Supervalu announced the launch of the Stockman & Dakota brand of premium USDA Choice Angus beef that is part of the company’s comprehensive new beef program designed to position its stores as the unparalleled destination for fresh, quality beef. The new brand is available nationwide at Supervalu’s family of stores, including Acme, Albertsons, bigg’s, Cub Foods, Hornbacher’s, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s/Star Market, Shop ‘n Save and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy.

In addition to Stockman & Dakota brand products, the company’s beef program will include a new store-branded beef line that provides improved quality over existing offerings at a good value. In total, the program will encompass 60 different cuts of beef and feature improved merchandising, new signage and enhanced service in the meat department. Consumers can find information, tips and tools both in-store and online to help them make better sense of beef.

“With our new beef program, we’re positioned to address the growing trend of eating at home by providing customers with fresh, quality cuts of beef and a differentiated in-store experience that gives them the preparation tips, recipes and serving ideas they need to create a restaurant-quality meal at home, for less,” said Jim Smits, Supervalu group vice president, fresh foods merchandising. “In fact, we’re so confident in the quality of our beef that we’re guaranteeing our products twice. Customers who aren’t satisfied will receive a refund and a free replacement cut of beef.”

Source: Supervalu Inc.

Chicken Snack Wraps help drive McDonald's sales

McDonald's Corp. announced that global comparable sales rose 6.9 percent in April, marking the 72nd consecutive monthly increase. U.S. sales increased 6.1 percent, while sales in Europe increased 8.4 percent and sales in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa increased 6.5 percent. Systemwide sales for McDonald's worldwide restaurants declined 1.0 percent for the month, but increased 8.9 percent in constant currencies.

In the U.S., the ongoing appeal of McDonald's core menu, beverages including the new McCafe coffees and chicken Snack Wraps contributed to April comparable sales rising 6.1%. "By continuing to provide the menu variety and value consumers want with the fast, friendly service they expect from McDonald's, we've strengthened our connection with customers and driven comparable sales growth for six consecutive years," said Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner.

For 2009, same-store sales at U.S. McDonald's restaurants are up 5.0 percent overall. Last year at the same time, there was 2.7 percent growth.

Source: McDonald's Corp.

Jones Dairy Farm offers gluten-free gift packs

Jones Dairy Farm, a six-generation family business that has been making all natural sausage since 1889, has introduced three gluten-free breakfast gift packs available through the Jones Online Store (www.jonesdairyfarm.com), said Philip Jones, president.

The introduction of the new items coincides with Celiac Disease Awareness Month, which runs throughout May. Celiac disease is the most common genetic disease worldwide, affecting as many as one percent of the United States population. Reports estimate that as many as 97 percent of people who have celiac disease remain undiagnosed.

The new offerings include:
* All Natural Pork Sausage Gluten-Free Breakfast Gift Pack: Includes 14 oz. package of Jones gluten-free certified (GFCO) All Natural Golden Brown breakfast sausage links, 24 oz. package of Authentic Foods Pancake and Baking Mix and Jones premium maple syrup.
* All Natural Turkey Sausage Gluten-Free Breakfast Gift Pack: Includes 14 oz. package of Jones gluten-free certified (GFCO) All Natural Golden Brown turkey breakfast sausage patties, 24 oz. package of Authentic Foods Pancake and Baking Mix and Jones premium maple syrup.
* Cherrywood Smoked Bacon Gluten-Free Breakfast Gift Pack: Includes two 8 oz. packages of Jones gluten-free certified (GFCO) Cherrywood Smoked Bacon, 24 oz. package of Authentic Foods Pancake and Baking Mix and Jones premium maple syrup.

In support of Celiac Disease Awareness Month, Jones Dairy Farm will donate $5 to the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) for every gluten-free gift pack ordered during May. CDF is a nonprofit public benefit corporation representing the needs and concerns of the celiac community. Due to the increased demand for gluten-free products, the three new items will remain as part of the Jones web store offerings indefinitely.

Source: Jones Dairy Farm Inc.

Russia bans pork imports from Iowa Tyson plant

Russia has announced that it is banning pork imports from Tyson Foods' plant in Perry, Iowa, though the suspension is not related to the H1N1 flu virus. Tyson has stated that it's working with the USDA to determine the cause of the suspension, and that pork from Tyson's other plants are still eligible to ship product to Russia.

Source: Reuters