewers Association, the top three craft breweries were Boston Beer Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and New Belgium Brewing Co., while the top three overall were Anheuser-Busch InBev, MillerCoors Brewing Co. and Pabst Brewing Co.

• Naked Juice is collaborating with the Rainforest Alliance, an international nonprofit organization that aims to ensure sustainable livelihoods for people while protecting wildlife and the environment. The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal will be placed on Naked Juice products containing bananas, which are found in 80% of the company's products.

• Dave & Buster’s, Inc. reported revenues decreased 7.2% to $134.9 million in the 4th quarter of 2008, compared to $145.4 million the same time in 2007. The decline was due to a 10.2% decrease in comparable store sales, a decline partially offset by additional sales at non-comparable stores, including three opened in fiscal 2008. Food and Beverage revenues decreased 9.2% while revenues from Amusements and Other decreased 4.7%.

• Dunkin’ Donuts will focus growth on larger airport hotels, resorts and vacation destinations in the East, Midwest and Southwest U.S. New footprints will include kiosks and self-serve hot coffee stations in addition to full retail stores. The brand’s first hotel restaurant opened recently in Concord, NC.

Excerpted from BSLG's weekly subscription news reader service Food Business News. To subscribe or for information about licensing, contact Broad Street Licensing Group (tel. 973-655-0598)