EIN Presswire: Food Industry Live Feed Press Releases

Fagerhult Light Hygena Stores With Xicato Spot Module

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:32:00 +0000

Hygena, owned by the kitchen group Nobia, is one of the best-known kitchen brands in France. Complete kitchen solutions are offered from about 127 wholly owned stores. All shops are between 100 and 600 m2, and include exhibition, shop and office area.

Hygena wanted to refurbish their shops at the end of 2011 and a part of this was to change the lighting. Fagerhult was contacted to replace existing LED luminaires where color and glare were issues.

The LED module selected by Fagerhult for this task was the 1300lm Xicato Spot Module, with a Correlated Color Temperature of 3000K and a Color Rendering Index of 80+. It was selected for its all-round performance including energy saving, perfect uniformity and sustained light quality (in terms of color point and lumen maintenance), all achieved via the foundation 'Corrected Cold Phosphor Technology™.' Xicato LED modules have seen vastly increasing usage since their launch in 2008, including by Fagerhult in such areas as retail, offices and museums, though globally retail uptake has been most prevalent.

Fagerhult designed an optimized lighting solution with downlighters and pendants which resulted in about half the number of luminaires previously used, yet giving 30% more light.

"Fagerhult developed a new solution for us that gave more and better light, cost less in investment and less in running costs," says Per Kaufmann Head of Continental European Retail at Nobia. "A total LED solution for a future-proof light," summarized Delphine Rousset, Retail Lighting Solutions, Fagerhult.

Luminaires: project versions of Fagerhult's Noc 1300 lumen, developed specifically for Hygena, incorporating Xicato's XSM 1300
Roll out: total of 117 Hygena shops in France

Xicato

Xicato is passionate about light. Light has an emotional effect on people and a direct impact on business profitability. It ultimately influences everything in our lives. Xicato is a recognized leader in creating LED modules that provide superior aesthetics, economics and durability. Xicato aspires to be the trusted partner of the global lighting design community and luminaire manufacturers.

For an overview of our customers' luminaires visit http://www.xicato.com.

For the best in lighting design, Xicato recommends a qualified lighting designer from the Professional Lighting Design Association (PLDA) or the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

For more information on Xicato contact:
Europe:
Roger Sexton
+44 7525715497 (EU)
Email Contact

Japan:
Noboru Kaito
+81 50 5534 3168 (Japan)
Email Contact

North America:
Ron Steen
+1 847 525 5048 (US)
Email Contact

San Jose Office: +1 866 223 8395 (US)

For press images contact
Jane Kingsley
JKS Communications
Email - Email Contact
www.xicato.com

Images by Sanna Fisher-Payne

Want A Free Sandwich From Dickey's Barbecue Pit In San Jose?

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Want A Free Sandwich From Dickey's Barbecue Pit In San Jose?

Dickey's Barbecue Pit in San Jose will celebrate its First Day of Business on Thursday, February 9th

PR Newswire

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jimmy Lu of Dickey's Barbecue Pit is celebrating his first day open in San Jose on Thursday, February 9th by giving the first 100 people a free pulled pork big barbecue sandwich.

"I can't wait to swing open my doors," said local franchise owner Jimmy Lu. "This will be my second store and I am extremely excited to serve San Jose authentic barbecue." Lu also owns and operates the Dickey's in Fremont.

This new store is located at 5391 Prospect Road. The hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The store phone number is 408-725-1619.

People are encouraged to check out this Dickey's facebook page at http://on.fb.me/x6jvMb. Lu will be choosing one of the facebook fans on February 19th; the winner will receive a voucher for free barbecue for one month valid only at this Dickey's location.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit opened its first location in Dallas in 1941. Dickey's began franchising in 1994 and has continued to grow across the country. Dickey's currently has more than 200 locations in 36 states nationwide.

Dickey's Barbecue offers a quality selection of signature meats, home style sides and tangy barbecue sauce. All meats are slow smoked on-site in each restaurant. Kids eat free every day at all participating Dickey's locations until February 29th. For more information, including a full menu, other restaurant locations and franchising opportunities, please visit www.dickeys.com.

About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants

Founded in 1941, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants began in Dallas, Texas. More than 70 years later, Dickey's is now the leader of fast-casual barbecue in the country. Beginning with an aggressive growth strategy and proven business model, and since implementing its proprietary five revenue streams for business growth, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants can now be found in 36 states and more than 200 locations nationwide. For more information on partnering with Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants in any location, call (866) 340-6188 or visit www.dickeys.com. Also visit our corporate Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dickeysbarbecuepit. Dickey's: Passionate about the Art of Great Barbecue.

Media Contact:
Kate Morganelli
972.248.9899
kmorganelli@dickeys.com

SOURCE Dickey's Barbecue

Flowers, Champagne and Discounts: 55% of Brits Plan to Enjoy Special Dining Offers This Valentines Day

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:01:00 +0000

Flowers, Champagne and Discounts: 55% of Brits Plan to Enjoy Special Dining Offers This Valentines Day

PR Newswire

LONDON, February 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

- TOPTABLE REVEALS MEN LEAVE IT TO THEIR PARTNERS AS ONLY 18% MAKE RESERVATIONS FOR 14TH FEBRUARY -

A survey released today by toptable, reveals that savvy Brits plan to spend more this Valentine's Day but also want to get more value for their money with over 55% planning to take advantage of special offers ahead of their romantic dates.

The poll conducted by the UK's leading online restaurant booking site found that in spite of the current economic climate, one third of Brits planned to spend more eating out this Valentine's Day than they did last year, with most planning to spend more than GBP75 to impress their date.

However, British diners are also becoming savvier wanting more value for money. The survey revealed that over half (55%) of Britons were planning to take advantage of special offers to treat their date to more.

Women in charge of booking this year

When it comes to making Valentine's Day dinner reservations this year, it is British women who are wearing the trousers. No longer prepared to wait for their partner to book, nearly two thirds of the women (60%) stated they would be making the booking. This compares to just 18% of women who said their man was in charge, with the remainder stating it was a joint decision.

The rise of the 'mate date'

Although Britons seem to be getting less romantic, singles are keen to get in on the action with over one in three of those surveyed planning to go on 'mate dates' and make dinner reservations to dine with more than one other. Of those surveyed, only 25% said that if they can't dine out with a partner they would rather stay at home.

Lucy Taylor, head of restaurant dining at toptable said: "It is great to see that Britons are using both their hearts and their heads this year and aren't being a fool for love, taking advantage of special offers such as free glasses of champagne to accompany meals or money off set courses. By doing so, it means that couples can really enjoy more from their dining experience, maybe even visit places they wouldn't be able to normally. On toptable, you are able to see special offers available at restaurants of your choice and can even search by restaurant offers only which will pull out all the offers available in your chosen location, arguably a great way to enjoy more this Valentine's Day."

For more information on toptable, please visit http://www.toptable.com

*Findings based on a sample size of 1,074 British diners, research conducted by toptable running a poll on their website. Online fieldwork took place between 23rd January and the 26st January 2012.

About toptable
More than 12 million diners have been seated via toptable, making it the leading consumer destination for restaurant reservations in the UK. toptable.com provides a free and easy-to-use service, allowing diners to browse and book at more than 3,000 restaurants across the UK. More than 200,000 diners are seated at restaurants each month through reservations booked via toptable.com. toptable is owned and operated by OpenTable, Inc.

OpenTable, OpenTable.com, OpenTable logos, toptable and other
service names are the trademarks of OpenTable, Inc. and/or its affiliates

Giovanni Food Company Goes Green With Renewable Energy Certificates From Constellation Energy and Joins Green-e Marketplace

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:42:16 +0000

Giovanni Food Company Goes Green With Renewable Energy Certificates From Constellation Energy and Joins Green-e Marketplace

PR Newswire

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Giovanni Food Company of Syracuse, NY has recently partnered with the Green-e Marketplace. The company's purchase of Green-e® certified renewable energy certificates sourced from domestic wind generation qualifies it for the program. By participating in Green-e Marketplace, Giovanni Foods can now display the Green-e logo to inform its customers of its commitment to clean, renewable energy.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/NY49537)

Giovanni Food Company will promote the Green-e logo on their newest premium brand of pasta sauce, Greenview Kitchen. This new brand consists of four all-natural pasta sauces and three organic pasta sauces. The products are all-natural, gluten free, Kosher Pareve, and have a unique package with a great taste. The organic sauces are certified organic by QAI and contain all non-GMO ingredients.

Giovanni Food Company, Inc. will be matching 1440 MWh of electricity usage with Renewable Energy Certificates. The RECs are supplied by Constellation Energy and they are Green-e Energy Certified and sourced from wind energy facilities located throughout the United States. Throughout the term of the contract, 60% of the electricity Giovanni Foods uses at their manufacturing facility will be matched with RECs. Each REC represents the positive environmental attributes of 1 megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity generated by a renewable power plant, and is retired on behalf of customers wishing to promote their environmental commitment. Through the purchase of RECs, Giovanni Foods and Constellation Energy are supporting the operation and development of facilities that generate clean, renewable energy.

"We are proud to take this next step towards helping the environment and believe this will be a key selling point for our newest offering, Greenview Kitchen," said Louis DeMent, CEO of Giovanni Food Company. "We take pride in doing what we can to help reduce pollution and have an overall positive impact on the environment. This is a core value of our company and a more sustainable future is what drove us to take on this initiative. Our hope is that this product will appeal to those who share this vision with us."

About Green-e Marketplace and Center for Resource Solutions

Green-e Marketplace (www.green-e.org) provides forward-thinking organizations with a simple, nationally recognized logo they can use to communicate their commitment to renewable energy to their customers and shareholders. The Green-e logo is the nation's leading symbol of renewable energy excellence and distinguishes Green-e Marketplace participants as environmental leaders. Green-e is a program of Center for Resource Solutions, a nonprofit that creates policy and market solutions to advance sustainable energy.

About Giovanni Food Company, Inc.

The Giovanni Food Company (www.giovannifoods.com) has been in business for over 70 years and with increasing sales, further growth is in their future. They have developed several products from traditional to gourmet, and even organic. Customers can find Giovanni products in grocery and specialty stores across the United States. Giovanni Food Company has become recognized as a leading private label manufacturer of tomato based products and they are also the largest manufacturer of spaghetti sauce for the USDA Food For Kids Program and the Needy Families Program.

SOURCE Giovanni Food Company, Inc.

Come to Dickey's Barbecue in Petal This Friday to Celebrate and Eat

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Come to Dickey's Barbecue in Petal This Friday to Celebrate and Eat

Come eat $1 pulled pork big barbecue sandwiches and enter into a drawing to win free barbecue for a year

PR Newswire

PETAL, Miss., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dickey's Barbecue Pit will be celebrating its grand opening this Friday, February 10th in Petal. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. customers will be able to buy $1 big barbecue southern pulled pork sandwiches and will have a chance to win free barbecue for a year.

Dickey's is located at 1225 Highway 42. The store phone is 601-602-3476. Dickey's is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

At the grand opening 95.9 WBBN will be there to entertain the crowd and to join in on all the fun. Customers will be able to enter into a drawing where three lucky people will win free barbecue for a year.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit opened its first location in Dallas in 1941. Dickey's began franchising in 1994 and has continued to grow across the country. Dickey's has more than 200 locations in 36 states nationwide.

Dickey's Barbecue offers a quality selection of signature meats, home style sides and tangy barbecue sauce. All meats are slow smoked on site in each restaurant. Kids eat free every day at all participating Dickey's until February 29th, contact your local Dickey's for more details.

For more information, including a full menu, other restaurant locations and franchising opportunities, please visit www.dickeys.com.

About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants

Founded in 1941, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants began in Dallas, Texas. More than 70 years later, Dickey's is now the leader of fast-casual barbecue in the country. Beginning with an aggressive growth strategy and proven business model, and since implementing its proprietary five revenue streams for business growth, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants has more than 200 locations nationwide. For more information on partnering with Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants in any location, call (866) 340-6188 or visit www.dickeys.com. Also visit our corporate Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dickeysbarbecuepit. Dickey's: Passionate about the Art of Great Barbecue.

Media Contact:
Kate Morganelli
972.248.9899
kmorganelli@dickeys.com

SOURCE Dickey's Barbecue

Stater Bros. Holdings Inc. Announces First Quarter 2012 Financial Results - Sales and Customer Counts Increase

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Stater Bros. Holdings Inc. Announces First Quarter 2012 Financial Results - Sales and Customer Counts Increase

PR Newswire

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Jack H. Brown, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stater Bros. Holdings Inc. announced financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 ended December 25, 2011.

The Company's sales increased 6.86% in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 compared to the same period of the prior year. Like store sales also increased 6.86% or $61.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2011 compared to the thirteen weeks ended December 26, 2010. Consolidated sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 were $960.7 million compared to $899.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

Customer counts increased by over one million for the quarter.

As a result of the Company's debt refinancing in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 wherein the Company reduced its debt load by approximately $125 million and reduced its overall borrowing rate on outstanding debt, the Company's interest expense was lower in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 compared the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Interest expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was $19.2 million and included a $3.3 million write-off the unamortized portion of deferred offering costs on its retired debt. Interest expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 was $11.9 million a reduction of $7.3 million over the same period of the prior year. In the first quarter of the prior year, the Company also incurred $1.8 million of tender premium expense associated with the early retirement of debt.

The Company reported net income for the thirteen week first quarter ended December 25, 2011 of $9.0 million compared to net income for the thirteen week first quarter ended December 26, 2010 of $2.8 million.

Brown said, "In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, our 'Valued Customers' and new customers have continued to respond favorably to our marketing plan of providing them with low prices, quality and value that they experience on each of their visits to our supermarkets.

"During these continuing tough economic times that has had such a negative effect on our customers' family budgets, we remain committed to providing value so our customers get the most out of their shopping dollars as we help share their financial burden.

"Due to the refinancing of a significant portion of our debt in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we have reduced interest expense. We have been able to use these savings to provide our 'Valued Customers' with the low prices, value and quality they have come to expect from their 'Neighborhood Hometown' Stater Bros. Market."

Stater Bros. is the largest privately owned Supermarket Chain in Southern California and the largest private employer in both San Bernardino County and Riverside County, with annual sales in 2011 of $3.7 billion. The Company currently operates 167 Supermarkets, and there are over 18,000 members of the Stater Bros. Supermarket Family.

STATER BROS ... PROUDLY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FAMILIES FOR 76 YEARS

Contact: Dave Harris
Senior Vice President Finance
P.O. Box 150 San Bernardino, CA 92402
Phone: (909) 733-5080

STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
Unaudited

			09/25/11	12/25/11
Assets
	Current assets
		Cash and cash equivalents	$ 235,784	$ 231,337
		Restricted cash	3,121	-
		Receivables, net	32,166	40,142
		Inventories	231,121	260,690
		Other	43,299	48,205

	Total current assets		545,491	580,374

	Property and equipment, net		625,423	623,480

	Deferred debt issuance costs, net		10,690	10,124
	Other		51,163	54,083

Total assets			$ 1,232,767	$ 1,268,061


Liabilities and stockholder's equity
	Current liabilities
		Accounts payable	$ 141,030	$ 167,813
		Accrued expenses and other liabilities	164,527	160,383
		Current portion of long-term debt	39,905	37,486

	Total current liabilities		345,462	365,682

	Long-term debt, less current portion		642,577	643,128
	Capital lease obligations, less current portion		1,099	1,417
	Other long-term liabilities		162,865	173,060

	Total stockholder's equity		80,764	84,774

Total liabilities and stockholder's equity			$ 1,232,767	$ 1,268,061

STATER BROS. HOLDINGS INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands)
Unaudited

		13 Weeks	13 Weeks
		Ended	Ended
		12/26/10	12/25/11
Sales		$ 899,037	$ 960,724

Gross profit		238,773	259,681

Operating expenses:
	Selling, general and
	administrative expenses	200,856	221,871
	Depreciation and amortization	12,444	11,412
Total operating expenses		213,300	233,283

Operating profit		25,473	26,398

Interest income		259	36
Interest expense		(20,973)	(11,949)
Other income (expenses), net		(92)	639

Income before income taxes		4,667	15,124

Income taxes		1,826	6,114

Net income		$ 2,841	$ 9,010

SOURCE Stater Bros. Holdings Inc.

Ralcorp Holdings Announces Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:50:00 +0000

Ralcorp Holdings Announces Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2012

- Q1 net sales were up 18%, including 9% base-business growth

- Adjusted diluted EPS were $1.33 for the quarter, up from $1.27 last year

- Refrigerated Dough contributed approximately $.14 to adjusted diluted EPS for the quarter

PR Newswire

ST. LOUIS, Mo., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RAH) today reported results for the quarter ended December 31, 2011. Ralcorp's results include the operations of the North American private-brand refrigerated dough business of Sara Lee Corp. (Refrigerated Dough) since it was acquired on October 3, 2011. Additionally, results include the operations of the Post cereals business (the Branded Cereal Products segment), which was distributed to shareholders effective February 3, 2012 and now is a separate publicly traded company named Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POST). Unless otherwise indicated, all comparisons of results in the following discussions are for the first quarter of Ralcorp's fiscal 2012 relative to the first quarter of fiscal 2011 ended December 31, 2010.

Executive Summary


	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
	2011		2010		% Change
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
Net Sales	$	1,380.9	$	1,173.3		18%
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.16	$	1.28		-9%
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.33	$	1.27		5%

Net Sales grew as a result of the Refrigerated Dough acquisition as well as higher net pricing in all segments in response to rising commodity costs.
Refrigerated Dough contributed approximately $.14 to adjusted diluted earnings per share for the first quarter and is expected to contribute $.30 to adjusted diluted earnings per share during fiscal 2012.
Diluted Earnings per Share (EPS) in this year's first quarter were negatively affected by mark-to-market losses on economic hedges, merger and integration costs, Post separation costs, accelerated amortization of intangible assets, and amounts related to plant closures. Last year's diluted EPS were negatively affected by a provision for legal settlement and positively affected by mark-to-market gains on economic hedges. The effects of all of these items are excluded from Adjusted Diluted EPS. Adjusted Diluted EPS include the effect of normal amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets that are only recorded through business acquisitions (mostly trademarks and customer relationships) with a combined impact of $.25 per share and $.20 per share in the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Net Sales


	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
	2011		2010		% Change
(dollars in millions)
Base-business Net Sales	$	1,279.9	$	1,173.3		9%
Net sales from recent acquisitions
excluded from base-business net sales:
Refrigerated Dough		101.0		-		9%
Net Sales	$	1,380.9	$	1,173.3		18%

Net sales increased 18%, largely due to the acquisition of Refrigerated Dough. Base-business net sales increased 9% as a result of an increase in overall net pricing due to adjustments in response to higher raw material (ingredients and packaging) and freight costs, partially offset by an overall 1% volume decline. Excluding sales of the Branded Cereal Products segment, base-business volume was flat compared to a year ago.

Margins


	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
	2011	2010
(% of net sales)
Gross Profit	24.4%	27.1%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-12.5%	-12.6%
Amortization of intangible assets	-1.8%	-1.7%
Other operating expenses, net	-.2%	-.3%
Operating Profit	9.8%	12.5%

Adjusted Gross Profit	24.9%	26.7%
Adjustments for economic hedges	-.4%	.4%
Merger and integration costs	-.1%	-
Gross Profit	24.4%	27.1%

Adjusted Selling, General & Administrative Expenses	-12.2%	-12.6%
Merger and integration costs	-.1%	-
Post separation costs	-.2%	-
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses	-12.5%	-12.6%

Adjusted Operating Profit	10.9%	12.4%
Adjustments for economic hedges	-.4%	.4%
Post separation costs	-.2%	-
Merger and integration costs	-.4%	-
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets	-.1%	-.1%
Provision for legal settlement	-	-.2%
Operating Profit	9.8%	12.5%

Gross profit margin was negatively impacted in fiscal 2012 by $5.8 million of net adjustments for economic hedge contracts as well as a $1.6 million inventory adjustment related to acquisition accounting for Refrigerated Dough. In fiscal 2011, gross profit margin was positively impacted by $4.8 million of net adjustments for economic hedge contracts. Excluding the effect of these items, adjusted gross profit margin decreased from 26.7% last year to 24.9% this year. Base-business raw material and freight costs (net of hedging activities) were approximately $112 million higher, with the most significant impact in snack nuts (included in the Snacks, Sauces & Spreads segment) and durum wheat (included in the Pasta segment). Most of these rising commodity costs were offset through a combination of pricing adjustments and savings from cost reduction efforts, but the resulting impact of the higher costs offset by higher sales reduced gross margins (gross profit as a percentage of net sales) by approximately 2.3 percentage points. This negative effect was partially offset by the positive impact of the addition of the higher-margin products of Refrigerated Dough and favorable manufacturing costs overall.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased a tenth of one percentage point compared to the prior year. The SG&A percentage was negatively impacted by merger and integration costs and Post separation costs in fiscal 2012. Excluding the effect of these items, adjusted SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales declined from 12.6% to 12.2%. The improved rate was driven primarily by the effect of sales growth (as described above) outpacing SG&A growth for most of Ralcorp's segments, especially for Snacks, Sauces & Spreads, for Pasta, and for Other Cereal Products. Rates were also positively affected by a decrease in costs related to information systems projects. These decreases were partially offset by increased advertising expense in the Branded Cereal Products segment as well as an increase in mark-to-market adjustments for certain stock-based deferred compensation.

Total amortization expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 was $24.0 million ($.28 per diluted share) compared to $19.5 million ($.22 per share) a year ago. The increase is primarily due to the acquisition of Refrigerated Dough.

In addition to the items discussed above, the first quarter operating profit margin was affected by other merger and integration costs (primarily in the current year) and a provision for legal settlement (in the prior year only), as described below.

Adjustments for Economic Hedges

Certain derivative contracts do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting but are used as economic hedges of the Company's exposure to changes in commodity costs. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on such contracts are recognized at a corporate level but not allocated to affect segment operating profit until the hedged exposure affects earnings. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, net mark-to-market losses on such derivatives totaled $5.8 million, and net gains totaling $3.6 million were reclassified to segment operating profit, resulting in a net adjustment for economic hedges of $9.4 million loss. In the prior year, net mark-to-market gains on such derivatives totaled $4.8 million, and nothing was reclassified to segment operating profit, resulting in a net adjustment for economic hedges of $4.8 million gain. This net adjustment was recognized in cost of goods sold on the statement of earnings but excluded from segment operating profit and the Company's non-GAAP measures of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share.

Post Separation Costs

During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, Ralcorp incurred $2.7 million of costs (primarily professional service fees) related to the separation of the Post cereals business from the other Ralcorp businesses. These Post separation costs are included in "Selling, general and administrative expenses."

Merger and Integration Costs

During the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, Ralcorp recorded approximately $5.6 million and $.2 million, respectively, of expenses related to acquisition activity. In 2012, those costs related primarily to the acquisition of Refrigerated Dough including a one-time finished goods inventory revaluation adjustment. Of the $5.6 million net merger and integration costs recorded in the three months ended December 31, 2011, $1.6 million is included in "Cost of goods sold," $1.4 million is included in "Selling, general and administrative expenses," and $2.6 million is included in "Other operating expenses, net."

Provision for Legal Settlement

During the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company increased its accrual by $2.5 million related to certain contractual claims by a customer. Those claims arose primarily as a result of the customer's recall of certain peanut-butter-based products in January 2009 and were subsequently settled for a total of $10.0 million. The provision for legal settlement is included in "Other operating expenses, net."

Interest Expense and Income Taxes

Interest expense decreased $1.3 million due to a decline in the weighted average interest rate. The weighted average interest rate on all of the Company's outstanding borrowings was 5.1% and 5.6% in the quarters ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The effective income tax rate was approximately 35.5% in the first quarter of 2012, down slightly from 36.0% in last year's first quarter.

Segment Results


	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
	2011		2010		% Change
(pounds in millions)
Sales Volume
Branded Cereal Products		98.0		103.9		-6%
Other Cereal Products		133.3		134.5		-1%
Snacks, Sauces & Spreads		347.2		341.9		2%
Frozen Bakery Products		254.8		174.0		46%
Pasta		208.8		212.0		-2%
Total Sales Volume		1,042.1		966.3		8%

(dollars in millions)
Net Sales
Branded Cereal Products	$	214.4	$	221.6		-3%
Other Cereal Products		226.2		204.7		11%
Snacks, Sauces & Spreads		473.6		417.4		13%
Frozen Bakery Products		308.0		193.7		59%
Pasta		158.7		135.9		17%
Total Net Sales	$	1,380.9	$	1,173.3		18%

Segment Operating Profit
Branded Cereal Products	$	34.9	$	49.7		-30%
Other Cereal Products		28.8		22.5		28%
Snacks, Sauces & Spreads		41.1		37.4		10%
Frozen Bakery Products		33.9		23.0		47%
Pasta		26.7		28.2		-5%
Total Segment Operating Profit	$	165.4	$	160.8		3%

Segment Operating Profit Margin
Branded Cereal Products		16%		22%
Other Cereal Products		13%		11%
Snacks, Sauces & Spreads		9%		9%
Frozen Bakery Products		11%		12%
Pasta		17%		21%
Total Segment Operating Profit Margin		12%		14%

Depreciation and Amortization
Branded Cereal Products	$	15.0	$	14.7		2%
Other Cereal Products		5.3		5.5		-4%
Snacks, Sauces & Spreads		10.6		10.3		3%
Frozen Bakery Products		16.9		10.0		69%
Pasta		12.7		13.2		-4%
Corporate		3.9		3.2		22%
Total Depreciation and Amortization	$	64.4	$	56.9		13%

Branded Cereal Products

Net sales declined 3% as the impact of lower volume was partially offset by increased net selling prices in response to higher raw material costs. Volumes were down across most of the Post brand portfolio with the exception of Great Grains, which grew 13% driven by increased advertising support.

Segment operating profit decreased 30% as a result of increased marketing investments, higher raw material costs (driven by wheat, nuts, and corn), unfavorable manufacturing expenses (due to the negative impact of lower production volumes on plant utilization and fixed cost absorption), and lower volumes. These unfavorable variances were partially offset by increased net pricing and favorable warehouse and broker expenses.

Other Cereal Products

Net sales increased 11% as higher net selling prices (raised in response to commodity cost increases) and a favorable sales mix (with a shift to nutritional bars, which have a higher price per pound) were partially offset by slightly lower overall volume. Volume declines in hot cereal, foodservice, co-manufacturing, and other minor categories were almost completely offset by volume gains in nutritional bars and ready-to-eat cereals driven by new product sales, expanded distribution of existing products, and strong promotional programs.

Segment operating profit increased 28% as improved net selling prices were only partially offset by higher raw material costs (driven by oats, corn, wheat, fruits, and nuts), production costs (primarily nutritional bars), freight costs, distribution costs, and customer promotion costs.

Snacks, Sauces & Spreads

Net sales grew 13% as a result of increased net selling prices and higher overall volume, partially offset by increased trade promotion spending. Net selling prices were raised in reaction to significantly higher commodity costs across many of the segment's product categories, but most notably in snack nuts.

Segment operating profit increased 10% driven by improved net selling prices, a favorable sales mix (primarily due to higher cracker and cookie volume and lower snack nut volumes), and favorable manufacturing costs. Those beneficial effects were partially offset by the effects of significantly higher raw material costs (primarily cashews, peanuts, and tree nuts, but also including oils, wheat, and packaging), freight costs, information systems costs, and brokerage costs.

Frozen Bakery Products

Net sales were up 59% primarily attributable to incremental sales from the acquisition of Refrigerated Dough. Excluding results from this acquisition, base business net sales were up 7% driven by price increases in response to commodity cost increases, partially offset by slightly lower volumes. Volume gains in foodservice were offset by the effects of volume declines in retail griddle products and the in-store bakery channel (primarily frozen dough and bread). Foodservice sales benefited from a new product for a major restaurant chain.

Segment operating profit was up 47% primarily due to the acquisition of Refrigerated Dough. Excluding this acquisition, segment operating profit decreased 19% driven by higher raw materials (primarily flour, dairy, and eggs), freight, and increased information systems costs as well as unfavorable foreign exchange rates, partially offset by improved net selling prices.

Pasta

Net sales were up 17% due to higher net selling prices in response to rising raw material costs, partially offset by lower volumes. Retail sales volume was down 1% with small declines in private-brand and branded products. Institutional volumes declined 3%, due to lower ingredient and foodservice sales, partially offset by higher co-manufacturing volume.

Segment operating profit decreased 5% due to lower sales volumes and net selling price increases not completely offsetting significantly higher raw material costs (primarily durum and semolina wheat).

Outlook

Effective with Ralcorp's second quarter financial reporting, the Company expects to report Post as a "discontinued operation," and thus Post will be excluded from results from continuing operations. All comments included below exclude the fiscal 2012 operations of Post.

As previously discussed, Ralcorp incurred significant amounts of raw material and freight cost increases during the first three months of fiscal 2012. For fiscal 2012, the Company currently expects the net year-over-year increase in unit costs for raw materials will result in a 10-12% increase in cost of goods sold, with the most significant impact in its second fiscal quarter. The primary commodities driving this estimated increase are durum wheat, cashews, tree nuts (particularly almonds and pecans), and peanuts. Excluding durum wheat and snack nuts, this increase is expected to be 5-6% after the effects of hedging and forward purchase contracts. To offset the impact of these significant cost increases, the Company expects to take additional actions, including aggressively reducing costs through ongoing continuous improvement and other initiatives and increasing prices when justified. The timing of these pricing actions and acceptance by customers is expected to lag cost increases, particularly in the first half of fiscal 2012 for the Pasta and Snacks, Sauces & Spreads reporting segments. The Company expects that operating results in the second half of fiscal 2012 will improve for both segments as pricing and commodity increases become better aligned.

Ralcorp also stated, "Our operating results benefit from contract manufacturing, or 'co-manufacturing,' revenue of national brand products, which represented between 5% and 8% of total revenue over the last three years, primarily in our Snacks, Sauces & Spreads and Other Cereal Products reporting segments. The impact from co-manufacturing arrangements can fluctuate significantly from period to period. We use this type of business mostly to utilize excess capacity in our production facilities, but require an appropriate margin to do so. We were unable to reach an agreement to extend a contract manufacturing agreement with a nutritional bar customer in our Other Cereal Products' Bloomfield business that would allow us an acceptable margin. This customer represented approximately 4% of total Ralcorp sales in fiscal 2011, and we expect to transition out of this contract over the next year. As a result, we are re-scaling our Bloomfield business by bringing in several new customers and closing a production facility at the end of February. We expect that these efforts, combined with base-business growth, will allow our Other Cereal Products segment to have fiscal year 2012 operating profit at least equal to our fiscal 2011 level, in spite of this loss."

Non-GAAP Measures and Additional Information

The non-GAAP financial measures presented herein (including "base-business net sales" and measures labeled as "adjusted") do not comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, because they are adjusted to exclude (include) certain cash and non-cash income and expenses that would otherwise be included in (excluded from) the most directly comparable GAAP measure in the statement of earnings. These non-GAAP financial measures, which are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation, should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, related measures determined in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures supplement other metrics used by management to internally evaluate its businesses and facilitate the comparison of operations over time.

For additional information regarding the Company's results, including reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to related GAAP measures, refer to the schedules below, as well as to the financial statements and management's discussion and analysis included in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, to be filed on February 9, 2012. The Company will also host a conference call tomorrow, February 8, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results. The dial-in number will be 1-877-267-2092 for participants in the United States and 1-786-800-3988 for participants outside the United States. The conference ID number is 43063363. The call also will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by visiting the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.ralcorp.com. For those unable to participate during the live webcast, a replay will be available on www.ralcorp.com for 30 days.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are made throughout this release. These forward-looking statements are sometimes identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "believe," "should," "would," "expect," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "will," "can," "may," or similar expressions elsewhere in this release. All forward-looking statements are subject to a number of important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. These factors and risks include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in actual or forecasted results of operations, competitive pressures, future sales volume, significant increases in the costs of certain raw materials, inability to effect future price increases or cost reduction programs, changes in tax laws, integration of recent acquisitions and related accretion, future capital expenditures, changes in weighted average shares for diluted EPS, increases in transportation costs, and other financial, operational and legal risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's cautionary statements contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release.

About Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.

Ralcorp produces a variety of private-brand foods sold under the individual labels of various grocery, mass merchandise and drugstore retailers, and frozen bakery products sold to in-store bakeries, restaurants and other foodservice customers. Ralcorp's diversified product mix includes: ready-to-eat and hot cereals; nutritional and cereal bars; snack mixes, corn-based chips and extruded corn snack products; crackers and cookies; snack nuts; chocolate candy; salad dressings; mayonnaise; peanut butter; jams and jellies; syrups; sauces; frozen griddle products including pancakes, waffles, and French toast; frozen biscuits and other frozen pre-baked products such as breads and muffins; frozen and refrigerated doughs; and dry pasta. Until February 3, 2012, Ralcorp also produced Post branded cereals. For more information about Ralcorp, visit the Company's website at www.ralcorp.com.

RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Dollars in millions except per share data, shares in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
	2011		2010

Net Sales	$	1,380.9	$	1,173.3
Cost of goods sold		(1,044.6)		(855.3)
Gross Profit		336.3		318.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses		(173.2)		(147.5)
Amortization of intangible assets		(24.0)		(19.5)
Other operating expenses, net		(3.4)		(3.9)
Operating Profit		135.7		147.1
Interest expense, net		(34.4)		(35.7)
Earnings before Income Taxes		101.3		111.4
Income taxes		(36.0)		(40.1)
Net Earnings	$	65.3	$	71.3

Earnings per Share
Basic	$	1.18	$	1.30
Diluted	$	1.16	$	1.28

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Basic		55,013		54,703
Diluted		56,021		55,425

RALCORP HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED RECONCILIATIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(Dollars in millions except per share data)

	Three Months Ended
	December 31,
	2011		2010
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.33	$	1.27
Adjustments for economic hedges		(.07)		.05
Post separation costs		(.03)		-
Merger and integration costs		(.06)		-
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets		(.01)		(.01)
Provision for legal settlement		-		(.03)
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	1.16	$	1.28


Adjusted EBITDA	$	214.3	$	202.0
Interest expense, net		(34.4)		(35.7)
Income taxes		(36.0)		(40.1)
Depreciation and amortization		(64.4)		(56.9)
Adjustments for economic hedges		(5.8)		4.8
Post separation costs		(2.7)		-
Merger and integration costs		(5.6)		(.2)
Provision for legal settlement		-		(2.5)
Amounts related to plant closures (excluding depreciation)		(.1)		(.1)
Net Earnings	$	65.3	$	71.3


Total Segment Operating Profit	$	165.4	$	160.8
Interest expense, net		(34.4)		(35.7)
Adjustments for economic hedges		(5.8)		4.8
Post separation costs		(2.7)		-
Merger and integration costs		(5.6)		(.2)
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets		(1.3)		(1.3)
Provision for legal settlement		-		(2.5)
Amounts related to plant closures		(.1)		(.2)
Stock-based compensation expense		(3.9)		(3.8)
Systems upgrade and conversion costs		(1.6)		(2.4)
Other unallocated corporate expenses		(8.7)		(8.1)
Earnings before Income Taxes	$	101.3	$	111.4

Contact: Matt Pudlowski (314/877-7091)

SOURCE Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.

Downtown St. Louis Hotel's Redesigned Ballrooms Set New Standards for Hospitality

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:46:00 +0000

New Year Rings in New Look at Historic Downtown Union Station Hotel

A new year brings a new look to the ballrooms of one of the most prestigious hotels in downtown St. Louis and for a limited time wedding planners and event executives can take advantage of special promotions in these newly modernized venues.

Redesigned for peak performance, the newly renovated ballrooms provide 24,000 square feet of combined event space featuring flexible configurations, modern design elements, expansive pre-function space, enhanced air wall systems and cutting edge audio visual services. These fabulous facilities combined with this downtown St. Louis hotel's skilled culinary team and dedicated event managers make the historic St. Louis Union Station Marriott an outstanding choice for elegant St. Louis wedding receptions and stately business gatherings.

The stylish new redesign was made with guests in mind and portrays the welcoming atmosphere, opulent accommodations and exceptional service of this historic landmark hotel, easily recognized as one of the premier luxury hotels in St. Louis. In celebration of a new year and a new look, the St. Louis Union Station Marriott is offering added amenities for qualifying contracts signed by February 28, 2012. Added services include free high speed Internet access in guest rooms, a complimentary welcome beverage station during group's arrival and a Marriott Rewards signing bonus of 10,000 points.

Event planners seeking to enjoy the new standards of hospitality set forth by these sophisticated St. Louis reception venues will be wowed by the exciting changes that have taken place inside the ballrooms and are welcomed to contact the sales department at 314-802-3440 or sales@unionstationmarriott.com for more details or to schedule a visit of the facilities. An extensive offering of menu options is also available and the hotel's skilled culinary staff is happy to work with clients to customize menus that meet their specific needs. Business travelers are also treated to 24-hour access to the hotel's business center and a concierge level with private lounge is also available for added amenities and private lounge access.

About the St. Louis Union Station Marriott

The St. Louis Union Station Marriott is located in the heart of St. Louis and radiates with elegant architecture of days past while presenting guests with a unique hotel experience. Located inside Union Station, the Marriott welcomes travelers with the grand splendor of days past and contemporary luxuries of the present. Still welcoming guests to a hub of the city's excitement, the hotel is conveniently located near Scottrade Center, Busch Stadium, America's Convention Center and other popular St. Louis destinations including the Gateway Arch, Missouri History Museum and St. Louis Science Center.

CONTACT:
Carrie Sheridan
St. Louis Union Station Marriott
314-802-3445

St. Louis wedding receptions become stunning affairs at Union Station Marriott. With expert event managers, an opulent ballroom & superb catering, our wedding St. Louis wedding reception venues are the perfect setting for unforgettable celebrations.

'Sunday Special' at Courtyard Boston Cambridge Hotel Just in Time for Spring Events

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:40:00 +0000

Boston Educational Institution Visitors Find Value, Comfort at Hotel Near Northeastern University

From tennis matches and concerts to alumni events and graduation, higher education plays a big role in the activities that take place throughout Boston, and hotels near Boston University, Emerson College, Northeastern University and Berklee School of Music not only offer guests comfortable accommodations, but are conveniently located near campus activities.

Parents, alumni, friends and associates of local educational institutions will find the Courtyard Boston Copley Square conveniently located downtown and a premier choice among hotels near Northeastern University and other local schools and colleges. The hotel's spacious accommodations and prime location make it an ideal choice for those making their way into Boston for the unending rendition of events and activities. Guests will not only revel in the convenience, but will be treated to a unique hotel experience as this sophisticated Courtyard by Marriott is located inside a historic 1800s apartment building that has undergone a remarkable transformation to provide travelers with spacious and well-appointed guest rooms and hotel suites.

And, just in time for a full calendar of spring events, the Courtyard is offering a "Sunday Special" through April 8, 2012 that provides Sunday travelers significant savings with a low nightly rate of just $99*. This inviting hotel deal is aimed at helping keep travel affordable and is just one of the many Boston travel packages and discounts offered by the Courtyard. The hotel also participates in the Marriott Rewards program as another value-added service to help meet the needs of busy travelers.

Providing guests with complimentary high-speed Internet access, this Copley Square Courtyard is one of the most distinctive hotels near Newbury Street, so Boston visitors can easily enjoy the excitement of one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods while being pampered with gracious accommodations. All guest rooms and suites include thick mattresses topped with crisp cotton-rich linens, marble bathrooms, cable/satellite service with premium movie channels and pay-per-view movie options. During their stay, guests have access to a breakfast buffet served daily at the Courtyard Café and The Market is open 24/7 to provide snacks, drinks and necessities. This Northeastern University hotel's fitness room is also available, equipped with cardiovascular equipment for an exhilarating workout.

Boston travelers may easily book accommodations at the Courtyard Boston Copley Square utilizing the "Sunday Special" by using promotional code WJY online at http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bosdt-courtyard-boston-copley-square/.

*Offer not valid for groups of 10 or more rooms and may not be used in combination with any other discount or promotion. Please see hotel website for additional terms and conditions.

About the Courtyard Boston Copley Square
The Courtyard Boston Copley Square is conveniently located among Boston hotels near Newbury Street and other popular downtown locations and surrounds guests with the historic ambiance of Boston's heritage. The hotel's unique design renders guest rooms that feature ornate windows adorned with window benches and a 19th century atmosphere while surrounding guests with modern conveniences and contemporary design.

CONTACT:
Courtyard Boston Copley Square
1-617-437-9300
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bosdt-courtyard-boston-copley-square/

Our Boston University hotel's spacious accommodations offer guests the ultimate in comfort & luxury, with plush bedding, on-site dining & free high-speed Internet. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, our hotel is the ideal urban getaway.

Medical Travelers Relax With Downtown Boston Hotel Specials in Copley Square

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:35:00 +0000

Historic Downtown Setting Surrounds Travelers With Comfort and Convenience at Courtyard Boston Copley Square

Boston medical travelers can rest easy while staying close to medical facilities with accommodations at stylish Boston hotels near Newbury Street, where comfort and value-added amenities top the list when welcoming guests.

Surrounding guests with a historic downtown setting, the Courtyard Boston Copley Square hotel is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from some of Boston's finest medical facilities including Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Medical Center, so travelers can rest comfortably whether visiting patients or traveling on medical business. Occupying a magnificently refurbished 1800s apartment building and situated for easy access among hotels near Boston Common and other popular districts, the Courtyard pampers guests with spacious guest rooms and well-appointed hotel suites. Additionally, guests are treated to room furnishings that include thick mattresses topped with luxurious cotton-rich linens, marble bathrooms, complimentary high speed Internet access, cable/satellite service with premium movie channels and pay-per-view movie options.

Along with inviting accommodations, the Courtyard welcomes travelers to take advantage of its downtown Boston hotel specials designed to help keep travel affordable. While the hotel always features Marriott Rewards promotions, other packages are aimed at helping travelers best meet their individual needs, whether traveling for business or leisure. The hotel's "Sunday Special" currently offers Sunday travelers significant savings with a low nightly rate of $99* now through April 8, 2012. This limited time deal is perfect for those traveling to see family or friends at any of the city's medical facilities or business travelers looking to get a head start on their weekly schedule.

Conveniently located among hotels near Newbury Street, the Boston Copley Square Courtyard also allows travelers easy access to some of the city's most exciting districts, filled with fine dining, fashion boutiques, specialty shops, antiques, spas, galleries and an amazing historic and architectural heritage.

Travelers wishing to book accommodations at the Courtyard Boston Copley Square utilizing the "Sunday Special" may do so online by using promotional code WJY at http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bosdt-courtyard-boston-copley-square/.

*Offer not valid for groups of 10 or more rooms and may not be used in combination with any other discount or promotion. Please see hotel website for additional terms and conditions.

About the Courtyard Boston Copley Square
The Courtyard Boston Copley Square hotel sets the standard for hospitality among Boston hotels near Newbury Street, welcoming guests to its historic downtown location, refurbished to accentuate Boston's heritage while providing guests with modern day comforts and conveniences. In addition to a fabulous location, guests have access to a breakfast buffet served daily at the Courtyard Café and The Market is open 24/7 to provide snacks, drinks and necessities for the convenience of travelers. A fitness room is also available, equipped with cardiovascular equipment to help travelers maintain their exercise routine while traveling.

CONTACT:
Mike Givens
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
301-547-4761
Email Contact

Discover our Boston Copley Place hotel's quick access to many of the city's top attractions, like Fenway Park & the Museum of Fine Arts. For tips on the best area dining, shopping & entertainment, view our Copley Place hotel's Boston Visitor's Guide.

Aunt Nellie's New Baby Beets Add Fun, Flair and Flavor

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:05:06 +0000

Aunt Nellie's New Baby Beets Add Fun, Flair and Flavor

PR Newswire

MARION, N.Y., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aunt Nellie's, the undisputed category leader for pickled beets, has introduced Baby Whole Pickled Beets, available nationwide in many grocery store chains or via the online store.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54132-seneca-foods-corporation-aunt-nellie-s-baby-whole-pickled-beets

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/MM48058 )

"Baby Whole Pickled Beets is a new product that merges the continued popularity of beets with the small bites trend," says Bruce Wolcott, vice president, Seneca Foods Corporation, parent company to Aunt Nellie's beets. Seneca Foods has been growing the finest beets since 1929 and is the largest provider of jarred beets.

Wolcott notes that the pickled baby beets deliver all of the nutritional benefits of their full-size counterparts, and they're a unique and delicious way to add a nutrient-rich serving of vitamins and antioxidants to the menu.

Baby whole pickled beets are sized just right for one bite. Registered dietitian and culinary expert Deanna Segrave-Daly offers the following easy serving suggestions.

Serve as a side dish straight from the jar.
Make easy appetizers, like Baby Beet & Tortellini Skewers.
Toss into salads without additional chopping or slicing.
Add to roasted vegetables, soups and other dishes which call for beets.

For healthy eating, Segrave-Daly advises: "Take a moment to think – what colors have I eaten today? Beautifully vibrant colors – deep red, yellow, orange, dark green, purple – found in fruits and veggies are a result of certain powerful disease-fighting compounds called antioxidants." She notes that betacyanins are the important antioxidants that contribute the bright reddish purple color found in beets. These antioxidants are good for heart health and may even lower the risk for certain cancers.

All of Aunt Nellie's beets are picked and pickled at their perfect ripeness, so they retain their farm fresh flavor and high antioxidant profile. For additional serving suggestions and recipes using beets, visit www.auntnellies.com.

SOURCE Seneca Foods Corporation

Sugar Industry's Latest Move Demonstrates Its Strategy: Pose As A 'Safer' Sweetener

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:38:08 +0000

Sugar Industry's Latest Move Demonstrates Its Strategy: Pose As A 'Safer' Sweetener

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a bid to revive litigation claims that a federal judge had dismissed, the refined sugar industry's latest maneuver actually underlines its true objective: to confuse American consumers by suggesting that cane and beet sugar is healthier than sugar made from corn.

"The refined sugar industry's latest attempt to sue Corn Refiners Association (CRA) members is simply a rehash of the same groundless claims that a federal judge rejected last year," said Audrae Erickson, President of the Corn Refiners Association. She added, "This case is about the free flow of fact-based information about sugars to Americans. In that regard, it's important to recognize that the court previously dismissed a portion of the case based on a California law designed to prevent just these kinds of baseless lawsuits."

"We will defend the case aggressively," Erickson said. "In fact, we welcome an opportunity to expose the refined sugar industry's self-serving actions in this decade-long war on sugar made from corn."

The case, which is pending in a Los Angeles federal court, pits the refined sugar industry against CRA and its member companies. A federal judge dismissed all claims against the CRA members last year, but allowed the refined sugar companies a second chance to rewrite their lawsuit and come up with new allegations. The refined sugar companies refiled those claims in November, and in this week's filings argued why they should not be dismissed a second time. A hearing on the motion to dismiss the sugar industry's claims is set for March 19.

SOURCE Corn Refiners Association

Verti-Gro Partners With EnviroIngenuity

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:36:00 +0000

Verti-Gro Is the Leading Manufacturer of Commercial and Residential Hydroponic Vertical Farming Systems

EnviroIngenuity today announced a partnership with Verti-Gro® to represent and promote hydroponic vertical farming systems throughout Southern California.

Verti-Gro, Inc. designs and manufactures cost-effective, high density hydroponic growing systems. It offers stacked towers to suit large-scale commercial production needs which can be downsized for residential use and Community Supported Agriculture.

"Southern Californians are more focused on the benefits of locally-grown food and the holistic health and well-being that come from eating un-processed raw food," said Tim Carpenter, founder of Verti-Gro, Inc. "With ample sun and temperate conditions, these systems present an immediate and affordable opportunity for families and communities to eat healthy."

Verti-Gro® hydroponic systems employ insulated stacked pots with an automated drip system that circulates nutrients through the plants. The company offers a simple economical and pesticide-free system, and supports it with a wealth of information and training for entry level home gardeners and large scale commercial farms.

"Verti-Gro's system reduces energy and water use by more than 85 percent and saves space," said Erik Cutter, Managing Director of EnviroIngenuity. "It also virtually eliminates greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need to transport produce across long distances, and it doesn't use soil which is becoming a very limited resource."

EnviroIngenuity recently launched its vertical farming division to bring hydroponic vertical farming processes to Southern California to enable individuals and communities to grow their own food within urban areas. Through this new partnership, the company will develop job training programs for youth.

"Our curriculum and products will allow youth to develop valuable life-skills, grow their own food and ultimately start their own business in urban agriculture," said Cutter. "This is one very healthy job opportunity that cannot be outsourced."

About Verti-Gro®
For 20 years, Verti-Gro, Inc. has developed tools and methods for vertical growing and vertical gardening to efficiently utilize space and energy. These methods use hydroponics which allow gardeners to grow produce without soil. Verti-Gro is based in Summerfield, FL on a 12-acre farm with a learning center. Verti-Gro® products are sold worldwide.

Tim Carpenter, the founder of Verti-Gro, Inc., has been involved in hydroponic research, development and production for more than 40 years. An internationally recognized consultant, he has traveled the world as an educator in the greenhouse industry using vertical plant production technologies. Carpenter specializes in hydroponic production of fruits, vegetables, greens, large-scale commercial and vertical home growing systems. Carpenter has partnered with EPCOT and NASA to develop hydroponic projects including the garden display, Living With the Land. www.VertiGro.com

About EnviroIngenuity
EnviroIngenuity was founded in 2009 by Erik Cutter. The company is comprised of forward-thinking professionals whose goal is to take advantage of the growing demand for more efficient, cost effective sustainable energy solutions, employing solar PV, hi-efficiency LED lighting, green building and vertical food production technologies. EnviroIngenuity's mission is "advancingreenergy" and reducing waste, thus better utilizing limited natural resources. As businesses invest in a lower carbon future, the EnviroIngenuity team is focused on helping organizations move forward to deploy sustainable energy solutions using disruptive technologies. www.EnviroIngenuity.com

Media Contact:
Jessica McLeish
949-294-3554

Dunkin' Brands Appoints Food-Service & Retail Executive Giorgio Minardi as President of International

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:35:00 +0000

Dunkin' Brands Appoints Food-Service & Retail Executive Giorgio Minardi as President of International

PR Newswire

CANTON, Mass., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 16,500 restaurants in 60 countries around the world, Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, today announced the appointment of international food-service and retail industry executive Giorgio Minardi to the position of President, Dunkin' Brands International. In this role, Minardi will be responsible for strategically expanding the presence of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins outside the United States and for delivering a consistent, but culturally relevant, brand experience for the Company's international customers. Minardi will report directly to Nigel Travis, Dunkin' Brands' Chief Executive Officer and President, Dunkin' Donuts, and will serve on the Dunkin' Brands leadership team.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110317/NY67297LOGO )

A highly experienced food-service and retail industry executive, Minardi has held top strategic development and brand management positions at prominent international food-service and retail companies, including McDonald's, Burger King and Autogrill Corporation, a food, beverage and retail company. Most recently, Minardi served as Managing Director, Europe and the Middle East, for Autogrill where he was responsible for every aspect of that company's business operations in 40 countries. He also served as Autogrill's Chairman in Spain and Belgium, and as President in Switzerland. Under Minardi's direction, Autogrill undertook an aggressive development plan that expanded its market share while driving sales and profits.

"With an impressive career as an international executive with some of the leading brands in the food-service and retail industry, Giorgio is eminently qualified to help us capitalize on the tremendous global growth opportunities available to Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins," said Nigel Travis. "He has a unique blend of marketing, operational, development and general management experience, as well as on-the-ground experience in Asia Pacific, Europe and the U.S. Combine all of that with his passion for the food-service industry, and we believe he will enable us to enhance our support of our international franchisees and drive profitable growth in new and existing markets."

Prior to Autogrill, Minardi was with Burger King, first as Vice President of Asia Pacific, and later as Division Vice President of Northwest Europe, where he was responsible for the company's overall performance in the United Kingdom, the brand's second-biggest region outside the U.S. Minardi also spent 16 years with McDonald's Corporation, initially serving as Vice President Marketing, Asia Pacific, and ultimately as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Greater China, contributing significantly to the company's growth in the region. Minardi currently serves on the Board of Directors of Volotea Airlines in Europe.

"I am excited about being a part of the Dunkin' Brands team. The company is among the world's largest quick-service restaurant companies and includes two of the most recognized and beloved brands in the industry," said Giorgio Minardi. "I look forward to working with the franchisees, as well as the management team, and to helping Dunkin' Brands recognize its significant international growth opportunities."

During the first nine months of 2011, Dunkin' Brands, Inc., the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, opened approximately 480 net new locations globally. In 2010 the company added more net new locations than almost any other quick-service restaurant chain in the world. For more information about Dunkin' Brands, please visit http://DunkinBrands.com.

About Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc.
With more than 16,500 points of distribution in nearly 60 countries worldwide, Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) is one of the world's leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (QSR) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hard-serve ice cream. At the end of 2011, Dunkin' Brands' nearly 100 percent franchised business model included more than 10,000 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants and more than 6,400 Baskin-Robbins restaurants. For the full-year 2010, the company had system-wide sales of approximately $7.7 billion. Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. is headquartered in Canton, Mass.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are not based on historical fact and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the applicable securities laws and regulations. Generally, these statements can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "feel," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "project," "should," "would," and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. These risk and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the ongoing level of profitability of franchisees and licensees; changes in working relationship with our franchisees and licensees and the actions of our franchisees and licensees; our master franchisees' relationships with sub-franchisees; the strength of our brand in the markets in which we compete; changes in competition within the quick service restaurant segment of the food industry; changes in consumer behavior resulting from changes in technologies or alternative methods of delivery; economic and political conditions in the countries where we operate; our substantial indebtedness; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; consumer preferences, spending patterns and demographic trends; the success of our growth strategy and international development; changes in commodity and food prices, particularly coffee, dairy products and sugar, and the other operating costs; shortages of coffee; failure of our network and information technology systems; interruptions or shortages in the supply of products to our franchisees and licensees; inability to recover our capital costs; changes in political, legal, economic or other factors in international markets; termination of a master franchise agreement or contracts with the U.S. military; currency exchange rates; the impact of food borne-illness or food safety issues or adverse public or medial opinions regarding the health effects of consuming our products; our ability to collect royalty payments from our franchisees and licensees; uncertainties relating to litigation; changes in regulatory requirements to our and our franchisees and licensees ability to comply with current or future regulatory requirements; review and audit of certain of our tax returns; the ability of our franchisees and licensees to open new restaurants and keep existing restaurants in operation; our ability to retain key personnel; any inability to protect consumer credit card data and catastrophic events. Forward-looking statements reflect management's analysis as of the date of this press release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are more fully described in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the section headed "Risk Factors" in our prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 2011. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

Karen Raskopf	Stacey Caravella
SVP Communications	Director, Investor Relations
Dunkin' Brands, Inc.	Dunkin Brands, Inc.
781-737-5200	781-737-3200
Karen.Raskopf@DunkinBrands.com	investor.relations@dunkinbrands.com

SOURCE Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc.

Eggs Receive Great for You Seal from Walmart

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:20:02 +0000

Eggs Receive Great for You Seal from Walmart

Most affordable source of high-quality protein and 14 percent less cholesterol

PR Newswire

PARK RIDGE, Ill., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Walmart launched the new Great for You nutrition campaign to help shoppers identify healthier choices. Already touted by health experts as a nutrient power house, eggs received the Great for You seal recognizing their nutrient profile, high protein content and affordability.

"Few foods are as simple, inexpensive and versatile as eggs," says Araceli Vazquez, registered dietitian and advisor to the Egg Nutrition Center. "They can be paired with any vegetable to make a nutritious, affordable meal in minutes and should be on everyone's grocery list."

Healthy Shopping Tools
In-store initiatives like the new Great for You program, are designed to make filling the shopping cart with nutrient-dense items, like eggs, easier than ever. The Great for You seal evaluates products and labels items that contribute valuable nutrients and contain limited amounts of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars. As the Great for You program launches in Walmart stores, families will be able to quickly distinguish better-for-you choices in each aisle.

Big Nutrition, Little Price
At an average of just 15 cents apiece, eggs are the most affordable source of high-quality protein and deliver a powerful nutrient bang for the buck, including vitamin D, choline, riboflavin, selenium and phosphorous.(1) In fact, the American Heart Association includes eggs in its list of healthy foods under $1.(2) A recent analysis from the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service showed that eggs now have 14 percent less cholesterol (down from 215 mg to 185 mg) than previously thought and 64 percent more vitamin D.(3) Additionally, they are simple and quick to prepare for a nutritious meal when time is tight.

Vazquez has some additional tips for budget-savvy shopping that keeps health in mind:

Take a lap – Many of the most nutrient-rich foods can be found around the outside of the grocery story, including produce, low-fat dairy, eggs and lean meats. Choosing these foods in their natural state and doing the chopping, seasoning and cooking yourself can save cash and give you more control over added fat, sodium and sugar.
Plan your plate – Planning the week's meals and making a list of needed items helps avoid buying extras that could go to waste (or waistline!) or forgetting essential ingredients for a nutritious meal.
Don't shop hungry – Cruising through the aisles with a grumbling stomach encourages impulse buys that add less healthy choices to your cart and blow the budget. Grab a snack like hard-boiled eggs, which can be made ahead of time and eaten before shopping to keep hunger pangs at bay.
Aim for a colorful cart – The MyPlate program recommends half the plate be filled with fruits and vegetables, so there should be a decent array of color in your shopping cart each week. If the palette of your cart is too beige, course correct to the produce department.

For affordable recipe ideas or more healthy eating tips, visit www.IncredibleEgg.org or www.EggNutritionCenter.org. The Egg Nutrition Center is a National Strategic Partner of the USDA's MyPlate program, which helps Americans follow the Dietary Guidelines by providing resources and tips. For more information visit www.ChooseMyPlate.gov.

References:
(1) United States Department of Agriculture. Economic Research Service. Retail data for beef, pork, poultry cuts, eggs, and dairy products (January 19, 2012). Retrieved on January 19, 2012 from http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/MeatPriceSpreads/.

(2) American Heart Association. Healthy Foods for Under $1. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/HowtoMakeaHealthyHome/Healthy-Foods-Under-1_UCM_303809_Article.jsp#.TwW_1jUS0uc. Accessed February 3, 2012.

(3) US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2011. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23. Online. Available at: Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/site_main.htm?modecode=12-35-45-00. Accessed October 24, 2011.

About the American Egg Board (AEB)
AEB is the U.S. egg producer's link to the consumer in communicating the value of The incredible edible egg™ and is funded from a national legislative checkoff on all egg production from companies with greater than 75,000 layers, in the continental United States. The board consists of 18 members and 18 alternates from all regions of the country who are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The AEB staff carries out the programs under the board direction. AEB is located in Park Ridge, Ill. Visit www.IncredibleEgg.org for more information.

About the Egg Nutrition Center (ENC) The Egg Nutrition Center (ENC) is the health education and research center of the American Egg Board. Established in 1979, ENC provides science-based information to health promotion agencies, physicians, dietitians, nutritional scientists, media and consumers on issues related to egg nutrition and the role of eggs in the American diet. ENC is located in Park Ridge, IL. Visit www.eggnutritioncenter.org or www.nutritionunscrambled.com for more information.

Egg Nutrition News Bureau
312-233-1211
info@eggnutrition.org

SOURCE Egg Nutrition Center