Tyson Foods says its president of international operations, Richard Greubel, is leaving the company to take another job.

Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson said Friday from the company's headquarters at Springdale that Greubel will officially leave the world's largest meat-processing firm on Feb. 28. Mickelson did not say what company Greubel would join after leaving Tyson.

James Lochner, Tyson's chief operating officer, will assume Greubel's duties until a replacement can be named, according to a Tyson filing with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission.

Sources: Cattle Network, Associated Press

Kraft triples Q4 profit

In the wake of a large acquisition of British candy maker Cadbury, Kraft Foods announced that its fourth-quarter profit more than tripled on strength in developing markets and continued benefits from its restructuring plan to focus more on money-making products. The company’s profits were $710 million, up from $178 million a year ago, reports the Associated Press.

A standout in the U.S. business was convenient meals, which includes frozen pizzas such as Tombstone and other foods people eat as meals at home. Revenue there rose 3.9 percent, with Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh meats and pizza posting double-digit growth. The company’s other businesses, including beverage, cheese and snacks, saw decreased revenues due in part to steep competition.

Source: Associated Press

Monogram to produce DNA beef snacks

DNA Beverage Corp., makers of the DNA Energy Drink and DNA Meat Snacks, announced today that it has entered into a sales, marketing and manufacturing agreement with Monogram Food Solutions, the nation’s largest producer of American beef snacks and the country’s third largest overall meat snack producer.

Under the terms of the agreement, Monogram will manufacture, market and sell the DNA branded meat snack products utilizing its existing sales, market and distribution platform. DNA will also market and sell the products, relying on its strong ties to the action sports arena in general and its title sponsorship of AMA Supercross, DNA Shred Stix Star Yamaha Racing Team, more specifically.

Wes Jackson, president of Monogram Food Solutions, said, “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with DNA in the development of DNA Beef Jerky and DNA Shred Stix, geared to the younger demographic where DNA has created a strong credible following.” Mr. Jackson also stated, “It is a pleasure to be working with individuals whose tireless efforts and dedication to the success of this project mirrors that of our own.”

Darren Marks, president and CEO of DNA Beverage Corporation, added, “Monogram Food Solutions is a highly trusted name in the meat snack industry and is known for marketing innovations that has its brands among those that Americans favor.” Mr. Marks went on to say, “We look forward to our DNA Meat Snacks Products becoming one of the country’s most loved and are focused on working hand-in-hand with Monogram’s sales and marketing department to that end.”

Marks added, “As a new and relatively small company it is a great honor to have the opportunity to collaborate with the caliber of an organization like Monogram and its quality management team headed up by Wes Jackson, its president and the former president of Sara Lee Foods Dinner Group.”

Source: DNA Beverage Corp.

New Web site monitors Humane Society

The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) has launched HumaneWatch.org, a watchdog project dedicated to analyzing the activities of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). HumaneWatch will include a blog written by CCF’s Director of Research, a growing document library, and a database capable of tracking the dozens of nonprofit (and for-profit) organizations that make up HSUS’s sprawling financial empire.

The Humane Society of the United States has become the animal rights industry’s most powerful player, but it has avoided serious public scrutiny for years, according to the CCF. HSUS raises nearly $100 million annually from Americans who largely believe their donations filter down to local pet shelters and improve the lives of dogs and cats. But in 2008, less than one-half of one percent of HSUS’s budget consisted of grants to actual hands-on “humane societies” that shelter unwanted pets.

“Someone has to ask the hard questions about the Humane Society of the United States, and HumaneWatch will be a relentless source of useful information,” said CCF Director of Research David Martosko. “Nearly 1 million Americans donate money to HSUS every year. And most are completely unaware that they’re bankrolling PETA-style propaganda, far-reaching anti-meat campaigns, a huge staff of lawyers, and bloated pension plans for HSUS executives.”

In 2008 alone, HSUS put more than $2.5 million into pension plans—money that its own advertising suggested would be put toward the direct care of animals. (HSUS neither operates nor is legally affiliated with, any pet shelters anywhere.)

Martosko continued: “Even the best charities can run off the rails, so it’s no surprise the professional dog-watchers need their own watchdog. Donors to the Humane Society of the United States deserve to know exactly how their money is being spent. HumaneWatch will create an open dialogue for farmers, scientists, fashion designers, entertainers, and countless Americans who love both their pets and their chicken sandwiches.”

Source: CCF