Tofu Tops with Soy Consumers
American consumers surveyed said they believe soy products possess definite health benefits, up from 71% last year, according to the latest annual survey by the United Soybean Board. Top products that consumers are eating include tofu, soy veggie burgers and soy beverages. Consumers are also familiar with soybean oil, soy infant formula, soy protein bars and other dietary supplements. According to the poll, 39% are aware of soy's association with lower cholesterol levels, digestive maintenance, increased energy and menopausal relief.
New B2B Web Exchange Debuts
SAN FRANCISCO -- FoodMarketExchange.com, a new business-to-business Web site, announced commencement of activity as an on-line marketplace serving food suppliers, manufacturers and food retailers from around the world. On-line trading, auctions, exchanges and related services provide a platform for buyers and sellers 24 hours a day. For example, a buyer seeking pineapples can post a message on the site and receive bids from sellers around the world. In addition, the site offers e-mail services, news updates and chat rooms.
Organic Buying Program Launched
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Calif. -- Natural Selection Foods has created a "one-stop" organic procurement program for all trade customers in the United States, Canada and Europe. Company officials said the buying program enables the customers to order the company's own Earthbound Farm-brand products, as well as other organic produce, including seasonal and imported items, at the same time. The company began testing the program in May for a handful of large customers who demanded it, said officials.
Del Monte Taps Fresh Processor
CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Del Monte Fresh Produce has appointed RLB Food Distributors, West Caldwell, N.J., as the company's fresh-cut products processor, packer and distributor in the Northeast United States. Under the terms of the agreement, RLB's fresh-cut processing division, FreshPro, will pack Del Monte's line of fresh-cut fruits, vegetables and other produce under the supervision of Del Monte personnel. The agreement will complement Del Monte's existing operations at facilities in Jessup, Md., and Kankakee, Ill., according to officials. Construction of RLB's processing plant was completed in August.
Buyproduce Customizes Web Site
IRVINE, Calif. -- Buyproduce has announced the rollout of a customized Private Marketplace function, designed to integrate customers' existing in-house information systems with a transactional e-commerce application, all of which co-exist with the Buyproduce.com and other open marketplace exchanges. According to company officials, this feature allows wholesale, retail and broker buyers to move between multiple exchanges with all of their order data following them as they navigate Web sites. As a result, all parties can view the orders as the product moves from purchase ordering through invoicing to payment, they said. Mission Produce, Oxnard, Calif., said it will be one of the first companies to adopt the Buyproduce Private Marketplace solution.
