Kraft Foods is introducing a new line of Oscar Mayer Lunchables Lunch Combinations, which includes spring water and a number of firsts for the brand, including sub sandwiches and applesauce. The product line also offers the following enhancements: turkey made with 100% turkey breast; bread made with whole grain; Kraft 2% cheddar, and desserts including Chewy Chips Ahoy! Cookies and Mini Nilla Wafers.

"Moms told us what they wanted, and we listened," said Darin Dugan, senior director of marketing, Lunchables. "So we've added items like spring water, applesauce and bread made with whole grain."

The new Lunchables Lunch Combinations line is made up of six varieties including: Turkey + Cheddar Sub Sandwich, Ham + American Sub Sandwich, Turkey + Cheddar Cracker Combos, Ham + American Cracker Combos, Deep Dish Cheese Pizza and Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza. The Turkey + Cheddar Sub Sandwich and Deep Dish Cheese Pizza meet the Kraft Foods Sensible Solution criteria for nutritional value.

Changes to the new Lunchables Lunch Combinations aren't just on the inside. The new line will be launched in an all new, clear, snap-close package that uses recyclable sleeves, bottom trays and water bottles. This is the first appreciable change to the packaging in the brand's 21 years.

"Our product packaging really tops off the introduction of this new line," said Dugan. "We've made it easier than ever for Mom to see exactly what's inside."

Source: Kraft Foods

Hillshire Farms offers family-sized lunchmeat tub

Sara Lee Corp. now offers Hillshire Farm Family Size Lunchmeat Tubs, part of the Hillshire Farm Deli Select line featuring Ultra Thin and Hearty Slices lunchmeat. Hillshire Farm lunchmeats are made without by-products or artificial flavors and their resealable container with an inner pouch ensures longer lasting fresh taste so mom can feel proud that she is truly elevating her family's lunch.

"With brown bagging on the rise, Hillshire Farm is pleased to be able to offer our customers quality products that provide a great value in these harsh economic times," said Tim Roush, vice president, lunch and dinner brands for Hillshire Farm.

Now available in supermarkets nationwide, Hillshire Farm Family Size Lunchmeat Tubs come in the following varieties:
  --  Ultra Thin Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
  --  Ultra Thin Honey Ham
  --  Ultra Thin Smoked Ham
  --  Ultra Thin Brown Sugar Baked Ham
  --  Hearty Slices Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

Additionally, Hillshire Farm is debuting the Hillshire Farm Red Bag - a reusable and insulated lunch tote. Available at retail nationwide starting August 3, the reusable, insulated Red Bags are free with the purchase of any three packages of Hillshire Farm lunchmeat (8oz or larger).

Source: Sara Lee Corp.

JBS posts first profit in three quarters

JBS SA posted a quarterly net income of 172.7million reais ($93.9 million) compared to a loss of 364.4 million reais, marking the first time in three quarters that the company had posted a profit. The profit was attributed to an increase in Brazilian consumption and a cut in financial expanses, according to Bloomberg reports.

The company cut its expenses from 508.8 million reais last year to 33.6 million reais in this quarter, and its market share rose from 14.5 percent to 17.6 percet. Net sales in Brazil rose 19 percent, while total sales increased by 30 percent.

Source: Bloomberg

U.S. Foodservice Minnesota division donates 12.5 tons of food

U.S. Foodservice Minnesota Division, with the support of its vendors, delivered more than 25,000 pounds of food to the Maplewood Distribution Center of Second Harvest Heartland, the Upper Midwest's largest hunger-relief organization.

The company's 48-foot tractor trailer rig was packed full of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are frequently in short supply at area food banks. The donation, which also included meat, bread, canned and frozen foods, will help provide more than 19,000 meals to hungry children, families and seniors in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

"We are very pleased that we were able to help Second Harvest Heartland meet the needs of hungry families in our community. We especially appreciate the generosity of our vendors who join with U.S. Foodservice and our local employees in answering a critical need," said Kurt Nelson, vice president, marketing and category management for the company's Minnesota Division.

Source: U.S. Foodservice