First it was bringing home the gold, then it became about a disco ball trophy on TV and now two hyper-competitive athletes find themselves in stiff competition over a shared childhood favorite - Nestle Crunch.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091230/LA31003)

Shortly after the bar's recipe was changed, two of America's favorite gold medalists, Apolo Anton Ohno and Shawn Johnson, settled on differing ingredients that they believe make the beloved candy bar so delicious. Their competitive natures have turned a difference of opinion into a head-to-head challenge captured on video and posted on their websites. The videos showcase jaw-dropping athletic challenges in which Shawn and Apolo take their disagreement about the new recipe to a physical competition. The videos have become an online sensation, receiving more than one million combined views.

"Shawn and I have great chemistry, despite our differing opinions and highly competitive nature," said speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno. "When we learned there was a new Nestle Crunch recipe, we both quickly took a stance and decided to settle this in person in true sports fashion at my training center in Utah."

For each competition, Apolo and Shawn took turns showcasing their athletic prowess in speed and acrobatics, while documenting it for the world to see.

"Everyone knows that Nestle Crunch has always been about the crispies and now they are even crunchier," said gymnast Shawn Johnson. "My good friend, Apolo, seems to think the chocolate makes the bar, but I know it's the crispies. No joke, we've been going back and forth about this for weeks!"

"I think I proved my point," said Ohno. "But Shawn is still talking about those crispies. So we might have to go one more round to settle this once and for all when we see each other again in the New Year."

A two-time overall World Cup Champion and 12-time U.S. Champion in short-track speedskating, Apolo Anton Ohno, is preparing to make U.S. history in Vancouver, Canada this coming February. One of the greatest winter athletes of all-time, Ohno launched onto the scene in 2002 in Salt Lake City, with his gold and silver medal wins and signature wavy hair and bandana. Shortly after adding more medal hardware to his collection in Torino, Italy in 2006, Ohno went on to compete and win the fourth season of the hit reality show, "Dancing with the Stars." He's since become the face of short-track speedskating around the globe and has also gone onto become a household name throughout the United States.

Shawn Johnson has reached similar heights on the international stage as a four-time medalist in Beijing, World All Around Champion and two-time U.S. All Around Champion in gymnastics. Shawn was one of the most successful gymnasts in American history at the age sixteen. Shawn has become an athlete favorite with fans of all ages for showing grace under pressure in competition and a winning smile, which she proudly wore during her win on the eighth season of "Dancing with the Stars." As she contemplates competing through 2012, Shawn is finishing her high school studies and applying to colleges.

To learn more about one of America's favorite chocolate bars, visit NestleCrunch.com or check out the Nestle Crunch Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NestleCrunch.

About Nestle USA

Named one of "America's Most Admired Food Companies" in FORTUNE magazine for the twelfth consecutive year, Nestle USA provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. From nutritious meals with LEAN CUISINE® to baking traditions with NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE®, Nestle USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself. That's what "Nestle. Good Food, Good Life" is all about. Well-known Nestle brands include: NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE®, NESTLE®NESQUIK®, NESTLE® COFFEE-MATE®, STOUFFER'S®, LEAN CUISINE®, HOT POCKETS® and LEAN POCKETS® brand sandwiches, NESCAFE®, NESCAFE®TASTER'S CHOICE®, NESTLE® JUICY JUICE®, BUITONI®, DREYER'S/EDY'S®, NESTLE® CRUNCH®, NESTLE® BUTTERFINGER®, and WONKA®. Nestle USA, with 2008 sales of $10 billion is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland -- the largest food company in the world with a focus on Nutrition, Health & Wellness -- with 2008 sales of $101 billion. For product news and information, visit NestleNewsroom.com.

    Media contact:
    Heather Tremblay / MS&L Group
    323.866.6035
    heather.tremblay@mslworldwide.com

SOURCE Nestle USA

RELATED LINKS
http://www.NestleCrunch.com

Guernsey's (http://www.guernseys.com/), the three-decade-old auction house, has retained Rubenstein Public Relations to represent its landmark auction on behalf of Tavern on the Green, announced Richard Rubenstein, president of Rubenstein Public Relations (http://www.rubensteinpr.com). The agency is generating publicity for an extensive auction of nostalgic, one-of-a-kind pieces from the famed New York City restaurant, as it prepares to permanently shut its doors with its final seating on New Year's Eve.

Arlan Ettinger, founder and president of Guernsey's, said: "Although we are saddened that the era of the late Tavern on the Green owner Warner LeRoy is coming to an end, it is comforting to know his vision will live on in the homes and businesses of others. Thousands of extraordinary items including: Baccarat chandeliers, Tiffany stained glass murals and chandeliers, etched glass mirrors, copper weathervanes, silver candelabras, place settings and other treasures from this extraordinary New York City institution will be auctioned to the public on January 13th, 14th and 15th."

Richard Rubenstein said: "We are focusing on generating national and international media exposure on this historic auction and will be organizing a comprehensive schedule of journalists to tour the site with Guernsey's president Arlan Ettinger and Kay LeRoy, Warner LeRoy's widow."

In advance of the auction, Tavern on the Green was included on Live with Regis and Kelly's Christmas special, CNN and all over New York City on Taxi TV. Additional pre-auction coverage secured by the agency includes three New York Times articles, as well as feature articles in the New York Post, Associated Press and Crain's New York Business.

Rubenstein Public Relations has represented Guernsey's in past auctions, including those pertaining to John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, the Jackson Family, Jerry Garcia, John Coltrane, Mickey Mantle and Rosa Parks. For more information visit www.guernseys.com.

SOURCE Rubenstein Public Relations

RELATED LINKS
http://www.rubensteinpr.com

Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (NYSE: PPC) today announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Attorney's office for the Eastern District of Texas and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in relation to a two-year investigation into identity theft and the employment of individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States.

Under the terms of the non-prosecution agreement, the company has agreed to pay the federal government a total of $4.5 million over the next three years. The agreement marks the completion of the government's investigation, which began in 2007. No civil or criminal charges were ever filed against the company during the course of the investigation, and both the U.S. Attorney's office and Pilgrim's Pride acknowledge that the settlement does not constitute any admission of civil or criminal misconduct on the part of Pilgrim's Pride or any of its directors, officers, management or other employees.

In 2007 and 2008, ICE conducted worksite enforcement and identify-theft investigations at five Pilgrim's Pride locations. As a result of these actions, a total of approximately 338 unauthorized workers were apprehended. Pilgrim's Pride cooperated fully with the U.S. Attorney's office and ICE throughout the course of the investigation.

As part of the settlement, Pilgrim's Pride recognizes that its voluntary compliance programs can be enhanced to more accurately identify unauthorized persons who seek or gain employment through identity fraud or other unlawful means.

Pilgrim's Pride shares the government's goal of eliminating the hiring or employment of unauthorized workers, and has stringent workplace verification programs in place. All of the company's U.S. locations voluntarily participate in E-Verify (formerly known as the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program), which determines employment eligibility for all new hires. However, the E-Verify/Basic Pilot program is unable to detect identity theft situations.

Pilgrim's Pride has relied on the ICE Best Hiring Practices in designing its immigration compliance program. These practices include participation in E-Verify, prompt attention to Social Security No-Match letters, and retention of outside experts in immigration compliance to ensure that the company is doing all that it can to verify that its employees have work authorization. These practices also require that the company be sensitive to all applicable anti-discrimination laws.

Pilgrim's Pride continually audits and reviews its processes and procedures to assure continuing compliance with best hiring practices and existing employment law. The company provides education and training on proper hiring procedures, fraudulent document detection, use of the E-Verify/Basic Pilot Employment Verification Program, and anti-discrimination procedures. Pilgrim's Pride also conducts internal and third-party audits of I-9 forms and hiring practices on an ongoing basis, and fully investigates any reports of alleged identity theft.

About Pilgrim's Pride

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation employs approximately 41,000 people (including approximately 36,000 in the United States) and operates chicken processing plants and prepared-foods facilities in 12 states, Puerto Rico and Mexico. The Company's primary distribution is through retailers and foodservice distributors. For more information, please visit http://www.pilgrimspride.com.

    Media Contact:      Ray Atkinson
    Director of Corporate Communications
    (903) 434-1811
    ray.atkinson@pilgrimspride.com

    Investor Contact:   Gary Rhodes
    Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
    (903) 434-1495

SOURCE Pilgrim's Pride Corporation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.pilgrimspride.com

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) today announced the issuance of the following notice of a proposed settlement of the derivative litigation pending against Krispy Kreme and its former chief executive officer.

Krispy Kreme Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Darryl R. Marsch, commented, "We have been anticipating the resolution of this final piece of litigation related to legal matters involving former management, and we are pleased that the court has scheduled a hearing for February 24, 2010 that we believe will resolve the matter."

                            UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

                        MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA


    WILLIAM DOUGLAS WRIGHT and JUDY WOODALL, )          No. 1:04-CV-00832
                                             )
                               Plaintiffs,   )
                                             )
               vs.                           )
    KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, INC, et al.,     )
                                             )
                               Defendants.   )
    ------------------------------------------

                             NOTICE OF PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF
                        SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE ACTION AND HEARING
                        -----------------------------------------


                 TO:  ALL CURRENT BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF KRISPY KREME
                      DOUGHNUTS, INC COMMON STOCK.

                          PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY

                               THIS NOTICE RELATES TO
                     THE PENDENCY AND PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF
                      THIS SHAREHOLDER DERIVATIVE LITIGATION

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23.1, and an Order of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina (the "Court"), that a proposed settlement (the "Settlement") of the above-captioned shareholder derivative action (the "Action") brought on behalf of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. ("Krispy Kreme" or the "Company") has been reached between the Court-appointed Lead Plaintiffs Judy Woodall and William Douglas Wright ("Lead Plaintiffs"), Krispy Kreme, acting through a special committee consisting of two independent, outside, non-management, non-employee directors who joined Krispy Kreme's board of directors (the "Special Committee") after the events underlying this litigation, and the following settling defendant: Scott A. Livengood ("Livengood"), the chairman and chief executive officer of Krispy Kreme at the time of the events underlying the Action.

The Action has been brought derivatively on behalf of Krispy Kreme to recover damages caused by alleged breaches of fiduciary duties in connection with the management of the Company and the Company's acquisitions of certain franchises. If approved by the Court, the proposed Settlement, as to Livengood, will result in the final dismissal of the Action against Livengood without costs and with prejudice.

The proposed Settlement, which is subject to Court approval, benefits Krispy Kreme by eliminating the need for Krispy Kreme to fund, pursuant to advancement and indemnification obligations in Krispy Kreme's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and under North Carolina law, the substantial defense costs that Krispy Kreme and Livengood would incur if the Action were to continue.

A hearing (the "Fairness Hearing") will be held by the Court at the L. Richardson Preyer Federal Courthouse, 324 West Market Street, Greensboro, North Carolina on February 24, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. to determine whether the proposed Settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate, whether Judgment should be entered giving final approval to the proposed Settlement, and dismissing the Action as outlined above.

No Claims Procedure

This Action was brought for the benefit of Krispy Kreme. Its resolution will result in benefits to Krispy Kreme, and not in payments to individual Krispy Kreme shareholders. Accordingly, there will be no claims procedure.

THE ACTION

Background: The Derivative Action

Three shareholder derivative actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina: Wright v. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., et al., No. 1:04CV0082, filed September 14, 2004; Blackwell v. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., et al., No. 1:05CV0450, filed May 23, 2005; and Andrews v. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., et al., No. 1:05CV0461, filed May 24, 2005. The defendants in one or more of these derivative actions include the directors of Krispy Kreme at the time the Wright action was brought, certain former directors of the Company, certain current and former officers of the Company, including Livengood, John Tate ("Tate"), the Company's former Chief Operating Officer, Randy Casstevens ("Casstevens"), the Company's former Chief Financial Officer, and certain persons or entities that sold franchises to the Company. The complaints in these derivative actions allege breaches of fiduciary duties in connection with the management of the Company and the Company's acquisitions of certain franchises. The complaints seek damages, rescission of the franchise acquisitions, disgorgement of the proceeds from these acquisitions, and other unspecified relief.

On October 4, 2004, Krispy Kreme's board of directors appointed a Special Committee consisting of Michael H. Sutton ("Sutton") and Lizanne Thomas ("Thomas"), both of whom are independent, outside, non-management, non-employee directors who joined Krispy Kreme's board of directors after the events underlying this Action (after Lead Plaintiffs commenced this litigation). Sutton was Chief Accountant of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") from 1995 to 1998, and before that was a senior partner of Deloitte & Touche. Thomas is a senior corporate partner in the Atlanta office of Jones Day, a leading global law firm, where she also serves as Firmwide Administrative Partner. Krispy Kreme's board of directors delegated full, sole and complete authority to the Special Committee to conduct an independent investigation with the assistance of independent counsel and determine Krispy Kreme's position in this litigation and the question whether pursuit of the claims alleged by plaintiff would serve the best interests of Krispy Kreme and its shareholders. The Special Committee's mandate also included any and all issues raised by regulatory investigations commenced by the SEC and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, Krispy Kreme's independent auditors, whistleblowers, and any and all additional issues the Special Committee deemed appropriate.

In orders dated November 5, 2004, November 24, 2004, April 4, 2005, and June 1, 2005, respectively, the Court stayed the Wright action pending completion of the investigation of the Special Committee. On June 3, 2005, the plaintiffs in the Wright, Blackwell, and Andrews actions filed a motion to consolidate the three actions and to name lead plaintiffs in the consolidated action. On June 27, 2005, Trudy Nomm ("Nomm"), who, like the plaintiffs in the Wright, Blackwell, and Andrews actions, identified herself as a Krispy Kreme shareholder, filed a motion to intervene in these derivative actions and to be named lead plaintiff.

On July 12, 2005, the Court consolidated the Wright, Blackwell, and Andrews shareholder derivative actions under the heading Wright v. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., et al. and ordered the plaintiffs to file a consolidated complaint on or before the later of 45 days after the plaintiffs receive the report of the Special Committee or 30 days after the Court appointed lead counsel. A consolidated complaint has not been filed.

On August 10, 2005, the Company announced that the Special Committee had completed an investigation that involved thousands of hours of work by the Special Committee and its advisors, including interviews of over 100 individuals (many on multiple occasions) and review of over 2.4 million pages of documents and electronic files. The Special Committee concluded that it was in the best interest of the Company to reject demands by shareholders that the Company commence litigation against the current and former directors and officers of the Company named in the derivative actions and to seek dismissal of the shareholder litigation against the outside directors, the sellers of certain franchises, and current and former officers, except for Livengood, Tate, and Casstevens, as to whom the Special Committee concluded that it would not seek dismissal of the shareholder derivative litigation.

The Special Committee's reasoning is summarized in a Form 8-K filing with the SEC dated August 10, 2005. Among other things, the Special Committee found that the claims asserted against most of the defendants in the Action, including all of Krispy Kreme's outside directors, are very weak in light of the strong defenses available to directors and officers under North Carolina law, including the business judgment rule, a powerful presumption in favor of director conduct, and North Carolina's director protection statute, which precludes director liability except for acts that a director "knew or believed were clearly in conflict with the best interests of the corporation" or transactions "from which the director received an improper personal benefit." The Special Committee noted that courts repeatedly have stated that a claim that directors failed to implement and maintain adequate internal control systems "is possibly the most difficult theory in corporation law upon which a plaintiff might hope to win a judgment" and found no reason to believe that this Action is an exception to that rule.

On October 21, 2005, the Court granted Nomm's motion to intervene. On October 28, 2005, the Court appointed the plaintiffs in the Wright action, Judy Woodall and William Douglas Wright, as co-Lead Plaintiffs in the consolidated action.

On October 30, 2006, following extensive negotiations, the Special Committee determined on behalf of Krispy Kreme to enter into a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement with the Lead Plaintiffs, the lead plaintiffs in the securities class action, and all defendants named in the class action and derivative litigation, except for Livengood ("Partial Derivative Settlement"). The terms of the Partial Derivative Settlement included, inter alia, the contribution by Derivative Defendants John Tate ("Tate") and Randy Casstevens ("Casstevens") of $200,000 collectively towards the settlement of the Class Action, the cancellation of restricted stock held by Tate, and a limitation on the indemnification rights of Tate and Casstevens. Following notice to the Krispy Kreme shareholders and a hearing, the Court gave final approval to the Partial Derivative Settlement by a Final Judgment and Order of Dismissal with Prejudice dated February 14, 2007, providing for the settlement of the securities class action and partial settlement of the derivative action.

On August 4, 2008, following extensive negotiation, Krispy Kreme and Livengood entered into a Stock Option Agreement and Escrow Agreement whereby Krispy Kreme allowed Livengood to exercise certain vested stock options previously granted to him and the net proceeds were deposited into an escrow account pending resolution of this Action.

On December 7, 2009, following extensive negotiations, the Special Committee determined on behalf of Krispy Kreme to enter into a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement (the "Stipulation") with the Lead Plaintiffs and Livengood in the Action.

Plaintiffs' Counsel's Investigation

Lead Plaintiffs' Counsel conducted an investigation relating to the claims and the underlying events and transactions alleged in the Action, particularly the allegations of wrongdoing pertaining to each of the Individual Defendants, and the alleged damages suffered by Krispy Kreme. Lead Plaintiffs and Lead Plaintiffs' Counsel believe that this investigation provides an adequate and satisfactory basis for the Settlement described herein.

Other Derivative Actions

Two shareholder derivative actions were filed in the Superior Court of North Carolina, Forsyth County: Andrews v. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., et al., No. 04 CVS 7311, filed November 12, 2004; and Lockwood v. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., et al., No. 04 CVS 474, filed January 21, 2005. On April 26, 2005, those actions were assigned to the North Carolina Business Court. On May 26, 2005, the plaintiffs in those actions voluntarily dismissed the actions in favor of the federal court action they filed on May 25, 2005 (the Andrews action discussed above).

Livengood's Denial Of Wrongdoing

Livengood has denied and continues to deny each and all of the claims and contentions alleged by the Lead Plaintiffs in the Action. Livengood expressly has denied and continues to deny all charges of wrongdoing or liability against him or arising out of any of the conduct, statements, acts, or omissions alleged, or that could have been alleged, in the Action. Livengood also has denied and continues to deny, inter alia, the allegations that Krispy Kreme has suffered damage, or that Krispy Kreme was harmed by any of the conduct alleged in the Action. Nonetheless, Livengood has concluded that further conduct of the Action would be protracted, expensive, and distracting to Krispy Kreme and its management and that it is desirable that the Action be fully and finally settled in the manner and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this proposed Settlement.

Nothing in the Stipulation shall be construed as or may be used as an admission by or against Livengood of any fault, wrongdoing, or liability whatsoever. Entering into or carrying out the Stipulation (or the Exhibits hereto) and any negotiations or proceedings related thereto shall not in any event be construed as, or be deemed to be evidence of, an admission or concession with regard to Lead Plaintiffs' claims or contrary to Livengood's denials and defenses, and shall not be offered by any of the Settling Parties or received in evidence in any action or proceeding in any court, administrative agency or other tribunal for any purpose whatsoever other than to enforce the provisions of the Stipulation (and the Exhibits hereto) or the provisions of any related agreement or release, or in any subsequent action against or by Livengood to support a defense of res judicata, collateral estoppel, release, or other theory of claim or issue preclusion or similar defense.

TERMS OF THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT

The full terms and conditions of the Settlement are embodied in the Stipulation, which is on file with the Court. The following is a summary of the Stipulation.

Monetary Consideration

The Stipulation provides for the settlement and dismissal of claims with prejudice against Livengood. Krispy Kreme and Livengood agree that within five (5) business days following the Effective Date of the Settlement, the Escrow Agent shall distribute the entire balance of the escrow account, which contains the entire net proceeds from the exercise by Livengood of his vested stock options, to Krispy Kreme and that Krispy Kreme may cancel all remaining vested stock options previously granted to Livengood.

RELEASES

The full terms of the Dismissal and Release of Claims are set forth in the Stipulation. The following is only a summary.

Upon the effective date of the Settlement, Krispy Kreme and all current Krispy Kreme shareholders will release the claims against the Released Parties, as defined below.

The Released Parties are Livengood, nominal defendant Krispy Kreme, their past or present subsidiaries, parents, successors, predecessors, officers, directors, agents, employees, attorneys, advisors and investment advisors, auditors, accountants, and any person, firm, trust, corporation, officer, director, or other individual or entity in which they have a controlling interest or which is related to or affiliated with them, and their legal representatives, heirs, successors in interest, or assigns (collectively, the "Released Parties").

ATTORNEYS' FEES AND EXPENSES

Derivative Counsel will be paid an award of attorneys' fees and expenses in an amount up to $625,000, as approved by the Court (the "Fees and Expenses Award") by Krispy Kreme and/or its respective successors in interest, on the basis of the benefits conferred upon Krispy Kreme as a result of this Settlement and the Partial Derivative Settlement. Krispy Kreme shall pay the Fees and Expenses Award to Barroway Topaz Kessler Meltzer & Check, LLP, as receiving agent for Derivative Counsel, within ten (10) days of the Court approving the Settlement. Except as expressly provided herein, Derivative Counsel shall bear their own fees, costs, and expenses and no Settling Defendant shall assert any claim for expenses, costs, and fees against any plaintiffs. Settling Defendants shall have no responsibility for or liability with respect to the allocation among any counsel for any plaintiff of the Fees and Expenses Award.

THE HEARING AND YOUR RIGHTS AS SHAREHOLDERS

The Fairness Hearing will be held on February 24, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. before the Honorable James A. Beaty, Jr., United States District Judge, at the L. Richardson Preyer Federal Courthouse, 324 West Market Street, Greensboro, North Carolina, for the purpose of determining whether the proposed Settlement is fair, reasonable, adequate, and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, and should be approved by the Court, and whether Judgment should be entered dismissing the Action as provided in the Stipulation. The hearing may be adjourned from time to time by the Court at the hearing or any adjourned session thereof without further notice other than by announcement of such adjournment.

Any current beneficial owner of the shares of Krispy Kreme common stock may appear at the Fairness Hearing and be heard as to whether the proposed Settlement should be approved and the Action dismissed with prejudice; provided, however, that no such beneficial owner shall be heard unless, on or before February 1, 2010, his, her, or its objection or opposition is made in writing and is filed with the Court, together with copies of any supporting papers and briefs upon which he, she, or it intends to rely and a sworn statement attesting to the date of purchase by such beneficial owner of his, her, or its Krispy Kreme common stock and his, her, or its continued ownership thereof. In addition, such beneficial owner shall show due proof of service, on or before the aforesaid date, of copies of such objection or opposition, supporting papers and briefs, and proof of purchase and continued ownership upon each of the following counsel:

    Plaintiffs' Counsel:
                                         Eric L. Zagar
                                         Barroway Topaz Kessler Meltzer &
                                         Check, LLP
                                         280 King of Prussia Road
                                         Radnor, PA 19087
                                         (610) 667-7706

    Counsel for the Special Committee:
                                         J. Donald Cowan, Jr.
                                         ELLIS & WINTERS
                                         333 N. Greene Street
                                         Suite 200
                                         Greensboro, NC 27401
                                         (336) 217-4193

Any shareholder who does not make his or her objection or opposition in the manner provided herein shall be deemed to have waived any and all objections and opposition, and shall be forever foreclosed from making any objection to the fairness, reasonableness and adequacy of the proposed Settlement.

DISMISSAL & RELEASE

Should the Settlement be approved by the Court following the Fairness Hearing, the Court will enter a Final Order and Judgment that:

            (a) Finds that the publication of the Notice, as described in
                the Stipulation, has been accomplished as directed and has
                provided the best Notice practicable under the circumstances
                and has met the requirements of due process;

            (b) Approves the Settlement as fair, reasonable, and adequate to
                Krispy Kreme and its shareholders;

            (c) Dismisses the Action as to Livengood and releases and
                discharges each of the Released Parties from any and all
                liability with respect to the claims, such dismissal to be
                without costs and with prejudice; and

            (d) Permanently bars and enjoins the institution or prosecution
                against the Released Parties of any action asserting or
                relating in any way to the claims.

SPECIAL NOTICE TO BROKERS, BANKS, AND OTHER NOMINEES

Brokerage firms, banks, and other persons or entities who are current Krispy Kreme common stock shareholders in their capacities as record owners, but not as beneficial owners, are requested to send this Notice promptly to beneficial owners.

EXAMINATION OF PAPERS AND INQUIRIES

For a more detailed statement of the matters involved in this Action, reference is made to the pleadings, the Stipulation, and all other papers publicly filed in the Action, which may be inspected at the Office of the Clerk for the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina during regular business hours of each business day.

Any inquiry concerning the Action should be addressed to Plaintiffs' Counsel: Eric L. Zagar, Barroway Topaz Kessler Meltzer & Check, LLP, 280 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087 (telephone: (610) 667-7706).

          PLEASE DO NOT ADDRESS INQUIRIES TO THE COURT

    DATED:      December 23, 2009

                   BY ORDER OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
              FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA

About Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is an international retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature Original Glazed((R)) doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Krispy Kreme is proud of its Fundraising program, which for decades has helped non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars in needed funds. Today, Krispy Kreme can be found in approximately 560 locations around the world. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Visit us at www.KrispyKreme.com.

SOURCE Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.

Pernod Ricard USA, the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., today announced that it is expanding placements of video messages from its "Accept Responsibility" campaign a public service initiative to increase consumer awareness of responsible drinking - via increased presence within the social media landscape.

Pernod Ricard USA's media agency, Carat, is working with a variety of distribution partners, such as SocialVibe, VideoEgg and Tremor Media, to generate engagement with and viewership of the video messages. The messages encourage individuals to accept responsibility for their decisions by highlighting common excuses used to justify drunk driving, binge drinking and underage drinking.

"Leveraging partners that can help integrate our message into popular social destinations makes our campaign widely accessible by reaching young adults in a familiar environment," said Paul Duffy, President, Pernod Ricard USA. Kellie Raff, Digital Media Supervisor at Carat, added that such sites as SocialVibe - which already are known for their cause-related content - provide the added benefit of making it easy for users to share the videos with their friends.

The messages are hyperlinked back to the Accept Responsibility homepage, http://www.acceptresponsibility.org <http://www.acceptresponsibility.org>, which was created to be an accessible site on responsibility and the consumption of alcohol beverages. The website is free of any information on, or promotion of, Pernod Ricard brands.

In conjunction with the new messages, Pernod Ricard USA has launched several new anti-binge drinking videos on "The Wheel of Excuses," an interactive feature on its Accept Responsibility site. Users are able to spin the wheel, and when it lands on an excuse, a video recreates a scenario in which the excuse is often made.

Launched in August 2007, the Accept Responsibility campaign has been featured in national newspapers, magazines and public service announcements, in addition to online sites.

Said Duffy: "The 'Accept Responsibility' campaign encourages consumers to not only think before they act, but also consider the potential consequences of their decisions. Social responsibility is a top priority and core value of Pernod Ricard USA, and we are committed to fighting against irresponsible consumption."

The Accept Responsibility campaign and website resulted from a partnership between Pernod Ricard and Fly Communications, New York. "We are delighted that this successful campaign continues to evolve, and we think these new media vehicles will efficiently and effectively engage consumers," said Dave Warren, Co-Founder of Fly.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V&S Group.

In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Plymouth(TM) Gin, Martell® Cognac, Malibu® flavored Rum, Kahlua® Liqueur, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouet® Champagne, G.H. Mumm(TM) Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines.

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country.

Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA

StarKist joins the Pittsburgh Steelers to proudly announce its support of Urban Impact, a non-profit group that enriches the lives of children living in Pittsburgh's North Side, with a $15,000-plus donation. For every catch the Pittsburgh Steelers make during the regular season, StarKist contributed $50 to Urban Impact - through last Sunday the team has made a total of 316 catches for a donation of $15,800 so far. A check presentation will be conducted today at Heinz Field during pregame of the Steelers-Ravens game with representatives from Urban Impact, StarKist and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"We want to thank our North Shore neighbors, the Pittsburgh Steelers, for joining us in this exciting challenge to benefit Urban Impact. We share a common vision of improving the lives of children and their families in this community," said Don Binotto, CEO of StarKist. "It's truly an honor to support the remarkable work that Urban Impact does to start children off on the right path by offering a variety of programs including academic assistance, sports programs and much more. We applaud Urban Impact's efforts and are proud to be part of an organization that is improving so many lives."

Urban Impact's mission is to transform lives of children, youth and families who live on Pittsburgh's North Side by building relationships with them and mentoring them into adulthood. They believe that if they start kids off on the right path at an early age, they can help lead them to greatness as they grow and mature. The program reaches out to the community by providing academic assistance, reaching out to children through athletics, setting a good example through performing arts, and, equipping future leaders to carry out God's mission.

"The Pittsburgh Steelers are pleased to team up with StarKist and it's gratifying to know that each catch made during the regular season benefited our friends at Urban Impact," said Tony Quatrini, director of marketing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. "We are committed to making a positive impact in our community and we want to thank StarKist for partnering with us to make this challenge, and this donation, possible."

"Urban Impact is reaching out to children living in Pittsburgh's North Shore in so many ways - from helping a child who is struggling in school, to conducting an annual camp where kids have a safe, fun place to go each summer," said Jeff Hartings, Steelers Alumnus and Play Ball for Kids Associate at Urban Impact. "We provide a community service that is focused on changing lives and we are thankful to StarKist and the Pittsburgh Steelers for making this generous donation possible."

About Urban Impact

It's a simple philosophy - start kids off on the right path at an early age and then help lead them to greatness. Urban Impact is changing Pittsburgh's North Side one person, one family, one block at a time - and it all starts with a child or young person. We believe that if we impact their lives early on by giving them options and hope for the future, they will become productive members of the community and have a positive, lasting impression on society. For more information about Urban Impact visit www.urbanimpactpittsburgh.org.

About the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are proud to be a part of the western Pennsylvania community. The organization's strong commitment to this area dates back to 1933 when Arthur J. Rooney first founded the team. Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and president Art Rooney II are known as two of the most active NFL owners and are some of Pittsburgh's most involved executives in civic affairs. Steelers players, coaches and front office staff are involved in appearances, charitable donations and outreach programs with nonprofit and community groups. It's our way of giving back to the community that has given us so much for more than 75 years!

About StarKist

StarKist Co. is a leading producer, distributor and marketer of shelf-stable and frozen seafood products in the United States. A category leader in innovation, StarKist was the first brand to introduce the StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch®; StarKist Tuna Creations®, a line of lightly marinated tuna; and, a dolphin-safe policy. As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a 65-year tradition of quality, innovation and consumer trust and is well known for its charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna, who swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. For more information on the Company, visit www.starkist.com. StarKist Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.

Contacts: Mary Sestric, StarKist, 412-323-7438

SOURCE StarKist Co.

For the majority of Americans who are unhappy with their weight at any given moment, the New Year brings mixed emotions: the renewed resolution to shed pounds and the challenge of learning how to eat right to reach those goals. Helping to bridge the gap between resolutions and reality, nutrition expert Keri Glassman, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., identifies foods that pack an unexpected nutritious punch.

Mushrooms are one such example - a best-kept secret to make any diet possible thanks to their flavor, value, nutrition and versatility. "Mushrooms have emerged as a nutritional powerhouse," says Glassman of the hidden treasure that provides B-vitamins, antioxidants and vitamin D. "I recommend tossing a handful of nutrient-dense mushrooms into your favorite everyday dishes, from salads to pastas. They're easy to prepare and once you start dabbling with mushrooms, you'll want to share this superfood with everyone," adds Glassman.

According to Glassman, the overall approach for success should be to focus on adding, not subtracting, from current eating plans. While you want to limit things such as refined carbs, processed foods and unhealthy fats from your diet, the emphasis should be on adding a few superfoods that can help maintain or whittle your waistline while adding important nutrients, such as antioxidants and vitamin D.

Surprising Secrets to Slim-Down Success

Learning more about these superfoods can help transform the way you look at meals. Instead of feeling like a food victim, plagued by calorie counting and the scale, become a diet champion by choosing nutrient-rich foods that not only help you maintain your weight, but can improve your overall health in the process. Keri Glassman suggests the following tips for boosting antioxidants in her newest book, The O2 Diet:

• Sprinkle Chile peppers into your favorite dish. Aside from containing the beneficial antioxidant capsaicin, it's been shown that people who eat meals with spice feel less hungry as a result.
• Start each meal with vegetables: a starter salad is an easy way to pack in antioxidants and will help keep you full. Toss in artichokes, mushrooms and bell peppers for extra antioxidants.
• Make time for green tea; it's rich in antioxidants called catechins, which may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and decrease body fat.
• Spice up your day with a little cinnamon, and you may find that the smell alone is enough to curb fatigue, ease frustration, and increase alertness.
• Don't let the pressure to eat perfect become the enemy of eating well. Sure it's great to choose the foods highest in antioxidants and lowest in fat, but it's important to keep nutrition in perspective and not fixate on the details.

Extended Health Benefits of Mushrooms

• Weight management: Preliminary research suggests increasing intake of low-energy density-foods (meaning few calories given the volume of food), specifically mushrooms, in place of high-energy-density foods, like lean ground beef, can be an effective method for reducing daily energy and fat intake while still feeling full and satiated after the meal.(1) Mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free and very low in sodium.
• Vitamin D: Mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable with vitamin D. The top three selling mushroom varieties (button, crimini and portabella) have vitamin D ranging from 1 to 97 percent of the Daily Value (400 IU) per raw 84 gram serving. Scientists are currently exploring links between low vitamin D status and increased risk for a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
• Antioxidants: Within the produce aisle, mushrooms are the leading source of the antioxidant selenium. Antioxidants, like selenium, protect body cells from damage that might lead to chronic diseases. They help to strengthen the immune system as well.
• Essential nutrients: Mushrooms provide B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid, which help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. B vitamins also play an important role in the nervous system.

To learn more about the health benefits of mushrooms visit www.MushroomInfo.com or schedule an interview with Keri Glassman.

The Mushroom Council is composed of fresh market producers or importers who average more than 500,000 pounds of mushrooms produced or imported annually. The mushroom program is authorized by the Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990 and is administered by the Mushroom Council under the supervision of the Agricultural Marketing Service. Research and promotion programs help to expand, maintain and develop markets for individual agricultural commodities in the United States and abroad. These industry self-help programs are requested and funded by the industry groups that they serve. For more information on the Mushroom Council, visit mushroomcouncil.org.

Keri Glassman's new book, The O2 Diet, empowers people to live a more nutritious life by translating complex scientific research on antioxidants and free radicals into useful and useable tools that everyday people can benefit from. The book promotes a nutrient-dense, high-antioxidant diet based on scientific research on antioxidants and the ORAC scale (ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and the scale measures how well the components of a food "mop up" the free radicals in the bloodstream).

(1) Cheskin LJ, Davis LM, Lipsky LM, Mitola AH, Lycan T, Mitchell V, Mickle B, Adkins E. Lack of energy compensation over 4 days when white button mushrooms are substituted for beef. Appetite. 2008:51;50-57.

    CONTACT:
    Kirsten Stahlberg
    312-233-1324
    Kirsten.Stahlberg@edelman.com

SOURCE The Mushroom Council

It's not too late! Enter the National Pasteurized Eggs, (www.SafeEggs.com), makers of Davidson's Safest Choice Pasteurized Shell Eggs, best holiday recipe contest. Designed by National Pasteurized Eggs, food safety leader, to celebrate the season and remind at-home chefs and bakers about food borne illness, the Davidson's Safest Choice "Safest Recipes" contest runs through Dec. 31, 2009.

Recipe submissions will be accepted from any category and the only requirements are that recipes must be an original and include eggs as an ingredient. Entries can be submitted online only at http://www.SafeEggs.com/contest.

The contest winner will receive a state-of-the-art home security system with installation, valued at $1,000. Three second place winners will receive a set of high-end, safety cookware, valued at $500 and five third place winners will receive a child-friendly cell phone, valued at $200 each. Winning recipes also will be acknowledged on www.SafeEggs.com, the company's web site. Contest winners will be announced in January 2010.

"The holidays are a great time for cooking and sharing recipes, but along with this comes some food safety risks such as bacterial cross-contamination in the kitchen," said Greg West, president of NPE. "This holiday recipe contest is a fun way to encourage at-home cooks to be food safety conscious, and take steps to reduce the chance of food-borne illness."

Davidson's Safest Choice Pasteurized Shell Eggs are processed using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, patented pasteurization process recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to inactivate the Salmonella and avian influenza virus. They are sold at food safety conscious retailers around the country such as Jewel, Publix, Giant Eagle, Harris Teeter, Piggly Wiggly, Bristol Farms and more. Visit www.safeeggs.com for retail locations throughout the country.

SOURCE National Pasteurized Eggs

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) today announced it will issue the company's financial results for its fiscal 2010 first quarter on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, prior to market open. Monsanto also will hold a conference call that day at 8:30 a.m. CT (9:30 a.m. ET). The call will focus on the company's first-quarter results, future expectations and an annual update of new and progressing projects within Monsanto's Research and Development (R&D) pipeline. The call also may include a discussion of Monsanto's strategic initiatives, product performance and other matters related to the company's business.

Presentation slides and a simultaneous audio webcast of the conference call may be accessed by visiting the company's web site at http://www.monsanto.com/investors. Following the live broadcast, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Monsanto web site for three weeks.

The following week Monsanto executives - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Carl Casale and Vice President of Biotechnology Steve Padgette, Ph.D. - will address investors at hosted presentations in Boston and New York featuring expanded information on the company's R&D pipeline progress. The Monsanto executives also will provide an update on the company's business performance, strategic initiatives, product performance and other business matters in the presentations.

These presentations are scheduled to be held:

• Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010 in New York - Casale and Padgette will present at 8:30 a.m. ET and again at 12 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 in Boston - Casale and Padgette will present at 8:30 a.m. ET

Presentation slides and simultaneous audio webcasts of the presentations will be available by visiting Monsanto's web site at http://www.monsanto.com/investors. Following the live broadcasts, Monsanto will archive the presentation slides and replays of the webcasts at its web site.

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com . Follow our business on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MonsantoCo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MonsantoCo, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

    CONTACT     Media:         Kelli Powers (314-694-4003)
                Analysts:      Bryan Hurley (314-694-8148)

SOURCE Monsanto Company

Juicy. Easy to peel. Bursting with flavor. Clementines from Spain, winter's seasonal delight and popular fruit snack, have hit the grocery aisles of Boston, and local favorite Chef Deborah Hansen is sharing the sweetness! Available during their peak season of December through February, these juicy gems play a starring role on the menu of one of Boston's most popular restaurants. To celebrate the Clementines from Spain season, Chef Hansen has developed signature dishes that serve up these tasty treats, adding a burst of citrus to her Spanish-influenced cuisine.

The world's best clementines originate in Spain. Known for their superior quality and their trademark sun-kissed sweet, juicy taste, Clementines from Spain are a delicious delight looked forward to and enjoyed by adults, children and chefs, each year. Spain is also the world's largest producer and exporter of this citrus fruit, exporting an average of 579 million tons to the United States each year.

Refreshingly sweet and easy to peel, Clementines from Spain make a great on-the-go snack during this busy time of year. They are nutrient-packed, offering a good source of vitamin C, folate, fiber and potassium and contain only about 50 calories each. Packaged in charming five-pound crates, they are also a welcome holiday gift for family and friends.

But they're for more than just snacking. Professional chefs and home cooks alike know that they can add a twist of citrus freshness and flavor to their holiday meals and menus by incorporating this season's star ingredient.

Local Boston Chef Deborah Hansen, owner of Taberna de Haro, eagerly awaits this time of year when Clementines from Spain - one of her favorite seasonal ingredients - become available. Chef Hansen is an expert when it comes to understanding the freshest flavors and ingredients from Spain. Chef Hansen recently debuted new signature menu items at Taberna de Haro that capture the season's finest ingredient. "I love how incredibly refreshing they are. They are perfectly balanced - a great dose of sweetness balanced by a zing of acidity so they are never cloying. Clementines from Spain are my favorites because of this brightness, this exuberance."

Chef Deborah Hansen offers the following recipe ideas for home cooks looking to add a citrus note of flair and flavor to their dishes and holiday menus:

• Escarole Salad with Clementines from Spain and Pomegranates - A refreshing salad best served to compliment roasted meats or fish.
• Tuna tartar with Clementines from Spain juice and red vermouth - Red vermouth is a popular aperitif in Spain, and it tastes wonderful combined with Clementines from Spain juice, providing the perfect dressing for raw tuna.

And, at a time when nutritional fresh produce is in demand and the number of people visiting food banks is on the rise, the Trade Commission of Spain is sharing the sweetness of the season and donating crates of Clementines from Spain to Feeding America in Boston.

For the full seasonal recipes featuring Clementines from Spain from Chef Hansen's kitchen at Taberna de Haro, visit www.clementinesfromspain.com. A new "Chef's Corner" section on the site features these recipes along with other Spanish-inspired culinary creations from notable chefs, along with tips and nutrition information.

SOURCE Trade Commission of Spain

Juicy. Easy to peel. Bursting with flavor. Clementines from Spain, winter's seasonal delight and popular fruit snack, have hit the grocery aisles of Philadelphia, and local favorite Chef Ane Ormaechea is sharing the sweetness! Available during their peak season of December through February, these juicy gems play a starring role on the menu of one of Philadelphia's most popular restaurants. To celebrate the Clementines from Spain season, Chef Ormaechea has developed signature dishes that serve up these tasty treats, adding a burst of citrus to her Spanish-influenced cuisine.

The world's best clementines originate in Spain. Known for their superior quality and their trademark sun-kissed sweet, juicy taste, Clementines from Spain are a delicious delight looked forward to and enjoyed by adults, children and chefs, each year. Spain is also the world's largest producer and exporter of this citrus fruit, exporting an average of 579 million tons to the United States each year.

Refreshingly sweet and easy to peel, Clementines from Spain make a great on-the-go snack during this busy time of year. They are nutrient-packed, offering a good source of vitamin C, folate, fiber and potassium and contain only about 50 calories each. Packaged in charming five-pound crates, they are also a welcome holiday gift for family and friends.

But they're for more than just snacking. Professional chefs and home cooks alike know that they can add a twist of citrus freshness and flavor to their holiday meals and menus by incorporating this season's star ingredient.

Local Philadelphia Chef Ane Ormaechea, owner of Cafe Apamate, eagerly awaits this time of year when Clementines from Spain - one of her favorite seasonal ingredients - become available. Chef Ormaechea is an expert when it comes to understanding the freshest flavors and ingredients from Spain. Chef Ormaechea recently debuted new signature menu items at Cafe Apamate that capture the season's finest ingredient. "I love to make food incredibly delicious with delightful textures, smells and flavors - Clementines from Spain have all of these attributes and I look forward to working them into my menu each holiday season. And they're not only delicious, but they are also very good for you!"

Chef Ane Ormaechea offers the following recipe ideas for home cooks looking to add a citrus note of flair and flavor to their dishes and holiday menus:

• Brussels Sprouts with Clementines from Spain - A lovely side dish served warm - perfect for cold winter nights.
• Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Clementines from Spain - This delicious dish highlights many of Spain's trademark ingredients including the seasonal Clementines from Spain.
• Oysters with Champagne, Saffron and Clementines from Spain Mignonette Granita - An interesting and beautiful dish, these small bites are sure to impress your guests.

And, at a time when nutritional fresh produce is in demand and the number of people visiting food banks is on the rise, the Trade Commission of Spain is sharing the sweetness of the season and donating crates of Clementines from Spain to Feeding America in Philadelphia.

For the full seasonal recipes featuring Clementines from Spain from Chef Ormaechea's kitchen at Cafe Apamate, visit www.clementinesfromspain.com. A new "Chef's Corner" section on the site features these recipes along with other Spanish-inspired culinary creations from notable chefs, along with tips and nutrition information.

SOURCE Trade Commission of Spain

Joint research conducted by the Central Research Institute of ITO EN, Ltd. and Professor Takashi Suzuki of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, showed that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), a kind of catechin contained in green tea, had an inhibitory effect against three types of influenza viruses, including the swine-origin H1N1 virus that caused pandemic flu in 2009, and that its effect did not depend on the type of virus. These findings once again suggest that green tea is effective in preventing flu.

- Background

Influenza viruses are highly contagious and susceptible to mutation. This is why flu spreads repeatedly each year. Recently, the swine-origin, new type of flu (H1N1) has become a pandemic, raising serious concerns. Gargling with green tea has already proved to prevent the onset of seasonal flu. It has become clear that catechin, a major type of polyphenol in green tea, plays a major role in prevention of flu infection, and that, among different types of catechin, EGCg displays the strongest antiviral activity. We conducted examinations to see if EGCg also shows antiviral activity against the new type of H1N1 virus, regardless of viral subtypes. (Patent applications were filled for related matters.)

- Research content

Solutions containing three types of viruses including the H1N1 virus were mixed with EGCg extracted from green tea. The mixture was added to cultured cells, which were thus infected. The cells were incubated for a set period of time, and the number of infected cells was counted. The concentration of EGCg at which virus infection was inhibited to 50% of the level of infection without EGCg was calculated.

- Results

The experiments showed that EGCg prevented flu virus infections at lower concentrations than Amantadine (a drug used to prevent and treat flu). A typical concentration of EGCg in green tea infused from a teapot is reported as 5,000-7,000 micromoles/L. Therefore, these results indicate that green tea diluted 1,000-fold or more is effective to halve infections by three types of viruses, including H1N1.

The study showed that EGCg contained in green tea has potential to inhibit flu infection regardless of its type, and suggested once again that green tea is effective in preventing flu.

    About the Central Research Institute of ITO EN, Ltd.
    President: Daisuke Honjo
    Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

    Contact:
    Akihisa Nakagawa
    PR Office
    Public Relations Department
    Ito En, Ltd.
    Tel: +81-3-5371-7185
    Fax: +81-3-5371-7184
    URL: http://www.itoen.co.jp/eng/corporate_info/index.html

SOURCE Ito En, Ltd.

Feeding America, a network of more than 200 food banks and the nation's largest hunger relief organization, today announced that Unilever will donate $375,000.

The funds, provided through the Unilever United States Foundation, Inc., will be used to help purchase, package, and transport food to millions of Americans who are facing the nation's hunger crisis. In addition, Unilever will provide continued support for the Kids Cafe & Back Pack Programs. The donation builds upon Unilever's support earlier this year, bringing its total financial contribution in 2009 to $500,000.

"We are extremely grateful to Unilever for stepping forward with this much-needed funding. As schools throughout the nation close for the holidays, millions of children will lose access to the free and reduced priced meals they receive through the public school system. The need for food and funds is sky-high right now, and we are so pleased that Unilever is continuing its long-term commitment to us at a time when funding is urgently needed," said Vicki Escarra, Feeding America president and CEO. "They are setting a great example for all of corporate America as we face the challenge of trying to help the 49 million Americans who live at risk of hunger."

"The holiday season is supposed to be a time for family celebrations, yet more and more Americans are suffering from hunger as a result of these challenging economic times," according to Fiona C. Laird, Senior Vice President HR & Communications Americas for Unilever. "Our support is designed to help provide food banks across the country with the necessary resources to meet the increased demand and make sure that our nation's children get the nutrients they need for a better future."

The BackPack program distributes backpacks filled with nutritious, child-friendly food to children living at risk of hunger. In fiscal year 2009, 150 Feeding America food banks distributed nearly 3 million such back packs. The Feeding America Kid's Cafe program provides a late afternoon meal to 113,000 children from low-income families at 1,600 sites across the country. These programs are essential to providing children with the proper nourishment needed to thrive.

The Feeding America network of food banks provides food to more than four million Americans each week through more than 63,000 food pantries, soup kitchens and other agencies.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. Feeding America is based in Chicago. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Feedingamerica.

About Unilever

Unilever's mission is to add vitality to life. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Each day, around the world, consumers make 160 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. In the United States, the portfolio includes major brand icons such as: Axe, Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Klondike, Knorr, Lipton, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever employs nearly 12,000 people in both the United States and Puerto Rico - generating nearly $10 billion in sales in 2008. For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com.

SOURCE Feeding America

Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. (Nasdaq: PFACP), an agricultural cooperative, announced that it received a distribution of approximately $238 million from Birds Eye Holdings, LLC upon the closing of the sale of Birds Eye Foods, Inc. to the Pinnacle Foods Group. The sale was completed today.

"This is a great day in the history of our Cooperative," said Pro-Fac General Manager and CEO Stephen R. Wright. "This is another successful chapter in the life story of a very innovative farmer-owned and farmer-controlled organization."

Wright added that the Pro-Fac Board of Directors will be evaluating potential uses for the cash received from this transaction, including distributions to Pro-Fac members and other stakeholders, and expects to make a further announcement when a course of action is determined.

ABOUT PRO-FAC:

Pro-Fac Cooperative is an agricultural cooperative that markets crops grown by its member-growers, including fruits (cherries, apples, blueberries, and peaches), vegetables (snap beans, dry beans, beets, peas, sweet corn, carrots, cabbage, squash, asparagus and potatoes) and popcorn. Only growers of crops marketed through Pro-Fac (or associations of such growers) can become members of Pro-Fac. Pro-Fac's Class A cumulative preferred stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the stock symbol, "PFACP". More information about Pro-Fac can be found on its web site at www.profaccoop.com/.

SOURCE Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc.

Joey Torres of the Riverside, California T.G.I. Friday's restaurant defeated other top Larger than Life mixologists from across the country last week to advance to the finals of T.G.I. Friday's® World Bartender Championship. Torres will be making his second trip to the finals where he will face nine other finalists from around the globe for the title of "Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender in the World." Torres was a world finalist in 2005.

"It feels great to win the division competition and to be a finalist in the World Bartender Championship," said Briad Franchise Division champion Torres, an eight-year Friday's team member. "Friday's has such a great history of having the best bartenders in the world. I'm honored to represent my Friday's restaurant in Riverside."

The divisional competition consisted of three segments - compulsory, speed round and freestyle - as well as a comprehensive skill test. The freestyle segment gave the competitors the ultimate stage to show off their flair techniques of tossing, balancing, mixing cocktails and flipping bottles in the air to choreographed music. The mixologists who competed in the Briad Franchise Division competition were finalists from local and regional competitions held earlier this fall. The Briad Restaurant Group, LLC, is the largest licensed T.G.I. Friday's franchisee in the U.S. operating 70 T.G.I. Friday's restaurants in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey and New York.

Overall, more than 8,000 Friday's® bartenders from 60 countries are testing their knowledge and skills in their quest to reach the finals of the World Bartender Championship which will be held in Dallas on March 26, 2010.

The competition, which represents Friday's heritage, knowledge, expertise and innovation in the beverage industry, began back in the late 80s as a challenge between bartenders and has grown into a full representation of the Friday's brand, one of the most recognized brands in the world. Originators of the now-famous, trend-setting, bottle tossing "flair" style of bartending, T.G.I. Friday's bartenders are world renowned for their accuracy and precision, their larger than life personalities and their award-winning ability to entertain guests around the world.

For additional information about the T.G.I. Friday's World Bartender Championship, visit www.worldbtc.com.

IMAGES FROM THE BRIAD FRANCHISE DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP ARE AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING DFPR, tom@dfpr.com, 480-722-1461

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday's offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It's Friday's(TM) attitude. Friday's authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday's guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday's is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the "World's Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender."

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of TGI Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. As of December 2009, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091223/DA30351)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060907/DATH025LOGO)

SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's Restaurants

Juicy. Easy to peel. Bursting with flavor. Clementines from Spain, winter's seasonal delight and popular fruit snack, have hit the grocery aisles of Philadelphia, and local favorite Chef Ane Ormaechea is sharing the sweetness! Available during their peak season of December through February, these juicy gems play a starring role on the menu of one of Philadelphia's most popular restaurants. To celebrate the Clementines from Spain season, Chef Ormaechea has developed signature dishes that serve up these tasty treats, adding a burst of citrus to her Spanish-influenced cuisine.

The world's best clementines originate in Spain. Known for their superior quality and their trademark sun-kissed sweet, juicy taste, Clementines from Spain are a delicious delight looked forward to and enjoyed by adults, children and chefs, each year. Spain is also the world's largest producer and exporter of this citrus fruit, exporting an average of 579 million tons to the United States each year.

Refreshingly sweet and easy to peel, Clementines from Spain make a great on-the-go snack during this busy time of year. They are nutrient-packed, offering a good source of vitamin C, folate, fiber and potassium and contain only about 50 calories each. Packaged in charming five-pound crates, they are also a welcome holiday gift for family and friends.

But they're for more than just snacking. Professional chefs and home cooks alike know that they can add a twist of citrus freshness and flavor to their holiday meals and menus by incorporating this season's star ingredient.

Local Philadelphia Chef Ane Ormaechea, owner of Cafe Apamate, eagerly awaits this time of year when Clementines from Spain - one of her favorite seasonal ingredients - become available. Chef Ormaechea is an expert when it comes to understanding the freshest flavors and ingredients from Spain. Chef Ormaechea recently debuted new signature menu items at Cafe Apamate that capture the season's finest ingredient. "I love to make food incredibly delicious with delightful textures, smells and flavors - Clementines from Spain have all of these attributes and I look forward to working them into my menu each holiday season. And they're not only delicious, but they are also very good for you!"

Chef Ane Ormaechea offers the following recipe ideas for home cooks looking to add a citrus note of flair and flavor to their dishes and holiday menus:

• Brussels Sprouts with Clementines from Spain - A lovely side dish served warm - perfect for cold winter nights.
• Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Clementines from Spain - This delicious dish highlights many of Spain's trademark ingredients including the seasonal Clementines from Spain.
• Oysters with Champagne, Saffron and Clementines from Spain Mignonette Granita - An interesting and beautiful dish, these small bites are sure to impress your guests.

And, at a time when nutritional fresh produce is in demand and the number of people visiting food banks is on the rise, the Trade Commission of Spain is sharing the sweetness of the season and donating crates of Clementines from Spain to Feeding America in Philadelphia.

For the full seasonal recipes featuring Clementines from Spain from Chef Ormaechea's kitchen at Cafe Apamate, visit www.clementinesfromspain.com. A new "Chef's Corner" section on the site features these recipes along with other Spanish-inspired culinary creations from notable chefs, along with tips and nutrition information.

SOURCE Trade Commission of Spain

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) today announced it will issue the company's financial results for its fiscal 2010 first quarter on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, prior to market open. Monsanto also will hold a conference call that day at 8:30 a.m. CT (9:30 a.m. ET). The call will focus on the company's first-quarter results, future expectations and an annual update of new and progressing projects within Monsanto's Research and Development (R&D) pipeline. The call also may include a discussion of Monsanto's strategic initiatives, product performance and other matters related to the company's business.

Presentation slides and a simultaneous audio webcast of the conference call may be accessed by visiting the company's web site at http://www.monsanto.com/investors. Following the live broadcast, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Monsanto web site for three weeks.

The following week Monsanto executives - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Carl Casale and Vice President of Biotechnology Steve Padgette, Ph.D. - will address investors at hosted presentations in Boston and New York featuring expanded information on the company's R&D pipeline progress. The Monsanto executives also will provide an update on the company's business performance, strategic initiatives, product performance and other business matters in the presentations.

These presentations are scheduled to be held:

• Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010 in New York - Casale and Padgette will present at 8:30 a.m. ET and again at 12 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 in Boston - Casale and Padgette will present at 8:30 a.m. ET

Presentation slides and simultaneous audio webcasts of the presentations will be available by visiting Monsanto's web site at http://www.monsanto.com/investors. Following the live broadcasts, Monsanto will archive the presentation slides and replays of the webcasts at its web site.

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com . Follow our business on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MonsantoCo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MonsantoCo, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

    CONTACT     Media:         Kelli Powers (314-694-4003)
                Analysts:      Bryan Hurley (314-694-8148)

SOURCE Monsanto Company

Blue moons are rare, but a 600-lb MoonPie is even more so. The City of Mobile, Alabama will be bringing the two together when the blue moon lunar occurrence happens during the city's "MoonPie Over Mobile" New Year's Eve celebration on December 31 in Cooper Riverside Park. A blue moon is defined as the second full moon in a calendar month and is a comparatively rare event. Revelers in Mobile, Alabama, the birthplace of Mardi Gras, buy more than 4 million MoonPies annually; one of the reasons the Southern city tag-teamed with Chattanooga Bakery Inc., the maker of the iconic MoonPie marshmallow sandwich, to create the largest electronic MoonPie in the world as the featured attraction for its New Year's Eve celebration. This is the second year the electronic replica of this delicious treat will light up downtown Mobile's skyline. This FREE celebration in Cooper Riverside Park will also include music from national recording group Wet Willie. "This event will not only kick off our Mardi Gras season, but we believe it will become the premiere event for the Central Time Zone, creating a tremendous economic impact for our city," said Mobile Councilman Fred Richardson, the mastermind behind the MoonPie celebration. "What a great idea!" stated Tory Johnston, Chattanooga Bakery's Vice President of Marketing, "Mobile, Mardi Gras and MoonPies go hand-in-hand."

Following the electronic MoonPie rising, officials from the Chattanooga Bakery will serve up an edible 50-lb blue MoonPie, dubbed among the largest in the country, to those attending the city's first New Year's Eve MoonPie Ball. This formal ball will be held in the city's waterfront Arthur Outlaw Mobile Convention Center with a charge for tickets.

MoonPie Over Mobile History -- It was only fitting that Mobile would showcase the MoonPie, a traditional throw from the floats in the city's annual Mardi Gras parades. On December 31, 2008, 15,000 people packed Cooper Riverside Park for the inaugural MoonPie Over Mobile New Year's Eve Celebration. This event centered on the rising of a 600-pound electronic version of the marshmallow treat, which lit up Mobile's skyline at the stroke of midnight. The MoonPie Over Mobile celebration not only served as the first affair of the carnival season, but it also provided a tremendous economic boon for downtown businesses. As the only major New Year's Eve celebration in the Central Time Zone, people came from throughout Alabama and the Southeast to attend. It filled restaurants before the party, and hotel and motel rooms afterward. The giant MoonPie features 1,500 golf ball-size clear lights, eight sheets of 2-by-2 square aluminum tubing, ten sheets of plywood and a massive amount of banana-colored paper-mache. Hoisted into the sky by a giant crane, plans are in the works for a possible permanent pole to be erected for the raising of the MoonPie each year.

Throughout Mobile's 307-year history, Mardi Gras has served as a marquee event to display our legacy. The carnival season brings with it weeks of parades, balls, good times and welcome visitors to the Mobile Bay area. It has always had a grand finale, the illuminating sights and boisterous sounds of the Fat Tuesday celebration, but it has never had a proper kickoff event -- until now. MoonPie celebration packages are being offered by several hotels in the area. For more information or for help planning your trip, visit www.mobilebay.org or call 1-800-5-MOBILE.

SOURCE Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau

Electracatch International and Smith-Root, Inc. are negotiating a strategic partnership for the marketing and servicing of each others equipment within their respective markets.

As stated by John Browne, Director of Electracatch International, "The result of this partnership will allow customers of both Electracatch and Smith-Root to have electrofishing equipment purchased and serviced in Europe and America." As emphasized by Jeff Smith, President of Smith-Root, Inc., "I believe it is important that our customers have the best possible service for their electrofishing equipment on either continent." Both companies will collaborate on joint product development that will draw on their collective knowledge and experience.

This strategic partnership will be in place within the 1st quarter of 2010. Further announcements will be forthcoming on company websites.

Electracatch International is the leading manufacturer of electrofishing equipment in Europe and Smith-Root, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of electrofishing equipment in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia.

Interested parties are urged to check Electracatch.com and Smith-Root.com for further announcements.

SOURCE Smith-Root, Inc.

Juicy. Easy to peel. Bursting with flavor. Clementines from Spain, winter's seasonal delight and popular fruit snack, have hit the grocery aisles of Philadelphia, and local favorite Chef Ane Ormaechea is sharing the sweetness! Available during their peak season of December through February, these juicy gems play a starring role on the menu of one of Philadelphia's most popular restaurants. To celebrate the Clementines from Spain season, Chef Ormaechea has developed signature dishes that serve up these tasty treats, adding a burst of citrus to her Spanish-influenced cuisine.

The world's best clementines originate in Spain. Known for their superior quality and their trademark sun-kissed sweet, juicy taste, Clementines from Spain are a delicious delight looked forward to and enjoyed by adults, children and chefs, each year. Spain is also the world's largest producer and exporter of this citrus fruit, exporting an average of 579 million tons to the United States each year.

Refreshingly sweet and easy to peel, Clementines from Spain make a great on-the-go snack during this busy time of year. They are nutrient-packed, offering a good source of vitamin C, folate, fiber and potassium and contain only about 50 calories each. Packaged in charming five-pound crates, they are also a welcome holiday gift for family and friends.

But they're for more than just snacking. Professional chefs and home cooks alike know that they can add a twist of citrus freshness and flavor to their holiday meals and menus by incorporating this season's star ingredient.

Local Philadelphia Chef Ane Ormaechea, owner of Cafe Apamate, eagerly awaits this time of year when Clementines from Spain - one of her favorite seasonal ingredients - become available. Chef Ormaechea is an expert when it comes to understanding the freshest flavors and ingredients from Spain. Chef Ormaechea recently debuted new signature menu items at Cafe Apamate that capture the season's finest ingredient. "I love to make food incredibly delicious with delightful textures, smells and flavors - Clementines from Spain have all of these attributes and I look forward to working them into my menu each holiday season. And they're not only delicious, but they are also very good for you!"

Chef Ane Ormaechea offers the following recipe ideas for home cooks looking to add a citrus note of flair and flavor to their dishes and holiday menus:

• Brussels Sprouts with Clementines from Spain - A lovely side dish served warm - perfect for cold winter nights.
• Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Clementines from Spain - This delicious dish highlights many of Spain's trademark ingredients including the seasonal Clementines from Spain.
• Oysters with Champagne, Saffron and Clementines from Spain Mignonette Granita - An interesting and beautiful dish, these small bites are sure to impress your guests.

And, at a time when nutritional fresh produce is in demand and the number of people visiting food banks is on the rise, the Trade Commission of Spain is sharing the sweetness of the season and donating crates of Clementines from Spain to Feeding America in Philadelphia.

For the full seasonal recipes featuring Clementines from Spain from Chef Ormaechea's kitchen at Cafe Apamate, visit www.clementinesfromspain.com. A new "Chef's Corner" section on the site features these recipes along with other Spanish-inspired culinary creations from notable chefs, along with tips and nutrition information.

SOURCE Trade Commission of Spain

Auditor General Jack Wagner said today that the failed inspection and subsequent closing of the Capitol cafeteria further highlight the need for food safety legislation he has championed for the past four years.

The Auditor General also expressed deep concern that for the past four years he received false assurances that inspections were conducted of the Capitol cafeteria after he raised the issue in an audit he released in November 2005. Wagner learned last week that, in fact, state agencies continued wrangling over jurisdictional issues that his audit termed "inexcusable."

Wagner's audit can be found at www.auditorgen.state.pa.us. The audit sounded the alarm four years ago to address this problem.

"Inspections of all public eateries are conducted to ensure health and safety," Wagner said. In the case of the Capitol cafeteria, Wagner noted at least 200,000 people visit the Capitol every year, including busloads of elementary school children and tour groups of senior citizens. "State agencies should not argue for four years over a health and safety issue while school children, senior citizens, other visitors and public servants can purchase meals prepared in kitchens that are unsafe."

As a direct result of Wagner's initial audit, the Department of Agriculture inspected the Capitol cafeteria in November 2005, which was the last actual inspection of the Capitol cafeteria until last week. In May 2005, Wagner's department received a letter from the Department of General Services saying that DGS, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, and the City of Harrisburg would "soon memorialize in writing" who would inspect the Capitol eateries.

Wagner's auditors followed up on the original audit in November 2007, at which time they received assurances that the Department of Agriculture inspects the Capitol Complex Building.

But apparently the jurisdictional dispute was never actually resolved.

Wagner said the food safety legislation that is languishing in the General Assembly could address this issue and others to improve the restaurant inspection process.

"Although Pennsylvania's restaurant industry is generally clean and safe, the passage of an important piece of food safety legislation, like House Bill 174, would greatly improve the restaurant inspection process to further assure the residents of Pennsylvania of the safety of every restaurant in the commonwealth," Wagner said.

Auditor General Jack Wagner is responsible for ensuring that all state money is spent legally and properly. He is the Commonwealth's elected independent fiscal watchdog, conducting financial audits, performance audits and special investigations. The Department of the Auditor General conducts more than 5,000 audits per year. To learn more about the Department of the Auditor General, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the department's Web site at www.auditorgen.state.pa.us.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General

Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc. (Nasdaq: PFACP), an agricultural cooperative, announced that it received a distribution of approximately $238 million from Birds Eye Holdings, LLC upon the closing of the sale of Birds Eye Foods, Inc. to the Pinnacle Foods Group. The sale was completed today.

"This is a great day in the history of our Cooperative," said Pro-Fac General Manager and CEO Stephen R. Wright. "This is another successful chapter in the life story of a very innovative farmer-owned and farmer-controlled organization."

Wright added that the Pro-Fac Board of Directors will be evaluating potential uses for the cash received from this transaction, including distributions to Pro-Fac members and other stakeholders, and expects to make a further announcement when a course of action is determined.

ABOUT PRO-FAC:

Pro-Fac Cooperative is an agricultural cooperative that markets crops grown by its member-growers, including fruits (cherries, apples, blueberries, and peaches), vegetables (snap beans, dry beans, beets, peas, sweet corn, carrots, cabbage, squash, asparagus and potatoes) and popcorn. Only growers of crops marketed through Pro-Fac (or associations of such growers) can become members of Pro-Fac. Pro-Fac's Class A cumulative preferred stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the stock symbol, "PFACP". More information about Pro-Fac can be found on its web site at www.profaccoop.com/.

SOURCE Pro-Fac Cooperative, Inc.

Electracatch International and Smith-Root, Inc. are negotiating a strategic partnership for the marketing and servicing of each others equipment within their respective markets.

As stated by John Browne, Director of Electracatch International, "The result of this partnership will allow customers of both Electracatch and Smith-Root to have electrofishing equipment purchased and serviced in Europe and America." As emphasized by Jeff Smith, President of Smith-Root, Inc., "I believe it is important that our customers have the best possible service for their electrofishing equipment on either continent." Both companies will collaborate on joint product development that will draw on their collective knowledge and experience.

This strategic partnership will be in place within the 1st quarter of 2010. Further announcements will be forthcoming on company websites.

Electracatch International is the leading manufacturer of electrofishing equipment in Europe and Smith-Root, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of electrofishing equipment in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia.

Interested parties are urged to check Electracatch.com and Smith-Root.com for further announcements.

SOURCE Smith-Root, Inc.

With hunger in America reaching its highest level in 14 years, Kaiser Permanente has quadrupled the amount it invests in programs to promote healthy eating during difficult economic times.

In 2009, Kaiser Permanente approved $2.1 million in grants and donations to nonprofit organizations that provide access to healthy foods at food banks and pantries, and that help boost participation in federal nutrition programs. The health care organization's grants in this area are up from $430,000 in 2008 and $480,000 in 2007.

"When family budgets are tight, people often struggle to put healthy food on their tables," said Raymond J. Baxter PhD, senior vice president, Community Benefit, Research and Health Policy, Kaiser Permanente. "We are making investments in short- and long-term strategies to help our members and communities make it through this recession healthy."

Kaiser Permanente is at the forefront of national efforts to ensure access to healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. The organization is funding local programs from Hawaii to Washington, D.C., to ease the struggle that many Americans face as they work to put food on the table. Examples include:

• Maui Food Bank, which is using $50,000 for its "Fresh-4-All" program that provides fresh, locally grown food for the indigent, homeless and at-risk island population. People with diabetes will receive priority for the produce.
• Loaves and Fishes, Portland, Ore., which is using $60,000 to purchase fruits and vegetables for meals for seniors in Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties in Oregon and Washington.
• California Association of Food Banks, which will use $200,000 to help its networks of food banks improve the nutritional quality of food distributed through food banks and pantries. For example, it will help connect food banks to local farmers, and it will help food banks develop nutritional guidelines for food they distribute.
• Manna Food Center of Gaithersburg, Md., is using $100,000 toward expanding its "Smart Snacks" program that provides a bag of nutritious, kid-friendly food to more than 1,050 elementary school children each week at 32 schools. In addition, $50,000 will fund a new program, "Fresh Food for Families," which brings local farm produce to families in need.

Kaiser Permanente also is funding innovative programs designed to increase participation in government supported food programs, including school meal and food stamp programs, and to bring healthier food to participants in those programs. Examples include:

• California Food Policy Advocates, which will use $200,000 to provide better access to food for Californians who are experiencing economic difficulty, improve access to food stamps and increase participation in school breakfast and other meal programs.
• Food Research and Action Center, Washington, D.C., which will use $150,000 to work with anti-hunger advocates in Kaiser Permanente regions to remove barriers such as duplicative office visits, fingerprinting requirements and cumbersome forms that unnecessarily consume the time of overstretched caseworkers and prevent eligible people from receiving food stamp benefits. They will also assist school districts to help eligible families participate in school lunch and school breakfast programs.
• Coalition to End Hunger, of Denver, will use $80,000 to support state- and county-level changes that increase access to food stamps as well as school breakfast and lunch programs.
• The California Departments of Public Health and Social Services are using a $200,000 grant to design a Healthy Purchase Pilot Program, which would offer a rebate to food stamp recipients who increase their purchase and consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables.

"Lack of access to healthy foods among low-income populations - seniors, children, working adults struggling in the recession and others - poses a significant risk to our communities' health," says James D. Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center. "At a time when much philanthropic giving has been scaled back, it is great to see Kaiser Permanente expanding its commitment to these critical programs. This will make a real difference in a lot of places."

The $2.1 million investment in Healthy Eating in Hard Times is one piece of Kaiser Permanente's more than $1 billion annual commitment to improve the health of the communities it serves.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.

SOURCE Kaiser Permanente

Himfr.com, one of China's leading B2B search platforms with more than 30 B2B industry websites to its name, analyzes seasoning prices.

Following the spike in garlic prices, recently green onions, ginger, dried peppers and other spices are also, and some even doubled. Himfr investigates:

Normally, wholesale garlic prices at this time of year, are 0.18-0.19 RMB/kg, now rising up to 0.36-0.38 RMB/kg -- nearly doubling; the wholesale price of dried pepper is usually 0.6-0.9 RMB/kg, but this year reached 0.8-10 RMB/kg, up by about 50%. Ginger and onion prices have risen as well.

Garlic and pepper prices are high mainly because of reduced acreage. Because prices plummeted last year, farmers lost money, so this year they reduced the garlic and pepper acreage by about 30%. Ginger acreage is basically the same as last year, but because of a cold weather in northern China this spring, affecting the germination of the growth of ginger, the yields were negatively affected. Snow caused onion harvest difficulties, and therefore prices have gone up faster.

Harvest season for northern dried chili is around the annual Mid-Autumn Festival. Farmers artificially dry the harvested chili and put it into the market, and then use last year's stock to continue to supply the market. In December, chili can also be dried naturally at lower cost than artificial drying. At the end of the year, as natural dried chili is available in volume, the price will decline.

In November, the selling price of artificially dried chili once reached 0.8-1 RMB/kg, which should be considered a price recovery, but in December, when the natural dried chilli hit the market, but the price gradually declined. This is entirely consistent with the law of value fluctuations.

The same is true for ginger and green onions. Northern ginger is generally harvested in October, partly for fresh ginger, and partly stored up. Therefore, what is sold on the market is still old ginger. During the onion harvest, some are left in the ground until after the holiday for selling fresh onions, and some are frozen. Because water loss, onion and ginger storage prices have gone up as normal.

About Himfr.com

Himfr.com is a promising e-commerce company and a leading vertical search engine company in China. Himfr.com offers a variety of high quality products such as power juicer (http://www.himfr.com/buy-power_juicer/ ), men's wallets (http://www.himfr.com/buy-wallets_men's/ ), coffee makers (http://www.himfr.com/buy-coffee_maker_cup/ ) and many more.

    For more information, please contact:

     Himfr.com
     Phone: +86-10-6556-9770
     Email: my@himfr.com

SOURCE Himfr.com

Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company, applauds the Wisconsin legislature for passing DUI reform bill SB-66 yesterday and commends Governor Jim Doyle for committing to sign this critical legislation into law. The revised bill, which does not include the previously proposed tax hikes on distilled spirits, increases penalties for drunk driving, offers treatment options for offenders, and is aimed at preventing individuals from operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI).

Referred to as the Drunk Driving Reform Package, the bill's public safety measures include protections for Wisconsin taxpayers. The estimated $15 million cost for the increased penalties will be paid by those who break the law: the bill will raise court costs for drunken drivers as well as raise the cost of reinstating their driver's license.

"We commend the Wisconsin legislature and Governor Doyle for passing this meaningful legislation to combat drunk driving without relying on hardworking taxpayers to cover the costs," said Josh Sanders, Senior Director of State Government Relations, Diageo North America. "We hope this bill is signed quickly, and we at Diageo remain committed to keeping our roads safe."

DUI reform bill SB-66 makes a first offense OWI a crime if someone under the age of 16 is in the car and makes a fourth offense a felony if it happens within five years of a previous offense. The bill also expands the use of Ignition Interlock Devices for all repeat drunk drivers and for first-time offenders with blood-alcohol levels of 0.15 or greater.

In 2008, 234 people were killed by drunk drivers in Wisconsin and another 4,000 were injured, making cracking down on drunk driving a top priority for state lawmakers and local officials.

Diageo strongly supports measures that combat drunk driving and is working with legislators to pass laws in the states that do not have comprehensive drunk driving programs.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo

Labatt USA, importer of Labatt Blue beer, today announced details of the third annual Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament. Played on the icy shores of Lake Erie at the Erie Basin Marina, 112 teams will compete in approximately 14 divisions, over two cold, long days. Players will lace up their skates for games that start on Saturday, February 27 - with division final games continuing on Sunday, February 28, 2010. Games will begin at approximately 7:30 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091221/NY28780)

Players skate on eight man-made rinks, each 150' wide x 75' high, constructed using water, shovels, small plows and hay barrels. Teams from all over the region will compete. About 10 smaller Labatt Blue-sponsored tournaments throughout New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont will send their top teams to play in the Labatt Blue Buffalo Pond Hockey Tournament.

According to Labatt Blue Associate Brand Manager Ryan Daley, the tournament has grown from 16 to 112 teams in just its third year. "There's something special about playing outdoor hockey and enjoying a Labatt Blue beer with your buddies. The frozen lake, fresh, cold air and 'old school' hockey makes for a great day," said Daley. "Each year, we hear from more and more players who want to participate. This year we're planning for 112 teams and about 700 players - all thirsting for a real hockey experience."

The goal of the tournament is to provide an authentic, competitive and fun real hockey experience for local adult hockey players. "We want to create a real hockey experience that takes people back to their roots," said Daley. "The choppy, dull and sometimes wet surface of Lake Erie delivers hockey in its purest form. Players maintain the ice with shovel and buckets of water, much like you would during a pick-up game on a neighborhood pond."

Ed Ellis of Performax Hockey Systems has been named tournament director. Ellis will oversee team and referee recruitment, game scheduling and tournament day events. Teams will be comprised of four to six players, 21 years of age and older, who play a four-on-four format, absent a goalie. Nets are six inches high and six feet wide like the goals used in the Labatt Blue US Adult Pond Hockey Championships held in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Teams will compete in a round robin format in one of 14 divisions. The winner of each bracket will go on to play a championship game.

About Labatt USA

Labatt USA, owned by North American Breweries, imports and markets Labatt Blue(TM), Labatt Blue Light(TM) and other Canadian brands into the United States. View and subscribe to news from Labatt USA here: http://www.pitchfeed.com/labattusa/1974

Always enjoy responsibly.

SOURCE Labatt USA

This morning on ABC's hit television show The View, renowned physician, author, and weight-loss expert Dr. Sanford Siegal, a regular feature in the national press, discussed his six-cookies-a-day weight loss program, hunger-satisfying foods, and latest book with hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd. On Monday, a Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® success story was inducted into The Joy Fit Club on NBC's Today Show.

Dr. Siegal is six months into a worldwide media tour to promote his latest book, Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet Book: How a Doctor and His Cookie Helped 500,000 People Lose Weight Fast (2009, Hyde Park Publishing Ltd., 320 pages, ISBN 978-0-9822728-3-19999).

"I had a wonderful time talking about Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet with Sherri and Whoopi," said Dr. Siegal. "Everyone associated with The View was gracious and genuinely interested in presenting information that would benefit viewers who want to reach a more healthful weight."

Dr. Siegal's appearance today on ABC's The View was his latest in a perpetual string of major broadcast and print media profiles. This year, the Miami-based physician's venerable weight-loss brand has appeared on the covers of People magazine and The Wall Street Journal, and in more than 200 other media outlets including The New York Times, ABC's Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, and Canada's CityTV network.

"There are probably multiple reasons why the public is fascinated by Dr. Siegal's Cookie Diet. Perhaps the most compelling reason is that it's been helping people lose weight for nearly 35 years whereas the lifespan of most diet approaches seems to be about fifteen minutes," said Matthew Siegal, president and CEO of Dr. Siegal's Direct Nutritionals, LLC. "I think the world accepts that, after 35 years and well over 500,000 dieters, that doctor's funny-sounding diet with cookies is actually a sound approach that works."

Dr. Siegal conceived the idea of a diet based on a hunger-controlling cookie in the early 1970s while authoring a book about natural substances in food that are effective at satisfying hunger. He decided to engineer a snack food that would help his patients stick to the low-calorie diet he advocates. After years of experimentation with family and friends, Dr. Siegal produced a formula for a proprietary mixture of amino acids that resulted from combining certain food substances. He baked cookies containing his protein formula and gave them to a few patients. Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® was an immediate success. His South Florida medical practice quickly grew to include 14 clinics and he began supplying his cookies and other foods to hundreds of other doctors throughout North America.

In 2007, Dr. Siegal began offering his cookies, shake mixes, and other products to the general public through www.CookieDiet.com (which has more than 114,000 members) and retail stores.

Although knockoff products have recently appeared, Dr. Siegal's original cookie and weight-loss diet continues to enjoy a nearly 100 percent share of voice in the news media.

"It's no mystery why nearly all of the focus is on Dr. Siegal," added Matthew Siegal. "I mean, a piece about entrepreneurs scheming to capitalize on somebody else's original idea doesn't exactly make for a compelling news story."

Recent media profiles of Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® include:

NBC's Today Show

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/34416230#34416230

ABC's Good Morning America

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9fuI9yzx4o

KNBC-TV Los Angeles

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/station/as-seen-on/Cookie_Diet_Los_Angeles.html

KTNV-TV Las Vegas

http://www.ktnv.com/global/Category.asp?c=164911&clipId=4295545&flvUri=&thirdpartymrssurl=&topVideoCatNo=0&autoStart=true&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv

WFAA-TV Dallas

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/64574632.html

ABOUT DR. SIEGAL'S COOKIE DIET®

Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® is a profitable, 100% debt-free, family-owned business comprising several companies with corporate locations in the Miami, Florida, and Washington, DC, metro areas. Under license from Dr. Siegal's SM Licensing Corporation, Dr. Siegal's Direct Nutritionals, LLC operates the web site CookieDiet.com (114,000 members) and distributes products directly to consumers and resellers including Walgreens, GNC, Samsclub.com, and independent retailers and physicians.

ABOUT DR. SANFORD SIEGAL

Sanford Siegal, D.O., M.D., is a practicing physician whose Miami-based medical practice, Siegal Medical Group, has treated more than a half million overweight patients. Although he has gained widespread notoriety for his books on subjects including controlling hunger without drugs, hypothyroidism, and the benefits of high fiber diets, he is best known as the Cookie Doctor® behind the popular Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET® weight-loss program and hunger-controlling foods. Dr. Siegal is perpetually in the news and has been profiled by dozens of media including CNN, ABC's The View, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, ABC's Good Morning America, NBC's Today Show, Toronto's Globe & Mail, and Forbes.

Media Relations:

Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET®

877-377-4342 (North America)

703-677-8068 (Elsewhere)

SOURCE Dr. Siegal's COOKIE DIET (CookieDiet.com)

Dr. Carl W. Hastings, vice chairman and chief scientific officer of Reliv International, Inc., was elected to the board of directors of the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the nation's leading trade association for the dietary supplement industry.

Dr. Hastings oversees research, development of nutritional products, quality control and manufacturing for Reliv, a direct selling company of nutritional products. He has created Reliv's core product line and is the holder of five patents for his work, and patents are pending on additional products.

"I share the values of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, particularly its dedication to advancing scientific research of dietary supplements and its commitment to a strong code of ethics," Dr. Hastings said.

Dr. Hastings, 67, joined Reliv as head of research and development shortly after the company was founded. He holds U.S. patents for Innergize!®, FibRestore®, Cellebrate®, Arthaffect® and ReversAge®, and has patents pending on CardioSentials and GlucAffect.

His career spans nearly 40 years in food product research and development, beginning at Mead Johnson & Co. where Dr. Hastings conducted research on nutritional food products for adults and infants, and developed low-calorie foods marketed under the Weight Watchers label.

With the A.E. Staley Company, Dr. Hastings developed new applications for food ingredients from corn and soybeans, including starch, sweeteners, protein and fiber.

Dr. Hastings earned a Ph.D. in food science from the University of Illinois, where he also earned his bachelor's and master's degrees.

Reliv International, Inc., based in Chesterfield, Mo., is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of a proprietary line of nutritional supplements. Reliv supplements address essential daily nutrition, weight loss and targeted solutions such as energy and performance enhancement, digestive health, women's health and anti-aging. Reliv sells its products through an international network marketing system of approximately 68,000 independent distributors. Additional information about Reliv International, Inc. can be obtained on the Web at www.reliv.com.

SOURCE Reliv International, Inc.

Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, the former Philadelphia Flyers winger known for his on-ice toughness, will meet fans and sign bottles of his NHL Alumni Signature Series wines from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at the Pennsylvania Wine & Spirits Store at 1940 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

"Dave Schultz was one of the most beloved players on the Broad Street Bullies teams that won two Stanley Cups in the 1970s, and we are delighted to bring this great Flyers legend back to Philadelphia so fans can meet him and taste his NHL Alumni Signature Series wines," said Patrick J. "P.J." Stapleton, III, chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

Fans over 21 may purchase bottles of Schultz's wine at the store and have them autographed by Schultz, Stapleton added. A free tasting of Schultz's wines will also be offered for those 21 and over.

Two of Schultz's varietals will be available for purchase during his appearance and are available at more than 20 Philadelphia-area Wine & Spirits stores:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic cabernet with deep red-purple hues and a black currant taste that reveals hints of cherry, blackberry, fresh mint and a touch of oak. The price is $12.99.
• Chardonnay: A delicious yet simple white wine for those who like unoaked Chardonnay packed with aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, lemon and green apple. The price is $11.99.

For more information on the NHL Alumni Signature Series wines, visit www.alumniwineseries.com.

Schultz played for the Flyers from 1971 to 1976 and was a member of the teams that won the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975. He still holds the record for most penalty minutes in a season, 472, set in 1974-75. Despite his reputation as an enforcer, he scored 20 goals for the cup-winning Flyers in 1973-74. Schultz also skated for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings and Buffalo Sabres before retiring in 1980.

Established in 1933 at the end of national Prohibition, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol. The Board also operates the state's 618 Wine & Spirits Stores. The Liquor Control Board reported sales of more than $1.8 billion in fiscal 2008-09 and a return of $494.5 million in taxes and profits to the state's General Fund, helping to pay the cost of essential services such as education, health care, infrastructure and public safety.

Media contacts: Nick Hays or Francesca Chapman, 717-783-8864

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, and Abbott, the global healthcare company, today announced that more than $400,000 in adult and pediatric nutritionals originally intended for hurricane relief are now available to feed families at 20 food banks in seven states and Puerto Rico.

In early 2009, Abbott and Feeding America embarked on a partnership to "pre-position" nutritional products to regions that are highly vulnerable to hurricanes. By staging relief supplies in parts of the country in advance of being hit by hurricanes, people can be helped in a matter of hours or days instead of waiting for seven to ten days for emergency aid requests to be filled.

With the close of the 2009 hurricane season on November 30, the pre-positioned products that were stocked in preparation for major storms will now be re-directed to feed families via food banks.

"Partnering with Feeding America ensures that critical products are available to those who need them during and beyond the threat of hurricane season," said Kathy Pickus, divisional vice president, Global Citizenship and Policy, Abbott. "By working with Feeding America's established network of food banks, many families can now have access to nutritional food."

The food pantry locations were selected based on proximity to areas vulnerable to hurricanes, their capacity to assist in disaster response and recovery, and on population coverage. The disaster relief packs consist of nutrition shakes and bars for adults, and nutrition and re-hydration drinks for children. The packs are specifically for families of different sizes and can collectively feed more than 20,000 people.

"We remain extremely grateful to Abbott for helping us pre-position relief supplies at our food banks in strategically important locations," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO, Feeding America. "We certainly are relieved to see that the 2009 hurricane season was mild in comparison to prior years, and we can now use these products to serve communities in need to help address chronic hunger, especially during the holiday season."

These additional supplies come at a time when over 55 percent of Feeding America network food banks have turned away clients because they could not meet the demand for food. In addition, an estimated 36.2 million Americans, or 12.2 percent, are food insecure; meaning their access to enough food is limited by a lack of money and other resources.

Feeding America provided more than 25.6 million pounds of food and grocery products to food banks throughout Louisiana, Texas and other Gulf Coast states in 2008, following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Feeding America is now in its 20th year of providing disaster relief services. The group's network of 206 food banks has worked in recent years to improve its disaster response capability with enhanced disaster planning, by developing and training support teams, and with staging supplies in advance of disasters.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

SOURCE Feeding America

Apple Rush Co., Inc. (Pink Sheets: APRU) announced that it has appointed Blue Gem Enterprise (OTC Bulletin Board: BGEM) as its Southern Florida Distributor for Apple Rush branded products. Blue Gem will be selling Apple Rush's organic juices in both Bottles and Cans.

Blue Gem Enterprise has developed a dynamic new beverage distribution arm that has rapidly become a significant force in the Southern Florida market. Blue Gem will develop and manage the sales effort for Apple Rush products in Southern Florida, which starts from Orlando and goes all the way south through the Florida Keys. Blue Gem Enterprise will utilize its Store Door Delivery system to cover on premise, restaurants, convenience, grocery and specialty and natural food stores.

"Apple Rush is our first Organic brand and we are thrilled to also be selling it to our network of independent stores. The Organic beverage sales market is expected to approach $ 2 billion in the US in 2010. We plan on building our organic offerings in South Florida by bringing the finest products to our customers and we're proud to be distributing Apple Rush products," stated Bob Friedopfer, Vice President of Sales of Blue Gem Enterprise.

"We have known Bob Friedopfer for some time and have great confidence in his abilities. In speaking with Bob and other personnel at Blue Gem Enterprise, it became apparent that there were great synergies for both companies that could be utilized. Blue Gem's aggressive and comprehensive sales approach, along with their attention to detail, were key factors in our move to get them on board selling and distributing Apple Rush products. We see this new relationship as a key factor in establishing Apple Rush in the state of Florida, which is a great state for natural foods sales," stated Robert Corr, President of Apple Rush Co.

About Apple Rush Co., Inc:

Apple Rush Company, Inc. is a producer of Organic 100% Juice Sparkling Beverages. The company markets its products through an extensive distribution network nearly 40 Distributors throughout the U.S. and in foreign markets. The Company's flagship product line of Organic Apple Rush(TM) Sparkling Beverages currently has six mainstream flavors in glass bottles and the top three sellers Original Apple, Pomegranate and Cranberry in cans. For more information on Apple Rush Co., Inc. visit: www.applerush.com

Safe Harbor: The Company relies upon the Safe Harbor Laws of 1933, 1934 and 1995 for all public news releases. Statements, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The company, through its management, makes forward-looking public statements concerning its expected future operations, performance and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the company's best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. It is impossible to identify all such factors. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the company include, but are not limited to, government regulation; managing and maintaining growth; the effect of adverse publicity; litigation; competition; and other factors which may be identified from time to time in the company's public announcements.

SOURCE Apple Rush Co., Inc.

Due diligence by the University of Minnesota's agricultural gurus, who developed winter-hardy grape varieties, spawned an industry. And last July the federal government designated the U.S.' newest Upper Midwest American Viticultural Area, which encompasses almost 30,000 square miles of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Our steep slopes and well-drained soils are the perfect mix for award-winning wine varieties. The following is our first annual list of Top Minnesota Wines for 2009, in no particular order.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061127/CGM001LOGO )

Slippery Slope Ice Wine

Winehaven Winery and Vineyard, Chisago City, MN

www.winehaven.com

Award: Winner of the 2009 Cold Climate International Wine Competition

Description: Ice Wine is a Minnesota classic that is made from grapes that are allowed to freeze on the vines and then picked in December. The wine is packaged in an unusual bottle.

Frontenac Gris

Fieldstone Vineyards, Morgan, MN

www.fieldstonevineyards.com

Award: Silver medal at 2008 Indy International Wine Competition and Bronze at the 2007 Mid America Wine Competition.

Description: Frontenac Gris is a semi-sweet white with hints of peach and apricot on the finish.

St. Croix Reserve

Northern Vineyards, Stillwater, MN

www.northernvineyards.com

Award: Gold medal from the Taster's Guild International Wine Competition

Description: St. Croix Reserve is a full-bodied red made from "press run" juice.

Voyageur 2008

Alexis Bailly Vineyard, Hastings, MN

www.abvwines.com

Award: The first vintage of Voyageur was awarded 'Best Wine made in America' at the Atlanta International Wine Competition

Description: Deeply colored with a rich flavor, bold and opulent fruit flavors of blackberries, and smoky vanilla aromas from extensive aging in oak barrels.

LaCrescent

Crofut Family Winery & Vineyard, Jordan, MN

www.crofutwinery.com

Award: Silvers at the International Eastern Wine Competition and the International Cold Climate Wine Competition

Description: A full-bodied rich and classy off-dry white; fresh on your palate with the taste of white apricots and peaches.

Little Iza

Millner Heritage Vineyard, Kimball, MN

www.millnerheritage.com

Award: Gold medal International Cold Climate Wine Competition

Description: Produced from St. Pepin and Lacrosse, moderately similar to steely Rieslings from northern Germany, with faint hints of honey, and finished with a touch of sweetness.

Bootlegger's Red Port Wine

Cannon River Winery, Cannon Falls, MN

www.cannonriverwinery.com

Award: 2009 Lodi International Wine Awards and 2008 International Eastern

Description: Decadent and robust in flavor, a full-bodied wine combining the lush flavors of red berry jams, nuts, chocolate, vanilla and licorice. Packaged in a unique, award-winning 500ml bootlegger's jug.

Hot Dish Red

Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria

www.carloscreekwinery.com

Award: Artistic Achievement Award 2009 Taster's Guild International Wine Competition

Description: Best-selling and most award-winning wine is also our sweetest red. The bold taste of Valiant comes through with hints of zesty blackberry that perfectly balance the sweetness.

Note: The Alexandria Lakes AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Douglas County, Minnesota, near the city of Alexandria. Alexandria Lakes was the first AVA to be created in Minnesota in 2005 as the result of a successful petition to the US Department of the Treasury Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

Many Minnesota vineyards and wineries host events, such as regular tastings, and periodic music fests, grape stomps and harvest festivals. Check out the event schedule at www.exploreminnesota.com/festivals-and-events.

    Contact: Chuck Lennon
    651-757-1857
    chuck.lennon@state.mn.us

SOURCE Explore Minnesota Tourism

Following a recall by Procter & Gamble, Giant Food of Landover, Md. removed from sale Vicks® DayQuil® Cold & Flu 24-Count LiquiCaps Bonus Pack because this product does not contain a child-resistant backing for the blister packs in the box, despite label statements that the product is in child-resistant packaging.

All codes of the following UPC are affected:

Vicks® DayQuil® Cold & Flu 24-Count LiquiCaps Bonus Pack, UPC03-2390-01087

To date, no accidental ingestion by children has been reported with this product, and the medication itself is safe for use when taken as directed. However, this product is not intended for use by children under 12, unless recommended by a physician. The lack of child-resistant packaging means it is possible that a child could gain access to the medicine.

Consumers who wish to continue to use the product should do so as directed, taking extra care to keep it out of the reach of children. Consumers who purchased this DayQuil® 24-count product with the expectation that it was in child-resistant packaging can call P&G at 1-800-251-3374 for a refund or replacement coupon. Anyone with a question can call P&G at this toll-free number or visit www.vicks.com.

Customers who have purchased the affected products may also return unused portions or bring their purchase receipt to Giant for a full refund. Customers may call Giant at 1-877-846-9949, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or visit www.giantfood.com for more information.

About Giant Food of Landover, Md.
Giant Food LLC, headquartered in Landover, Md., operates 180 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, and employs approximately 22,000 associates. Included within the 180 stores are 163 full-service pharmacies. Giant is owned by Netherlands-based Ahold. For more information on Giant, visit www.GiantFood.com.

SOURCE Giant Food

Thompson Beverly Hills announces they will now solely operate the on site restaurant, second floor lounge and Above Beverly Hills rooftop. Acclaimed Chef Brian Redzikowski will remain, along with his signature dishes and cocktails. New additions to the menu and cuisine style will be announced soon.

Thompson Beverly Hills is Thompson Hotel group's second in Southern California, alongside the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, and is located on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and North Crescent Drive, in the heart of Beverly Hills. Offering 107 sophisticated rooms including 92 deluxe rooms, 13 one bedroom suites, a signature Thompson Suite and an eighth floor Penthouse Suite. Acclaimed interior designer Dodd Mitchell was inspired by the commanding cool of 1960s Hollywood when designing the minimal, blank palette interiors that also convey cool New York attitude. Ebonized White Oak hardwood floors contrast with stark white walls. Dark wood dressers and desks, with glass accents, compliment the custom designed modern platform beds and mirrored elements on the ceiling. The iconic works of fashion photographer Steven Klein accent the guest rooms and public spaces. Floating marble sinks and oversized showers are stocked with bath amenities by Fresh and linens by Sferra. Each room also has a private garden-style balcony that offers sweeping views of either the Hollywood sign or downtown Beverly Hills. Deluxe room rates will start at $339 per night, with one-bedroom suites starting at $539.

Guests can relax, exercise and socialize on the bi-level rooftop area that boasts a heated pool, state-of-the-art gym, exclusive lounge and private cabanas complete with flat screen televisions, mini-bars and sofa beds. The 1,500 square foot gym is encased in glass with views of the Hollywood Hills and Downtown Los Angeles. ABH (Above Beverly Hills), a lounge located on the north side of the ninth floor rooftop, offers cocktails, appetizers, private trellis shade areas, fire pits and the centerpiece -- a Canary Island Palm Tree, which serves as a natural canopy.

About Thompson Hotel Group:

Throughout 2008, Thompson Hotels made expansive developments within the hospitality industry through the openings of Gild Hall in the Financial District, Six Columbus in Midtown Manhattan, Thompson LES on the Lower East Side, Smyth in Tribeca, as well as Thompson Beverly Hills in Los Angeles and Donovan House in Washington DC. Developments will continue internationally with the opening of Thompson Toronto in 2010 and Thompson Seoul in 2011. Thompson also includes 60 Thompson Hotel, in New York City, Hotel Sax in Chicago and Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. A partnership consisting of Larry, Michael and Jason Pomeranc and Stephen Brandman, Thompson offers a quiet luxury to their chic, urban clientele. Each hotel is filled with contemporary yet classic design, art by world renowned artists, thoughtful amenities, unparalleled service and end-destination restaurants and popular nightlife lounges, offering guests a truly unique and luxurious experience.

Please contact Thompson Beverly Hills sales department for any event or reservation requests.

SOURCE Thompson Hotel Group

Here's a New Year's resolution you can keep: drink more wine! It reinforces a healthier lifestyle and starting now, may prevent the holiday weight gain that is an American tradition. "Celebrating the holidays with wine and enjoying better health is truly a win-win," according to Richard Baxter, MD, author of the award-winning new book Age Gets Better with Wine: New Science For a Healthier, Better & Longer Life.

Baxter shares the scientific reasons why moderate wine consumption should be an everyday ritual, especially during the holidays. "Compounds in red wine work at a cellular level to lessen the negative effects of high-fat holiday meals, and help keep blood sugar levels in check. These are some of the reasons why wine drinkers are less likely to be overweight," Baxter notes.

Baxter's advice is that the wine be red and that the older the vintage, the better. He cautions to keep alcohol consumption reasonable. "Moderation is the key, and while wine is not a low-calorie drink, it doesn't contain the sugar calories of many mixed drinks, and calories from alcohol avoid the spike in blood sugar that contributes to weight gain."

Wine's much-touted miracle molecule, resveratrol, is often given full credit for its benefits, and Baxter's book devotes an entire chapter to why this may not be true. What about resveratrol pills? "Despite thousands of studies on resveratrol the evidence for its use as a supplement isn't there yet," says Baxter. "They certainly aren't as enjoyable as a glass of wine, so for now a glass or two of red wine with meals is the best way to get your daily dose of Vitamin W."

Dr. Baxter is a top-rated, board-certified plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert. He has lectured extensively on wine and health and published original research on resveratrol. He is a Medical Director of Calidora Skin Clinics, Medical Director of Healthy Aging, and has been featured in Elle, Web MD, New Beauty, and Spa Magazine. Baxter is a member of the Emerging Trends Committee of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Recently named the best new wine and health book in America by Gourmand, Baxter's Age Gets Better with Wine: New Science For a Healthier, Better & Longer Life is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Borders.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Dr. Richard Baxter

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=79817

SOURCE Dr. Richard Baxter

Poblano Grill has opened in Moore at 2701 South I-35 Service Road in the building formerly operated as a Russell Stover's Candy store. "This is the 4th Poblano we've opened this year in the OKC metro area," according to Tommy Byrd, Vice President of Operations for Poblano Grill. "Because we are known for great Mexican food throughout Oklahoma City we've had hundreds of requests to come to Moore over the years. We finally were able to get the right location and here we are. It's great to be here," said Byrd.

Poblano Grill is known for generous portions of Mexican food made fresh daily. They offer a full service bar with a large selection of margaritas, cocktails and beers.

SOURCE Poblano Grill

GAIN - the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition released today its 2008-2009 Annual Report. The report confirms the effectiveness of GAIN's work in reducing malnutrition in high-burden countries. GAIN's national food fortification projects are reaching more than 200 million people, including more than 108.3 million women and young children. "Our attention to measuring the impact of our programs has brought a more rigorous approach to program design," said Marc Van Ameringen, Executive Director of GAIN. "Our multi-stakeholder national food fortification projects are reaching large scale populations."

According to FAO, more than 1 billion people will suffer from hunger in 2009. "The current global financial crisis has aggravated an already severe situation of world hunger and poverty," said Jay Naidoo, chair of GAIN Board. "GAIN believes solutions exist to improve nutrition for those most at risk. Improving the diet, particularly of mothers and children, is integral to addressing the global targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)."

Infants from conception up to two years of age are the most vulnerable to the long term negative consequences of malnutrition. The first twenty four months of life represent the period of highest vulnerability but also the greatest window of opportunity for investments in healthy development. This year, GAIN's Infant and Young Child Nutrition Program (IYCN) awarded grants in Bangladesh, Cote d'Ivoire and India to produce and deliver high quality multi-nutrient powders and complementary food to vulnerable children and low-income families. The goal of this program is to improve nutrition and reduce anemia in at least ten million children aged 6 to 24 months old.

    http://www.gainhealth.org/press-releases/AR08-09
    Media contact :
    Frederique Tissandier
    Tel.: +41-22-749-18-45
    E-Mail: ftissandier@gainhealth.org

SOURCE GAIN - Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

Kraft Foods (NYSE: KFT) today announced the appointment of Jean-Francois van Boxmeer and Mackey McDonald to its Board of Directors. Their terms will begin Jan. 1, 2010. With these additions, Kraft Foods' Board will have 12 directors, 11 of whom are independent.

Van Boxmeer, 48, is the Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer of Heineken N.V. He is an experienced executive with 25 years in the global beverage industry. McDonald, 62, is a senior advisor at Crestview Partners, L.P., and the retired Chairman and CEO of VF Corporation. He is a 25-year veteran of the consumer goods industry.

"Jean-Francois and Mackey will be terrific additions to our Board as we continue to build on our position as a global powerhouse in snacks, confectionery and quick meals," said Irene Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO. "Jean-Francois is known as a builder of iconic, global brands with a strong track record for driving revenue growth and leading acquisitions and integrations. Mackey brings a deep knowledge of consumer products, retailing, marketing and brand-building, as well as deep experience in leading business transformation."

About Jean-Francois van Boxmeer

During his 25-year international tenure at Heineken, Van Boxmeer has led a number of significant changes, including replacing the company's 36-person management group with a 12-member Executive Committee to speed decision-making. In 2008, he led the acquisition of the multi-billion dollar British brewer Scottish & Newcastle, which expanded Heineken's business in the U.K., Portugal, Finland, Belgium, Ireland, India and the United States. Since assuming his current post in 2005, the company has posted average annual revenue growth of more than 16 percent.

About Mackey McDonald

Prior to his current role at Crestview Partners, L.P., McDonald served as Chairman and CEO of VF Corporation, a $7.6 billion manufacturer of retail apparel and the No. 1 maker of jeans worldwide. He is credited with transforming VF into a high-growth provider of lifestyle brands and more than doubling the company's revenues during his tenure. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Sara Lee, including Director of Operations for Hanesbrands. He remains active on corporate boards, including Wells Fargo & Co. and Hyatt Hotels Corp. Previously, he served as a director of Wachovia Corp., The Hershey Co. and Tyco International.

About Kraft Foods

Kraft Foods makes today delicious in 150 countries around the globe. Our 100,000 employees work tirelessly to make delicious foods consumers can feel good about. From American brand icons like Kraft cheeses, dinners and dressings, Maxwell House coffees and Oscar Mayer meats, to global powerhouse brands like Oreo and LU biscuits, Philadelphia cream cheeses, Jacobs and Carte Noire coffees, Tang powdered beverages and Milka, Cote d'Or, Lacta and Toblerone chocolates, our brands deliver millions of smiles every day. Kraft Foods (NYSE: KFT) is the world's second largest food company with revenues of $42 billion in 2008. The company is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the Ethibel Sustainability Index.

More information about the Kraft Foods Board of Directors is available on the company's web site at www.kraftfoodscompany.com/investor/corporate-governance.

Forward Looking Statements Safe-Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements that Messrs. van Boxmeer and McDonald will help us achieve top-tier performance as we continue to build on our position as a global powerhouse in snacks, confectionery and quick meals. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors, include, but are not limited to, continued price volatility for commodities costs, pricing actions, increased competition, increased costs of sales, our ability to realize our expected cost savings, a shift in our product mix to lower margin offerings, risks from operating a multinational corporation, and tax law changes. For additional information on these and other factors that could affect our forward-looking statements, see our filings with the SEC, including our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. We disclaim and do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release.

- make today delicious -

    Contacts: Michael Mitchell (Media) Christopher M. Jakubik (Investors)
              +1-847-646-4538          +1-847-646-5494
              news@kraft.com           ir@kraft.com

SOURCE Kraft Foods

The rankings are in and Entrepreneur's 31st Annual Franchise 500® is out, with Subway taking the number-one spot. McDonald's, 7-Eleven, Hampton Inn and Supercuts are next up in positions two through five, respectively, in the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking.

While Subway leads, in all, 21 sandwich shops made the ranking this year, including many smaller chains like Charley's Grilled Subs, Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's and Firehouse Subs showing strong growth.

Together, the 500 franchises on the ranking added more than 12,000 units, or 2.9 percent above 2008's numbers, proving the growth of franchises as a whole - recession or not. Not that it hasn't been a tough year - growth is still down from the 4.7 percent seen the year before. The franchises that grew the most were the ones who serve a budget-minded consumer, didn't cost as much to set up, or both. Take Subway, which with its $5 Footlong offer started a chain reaction among countless sandwich and fast-food franchises to bring out similar $5 programs.

Amy Cosper, vice president and editor-in-chief at Entrepreneur, says "What we've been recognizing for some time is now getting widespread recognition: that the recession is adding momentum to the pursuit of entrepreneurship and self-employment. For the growing numbers seeking business ownership opportunities, franchising can offer advantages like having established products or services; marketing, start-up and management assistance; proven systems and business models; and brand name recognition. All this can add up to better odds for success. For anyone considering pursuing this path, the Franchise 500® is a great place to get started."

The January issue containing the ranking is a complete reference guide for established and aspiring entrepreneurs, revealing not only the companies who made the list according to their industry categories, but also top franchise trends for 2010, a look at 10 great franchises for less than $20,000, sources for financing, what 2010 will hold for franchises as a whole and much more.

The rankings for all 500 companies are determined using an exclusive formula that takes into account objective and quantifiable factors. The most important factors include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. All franchises are given a cumulative score, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.

To view the full ranking, pick up a copy of the January 2010 issue of Entrepreneur on newsstands December 22nd, or visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500.

About Entrepreneur Media Inc.

Entrepreneur Media Inc. is the premier content provider for and about entrepreneurs. Our products engage and inspire every day with the advice, solutions and resources that fuel the bold and independent way entrepreneurs think.

After more than 32 years, nobody reaches more growing businesses. As the original magazine for the small and midsize business community, Entrepreneur continues to be the definitive guide to all the diverse challenges of business ownership. Entrepreneur.com is the most widely used website by entrepreneurs and emerging businesses worldwide. Entrepreneur Press publishes the books that turn entrepreneurial skills into business success.

To learn more, visit www.entrepreneur.com.

To advertise, please contact us at www.entrepreneur.com/mediakit.

SOURCE Entrepreneur Magazine

Simon Fuller's new entertainment venture IF I CAN DREAM, which launches early 2010, will be distributed and marketed to a global audience through a number of integrated partnerships with blue chip brands.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091216/LA27475LOGO)

Hulu and Clear Channel will create a ground breaking distribution partnership with MySpace building an exclusive audition platform. Both PepsiCo and Ford Motor Company are also confirmed as founding partners for the production.

HULU

Hulu will stream an IF I CAN DREAM TV episode each week exclusively via Hulu.com. Each programme will include highlights from the week, stringing together the storylines from the past seven days into an easy to follow episode. It will be the first recurring show to be available to select international audiences via Hulu.

"Innovate is not a buzzword for Simon Fuller and 19 Entertainment. They've consistently delivered extremely high quality content in innovative ways, and helped to change how viewers engage with entertainment," said Andy Forssell, SVP of Content and Distribution at Hulu. "That's a great match with what Hulu is all about, and we're excited and honored to partner with them on IF I CAN DREAM as part of our mission to help people find and enjoy the world's premium content, when, where and how they want it."

CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO

Clear Channel Radio will serve as a core partner in introducing the IF I CAN DREAM (cast) to a national audience of over 100 million people on-air each week and to 30 million people on its digital properties monthly. Clear Channel's local radio personalities and audience interaction will spur daily conversations, and through Clear Channel's content creation and distribution platform, the IF I CAN DREAM cast member stories will come to life on-air, online, and on mobile devices.

"19 Entertainment's fresh approach to talent development will find fertile ground on Clear Channel's stations and digital properties," said Evan Harrison, EVP of Clear Channel Radio and president of the company's digital group. "Our highly engaged on-air and online communities will be the engines that drive ongoing interest in the cast. Together, we have the opportunity to completely change the paradigm and break new talent across multiple platforms simultaneously."

MYSPACE

As the exclusive audition and primary social networking platform for IF I CAN DREAM, MySpace will provide the ability for other hopefuls to realize their own dreams. Through the audition process, essentially anyone will have the chance to take part in the show by uploading videos explaining why they deserve to be featured. IF I CAN DREAM will have a customized page on MySpace empowering fans to socialize content by sharing, commenting and interacting. The integration exemplifies the aspirational overlay that has always existed on MySpace and the site's ongoing capability to offer access to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Angela Courtin, SVP of Marketing, Entertainment and Content at MySpace, comments: "For years musicians, comedians, filmmakers, models and actors have come to MySpace to express themselves and to showcase their talents to a global community. Now we are giving them another incredible opportunity to do just that and looking forward to the talent that we know will emerge. We're thrilled to be working with 19 Entertainment and all other involved partners on this project to bring IF I CAN DREAM to a large audience."

PEPSI

IF I CAN DREAM is developing integrated partnerships with a select set of blue chip brands. Pepsi was the first company to embrace this innovative concept and its unconventional approach to multiple platforms. In keeping with the IF I CAN DREAM spirit of young people refreshing their worlds, Pepsi's Refresh Project will play an important role in the experience. As a founding partner The Pepsi Refresh Project on IF I CAN DREAM, which will also enable people to submit ideas that will refresh their world and lead to positive change, is a multi-million-dollar grant program that will launch in January.

"IF I CAN DREAM is a groundbreaking interactive experience that represents our ongoing efforts to engage with consumers across a variety of platforms," said Frank Cooper, SVP and Chief Consumer Engagement Officer, Pepsi-Cola North American Beverages. "IF I CAN DREAM is one of many innovative ways the Pepsi Refresh Project will be featured in the digital space. Partnering with 19 Entertainment, Hulu, and MySpace ensures that this will be a multimedia project that will change the way people interact with programming"

FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Ford Motor Company will be partnering with IF I CAN DREAM to create a new marketing initiative to pre-promote the launch of the 2011 North American Ford Fiesta. This will build on the Fiesta Movement programme, a social media initiative that generated over 675,000 flickr views and 5.5 million YouTube views.

"The Ford Fiesta already has the attention of socially vibrant consumers months before it goes on sale in North America next summer," said Connie Fontaine, manager, Brand Content and Alliances at Ford Motor Company. "So when 19 Entertainment approached us to cast the Fiesta in IF I CAN DREAM, it seemed only natural. The role that 19 Entertainment and Ford has created for Fiesta is really exciting and will provide viewers a different look at the cast members through amazing technology and the Fiesta."

IF I CAN DREAM is produced by Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment, a fully owned subsidiary of CKX, Inc. ( CKXE)

    For further information contact:

    19 LA:  Roger Widynowski, rogerw@19entertainment.com, tel: 310-461-1788
    19 London:  Clare Cooke, clare@19.co.uk, tel: +44 207-801-1986
    Hulu:  Christina Lee, Christina@hulu.com, tel: 310-571 -4759
    Clear Channel:  Lisa Dollinger, lisadollinger@clearchannel.com, tel:
     210-832-3348
    MySpace:  Tiffany Duersch, tduersch@myspace-inc.com, tel: 310-969-7689
    Ford Motor Company:  Angie Kozleski, akozlesk@ford.com, tel: 313-323-1984
    Pepsi:  Nicole Bradley, nicole.bradley@pepsi.com, 914-253-2000

SOURCE 19 Entertainment

Tasting Table, the free daily epicurean email, will launch its "NY Specials" edition this January. This new weekly email will offer subscribers special access to the city's tastiest food-centric happenings, from delicious deals to exclusive tables at restaurant openings.

Beyond just discounts, NY Specials will also connect readers to Tasting Table-approved restaurants, bars, wine shops and markets through private dinners, specialty menu offerings and highly coveted reservations.

"In the year since we launched, we've learned that our readers are not only hungry for dining recommendations and culinary expertise, but they're also eager to share Tasting Table's relationships with our city's outstanding hospitality scene," says Tasting Table CEO Geoff Bartakovics. "Where our daily New York edition covers the best of the city's food and drink, our weekly NY Specials email will provide that unique access to experience those establishments."

The inaugural NY Specials email is set to launch in January 2010. Tasting Table readers can sign up now at http://TastingTable.com/NYspecials.

ABOUT TASTING TABLE:

Tasting Table (http://tastingtable.com) is the free daily email about the very best of eating and drinking culture across the country. Each day, subscribers receive one delicious discovery, covering a range of epicurean topics including dining, wine, cocktails, personalities and food travel. Tasting Table stands out for its unique approach to editorial coverage: Every recommendation is based on first-hand research not blog posts or press releases and is delivered to readers in a smart, lively voice.

http://TastingTable.com

SOURCE Tasting Table

This holiday season, state employees will again open their hearts and give hope to struggling families by making donations to food pantries across Pennsylvania.

For the second year, the Department of Agriculture has teamed with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and PhilAbundance to place collection bins for donations in 19 state office buildings.

Donations may also be made at www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/commonwealth this year. Anyone using the virtual food drive, which is being hosted by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, may select which county or local food agency they wish to receive the donation.

Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding said the food drive is an opportunity to help Pennsylvanians trying to cope with the challenging economic times.

"When Governor Rendell helped to light the Capitol Christmas tree last week, he said this is the season of hope, but that too many families are without that optimism this year because of the recession," said Redding. "He called on those of us who are doing OK, and who are holding our own, to be charitable and to help those in need. This food drive is an opportunity to show our generosity and help make the holiday season brighter and happier for more of Pennsylvania's families."

Redding noted that Pennsylvania's emergency food system relies upon private support, such as food donations and charitable giving, as its foundation. Food drives, Redding said, play an important role in helping restock the shelves of pantries and county organizations that are finding it difficult to keep pace with an increased demand for their service.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank experienced a more-than-50-percent increase in requests for assistance during the past two years, while the number of households served by Second Harvest Food Bank in northwestern Pennsylvania increased nearly 2,000 between April and September. Food pantries in Wayne County report approximately 20 new families a month visiting their sites.

In Allegheny County, a hunger assistance hotline is now referring more than 100 families a month to local food pantries; the typical monthly rate is 25-35 families. Chester County organizations have also reported double-digit increases of between 37 percent and 54 percent in the number of people requesting food. One agency, the West Chester Food Cupboard, now serves 420 families per month, up from 280.

"During last year's food drive, state employees donated nearly 10,000 pounds of food, which is enough to provide more than 7,800 meals," said Redding. "That tremendous show of support helped these organizations serve new families that were looking for help. I hope that our employees, who have done such terrific work during this trying year, will meet if not exceed that level of giving this year."

The collection bins and the virtual food drive will remain available until Friday, Jan. 8.

Media contact: Justin Fleming, 717-787-5085

Editor's Note: Collection bins for the canned food drive are located near the Christmas trees in the following buildings:

Harrisburg:

Capitol/East Wing/Irvis/North Office Building

Finance Building

Forum Building

Health and Welfare Building

Judicial Building

Keystone Building

Labor & Industry Building

22nd and Forster (DGS Surplus Property Building)

Agriculture Building

Harristown 1 (Strawberry Square)

Harristown 2 (333 Market St.)

Forum Place

Rachel Carson State Office Building

18th and Herr Streets (DGS Public Works and Maintenance Building)

Regional Offices:

Philadelphia (801 Arch St. and 801 Market St.)

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

For the first time ever, three 35,862,784 ounce tanks that stand about three stories high carry the look of The Genesee Brewery's flagship beers: Genesee, Genny Light and Genesee Cream Ale. Vinyl graphics that stretch 55 feet wide by 43 feet high now cover the tanks, making them look like oversized cans of beer. Located outside of the brewery, each tank stores the equivalent of approximately 124,523 cases of beer. People can clearly view them from outside the brewery's main offices.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091215/NY26649 )

"Over the past few months, we have experienced a complete overhaul of our brewery, as well as the sales and marketing of our high quality beers. Employees, bar owners, retailers and consumers believe in us for the first time in decades," said Jason Drewniak, brand manager for Genesee. "We're working hard so our beer stands tall again."

The banners wrap around the tanks approximately 180 degrees. Affixed using cables attached to fiberglass bars that are sewn into the banner, the vinyl provides a durable, weatherproof display outside of the brewery.

"Some companies have fountains, extensive landscapes and sculptures surrounding their facilities. For us, brewing great beer that people love to drink is our art," said Drewniak. "Just wait. The 'world's largest beers' will become an iconic landmark, indicative of our commitment to the hometown community, and to brewing quality beer."

About The Genesee Brewery

The Genesee Brewery, based in Rochester, New York, is one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the United States. The brewery makes the historic Genesee line of brands, Seagram's Escapes, as well as Dundee Ales and Lagers family of craft brands, which includes the Original Honey Brown Lager. Additionally, through its Allied Brands division, the Genesee Brewery is America's exclusive distributor of several imports including Imperial from Costa Rica, Steinlager from New Zealand, Toohey's New from Australia and Thwaites from the U.K. The Genesee Brewery also manufactures beer and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages under contracts on behalf of other companies.

View and subscribe to news from The Genesee Brewery here: http://www.pitchfeed.com/thegeneseebrewingcompany/6952

SOURCE The Genesee Brewery

Pressed for time with a long list of holiday gifts yet to buy? Think food. Food gifts, long regarded as a highly practical choice, are now also enjoying a new, more elegant niche in the gift market. Gourmet offerings ranging from Bone-in Filet Mignons and Duck Florentine to hand-dipped chocolate delicacies and pastries have joined the popcorn and cookie tin standbys in the host of available food gift offerings. Why is food so popular? Food is not only practical, it also offers the gift of an occasion - a reason to share and celebrate with others.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091215/LA26032)

Economic conditions also are increasing the popularity of food gifts as shoppers look for items that represent a good value. Food industry experts note that consumers' renewed interest in food gifts is energizing the nearly $16 billion specialty and confectionary food gift market. Omaha Steaks, a fifth-generation, family-owned company based in Omaha, Nebraska, is at the forefront of this food gifting trend.

"The desire to give quality gifts and to celebrate the holidays with family, friends and co-workers remains strong, regardless of the economy," said Omaha Steaks Senior Vice President Todd Simon. "We focused on quality, value and affordability when designing this year's holiday gift collections, making it possible for customers to celebrate the gift-giving season without straining the budget."

Omaha Steaks has been providing gift packages of steaks and assorted gourmet foods for more than 90 years. The variety in gift packages available, the direct delivery to the gift recipient and the ease of shopping by phone, online or in Omaha Steaks' stores have historically made the company popular with holiday shoppers nationwide.

For more information about Omaha Steaks, visit the website at www.OmahaSteaks.com or call 1-800-960-8400.

SOURCE Omaha Steaks

Exal Corporation took the top honor and swept the Beverage Bottle category at the Cans of the Year Awards held on October 28th in Dubai, UAE. The annual international event was hosted by CanMaker Magazine (Sayers Publishing Group), a leading trade publication for the metal container industry. The awards recognize and celebrate innovative, groundbreaking work within the metal packaging industry.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091214/CL25515 )

Exal (USA) took the event's top honor of Can of the Year for its innovative, lightweight, sustainable aluminum bottle for the Eska brand of still and sparkling water for Eaux Vives Water. The bottle, which also took the Gold Award in the Beverage Bottle category, was manufactured using Exal's evolutionary Coil-To-Can (C2C) technology. These awards represent the latest in numerous honors the Eska package has received this year from business and trade organizations.

Boxal (France), a Division of Exal Group, was presented with the Silver Award in the Beverage Bottle Category for the Floressance line of nutritional products in aluminum bottles for JLB Development. The shaped, fully decorated bottle replaced a heavier, labeled glass container, resulting in reduced carbon-based transport emissions and improved shelf presence.

Completing a clean sweep of the Beverage Bottle category, Exal Corporation (USA) minted Bronze with the Amber Sun Ale aluminum bottle for 16 Mile Brewing Company. Exal introduced the new larger 22 oz. bottle for summer 2009 to create new-use occasions for unbreakable, lightweight aluminum bottles.

These honors are a result of Exal's commitment to packaging innovation, product differentiation, versatility, and performance. "We are grateful to be acknowledged for our contributions in metal packaging," commented Delfin Gibert, President and CEO at Exal. "But the greatest reward comes from delivering packaging that truly helps our customers achieve their goals. When packaging contributes to product's differentiation or functionality, it becomes a part of the brand."

Exal Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer of extruded aluminum packaging. The company also offers innovative coil-based metal packaging container options in North America and Europe and is the leading independent contract manufacturer of aerosol products and liquids in Latin America. The company's manufacturing facilities are located in Youngstown, OH, Argentina, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Poland and Mexico. More information is available on the company's website: www.Exal.com.

    More information on Exal's products and services:

    Michael Clark-beveragesales@exal.com
    (330)-744-2267

    Ed Martin, Exal Corporation
    (203)-852-1962  ed.martin@exal.com

SOURCE Exal Corporation

The Food and Health Bureau has invited expressions of interest (EOI) from Hong Kong and overseas parties in developing private hospitals at four sites in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The deadline for submitting EOI is March 31, 2010.

At a press conference, the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr. York Chow, said the promotion of private hospital development was one of the initiatives under healthcare reform and a major Hong Kong government policy announced by Chief Executive Donald Tsang in his 2009-10 Policy Address.

"The government aims to increase the overall capacity of the healthcare system of Hong Kong through the promotion of private hospital development, so as to address the imbalance between the public and private sectors in hospital services and to ensure our healthcare system can continue to provide quality healthcare services to the public, and to cope with the increasing service demand," Dr. Chow said.

Dr. Chow noted that Hong Kong was renowned for its high standard of professional healthcare as well as advancements in medical technology and equipment.

"Through developing private hospitals, it is hoped that our medical industry can turn into one of the industries crucial to the development of Hong Kong's economy," Dr. Chow added.

To achieve the goal, the bureau has proposed a set of special requirements for development of the four sites that have been identified and reserved for private hospital development. The special requirements cover aspects of restriction on land use, date of commencement of operation of the new hospital, bed capacity, service scope, price transparency, service standard and remedy for non-compliance.

The government will work out the appropriate land disposal arrangements for the four reserved hospital sites, including the means and timing for land disposal, the detailed special requirements and the land premium for the four sites, after considering all the responses and feedback received in the EOI exercise.

The EOI exercise is conducted on a non-committal basis and does not form part of the process for acquiring the sites by interested parties.

Details of the EOI requirements and relevant information are available on the Web site of the Food and Health Bureau: www.fhb.gov.hk/eoi

Interested parties should submit the EOI in English in accordance with the instructions given in the EOI document before 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2010 Hong Kong time (GMT +8 hours).

Please e-mail inquiries to EOIenquiry@fhb.gov.hk

These materials are being distributed by Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide on behalf of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office. Additional information is on file with the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

SOURCE Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office

The Capital Wine Festival, modeled after the prestigious Boston Wine Festival, and promising to become an annual local series, will take place at The Fairfax at Embassy Row. The Festival will commence with a grand opening reception on January 22, 2010 and will feature more than 50 wines from around the world paired with a bountiful buffet created by Jockey Club Chef Levi Mezick.

The series will continue with eight winemaker-hosted dinners each week for the next two months. These wine pairing dinners, hosted by either the owner or proprietor, will feature the following phenomenal lineup of legendary wineries:

• Wednesday, January 27 -- Far Niente with Larry Maguire
• Wednesday, February 3 -- Frog's Leap with John Williams
• Wednesday. February 10 -- Joseph Phelps Vineyards with Damian Parker
• Wednesday, February 17 -- Cliff Lede with Jack Bittner
• Wednesday, February 24 -- Pio Cesare with Pio Boffa
• Wednesday, March 3 -- Alex Gambal with Alex Gambal
• Wednesday, March 10 -- Hanzell Vineyards with Jean Arnold Sessions
• Wednesday, March 17 -- Duckhorn Wine Company with Dan Duckhorn

The Capital Wine Festival is a great way to kick off 2010. "I am excited to be working with winemakers of this caliber and look forward to creating dishes to complement their incredible wines," says Chef Mezick.

Chef Daniel Bruce, creator of the Boston Wine Festival, now celebrating its 21st anniversary along with the Fourth Annual French Quarter Wine Festival and First Annual Berkeley Wine Festival, believes that Washington D.C.'s international feel and commitment to excellence is the perfect location to expand the Wine Festival. "I am excited that The Fairfax, with its reputation for quality, will now offer this unique opportunity for all to experience this wine and food series," says Chef Bruce. "I look forward to the continued success and expansion of the Boston Wine Festival." With Chef Levi Mezick, Washingtonians can now enjoy wine and food synergy with a local flare as he heralds in the Festival to the D.C. area.

For further information about the Capital Wine Festival 2010, please visit www.capitalwinefestival.com or contact Remy Pascale at 202-466-6040.

About the Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row

The Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row is a member of the Luxury Collection by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The Fairfax Hotel embodies the grace and elegance of a bygone era in Dupont Circle, one of Washington, D.C.'s most vibrant neighborhoods. The 259 classically appointed rooms and suites offer sweeping views of Embassy Row, the National Cathedral and the Washington Monument. For additional information please visit http://www.luxurycollection.com/fairfax.

SOURCE The Fairfax Hotel

The Classic Catering People, a full-service caterer serving the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. region, is offering an extensive menu of its famous holiday entertaining Classic to Go selections, including appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts.

The Classic to Go favorite holiday entertaining menu includes extensive hot or cold hors d'oeuvres items such as Old Bay steamed jumbo shrimp, cranberry and turkey tartlets, petite crab cakes, vegetable samosa and miniature Greek chicken pies. In addition, Classic to Go also offers savory samplers and dips, including local cheeses, crudites basket and Classic crab fondue.

Entrees include braided poached salmon and sole tomato beurre blanc, Classic seafood paella, hot or cold roasted turkey breast, and jumbo lump crab cake. The extensive menu of Classic to Go side dishes and salads include cinnamon sweet potato and green apple bake, Tangier cous cous, green beans with lemon-garlic gremolata, traditional Caesar salad, chopped vegetable salad and arugula salad.

In addition to an extensive menu of desserts for holiday entertaining, Classic to Go also offers a selection of favorite desserts available only in December. They include dark chocolate covered grapes, buche de Noel, peppermint cheesecake with chocolate cookie crust and cranberry-orange pound cake.

All Classic to Go menus include eco-friendly napkins, plates and utensils as well as a delivery option. For additional information about each of the Classic to Go holiday entertaining offerings please visit www.classiccatering.com or call 410-356-1666 Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

SOURCE The Classic Catering People

Chef Kevin Gillespie, a 2003 culinary arts graduate of The Art Institute of Atlanta, made it all the way to the final round of Bravo's "Top Chef." Chef Gillespie joins the ranks of several successful culinary grads from The Art Institutes schools who competed with distinction in TV reality shows. The final competition aired at 10 pm on Wednesday, December 9.

During previous episodes, Chef Gillespie won several "QuickFire" challenges, one by pairing escargots with an innovative bacon jam, as well as placing at the top or among the top three in nearly every elimination challenge. He was also at the judges' table with legendary Chef Joel Rubuchon, considered one of the world's best chefs (his restaurants have earned a total of 25 Michelin stars), during the elimination round of one episode, having won immunity in the previous challenge.

Each episode holds two challenges for the chefs. The first is a "QuickFire" test of their basic abilities and the second is a more involved "Elimination Challenge" designed to test the versatility and inventiveness of the chefs as they take on unique culinary trials such as working with unusual and exotic foods or catering for a range of demanding clients. The challenges not only test their skills in the kitchen, but also uncover whether they have the customer service, management, and teamwork abilities required of a "Top Chef." The competing chefs live and breathe the high-pressure lifestyle that comes with being a master chef and each week someone is asked to "pack up their knives" and go home. More information can be found at www.bravotv.com/top-chef.

Kevin Gillespie is a native of Atlanta, and he says coming to The Art Institute of Atlanta was a natural progression. His parents took him to the Atlanta campus for a tour of the culinary school when he was a youngster - and he was hooked. Chef Gillespie was also hooked early on competition. As a high school senior, he entered The Art Institutes Best Teen Chef Scholarship Competition (www.artinstitutes.edu/btc), won the local competition, and placed sixth in the national competition. After graduation, Chef Gillespie first worked at the Atlanta Grill at The Ritz-Carlton, then briefly was a sous chef at two other restaurants. As he told "Points North" Magazine, "It wasn't my kind of thing: the large, super-hip, ultra-busy kind of restaurant." So he went to work at the Woodfire Grill for two years, before moving to Portland (OR). As a foodie, he loved Portland, but missed family back home, so he returned to Atlanta - and the Woodfire Grill, where he is now part owner and executive chef. His menu changes daily to incorporate fresh, organic, and sustainable ingredients from small local farms and vendors.

To learn more about The Art Institutes, visit http://www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=ai1028.

The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of more than 45 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion, and culinary arts professionals.

SOURCE The Art Institutes

The Capital Wine Festival, modeled after the prestigious Boston Wine Festival, and promising to become an annual local series, will take place at The Fairfax at Embassy Row. The Festival will commence with a grand opening reception on January 22, 2010 and will feature more than 50 wines from around the world paired with a bountiful buffet created by Jockey Club Chef Levi Mezick.

The series will continue with eight winemaker-hosted dinners each week for the next two months. These wine pairing dinners, hosted by either the owner or proprietor, will feature the following phenomenal lineup of legendary wineries:

• Wednesday, January 27 -- Far Niente with Larry Maguire
• Wednesday, February 3 -- Frog's Leap with John Williams
• Wednesday. February 10 -- Joseph Phelps Vineyards with Damian Parker
• Wednesday, February 17 -- Cliff Lede with Jack Bittner
• Wednesday, February 24 -- Pio Cesare with Pio Boffa
• Wednesday, March 3 -- Alex Gambal with Alex Gambal
• Wednesday, March 10 -- Hanzell Vineyards with Jean Arnold Sessions
• Wednesday, March 17 -- Duckhorn Wine Company with Dan Duckhorn

The Capital Wine Festival is a great way to kick off 2010. "I am excited to be working with winemakers of this caliber and look forward to creating dishes to complement their incredible wines," says Chef Mezick.

Chef Daniel Bruce, creator of the Boston Wine Festival, now celebrating its 21st anniversary along with the Fourth Annual French Quarter Wine Festival and First Annual Berkeley Wine Festival, believes that Washington D.C.'s international feel and commitment to excellence is the perfect location to expand the Wine Festival. "I am excited that The Fairfax, with its reputation for quality, will now offer this unique opportunity for all to experience this wine and food series," says Chef Bruce. "I look forward to the continued success and expansion of the Boston Wine Festival." With Chef Levi Mezick, Washingtonians can now enjoy wine and food synergy with a local flare as he heralds in the Festival to the D.C. area.

For further information about the Capital Wine Festival 2010, please visit www.capitalwinefestival.com or contact Remy Pascale at 202-466-6040.

About the Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row

The Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row is a member of the Luxury Collection by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The Fairfax Hotel embodies the grace and elegance of a bygone era in Dupont Circle, one of Washington, D.C.'s most vibrant neighborhoods. The 259 classically appointed rooms and suites offer sweeping views of Embassy Row, the National Cathedral and the Washington Monument. For additional information please visit http://www.luxurycollection.com/fairfax.

SOURCE The Fairfax Hotel

The Houston Airport System and Trammell Crow Company celebrated the grand opening of a temperature-and-time-sensitive facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to support cool-chain providers in the United States and abroad. "Fresh Air Cargo - IAH" is Houston's first custom-designed facility for importers and distributors of perishable goods.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091211/DC25203)

"This is a new dawn for George Bush Intercontinental Airport as it journeys into a new global trade network," said interim director of aviation Eric Potts. "We are especially excited to bring new business opportunities to Houston and the region."

More than 300 people attended a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Fresh Air Cargo - IAH. The inaugural flight on Thursday, Dec. 10 was operated by Miami-based Arrow Cargo, which flew air cargo from Bogota, Colombia, into Houston; and then flew an outbound air cargo load from Houston to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Arrow Cargo is now operating three weekly flights between Latin America and Houston.

"We are pleased to celebrate the official grand opening of Fresh Air Cargo - IAH, and commend the City of Houston and the Houston Airport System their commitment to improving the perishable goods global supply chain," said Steven Bradford, managing director of Trammell Crow Company's airport facilities development team. "We are confident that with this facility, Bush Intercontinental Airport will become a key player in the global trade network and a desirable location for the import and trade of perishable goods."

The airport's anchor tenant for Fresh Air Cargo - IAH, Tradewinds Cargo Handling, offers comprehensive import and export services with the large-scale cold-storage facility designed to handle time-sensitive, perishable imports flown into Houston from international markets and distributed throughout the United States. Tradewinds Cargo Handling is owned by New Jersey-based Group One Investments, LLC.

To learn more about Fresh Air Cargo - IAH, visit www.fly2houston.com/FreshCargo

About Houston Airport System

The Houston Airport System (HAS) served more than 50 million passengers in 2008, ranking as the 4th largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th largest airport system in the world. Houston's three airports contribute more than $24 billion to the regional economy and are responsible for the employment of 151,000 people. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), now celebrating its 40th Anniversary, is the 8th busiest airport in the nation. For more information, visit www.fly2houston.com

SOURCE Houston Airport System

Users of mechanical and cryogenic food freezing systems who are looking for ways to increase production, diversify their product offerings, and expand their distribution reach can benefit from Air Products' (NYSE: APD) Freshline® DM tunnel freezer, now available to food processors in North America. This highly flexible cryogenic freezing solution allows manufacturers to process both individually quick frozen (IQF) and flat or trayed products in a single machine. The dual-mode freezer is the latest addition to the company's IQF portfolio of freezing solutions and offers significant capital savings, as well as improved product quality, to processors of seafood, meat, poultry, fruit, vegetables, dairy, pasta, prepared meals and bakery items.

"In today's 'just-in-time' production environment, the Freshline DM tunnel freezer helps processors adapt quickly to changing market demand by allowing them to switch between IQF and non-IQF products without changing equipment," says Marna Schmidt, industry manager for Air Products' North America Food group. "This flexibility helps to maximize uptime and optimize efficiency, which is particularly important in the current economy."

Air Products' Freshline DM tunnel freezer is a two-in-one solution for food manufacturers who want to grow their product lines by processing both IQF and non-IQF products with minimal capital investment. The DM has a compact, modular configuration and a patent-pending innovative design that makes it easy to clean, saving both downtime and labor costs. Coupled with ultra-quick-freezing liquid nitrogen, which provides rapid and consistent cooling, the DM helps preserve product with low dehydration and achieve high quality IQF results.

The Freshline DM tunnel freezer helped IQF Custom Packing, Inc. in Fall River, Mass.-- the first U.S. food processor to use the equipment -- expand its product portfolio and more easily manage seasonal fluctuations. "To be able to change products with the dual-mode freezer really increases and strengthens the growth of our company. It allows us to increase our service offerings and enhance our customized processing so we can handle a greater variety of food products," said Russell Young, President of IQF Custom Packing.

In addition to the quality and flexibility of the DM tunnel, Young has been equally impressed with the technical support and process knowledge of the Air Products team. "Air Products is more than just a gases and equipment supplier, we're a solutions provider," said Schmidt. "We work closely with our customers to understand their processes so we can design and install the optimum solution that will help them lower their costs while improving food quality and increasing output."

Air Products understands that investing in freezing equipment is a very important decision, especially in today's economic climate. Before any capital costs are incurred, Air Products can help determine the feasibility of freezing a customer's product using the Freshline DM tunnel freezer at its state-of-art, fully-equipped food laboratory in Allentown, Pa. To schedule a product trial, call 1-800-654-4567 (Code 742). Or speak with one of the company's knowledgeable representatives at the International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, Ga., from January 27-29, 2010, Booth #5359.

Air Products has been providing the food industry with solutions for freezing, chilling, coating, mixing, forming, packaging and wastewater treatment for more than 40 years. The company's Freshline® Solutions offer high-purity gases and equipment, international supply capability, and unmatched industry experience and technical support for a variety of processed foods including meat, poultry, seafood, prepared foods, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, baked goods and snack items. For information about Air Products' complete offering to the food industry, visit www.airproducts.com/food.

Air Products (NYSE: APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2009, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

EDITOR'S NOTE: To view a brief video of Air Products' Freshline DM tunnel freezer in operation, or to download a photo of the freezer, visit Air Products' online Press Room at www.airproducts.com/PressRoom/CompanyNews/Archived/2009/11Dec2009.htm.

SOURCE Air Products

As the Holiday shopping season gears up, many find they are quickly running out of time to get all of their shopping done. Luckily, Cookies by Design offers one-stop shopping. From personal assistance in selecting just the right gift to delivering this special gift right to the recipient, Cookies by Design makes shopping during this busy time much easier.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091211/CG24834)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080211/LAM171LOGO)

"At Cookies by Design we understand that Holiday shopping can be stressful," said Cookies by Design founder, Gwen Willhite. "So, to help, we offer a variety of services to alleviate the stress such as online ordering, a corporate gift program, a toll-free shoppe locator number for placing orders via phone, and a reliable delivery service."

Customers can call or shop online with Cookies by Design and, within minutes, order creative and personal Holiday gifts to be delivered anywhere in the United States. And, best of all, these unique cookies are freshly baked and hand-decorated, providing unsurpassed product quality.

Cookies by Design product offerings include Holiday cookie bouquets in a variety of designs and styles, scrumptious gourmet cookies and whimsical cookie cakes. To view the full array of offerings, go to www.cookiesbydesign.com.

"December should be a time for enjoying family and friends - not frantically running from store to store. Our gift to our customers is to provide them with an easy shopping experience - that can even be accomplished from home - so they can spend the rest of their time enjoying the season," said Willhite.

About Cookies by Design

Cookies by Design created the world's first cookie bouquet almost 25 years ago and continues to provide customers with creative gifts of hand-decorated cookies and gourmet cookies in a variety of shapes and sizes for every occasion. Today, there are hundreds of shoppes across the U.S. For more, visit www.cookiesbydesign.com, or call 800.433.4784.

SOURCE Cookies by Design

Two celebrated high school student athletes from Louisiana and Colorado went for the gold this evening at the Wendy's High School Heisman awards ceremony in New York City. Malia Cali and Kyle Pollock were named national winners of the prestigious award, which honors exceptional students who bring excellence in academics, athletics and community service. The two winners were chosen from nearly 55,000 applicants - the highest entry pool in the award program's 16 year history -across the country throughout the local, state and national levels:

• Malia Cali, of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Hammond, La. is a three-year All State selection in track and field, cross-country and soccer, and commands the No. 1 academic ranking in her senior class. In addition to lettering as a three-sport Varsity athlete, Malia is active in the St. Thomas Aquinas Academic Honor Society, is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and for two consecutive years, she has received the Joe Distefano Academic Scholarship.
• Kyle Pollock, of Wiggins High School in Wiggins, Colo. boasts a trifecta of athletic prowess having lettered in wrestling, football, and track and field. He's ranked No. 1 in his class and has an active tenure in student government, having served as president for one year and as a student government representative throughout high school. For three years, Kyle has been dedicated to Future Business Leaders of America, and he's received the University of Colorado Outstanding Junior award.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/0091211/CG25227)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070327/CGTU030LOGO)

Cali and Pollock were selected from an exceptional group of national finalists, made up of six male and six female students from six U.S. regions, representing a variety of sports and extracurricular activities. Tonight's award ceremony will air on ESPN2, Sunday, Dec. 13, at 5:30 p.m. EST.

"The Wendy's High School Heisman award is committed to honoring outstanding high school student- athletes who continue to shine in the classroom, on the field, in their local communities," said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy winner. "We're honored to have Malia and Kyle enter the esteemed ranks of Heisman greatness. They're the future of college athletics and I look forward to following their careers as they excel at the next level and inspire future high school Heisman candidates."

With nearly 55,000 applications submitted this year, whittling the finalist list down to the most exceptional recipients was challenging. But given their well-rounded backgrounds, it's easy to see why they were the front-runners in this year's High School Heisman race.

Cali holds three state records in cross-country and was named Most Valuable Player for three consecutive years in three sports: soccer, track and field, and cross-county. What sets Cali apart is her commitment to community service and dedication to Cleats for Kids, a non-profit that she founded in high school. Next year, Cali plans on visiting Nicaragua to deliver gently used athletic cleats so that children have the opportunity to stay active and healthy through team sports. She also participates in Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life.

In the next year, Pollock aims to finish his senior year as a three-sport athlete and valedictorian, and plans to continue competition as a collegiate wrestler. Pollock is on pace to set a school record for winning percentage with 35 consecutive wins during his junior year, an impressive 85-9 record and he set a Colorado record with four pins in the state tournament. He was also a varsity football captain for the past three seasons and has lettered in football for four years. In 2008, he was on the 2A State Championship Wiggins track team and took second place as a discus thrower at the Colorado State Regional's. Pollock serves his community through his work with the Salvation Army and demonstrates his passion for coaching and mentoring youth sports team through Wiggins Pee Wee Sports.

This year's two national winners each receive a crystal Wendy's High School Heisman trophy, a $10,000 donation to their respective high schools and recognition during the collegiate Heisman ceremony in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 12.

The other 10 Wendy's High School Heisman national finalists who deserve recognition:

    Name             Gender High School                   City         State
    ----             ------ -----------                   ----         -----
    Kelly Curran     F      Central Catholic High School  Bloomington  IL
    ------------     ---    ----------------------------  -----------  ---
    Joseph Harman    M      Philomath High School         Philomath    OR
    -------------    ---    ---------------------         ---------    ---
    Kalle Jahn       M      Brattleboro High School       Brattleboro  VT
    ----------       ---    -----------------------       -----------  ---
    Caroline Janssen F      Hill Country Christian School Austin       TX
    ---------------- ---    ----------------------------- ------       ---
    Alexander
     McCandless      M      Sevier County High School     Sevierville  TN
    -----------      ---    -------------------------     -----------  ---
    Katelyn Rossick  F      Middletown Senior High School Middletown   MD
    ---------------  ---    ----------------------------- ----------   ---
    William Sievern  M      Reitz Memorial High School    Evansville   IN
    ---------------  ---    --------------------------    ----------   ---
    Oliver Song      M      High Technology High School   Lincroft     NJ
    -----------      ---    ---------------------------   --------     ---
                             Whitinsville Christian High
    Kristabel Stark  F       School                       Whitinsville MA
    ---------------  ---    ---------------------------   ------------ ---
    Jessica Tonn     F      Xavier College Preparatory    Phoenix      AZ
    ------------     ---    --------------------------    -------      ---

2009 Wendy's High School Heisman National Finalists:

Created in 1994 by Wendy's and the Heisman Memorial Trust, the Wendy's High School Heisman Award recognizes outstanding high-school seniors nationwide who excel in athletics, academics and in the community. Students can now self-nominate for the award online, in addition to being recommended by principals, teachers, guidance counselors and coaches. The most exceptional students are then selected to advance during extensive judging processes conducted at both state and national levels.

NOTE: To view photos and bios of this year's national winners and finalists, as well as photos from Heisman weekend, please visit www.WendysHeisman.com.

The Wendy's name and design, and the Wendy's High School Heisman and design are trademarks of Oldemark LLC and are licensed to Wendy's International, Inc. The Heisman name and Heisman Trophy statuette are registered trademarks of the Heisman Trophy Trust, used with permission.

SOURCE Wendy's

PepsiCo's Frito-Lay Casa Grande, Ariz., facility today became the nation's first food manufacturing site to be awarded LEED® Existing Building (EB) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

"Constructing a building from the ground up allows you to be more thoughtful about the sustainable choices you make, but it's extremely challenging to retrofit a 25-year-old building to make it more environmentally friendly," said Jason Gray, technical manager, Frito-Lay Casa Grande. "However, we think the investment to have our facility meet LEED EB Gold standards is an important part for our sustainability strategy and another step in our journey."

"In today's economic climate, organizations are reframing the definition of smart economic growth to include renovating and retrofitting existing structures to make them more energy efficient. Transforming this existing stock toward economic and environmental viability is imperative," said USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chairman Rick Fedrizzi. "PepsiCo's Frito-Lay manufacturing facility in Arizona should be celebrated for achieving LEED gold certification and demonstrating immense leadership in the green movement."

To achieve LEED EB Certification, the company's Casa Grande sustainability strategy included implementing a number of green design and construction features, water reduction technologies and practices, as well as improved waste management.

    Energy reduction: The Casa Grande facility has reduced its energy
                      consumption by nearly 20% since 2006 by installing a
                      heat recovery system that preheats cooking oil on the
                      production line, skylights to supplement lighting
                      systems in office areas and high efficiency ovens.

    Water reduction:  The Casa Grande facility has introduced water efficient
                      landscaping with native plants and water saving
                      technologies in the manufacturing line to decrease the
                      site's usage by 17% since 2006.

    Recycling:        The Frito-Lay Casa Grande site won Innovations Credits
                      from the USGBC for its Zero Landfill recycling program.
                      As of September 2009, more than 99% of the facility's
                      wastes were diverted from landfills. The site achieves
                      this milestone through many initiatives including a
                      stellar employee-led recycling program, reusing
                      cardboard shipping boxes multiple times, and allocating
                      waste product for use in animal feed.

Frito-Lay Casa Grande has been a part of the Pinal County community for 25 years. The nearly 188,000-square foot building sits on 202 acres of land. Frito-Lay Casa Grande's more than 300 associates make some of America's favorite snacks including Lay's potato chips, Fritos corn chips, Tostitos tortilla chips, Doritos tortilla chips, and Cheetos cheese-flavored snacks.

Frito-Lay Casa Grande continues to invest in leading edge technologies that will eventually reduce water and electricity consumption by 90%, natural gas use by 80%, and dramatically lower overall greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing facility once the installation process is completed in 2010.

U.S. Green Building Council

The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to soar to $60 billion by 2010. The USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.

LEED

The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system is the preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. 35,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED system, comprising over 5.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries.

By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org

Frito-Lay North America

Frito-Lay North America is the $12 billion convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. In addition to Frito-Lay, PepsiCo business units include Pepsi-Cola, Quaker Foods, Gatorade and Tropicana. Learn more about Frito-Lay at the corporate Web site, http://www.fritolay.com/ , the Snack Chat blog, http://www.snacks.com/ and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/fritolay.

PepsiCo offers the world's largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 18 different product lines that each generate more than $1 billion in annual retail sales. Our main businesses - Frito-Lay, Quaker, Pepsi-Cola, Tropicana and Gatorade - also make hundreds of other nourishing, tasty foods and drinks that bring joy to our consumers in over 200 countries. With more than $43 billion in 2008 revenues, PepsiCo employs 198,000 people who are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth, called Performance with Purpose. By dedicating ourselves to offering a broad array of choices for healthy, convenient and fun nourishment, reducing our environmental impact, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, PepsiCo balances strong financial returns with giving back to our communities worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.pepsico.com.

SOURCE Frito-Lay

Experimentation nation, umami, and food with benefits are just three of the top 10 trends to watch in 2010, according to the experts at The Food Channel® (foodchannel.com). The website released its top 10 for '10 today based on research conducted in conjunction with CultureWaves® (www.culturewav.es) and the International Food Futurists®.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091210/CG24524)

Keeping it Real

In a back-to-basics economy it is natural to return to basic ingredients. This isn't about retro, or comfort food, or even cost. It's about determining the essentials and stocking your pantry accordingly. It is about pure, simple, clean and sustainable. It is - dare we say - a shift from convenience foods to scratch cooking.

Experimentation Nation

Restaurant concepts are in flux as people redefine what going "out" to eat means. Gastropubs, fusion dining, shareables, and communal tables are all being tried. New concepts around "fresh" and DIY will do well. Experimentation is the trend, so we'll see concepts come and go.

More in Store

We predict growth in grocery stores, particularly as private label assumes prominence. Those old generics have morphed into their own brands, so that there is blurring and less of a caste system. Grocery stores are also doing things such as upgrading delis and fresh take-out sections, all the way to returning butchers to a place of prominence.

American, The New Ethnic(SM)

This is all about flavor delivery. Immigration has come to the plate, and we are now defining a new Global Flavor Curve. Part comfort, part creativity, the latest flavors are coming from the great American melting pot. So, it's about grandma's food, but the recipes may be written in Japanese.

Food Vetting

You are what you eat! That's what's leading this trend - our constant need for assurance that we are eating the right things, that our food is safe, that we are not ingesting pesticides or anything that will someday prove harmful. Call it food vetting or sourcing - the issue is that people are asking where their food comes from.

Mainstreaming Sustainability

People have mainstreamed sustainability, unlike a year ago, when we were somewhat afraid to use the word. America is just now learning how to be sustainable, and Americans are holding themselves responsible. In 2010 we'll see people and companies becoming sustainable for authentic reasons.

Food with Benefits(SM)

Call it what you will - nutritional, healthful, good-for-you - but this trend toward beneficial foods is growing at a pretty big rate. Expect food to either have nutrients added, or have the word "free" (gluten-free, allergy-free).

I Want My Umami

The "foodie" has settled into a more universal designation of someone who loves food - not a food snob. They are just as likely to want a PB&J as they are to try the latest soft shell crab sushi. And they may put French fries on it! The point is experimentation and a willingness to try new things.

Will Trade for Food

In an era when you can rent a name-brand purse for a special event, we want to know how we can apply that same concept to consumables. So what do we do in a bad economy when we have more time than money and skills that we still want to put to use? We barter. We predict that we'll all see more of the barter system come into play now that technology can assist with connections.

I, Me, Mine

It's the rise of the individual. While sharing has come into its own in restaurant concepts, there is a separate but equal trend toward individuality. It's part of the reason why we are making our own cheese, smoking our own meats, and making our own specialty desserts. Expect more attention to the individual, but it's not just about portion size--it's also about food that reflects personality.

Read more about the Top Ten Food Trends for 2010 by checking www.foodchannel.com.

Note to Media: Artwork available upon request--for use with credit and link to www.foodchannel.com. Companion video at http://www.foodchannel.com/stories/2179-2010-food-trends

CONTACT
John Scroggins, (800) 545-4087, ext. 5118/(417) 861-1895 cell
john.scroggins@noble.net

SOURCE The Food Channel

On Monday, December 14th the Hooters of Wilmington will match dollar-for-dollar of total sales from food, drinks and merchandise and donate that amount toward the Wilmington Police Department "Santa Cop" Annual Event. The money will go toward a 19 year old program that gives under-privileged children a chance to shop with a police officer and volunteers during the holidays.

"It is of great honor that we partner with the Wilmington Police Department to support such a worthy cause during the holidays," stated Paul Howard, Coastal Carolina Regional Manager. "We are committed to the communities in which we operate and hope to raise at least $3,000 to help support the 'Santa Cop' program."

"Santa Cop" has been in existence for over 19 years at the Wilmington Police Department. Donations from surrounding businesses and citizens help fund this effort. On "Santa Cop" day, officers and civilians escort children and youth on a one-day shopping spree. Last year the "Santa Cop" effort supported 56 children. Breakfast is provided to the families prior to the shopping spree.

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 450 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 26 foreign countries. The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls. For more information about Hooters visit www.hooters.com.

SOURCE Hooters of America, Inc.

Gabi Sztancsik of the Watchung, New Jersey T.G.I. Friday's restaurant defeated other top Larger than Life mixologists from across the Northeast last week to advance to the finals of T.G.I. Friday's® World Bartender Championship. Sztancsik will be making his fourth trip to the finals where he will face nine other finalists from around the globe for the title of "Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender in the World." All funds raised from the annual event benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

"After my third trip to the World Bartender Championship two years ago, I thought I was going to retire from competing. But, performing flair and entertaining guests is in my blood," said Northeast Division champion Sztancsik, an 11-year Friday's team member. "I'm fired up to go back to the finals and perform on the biggest stage against the best T.G.I. Friday's bartenders in the world."

The divisional competition consisted of three segments - compulsory, speed round and freestyle - as well as a comprehensive skill test. The freestyle segment gave the competitors the ultimate stage to show off their flair techniques of tossing, balancing, mixing cocktails and flipping bottles in the air to choreographed music. The mixologists who competed in the Northeast Division competition were finalists from local and regional competitions held earlier this fall.

Overall, more than 8,000 Friday's® bartenders from 60 countries are testing their knowledge and skills in their quest to reach the finals of the World Bartender Championship which will be held in early 2010.

The competition, which represents Friday's heritage, knowledge, expertise and innovation in the beverage industry, began back in the late 80s as a challenge between bartenders and has grown into a full representation of the Friday's brand, one of the most recognized brands in the world. Originators of the now-famous, trend-setting, bottle tossing "flair" style of bartending, T.G.I. Friday's bartenders are world renowned for their accuracy and precision, their larger than life personalities and their award-winning ability to entertain guests around the world.

IMAGES FROM THE NORTHEAST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP ARE AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING DFPR, tom@dfpr.com, 480-722-1461

With more than 900 restaurants in 60 countries, including approximately 600 restaurants in the U.S., T.G.I. Friday's offers great food, innovative drinks and a unique experience filled with flair and a Thank God It's Friday's(TM) attitude. Friday's authentic, engaging atmosphere makes it the perfect place to escape, socialize and connect with people while getting a rejuvenating second wind. Members of Give Me More Stripes®, Friday's guest recognition program, receive free stuff and special perks year-round. As the original casual dining restaurant, T.G.I. Friday's has a rich heritage which includes being credited with popularizing Happy Hour, Long Island Iced Tea and Loaded Potato Skins. T.G.I. Friday's is also famous for its flair bartenders, approximately 8000 of whom compete annually for the title of the "World's Greatest T.G.I. Friday's Bartender."

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., the parent company of TGI Friday's Inc., is a privately held company owned by Minneapolis-based Carlson, a world leader in the hospitality and travel industries. As of November 2009, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide owns, operates, franchises or licenses more than 1,000 restaurants in 60 countries. For more information, visit http://www.fridays.com.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091210/DA24652)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060907/DATH025LOGO)

SOURCE T.G.I. Friday's Restaurants

Experimentation nation, umami, and food with benefits are just three of the top 10 trends to watch in 2010, according to the experts at The Food Channel® (foodchannel.com). The website released its top 10 for '10 today based on research conducted in conjunction with CultureWaves® (www.culturewav.es) and the International Food Futurists®.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091210/CG24524)

Keeping it Real

In a back-to-basics economy it is natural to return to basic ingredients. This isn't about retro, or comfort food, or even cost. It's about determining the essentials and stocking your pantry accordingly. It is about pure, simple, clean and sustainable. It is - dare we say - a shift from convenience foods to scratch cooking.

Experimentation Nation

Restaurant concepts are in flux as people redefine what going "out" to eat means. Gastropubs, fusion dining, shareables, and communal tables are all being tried. New concepts around "fresh" and DIY will do well. Experimentation is the trend, so we'll see concepts come and go.

More in Store

We predict growth in grocery stores, particularly as private label assumes prominence. Those old generics have morphed into their own brands, so that there is blurring and less of a caste system. Grocery stores are also doing things such as upgrading delis and fresh take-out sections, all the way to returning butchers to a place of prominence.

American, The New Ethnic(SM)

This is all about flavor delivery. Immigration has come to the plate, and we are now defining a new Global Flavor Curve. Part comfort, part creativity, the latest flavors are coming from the great American melting pot. So, it's about grandma's food, but the recipes may be written in Japanese.

Food Vetting

You are what you eat! That's what's leading this trend - our constant need for assurance that we are eating the right things, that our food is safe, that we are not ingesting pesticides or anything that will someday prove harmful. Call it food vetting or sourcing - the issue is that people are asking where their food comes from.

Mainstreaming Sustainability

People have mainstreamed sustainability, unlike a year ago, when we were somewhat afraid to use the word. America is just now learning how to be sustainable, and Americans are holding themselves responsible. In 2010 we'll see people and companies becoming sustainable for authentic reasons.

Food with Benefits(SM)

Call it what you will - nutritional, healthful, good-for-you - but this trend toward beneficial foods is growing at a pretty big rate. Expect food to either have nutrients added, or have the word "free" (gluten-free, allergy-free).

I Want My Umami

The "foodie" has settled into a more universal designation of someone who loves food - not a food snob. They are just as likely to want a PB&J as they are to try the latest soft shell crab sushi. And they may put French fries on it! The point is experimentation and a willingness to try new things.

Will Trade for Food

In an era when you can rent a name-brand purse for a special event, we want to know how we can apply that same concept to consumables. So what do we do in a bad economy when we have more time than money and skills that we still want to put to use? We barter. We predict that we'll all see more of the barter system come into play now that technology can assist with connections.

I, Me, Mine

It's the rise of the individual. While sharing has come into its own in restaurant concepts, there is a separate but equal trend toward individuality. It's part of the reason why we are making our own cheese, smoking our own meats, and making our own specialty desserts. Expect more attention to the individual, but it's not just about portion size--it's also about food that reflects personality.

Read more about the Top Ten Food Trends for 2010 by checking www.foodchannel.com.

Note to Media: Artwork available upon request--for use with credit and link to www.foodchannel.com. Companion video at http://www.foodchannel.com/stories/2179-2010-food-trends

CONTACT
John Scroggins, (800) 545-4087, ext. 5118/(417) 861-1895 cell
john.scroggins@noble.net

SOURCE The Food Channel

Whole Foods Market announced today the launch of a website optimized for web-enabled mobile devices. The site was created to provide customers the features of wholefoodsmarket.com while on the go.

Users can access Whole Foods Market's selection of over 2,000 recipes, store information including hours, driving directions, store specials and a calendar of events for their local store.

"Whether they are at home, work, or out and about, our customers can now easily access store information and what's on sale at their local Whole Foods Market," said Bill Tolany, global coordinator of integrated media for Whole Foods Market. "Shoppers can also use their handheld devices to create shopping lists and save their favorite recipes to 'My Recipe Box,' a popular feature on our website."

The mobile site also features a store locator where customers can use a ZIP code search to find the nearest Whole Foods Market store. It is available at http://m.wholefoodsmarket.com

Contacts: Kate.Lowery@wholefoods.com   (512) 542 0390
          Reid.Schwartz@wholefoods.com (512) 542 0362

SOURCE Whole Foods Market

Parties and celebrations are a staple of the holiday season and the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council has released a series of six new holiday canapes to help even the most harried of hosts and hostesses make their events (and their guests) jolly, merry and bright.

The new collection includes something for every sausage lover. The popular cocktail frank is the main attraction of "Spicy Franks with Creamy Salsa Verde," a recipe guaranteed to warm up guests on even the coldest winter night. For those who prefer pepperoni, "Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels" is the perfect fit.

The collection also includes two new quick and easy salami canape recipes and the Council's twist on cocktail sausage rounds. Even the frankfurter itself makes an appearance in "Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket," proving that summer isn't the only time to enjoy this American classic.

"These recipes are perfect for the holidays because they are both easy to make and easy on the wallet," said Janet Riley, president, National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. "But perhaps just as importantly, these recipes feature ever-popular hot dogs and sausages, which means they are sure to please kids from one to 92."

To download these recipes, request a hard copy of the brochure, or to obtain more information on the National Hotdog & Sausage Council visit www.hot-dog.org. The site also features many more great recipes, and all of the facts, figures and photos you need to spice up your holiday celebrations.

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council is a project of the American Meat Institute headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1994, the Council conducts scientific research to benefit hot dog and sausage manufacturers. The Council also serves as an information resource to consumers and media on recipes, photographs, cooking, handling and storage tips, fun-filled facts, trivia and folklore, and other general information about hot dogs and sausages. The Council hosts and maintains the ever-popular Web site www.hot-dog.org.

SOURCE National Hot Dog & Sausage Council

Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) announced today that Ronald Dissinger has been promoted to chief financial officer, Kellogg Company, effective Jan. 3, 2010.

Dissinger, who was previously vice president and chief financial officer for Kellogg North America, will provide strategic financial leadership across the company to help ensure that Kellogg continues to achieve its long-term, sustainable growth goals. Dissinger will serve as a member of the company's Global Leadership Team and report to John Bryant who had previously held the dual role of CFO and COO.

"Ron will ensure that Kellogg continues its disciplined focus on results and financial integrity while John focuses on the broader elements of the COO role to continue to strengthen our sustainable growth model," said David Mackay, President and CEO, Kellogg Company.

During his 22-year career with Kellogg, Dissinger has gained broad, global experience serving in a number of key financial leadership roles. Most recently, these include the dual position of chief financial officer, Kellogg Europe, and chief financial officer, Kellogg International, from 2005 to 2007, and later vice president and chief financial officer for Kellogg North America.

"Ron's business acumen and disciplined approach to finance have proven to be valuable assets to Kellogg," Bryant said. "His strong leadership abilities, and both his domestic and international experience make him ideally suited to serve as CFO."

With 2008 sales of nearly $13 billion, Kellogg Company is the world's leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, fruit-flavored snacks, frozen waffles and veggie foods. The company's brands include Kellogg's®, Keebler®, Pop-Tarts®, Eggo®, Cheez-It®, All-Bran®, Mini-Wheats®, Nutri-Grain®, Rice Krispies®, Special K®, Chips Deluxe®, Famous Amos®, Sandies®, Bear Naked®, Kashi®, MorningStar Farms®, Gardenburger® and Stretch Island®. Kellogg products are manufactured in 19 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries. For more information, visit www.kelloggcompany.com. Kellogg Company's Corporate Responsibility report including its approach, progress and future direction in the marketplace, workplace, environment and community can be found at www.kelloggcompany.com/CR. For information on Kellogg Company's commitment to nutrition, visit www.kelloggsnutrition.com.

SOURCE Kellogg Company

Beer has a long history. Experts say humanity has known the alcoholic beverage for more than 5,000 years. When you think about it that adds up to a lot of hangovers, which is why it's a good thing that modern breweries have also figured out how to make beer that doesn't contain alcohol. There are basically two ways to brew low-alcohol beer. Either you lower the percentage of alcohol in the beverage during the brewing process, or afterwards. In entertaining episodes our Chemical Reporter answers questions of our Podcast listeners on Chemistry in our everyday life.

    Direct listening at:
    http://www.basf.com/podcast/non-alcoholic-beer

    Direct subscription via RSS-Feed or iTunes (search for "basf"):
    http://corporate.basf.com/en/podcast/reporter.xml

    Podcast The Chemical Reporter, English edition:
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BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than EUR62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at http://www.basf.com.

    A Podcast is available at:
    http://www.presseportal.de/pm/16344/1527019/basf_se

    Editorial contact:

    For the UK:
    BASF plc
    Chris Wilson
    Corporate Communications
    Phone: +44-161-488-5616
    Fax: +44-161-488-4133
    E-Mail: chris.wilson@basf.com

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    BASF Corporation
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    Corporate Communications
    Phone: +1-973-245-7865
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    E-Mail: betsy.arnone@basf.com

    For Germany/Europe:
    BASF SE
    Soeren Pinkow
    Environmental Policy & Innovations
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    E-Mail: podcast@basf.com

SOURCE BASF SE

The Food and Drug Administration's announcement that it plans to issue proposed regulations for fresh produce safety by October 2010 is a significant public health victory for American families and farmers.

By setting clear, mandatory and enforceable standards that are aimed at preventing contamination, the FDA is signaling that voluntary guidelines in this area have not done the job. Given the importance of fruits and vegetable to our diets, a science-based approach to food safety will improve our health and increase confidence in the foods we serve our families.

The Produce Safety Project at Georgetown University, an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts, seeks the establishment by the Food and Drug Administration of mandatory and enforceable safety standards for domestic and imported fresh produce, from farm to fork. Our families need to have confidence that federal food safety regulation is based on prevention, scientifically sound risk assessment and management, and coordinated integrated data collection. For more information online, visit www.producesafetyproject.org.

SOURCE Produce Safety Project, an Initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts at Georgetown University

Members of CHS Inc., a leading energy, grains and foods company, have elected six agricultural producers to its board of directors.

Elected to the CHS Board of Directors for a three-year term was David Bielenberg of Silverton, Ore. Bielenberg previously served on the board from 2002 until 2006. Re-elected were Don Anthony of Lexington, Neb.; Steve Fritel of Barton, N.D.; David Kayser of Alexandria, S.D.; Mike Mulcahey of Waseca, Minn.; and Duane Stenzel of Wells, Minn. The elections took place Dec. 4 at the CHS Annual Meeting held in Minneapolis.

Following the annual meeting, the 17 directors selected Michael Toelle, a Browns Valley, Minn., farmer, to his eighth one-year term as chairman of the board for the nation's largest cooperative. Other officers elected include Robert Bass of Reedsburg, Wis., as first vice chairman; Jerry Hasnedl of St. Hilaire, Minn., as secretary-treasurer; Curt Eischens of Minneota, Minn.; as second vice chairman and Randy Knecht of Houghton, S.D., as assistant secretary-treasurer.

CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) is a diversified energy, grains and foods company committed to providing the essential resources that enrich lives around the world. A Fortune 200 company, CHS is owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives, along with thousands of preferred stockholders across the United States. CHS supplies energy, crop nutrients, grain, livestock feed, food and food ingredients, along with business solutions including insurance, financial and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products. CHS is listed on the NASDAQ at CHSCP.

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligations to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. For a discussion of additional factors that may materially affect management's estimates and predictions, please view the CHS Inc. annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended Aug. 31, 2009, which can be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission web site (www.sec.gov) or on the CHS web site www.chsinc.com.

SOURCE CHS Inc.

As part of its fall "Feel Good Campaign," Jamba Juice (Nasdaq: JMBA) announced today it will spread warmth to its customers with the return of Oatmeal for a Buck - oatmeal made with steel cut oats - available for just five days. Made from scratch and served with brown sugar crumble and a choice of 4 toppings including the tasty new Berry Cherry Pecan, the promotion offers customers a flavorful and nutritious way to start the day.

From December 7-December 11, customers can bring in their coupon and purchase Jamba Juice's wholesome and delicious oatmeal for just a $1, making both them and their wallet feel good all morning long. To receive their one dollar oatmeal, customers can visit www.oatmealforabuck.com, and download their printable coupon to bring to participating Jamba Juice locations.

With its slow food served fast appeal, Jamba Juice's oatmeal offers healthy choices and a wholesome menu item that won't break the bank. And, as a good source of fiber and protein, this great tasting, warm and satisfying oatmeal is the perfect option for customers on the go. With an increasing number of consumers looking for a good value during the holiday season, the dollar-priced oatmeal - which has a suggested price of $2.95 - saves them a chunk of change, while benefiting their health.

"The holiday season is a time when everyone's out shopping for the best deal - and we all know great deals feel good," said James D. White, President and CEO, Jamba Juice Company. "That's why Jamba Juice has decided to bring back Oatmeal for a Buck. With oatmeal available for just one dollar our customers can have a high quality, feel good menu item that fits into their lifestyle and budget."

Launched in October, Jamba's Feel Good Campaign is a three month, multi-part promotion designed to recreate and share the joyful feeling customers get when enjoying Jamba products. Supported by three complementary initiatives - the "Feel Good Bucks," Jamba's "Feel Good Moment" sweepstakes and a series of fun, unexpected "Feel Good Events" including Oatmeal for a Buck - the campaign embraces the excitement customers have for Jamba Juice products and blends up another way to keep them feeling good.

In addition to the Feel Good Events, Jamba Juice plans to give away 30 million Jamba Feel Good Bucks - vouchers worth anywhere from $1 towards a Jamba product purchase to $10,000 in cash - during the course of this promotion. The individual value of the Feel Good Buck will be revealed by a Jamba team member when entered at a Jamba register, bringing an element of surprise to lucky Jamba Juice customers. Bucks may be used at participating Jamba Juice locations to purchase any Jamba Juice product, including the new Grab-n-Go wraps, salads, sandwiches, California Flatbreads(TM) and Fruit Tea Infusions(TM). Some Feel Good Bucks can be redeemed for Jamba gift cards valued between $5-$25; others for cash prizes ranging from $50 to the $10,000 grand prize.

Jamba's Feel Good Moments campaign will run in participating stores until January 4, 2010. Download a Feel Good Buck and learn more information about the campaign at www.jambajuice.com. To find out what else is happening in conjunction with the Feel Good Moments campaign, become a facebook fan at: www.facebook.com/jambajuice.

About Jamba, Inc.

Jamba, Inc. (Nasdaq: JMBA) is a holding company and through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Jamba Juice Company, owns and franchises JAMBA JUICE® stores. Founded in 1990, Jamba Juice is a leading restaurant retailer of better-for-you food and beverage offerings, including great tasting fruit smoothies, juices, and teas, hot oatmeal made with organic steel cut oats, wraps, salads, sandwiches, and California Flatbreads(TM), and a variety of baked goods and snacks. As of October 6, 2009, Jamba Juice had 742 locations consisting of 488 company-owned and operated stores and 254 franchise stores. For the nearest location or a complete menu, visit the Jamba Juice website at www.jambajuice.com or call 1-866-4R-FRUIT.

This press release (including information incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference herein) contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are those involving future events and future results that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projects as well as the current believes and assumptions of our management. Words such as "outlook", "believes", "expects", "appears", "may", "will", "should", "anticipates", or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, are intended to identify such forward looking statements. Any statement that is not historical fact, including estimates, projections, future trends and the outcome of events that have not yet occurred, is a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our reports filed with the SEC. Many of such factors relate to events and circumstances that are beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the information contained in this release.

SOURCE Jamba Juice

Taste of Home, the #1 cooking magazine in the country, introduces The Comfort Food Diet Cookbook, featuring America's favorite comfort recipes with only a fraction of the fat and calories. The Comfort Food Diet Cookbook, on shelves December 31, 2009, is a sensible approach to eating, cooking, and living that helps readers shed pounds without feeling deprived. Enjoy pizza, lasagna, mac-n-cheese, pulled pork and even cheesecake while loosing weight. The perfect diet for those who love hearty, satisfying foods, the cookbook is packed with low-calorie versions of the mouthwatering staples that families enjoy most. Each recipe has been tested by a registered dietician to ensure the nutritional value fits into a healthy lifestyle. The new Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook features tips for a balanced diet, portion-size chart, six-week meal plan, 80 "free foods" and worksheets to plan meals ahead. To motivate and inspire a healthier lifestyle, real success stories of individuals who have dropped weight with the Comfort Food Diet are included. With 433 recipes of the foods most craved, the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook is the diet that doesn't feel like a diet.

"There is an overwhelming number of diets that are extremes of what people should be eating," says Peggy Woodward, a Taste of Home Food Editor and Registered Dietitian. "These diets are unsuccessful because of all the restrictions that leave dieters feeling deprived. The Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook offers an alternative to extreme diets and incorporates lighter versions of favorite foods for long-term success."

To ensure weight loss success, The Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook has tips on exercise, portion control, ordering healthy when dining out, and a removable clip-and-keep calorie guide for the person the go. Also included is access to exclusive web content at www.ComfortFoodDietCookbook.com, the online community featuring additional recipes, success stories, and helpful tools. As a special bonus, a dietitian is available online to provide support, answer questions, and offer suggestions. The Comfort Food Diet Cookbook takes the guesswork out of losing weight and helps you keep it off.

"Taste of Home has always provided easy-to-make, budget-friendly recipes that use everyday ingredients," said Catherine Cassidy, Editor-in-Chief of Taste of Home. "The Comfort Food Diet Cookbook is another way that Taste of Home is meeting the needs of today's families, by offering healthy meals that are as satisfying as they are good for you."

The Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook focuses on what people can eat, not what they have to give up. Each recipe is reviewed by a registered dietician and tested by the Taste of Home Test Kitchen to ensure it is healthy, affordable and successful each time it's prepared. Taste of Home reflects the caring and sharing that home cooks across America serve up every day. This new cookbook is a guide to healthy eating that teaches simple changes for weight loss success and maintaining your goal weight.

ABOUT TASTE OF HOME

Taste of Home is a leading multi-platform producer of information on food, cooking and entertaining, serving home cooks with engaging media that capture the joy and comfort received from food made with love. Taste of Home publishes three magazines, including the flagship Taste of Home -- America's largest cooking magazine, with a circulation of 3.2 million -- Healthy Cooking and Simple & Delicious; top-selling bookazines; newsstand specials; and popular cookbooks. Traffic on tasteofhome.com increased 166 percent, to 2 million monthly UVs, from December 2007 to December 2008. Taste of Home is part of Food & Entertaining@RDA (The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.) More information can be found at http://www.tasteofhome.com.

SOURCE Taste of Home

With time short and budgets shrinking, wrapping up last-minute gift shopping can feel overwhelming. Thought you were finished with your holiday shopping? What about your child's teachers, the neighbor who drives your daughter to school all winter, the mailman and the dog walker? And you'll need a gift for the host of the party you're attending on Saturday. Are they on your holiday gift list? Uh oh... Did you forget about them?

The last minute rush can be avoided. Etiquette experts Anna Post and Lizzie Post, authors for The Emily Post Institute, Inc., have specific strategies for easing "last-minute-itis." Symptoms include overspending, heart-palpitations and nail biting.

The Posts' tips include:

• Go for affordable luxury. The issue here is time and money, so choose a single, one stop shopping source that won't blow your budget in the waning days before Christmas. We suggest gourmet chocolatier Lake Champlain Chocolates for a few reasons: chocolate is a gift that is appropriate for almost anyone, you can order by phone or online making shopping easy, and the company is known for all-natural ingredients and festive holiday packaging.
• Make a list of all of the people you've forgotten. Include the host and hostess gifts you'll need for any parties you attend.
• You'll need a small host or hostess gift for each party you attend. Hostess gift ideas include party accessories such as wine charms and cool cocktail napkins, soaps, candles, decorative tins of hot chocolate or tea, and even breakfast breads or muffins your hosts can enjoy the next morning.
• If you're looking for stocking stuffers, Lake Champlain Chocolates has stocking stuffer squares, sea salt caramels and chocolate snowmen which can double as table decorations.
• Keep a few gifts stashed for the unexpected.
• Choose gifts that come in beautiful and festive packaging so there's one less thing for you to do. The Spruce Tree Truffle and the Holiday 15 pc Selection from Lake Champlain Chocolates even include a hand-tied bow.
• Don't forget to treat yourself this holiday season! "Whether it's an afternoon at the gym, a massage, a pedicure or Lake Champlain Chocolates' delicious new Granola Five Star Bar for you to enjoy, do something nice for yourself this holiday season too," says Lizzie Post.

Lake Champlain Chocolates can be ordered right up until December 23rd for a Christmas Eve delivery and are also available in Whole Foods Markets across the country.

Preservative-free and Kosher-certified, Lake Champlain Chocolates are crafted in small batches from the finest quality chocolate and select natural ingredients including local Vermont cream, sweet butter, maple syrup, and honey. The company offers a variety of gifts including Christmas chocolates, Hanukkah chocolates, and its ever-popular Chocolate of the Month Club. Lake Champlain Chocolates are available online at www.LakeChamplainChocolates.com, toll-free at 1-800-465-5909, as corporate gifts & wedding favors, at three company-owned retail stores in Vermont, and nationwide at specialty food & gift stores and upscale hotels & inns.

At the Emily Post Institute, the fourth and fifth generation family members of Emily Post offer etiquette advice for the 21st century. This includes a library of more than eighteen books on topics including everyday etiquette, wedding etiquette, business etiquette and manners for children; Post-authored columns in The Boston Globe (distributed by the New York Times Syndicate), Good Housekeeping, USA Weekend, Inside Weddings, Brides.com and WeddingChannel.com; business etiquette seminars and train the trainer programs that are offered around the globe; media interviews and spokesperson campaigns; and the website www.emilypost.com.

SOURCE Emily Post Institute

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) (the "Company") today reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2010, ended November 1, 2009.

Third Quarter Highlights:

• Operating income for the third quarter was $0.6 million, compared to an operating loss of $1.3 million in the third quarter last year
• Operating income for this year's third quarter reflects provisions for the settlement of litigation and related legal costs totaling approximately $2.0 million ($.03 per share)
• The Company posted a net loss of $2.4 million in the third quarter ($.04 per share), compared to a net loss of $5.9 million ($.09 per share) in the third quarter last year; last year's net loss reflected a non-operating charge of $900,000 ($.01 per share) related to a loan to a franchisee
• Cash provided by operating activities in the third quarter was $5.8 million, compared to $1.3 million in the third quarter last year; for the fiscal year-to-date, cash provided by operating activities was $15.9 million compared to $10.8 million last year
• Same store sales at Company-owned stores rose 5.1% year-over-year in the third quarter, compared to a gain of 5.9% in the second quarter, 2.1% in the first quarter and 0.9% in the fourth quarter of last year

"Our results continued to improve year-over-year in the third quarter," commented Jim Morgan, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our improved results are evidence of progress in implementing our strategic initiatives, which have us on a path toward building a growing, profitable business that is sustainable for the long term." Our third quarter progress toward improving our business included the following:

• We opened two new Company small retail shops, bringing our total small shop openings to five for the year so far;
• We signed letters of intent for five additional small retail concept shop leases in Virginia and Tennessee;
• Our domestic franchisees opened two small retail shops in the quarter, one in Arizona and the other in Pennsylvania;
• Our international franchisees continued to expand, with a net increase of 15 locations in the quarter, including the first Krispy Kreme shop in Turkey which opened in Istanbul;
• We awarded franchise development rights for Thailand and the Dominican Republic;
• We continued to increase franchisee support, including hiring personnel with substantial international supply chain experience to support our international expansion and introducing an expanded suite of store support tools for domestic franchisees, including integrated local, national and social marketing, on-line new store design support and a pilot of new food cost management tools; and
• We used cash from operations to make a discretionary $5 million prepayment on our term loan, bringing our total prepayments year-to-date to $25 million; our debt stands at $49 million, compared to $75 million one year ago.

"There is still much work to be done to achieve our long-term goals of sustained revenue growth and consistent profitability, but we are pleased with the improvement in our financial results for the third quarter and year-to-date fiscal 2010," Morgan continued. "These results continue to reflect the efforts and dedication of our team members and franchisees. We believe that we have the right strategies, and that the benefits of their implementation will be more fully reflected in our financial results in the quarters and years ahead."

The Company has filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which includes interim financial information as well as management's discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

Management will host a conference call to review third quarter results this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. (ET). A live webcast of the conference call will be available at www.KrispyKreme.com. To access an archived audio replay of the call, dial 888-203-1112 and enter the passcode 7863742. International callers may access the replay by dialing 719-457-0820 and entering passcode 7863742. The audio replay will be available through December 14, 2009.

About Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is a leading branded retailer and wholesaler of high-quality doughnuts and packaged sweets, including its Original Glazed(®) doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Company has offered the highest quality doughnuts and great tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Today, Krispy Kreme can be found in over 560 locations in 18 countries around the world. Visit us at www.KrispyKreme.com.

Information contained in this press release, other than historical information, should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future economic performance, considering the information currently available to management. These statements are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or financial condition to differ materially from the expectations of future results, performance or financial condition we express or imply in any forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "may," "could," "will," "should," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "objective," "seek," "strive" or similar words, or the negative of these words, identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to: the quality of Company and franchise store operations; our ability, and our dependence on the ability of our franchisees, to execute on our and their business plans; our relationships with our franchisees; our ability to implement our international growth strategy; our ability to implement our new domestic operating model; currency, economic, political and other risks associated with our international operations; the price and availability of raw materials needed to produce doughnut mixes and other ingredients; compliance with government regulations relating to food products and franchising; our relationships with off-premises customers; our ability to protect our trademarks and trade secrets; risks associated with our high levels of indebtedness; restrictions on our operations and compliance with covenants contained in our secured credit facilities; changes in customer preferences and perceptions; and risks associated with competition. These and other risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports and statements filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, are difficult to predict, contain uncertainties that may materially affect actual results and may be beyond the Company's control, and could cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any of these forward-looking statements. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors or to assess the impact of each such factor on the Company. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.

                           KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, INC.

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                  (Unaudited)

                                 (In thousands)

                                                        Nov. 1,    Feb. 1,
                                                         2009       2009
                                                        -----       -----

                               ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents                              $18,543    $35,538
Receivables                                             18,197     19,229
Accounts and notes receivable - equity method franchisees  684      1,019
Inventories                                             14,474     15,587
Deferred income taxes                                      106        106
Other current assets                                    10,448      4,327
                                                      --------   --------
 Total current assets                                   62,452     75,806
Property and equipment                                  77,029     85,075
Investments in equity method franchisees                   526      1,187
Goodwill                                                23,856     23,856
Other assets                                             9,279      9,002
                                                      --------   --------
 Total assets                                         $173,142   $194,926
                                                      ========   ========

             LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt                      $902     $1,413
Accounts payable                                         6,063      8,981
Accrued liabilities                                     33,465     29,222
                                                      --------   --------
 Total current liabilities                              40,430     39,616
Long-term debt, less current maturities                 48,128     73,454
Deferred income taxes                                      106        106
Other long-term obligations                             23,619     23,995

Commitments and contingencies

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, no par value                                -          -
Common stock, no par value                             365,000    361,801
Accumulated other comprehensive loss                      (331)      (913)
Accumulated deficit                                   (303,810)  (303,133)
                                                      --------   --------
 Total shareholders' equity                             60,859     57,755
                                                      --------   --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity            $173,142   $194,926
                                                      ========   ========

                               KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, INC.

                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                        (Unaudited)

                         (In thousands, except per share amounts)


                              Three Months Ended       Nine Months Ended
                             --------------------      -----------------
                             Nov. 1,      Nov. 2,     Nov. 1,      Nov. 2,
                              2009          2008       2009         2008
                             ------       ------      ------       ------

Revenues                    $83,600       $94,338   $259,750     $292,216
Operating expenses:
 Direct operating Expenses
  (exclusive of depreciation
  and amortization shown
  below)                     74,369        87,143    222,595      264,926
 General and administrative
  expenses                    6,128         5,842     17,259       17,406
 Depreciation and
  amortization expense        2,154         2,107      6,146        6,609
 Impairment charges
  and lease termination costs   109           345      3,922         (648)
 Other operating (income) and
  expense, net                  207           213        474          626
                             ------       ------      ------       ------
Operating income (loss)         633        (1,312)     9,354        3,297
Interest income                  10            65         38          287
Interest expense             (2,295)       (2,978)    (8,424)      (7,341)
Equity in losses of Equity
 method franchisees            (393)         (335)      (506)        (685)
Other non-operating Income
 and (expense), net             144          (921)      (356)          71
                             ------       ------      ------       ------
Income (loss) before
 income taxes                (1,901)       (5,481)       106       (4,371)
Provision for income
 taxes (benefit)                487           404        783         (613)
                             ------        ------      ------       ------
Net loss                    $(2,388)      $(5,885)     $(677)     $(3,758)
                            =======       =======     ======      =======

Loss per common share:
 Basic                        $(.04)        $(.09)     $(.01)       $(.06)
                            =======       =======     ======      =======

 Diluted                      $(.04)        $(.09)     $(.01)       $(.06)
                            =======       =======     ======      =======

 Basic -weighted average shares
  outstanding                67,612        66,794     67,354       65,587

 Diluted -weighted average shares
  outstanding                67,612        66,794     67,354       65,587

                                 KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, INC.

                             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                         (Unaudited)

                                       (In thousands)

                                                       Nine Months Ended
                                                      -------------------
                                                      Nov. 1,     Nov. 2,
                                                       2009        2008
                                                      ------      ------
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss                                              $(677)     $(3,758)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
  cash provided by operating activities:
 Depreciation and amortization                        6,146        6,609
 Deferred income taxes                                 (380)        (283)
 Impairment charges                                     916         (109)
 Accrued rent expense                                  (569)        (460)
 Loss on disposal of property and equipment             599          344
 Gain on disposal of interest in equity
  method franchisee                                       -         (931)
 Impairment of investment in equity method franchisee   500            -
 Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate derivatives    537          (62)
 Share-based compensation                             3,448        4,263
 Provision for doubtful accounts                         40          534
 Amortization of deferred financing costs               636          701
 Equity in losses of equity method franchisees          506          685
 Other                                                 (137)       1,237
 Change in assets and liabilities:
 Receivables                                          1,225        2,243
 Inventories                                          1,063        2,114
 Other current and non-current assets                  (241)           7
 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities             2,105       (1,777)
 Other long-term obligations                            180         (588)
                                                     -------      ------
  Net cash provided by operating activities          15,897       10,769
                                                     ------       ------
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment                   (6,160)      (2,618)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment       156          427
Other investing activities                              209          (46)
                                                     -------      ------
  Net cash used for investing activities             (5,795)      (2,237)
                                                     ------       ------
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of long-term debt                         (25,894)      (1,673)
Deferred financing costs                               (954)        (434)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options                   -        3,103
Repurchase of common shares                            (249)      (2,069)
                                                     -------      ------
  Net cash used for financing activities             (27,097)     (1,073)
                                                     -------      ------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash                    -         (19)
                                                     -------      ------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (16,995)      7,440
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period      35,538      24,735
                                                     -------     -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period           $18,543     $32,175
                                                     =======     =======

                              KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, INC.

                                  SEGMENT INFORMATION

                                    (In thousands)


                               Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                              --------------------    -----------------
                              Nov. 1,      Nov. 2,    Nov. 1,     Nov. 2,
                               2009         2008       2009        2008
                              -------      -------    -------     ------
Revenues:
 Company Stores               $60,020      $64,708   $185,730   $201,961
 Domestic Franchise             1,945        1,882      5,798      6,177
 International Franchise        3,583        4,511     11,267     13,355
 KK Supply Chain:
  Total revenues               39,314       46,747    121,926    143,724
   Less -intersegment
    sales eliminations        (21,262)     (23,510)   (64,971)   (73,001)
                              -------      -------    -------     ------
    External KK Supply
     Chain revenues            18,052       23,237     56,955     70,723
                              -------      -------    -------     ------
     Total revenues           $83,600      $94,338   $259,750   $292,216
                              =======      =======   ========   ========

Operating income (loss):
 Company Stores               $(1,380)     $(4,470)    $2,951    $(8,985)
 Domestic Franchise               811        1,157      2,425      3,800
 International Franchise        2,117        3,031      6,495      8,728
 KK Supply Chain                5,549        5,449     19,375     17,440
 Unallocated general And
  administrative expenses      (6,355)      (6,134)   (17,970)   (18,334)
 Impairment charges and lease
  termination costs              (109)        (345)    (3,922)       648
                              -------      -------    -------     ------
  Total operating income (loss)  $633      $(1,312)    $9,354     $3,297
                              =======      =======    =======     ======

Depreciation and amortization
 expense:
 Company Stores                $1,694       $1,548     $4,709     $4,854
 Domestic Franchise                14           21         57         64
 International Franchise            -            -          -          -
 KK Supply Chain                  219          248        669        765
 Corporate administration         227          290        711        926
                              -------      -------    -------     ------
  Total depreciation And
   amortization expense        $2,154       $2,107     $6,146     $6,609
                              =======      =======    =======     ======

                                KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, INC.

                                   SYSTEMWIDE STORE COUNT


                                                  NUMBER OF STORES
                                                  ----------------
                                          DOMESTIC   INTERNATIONAL   TOTAL
                                          --------   -------------   -----
Number of Stores at November 1, 2009:
Company:
  Factory                                     71             -         71
  Satellite                                   13             -         13
                                           -----         -----      -----
   Total Company                              84             -         84
                                           -----         -----      -----
Franchise:
  Factory                                    101            93        194
  Satellite                                   37           248        285
                                           -----         -----      -----
   Total Franchise                           138           341        479
                                           -----         -----      -----
    Total Systemwide                         222           341        563
                                           =====         =====      =====

                                                  NUMBER OF STORES
                                                  ----------------
                                          FACTORY      SATELLITE     TOTAL
                                          -------      ---------     -----
Three Months Ended November 1, 2009:
AUGUST 2, 2009                              270           278         548
Opened                                        2            22          24
Closed                                       (5)           (4)         (9)
Converted to satellite stores                (2)            2           -
                                           ----          ----        ----
NOVEMBER 1, 2009                            265           298         563
                                           ====          ====        ====

Nine Months Ended November 1, 2009:
FEBRUARY 1, 2009                            281           242         523
Opened                                        6            65          71
Closed                                      (18)          (13)        (31)
Converted to satellite stores                (4)            4           -
                                           ----          ----        ----
NOVEMBER 1, 2009                            265           298         563
                                           ====          ====        ====

                              KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, INC.

                             SELECTED OPERATING STATISTICS

                                 (Dollars in thousands)


                                 Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
                                 ------------------     -----------------
                                  Nov. 1,    Nov. 2,     Nov. 1,   Nov. 2,
                                   2009       2008        2009      2008
                                  ------     -------     -------   -------

Year over year percentage change
 in systemwide sales (1)            (4.7)%     (1.0)%      (8.2)%     1.8%

Year over year percentage change
 in systemwide sales, exclusive of
 the effects of changes in foreign
 currency rates(2)                  (4.6)%       NA        (5.0)%      NA


Average weekly sales per store (3):
 Company                           $52.0      $49.9       $52.1     $51.0
 Systemwide                        $25.3      $29.5       $26.4     $32.6
 Systemwide, exclusive of the
  effects of changes in foreign
  currency rates (2)               $25.3         NA       $27.3        NA

Store operating weeks (4):
 Company                           1,148      1,287       3,553     3,939
 Systemwide                        7,026      6,319      20,434    17,993

Change in Company same Store
 sales (5)                           5.1%      (1.3)%       4.2%    (1.3)%

Company off-premises sales (6):
 Change in average weekly number
  of doors                         (11.4)%     (5.9)%     (11.0)%   (7.0)%
 Change in average weekly sales
  per door                           6.6%      (9.1)%       2.7%    (8.5)%

(1) Systemwide sales, a non-GAAP financial measure, include the
    sales by both Company and franchise stores.  The Company believes
    systemwide sales data are useful in assessing the overall
    performance of the Krispy Kreme brand and, ultimately, the
    performance of the Company.
(2) Computed on a pro forma basis assuming the average rate of
    exchange between the U.S. dollar and each of the foreign currencies
    in which the Company's international franchisees conducts business
    had been the same in the third quarter and first nine months of
    fiscal 2010 as in the comparable periods of fiscal 2009.
(3) Represents, on a Company and systemwide basis, total sales of all
    stores divided by the number of operating weeks for both factory and
    satellite stores.
(4) Represents, on a Company and systemwide basis, the aggregate
    number of weeks in a period that both factory and satellite stores
    were in operation.
(5) The change in "same store sales" represents the aggregate on-
    premises sales (including fundraising sales) during the current year
    period for all stores which had been open for more than 56
    consecutive weeks during the current year period (but only to the
    extent such sales occurred in the 57(th) or later week of each
    store's operation) divided by the aggregate on-premises sales of
    such stores for the comparable weeks in the preceding year period.
    Once a store has been open for at least 57 consecutive weeks, its
    sales are included in the computation of same stores sales for all
    subsequent periods.  In the event a store is closed temporarily (for
    example, for remodeling) and has no sales during one or more weeks,
    such store's sales for the comparable weeks during the earlier or
    subsequent period are excluded from the same store sales
    computation.
(6) For Company off-premises sales, "average weekly number of
    doors" represents the average number of customer locations to which
    product deliveries are made during a week by Company Stores, and
    "average weekly sales per door" represents the average weekly sales
    to each such location by Company Stores.

SOURCE Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.

Imagine a warm, moist piece of delicate brioche pudding topped with Madagascar vanilla bean Blue Bell ice cream that is then drizzled with a Caravella Limoncello syrup. Sound too good to be true? Not so - this new sensational dessert is now available at all Carrabba's Italian Grill locations.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091207/FL22276 )

"When we first began experimenting with a new dessert feature for the Fall, we decided to put a new twist on traditional comfort food. The serving of hot bread pudding with ice cream evokes nostalgia of the warmth and comfort that we all felt in our childhood," explains Steve Shlemon, president of Carrabba's. "For anyone who enjoys traditional Italian cuisine, the Limoncello is a bonus!"

The history of Limoncello dates back to the 1800s when this traditional liqueur was simply made by adding lemon peels, from Italy's beautiful Amalfi coast, and sugar to alcohol to create a refreshing summer drink. Today, it has become an integral component within a traditional Italian meal.

At Carrabba's, it is the Caravella Limoncello that perfects the bread pudding. This brand was founded by the Sperone family who ultimately began bottling and sharing their century old recipe for Caravella Limoncello with people everywhere in the 1980s.

"As we do with all of our recipes at Carrabba's, we build every order of bread pudding with great care," says Shlemon. "From the brioche pudding that is baked daily to the syrup made in-house, every step is important to each serving. We even take great care to slowly cook our custard over a gentle heat stirring it to prevent it from curdling. Topped with ice cream and Limoncello - bellissimo!"

                           Limoncello Bread Pudding
                                 Serves 4
                         Preparation time: 50 minutes

Ingredients
-----------
3/4 cup                  Heavy Cream
3/4 cup                  Milk
1 tsp                    Vanilla Extract
1/4 cup                  Limoncello
7 large                  Eggs
1/2 cup                  Granulated Sugar
2 quarts                 Stale bread (Cut into cubes)

Method
------
1.  In a mixing bowl add the cream, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract
    and the Limoncello.  Whisk together and pour over bread in a 9 x
    9 x 2 or a 2 quart pan and let sit for 20 minutes.
2.  Cover the pudding with foil.  Bake pudding in a conventional oven
    for 40 - 50 minutes or until pudding is set.

                         Limoncello Simple Syrup

Ingredients
-----------
1/4  cup        Limoncello (Lemon Juice can be used as a substitute)
1/4  cup        Granulated Sugar

Method
------
1.  Place Limoncello and sugar in a small sauce pan.
2.  Bring to a boil stirring well to dissolve all the sugar.

Limoncello Bread Pudding To Serve

The bread pudding can be served warm or cold. Scoop vanilla ice cream on top of the bread pudding. Drizzle Limoncello syrup over ice cream and bread pudding. Place mint sprig on top of the ice cream.

SOURCE Carrabba's Italian Grill

American Dairy, Inc. (NYSE: ADY; "American Dairy" or the "Company"), one of the leading producers and distributors of premium infant formula, milk powder and soybean, rice and walnut products in China, today announced its participation in the upcoming Citi Hong Kong and China Mini Conference 2009, to be held December 8-9, 2009 at the Conrad Hotel in Hong Kong. Management will meet with institutional investors in one-on-one and small group meetings throughout both days.

For additional information, please contact Ashley M. Ammon at 646.277.1227 or your Citi institutional sales representative.

About American Dairy, Inc.

American Dairy, Inc. (NYSE: ADY) is one of the leading producers and distributors of premium infant formula, milk powder and soybean, rice and walnut products in the People's Republic of China. American Dairy conducts operations in China through its wholly owned subsidiary, Feihe Dairy, and other subsidiaries. Founded in 1962, Feihe Dairy is headquartered in Beijing, China, and has processing and distribution facilities in Kedong, Qiqihaer, Baiquan, Gannan, Longjiang, Shanxi, and Langfang. Using proprietary processing techniques, American Dairy makes products that are specially formulated for particular ages, dietary needs and health concerns. American Dairy has over 200 company-owned milk collection stations, two dairy farms, six production facilities with an aggregate milk powder production capacity of approximately 1,220 tons per day and an extensive distribution network that reaches over 90,000 retail outlets throughout China. For more information about American Dairy, please visit http://www.americandairyinc.com.

SOURCE American Dairy, Inc.

On 9 November 2009, Kraft Foods Inc. ("Kraft Foods") announced its firm intention to make an offer (the "Offer") to acquire all of the issued and to be issued share capital of Cadbury plc ("Cadbury").

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090420/KRAFTLOGO )

Kraft Foods announces that the offer document, which contains the terms and conditions of the Offer and the procedures for acceptance (the "Offer Document"), is being posted today, together with the Form of Acceptance. A prospectus relating to the New Kraft Foods Shares proposed to be issued in connection with the Offer (the "Prospectus") is expected to be approved by the Financial Services Authority in the UK and published today on Kraft Foods' website (www.transactioninfo.com/kraftfoods).

The Offer is being communicated to Cadbury US Shareholders, Cadbury Canadian Shareholders and Cadbury ADS Holders (wherever located) by way of the "US Offer Document" (rather than the documents described in the previous paragraph). The US Offer Document is also being filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and mailed today, together with the relevant Form of Acceptance or ADS Letter of Transmittal, and will be available on the same Kraft Foods' website (as mentioned above).

Commenting on the publication of the Offer documentation, the Chairman and CEO of Kraft Foods, Irene B. Rosenfeld, said:

"We remain confident that the unique combination of Kraft Foods and Cadbury would create a significant growth opportunity for both businesses. That's why we believe this Offer is in the best interest of both companies' shareholders. Our Offer is fully financed, represents a substantial premium to Cadbury's unaffected share price and provides both immediate value certainty and meaningful longer-term upside potential."

The Offer

As previously announced, under the Offer, Cadbury Shareholders and Cadbury ADS Holders are entitled to receive:

for each Cadbury Share                    300 pence in cash
                                          and
                                          0.2589 New Kraft Foods Shares

for each Cadbury ADS                      1,200 pence in cash
                                          and
                                          1.0356 New Kraft Foods Shares

Based on the closing share price of US$26.50 per Kraft Foods Share on 1 December 2009, the Offer values each Cadbury share at 713 pence and values the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Cadbury at approximately 10.1 billion pounds Sterling (based on an exchange rate of US$1.6627 to 1.00 pounds).

Acceptances of the Offer should be received no later than 1.00 p.m. (London time) / 8.00 a.m. (New York time) on 5 January 2010 (or such later time(s) and/or date(s) as Kraft Foods may, subject to the provisions of the Takeover Code, decide).

Copies of the Offer-related documentation will be available for inspection during normal business hours on any weekday (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excepted) at Clifford Chance LLP, 10 Upper Bank Street, London E14 5JJ, England until the end of the Offer Period. Copies of the Offer Document, the US Offer Document and the Prospectus will be available to the public, subject to restrictions relating to persons in certain overseas jurisdictions, on Kraft Foods' website at www.transactioninfo.com/kraftfoods during the course of the Offer.

Capitalised terms used in this announcement shall have the meaning given to them in the Offer Document.

Enquiries:

Kraft Foods
Perry Yeatman                      (Media)      +1 847 646 4538
Chris Jakubik                      (Investors)  +1 847 646 5494

Lazard (lead financial adviser)
Jeffrey Rosen                                   +1 212 632 6000
Antonio Weiss                                   +1 212 632 6000
William Rucker                                 +44 20 7187 2000
Peter Kiernan                                  +44 20 7187 2000

Citigroup (corporate broking)
David James                                    +44 20 7986 4000

Deutsche Bank (corporate broking)
James Agnew                                    +44 20 7545 8000

Brunswick Group (public relations)
Richard Jacques                                +44 20 7404 5959
Jonathan Glass                                 +44 20 7404 5959

Financial advisers:

 Centerview Partners
 Robert Pruzan

 Citigroup
 Leon Kalvaria

 Deutsche Bank
 Nigel Meek

Further Information

Lazard & Co., Limited, which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority, is acting as financial adviser to Kraft Foods and no one else in connection with the contents of this announcement and the Offer and will not be responsible to any person other than Kraft Foods for providing the protections afforded to clients of Lazard & Co., Limited, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or any matters referred to herein.

Centerview Partners UK LLP, which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority, is acting as financial adviser to Kraft Foods and no one else in connection with the contents of this announcement and the Offer and will not be responsible to any person other than Kraft Foods for providing the protections afforded to clients of Centerview Partners UK LLP, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or any matters referred to herein.

Citigroup Global Markets Limited, which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority, is acting as financial adviser and corporate broker to Kraft Foods and no one else in connection with the contents of this announcement and the Offer and will not be responsible to any person other than Kraft Foods for providing the protections afforded to clients of Citigroup Global Markets Limited, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or any matters referred to herein.

Deutsche Bank AG is authorised under German Banking Law (competent authority: BaFin - Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) and authorised and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Services Authority. Details about the extent of Deutsche Bank AG's authorisation and regulation by the Financial Services Authority are available on request. Deutsche Bank AG is acting as financial adviser and corporate broker to Kraft Foods and no one else in connection with the contents of this announcement and the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than Kraft Foods for providing the protections afforded to the clients of Deutsche Bank AG nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or any other matters referred to herein.

This announcement does not constitute, and must not be construed as, an offer to sell or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any securities, pursuant to the Offer or otherwise. The full terms and conditions of the Offer, including details of how the Offer may be accepted, are set out in the Offer documentation. Cadbury Securityholders who accept the Offer may rely only on the Offer documentation for all the terms and conditions of the Offer.

This announcement is not a prospectus for the purposes of the EU Prospectus Directive. Cadbury Securityholders in the EU should not tender their shares except on the basis of information in the prospectus to be published pursuant to the EU Prospectus Directive on Kraft Food's website. In making their decision whether or not to accept the Offer, Cadbury Securityholders who are South African residents will need to take into account the Excon Regulations, and consider whether or not their acceptance of the Offer and their subsequent receipt of consideration for their Cadbury Shares from Kraft Foods, whether in the form of cash and/or New Kraft Foods Shares, will be in compliance with the Excon Regulations.

The release, publication or distribution of this announcement and any other Offer-related documentation in jurisdictions other than the UK, the US, Canada, France, Ireland or Spain, and the availability of the Offer to Cadbury Securityholders who are not resident in such jurisdictions may be affected by the laws or regulations of relevant jurisdictions. Therefore any persons who are subject to the laws and regulations of any jurisdiction other than the UK, the US, Canada, France, Ireland or Spain, and Cadbury Securityholders who are not resident in such jurisdictions should inform themselves of and observe any applicable requirements.

The Offer is not being extended and will not be extended, directly or indirectly, in or into or by use of the mails of, or by any means or instrumentality (including, without limitation, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, telex, telephone, internet or other forms of electronic communication) of interstate or foreign commerce of, or any facilities of a national securities exchange of, any jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws of that jurisdiction and will not be capable of acceptance by any such use, means, instrumentality or facility or from within such Restricted Jurisdiction unless otherwise determined by Kraft Foods. Accordingly, copies of this announcement and the Offer-related documentation are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly, mailed, transmitted or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in, into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction. Persons receiving such documents (including, without limitation, custodians, nominees, and trustees) should observe these restrictions and must not mail or otherwise forward, distribute or send them in, into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction. Doing so may render any purported acceptance of the Offer invalid.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements regarding the Offer. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed combination and other such statements that are not historical facts, which are or may be based on Kraft Foods' plans, estimates and projections. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Kraft Foods' control, that could cause Kraft Foods' actual results to differ materially from those indicated in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or required financing or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the Offer, and the risk factors set forth in Kraft Foods' filings with the SEC, including the registration statement on Form S-4 that will be filed concomitantly with this announcement by Kraft Foods in connection with the Offer, Kraft Foods' most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Kraft Foods disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this announcement, except as required by applicable law or regulation.

Additional US-Related Information

Kraft Foods intends to file a registration statement and tender offer documents with the SEC in connection with the Offer. Cadbury US Shareholders, Cadbury Canadian Shareholders and Cadbury ADS Holders (wherever located) should read those filings, and any other filings made by Kraft Foods with the SEC in connection with the proposed combination, as they will contain important information. Those documents, when filed, as well as Kraft Foods' other public filings with the SEC, may be obtained without charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and at Kraft Foods' website at www.kraftfoodscompany.com.

- make today delicious -

SOURCE Kraft Foods Inc.

Molson Coors Brewing Company (NYSE: TAP) today announced that Sherri Heckel Kuhlmann has been promoted to chief compliance officer of the company and Mike Abbass is taking on the new role of vice president and general counsel, Molson Coors International.

Heckel Kuhlmann joined Molson Coors in early 2009 from Holme Roberts & Owen LLP, where she specialized in business and employment law and provided employment counsel to Molson Coors and Coors Brewing Company, as well as a variety of Colorado-based and national organizations. In addition to her new role as chief compliance officer, she will continue to serve as deputy general counsel, focusing her efforts on legal issue and litigation management, supply chain, real estate, water rights and employee relations and benefits.

Abbass joined the Molson Coors team eight years ago as an international tax analyst and has been a member of the legal team for six years. During his tenure at Molson Coors, Abbass has provided legal counsel on a wide range of strategic business initiatives, including the MillerCoors joint venture transaction, as well as the company's entry into new markets in Asia, Latin America and Europe.

"I want to congratulate both Sherri and Mike and thank them for their superb work and ongoing dedication to our company," said Sam Walker, Molson Coors chief legal officer. "Under their expert leadership, I am confident we will continue to do business the right way on behalf of our employees, partners and shareholders, and maintain Molson Coors' proven commitment to delivering extraordinary brands that delight the world's beer drinkers."

For additional news and information on Molson Coors Brewing Company please visit: www.molsoncoors.com

About Molson Coors Brewing Company:

Molson Coors Brewing Company is a leading global brewer delivering extraordinary brands that delight the world's beer drinkers. It brews, markets and sells a portfolio of leading premium brands such as Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Carling, Blue Moon, and Keystone Light across North America, Europe and Asia. It operates in Canada through Molson Coors Canada; in the US through MillerCoors; and in the U.K. and Ireland through Molson Coors UK. For more information on Molson Coors Brewing Company and our portfolio of brands, visit the company's Web site, www.molsoncoors.com.

SOURCE Molson Coors

On 9 November 2009, Kraft Foods Inc. ("Kraft Foods") announced its firm intention to make an offer (the "Offer") to acquire all of the issued and to be issued share capital of Cadbury plc ("Cadbury").

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090420/KRAFTLOGO )

Kraft Foods announces that the offer document, which contains the terms and conditions of the Offer and the procedures for acceptance (the "Offer Document"), is being posted today, together with the Form of Acceptance. A prospectus relating to the New Kraft Foods Shares proposed to be issued in connection with the Offer (the "Prospectus") is expected to be approved by the Financial Services Authority in the UK and published today on Kraft Foods' website (www.transactioninfo.com/kraftfoods).

The Offer is being communicated to Cadbury US Shareholders, Cadbury Canadian Shareholders and Cadbury ADS Holders (wherever located) by way of the "US Offer Document" (rather than the documents described in the previous paragraph). The US Offer Document is also being filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and mailed today, together with the relevant Form of Acceptance or ADS Letter of Transmittal, and will be available on the same Kraft Foods' website (as mentioned above).

Commenting on the publication of the Offer documentation, the Chairman and CEO of Kraft Foods, Irene B. Rosenfeld, said:

"We remain confident that the unique combination of Kraft Foods and Cadbury would create a significant growth opportunity for both businesses. That's why we believe this Offer is in the best interest of both companies' shareholders. Our Offer is fully financed, represents a substantial premium to Cadbury's unaffected share price and provides both immediate value certainty and meaningful longer-term upside potential."

The Offer

As previously announced, under the Offer, Cadbury Shareholders and Cadbury ADS Holders are entitled to receive:

for each Cadbury Share                    300 pence in cash
                                          and
                                          0.2589 New Kraft Foods Shares

for each Cadbury ADS                      1,200 pence in cash
                                          and
                                          1.0356 New Kraft Foods Shares

Based on the closing share price of US$26.50 per Kraft Foods Share on 1 December 2009, the Offer values each Cadbury share at 713 pence and values the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Cadbury at approximately 10.1 billion pounds Sterling (based on an exchange rate of US$1.6627 to 1.00 pounds).

Acceptances of the Offer should be received no later than 1.00 p.m. (London time) / 8.00 a.m. (New York time) on 5 January 2010 (or such later time(s) and/or date(s) as Kraft Foods may, subject to the provisions of the Takeover Code, decide).

Copies of the Offer-related documentation will be available for inspection during normal business hours on any weekday (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excepted) at Clifford Chance LLP, 10 Upper Bank Street, London E14 5JJ, England until the end of the Offer Period. Copies of the Offer Document, the US Offer Document and the Prospectus will be available to the public, subject to restrictions relating to persons in certain overseas jurisdictions, on Kraft Foods' website at www.transactioninfo.com/kraftfoods during the course of the Offer.

Capitalised terms used in this announcement shall have the meaning given to them in the Offer Document.

Enquiries:

Kraft Foods
Perry Yeatman                      (Media)      +1 847 646 4538
Chris Jakubik                      (Investors)  +1 847 646 5494

Lazard (lead financial adviser)
Jeffrey Rosen                                   +1 212 632 6000
Antonio Weiss                                   +1 212 632 6000
William Rucker                                 +44 20 7187 2000
Peter Kiernan                                  +44 20 7187 2000

Citigroup (corporate broking)
David James                                    +44 20 7986 4000

Deutsche Bank (corporate broking)
James Agnew                                    +44 20 7545 8000

Brunswick Group (public relations)
Richard Jacques                                +44 20 7404 5959
Jonathan Glass                                 +44 20 7404 5959

Financial advisers:

 Centerview Partners
 Robert Pruzan

 Citigroup
 Leon Kalvaria

 Deutsche Bank
 Nigel Meek

Further Information

Lazard & Co., Limited, which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority, is acting as financial adviser to Kraft Foods and no one else in connection with the contents of this announcement and the Offer and will not be responsible to any person other than Kraft Foods for providing the protections afforded to clients of Lazard & Co., Limited, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or any matters referred to herein.

Centerview Partners UK LLP, which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority, is acting as financial adviser to Kraft Foods and no one else in connection with the contents of this announcement and the Offer and will not be responsible to any person other than Kraft Foods for providing the protections afforded to clients of Centerview Partners UK LLP, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or any matters referred to herein.

Citigroup Global Markets Limited, which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority, is acting as financial adviser and corporate broker to Kraft Foods and no one else in connection with the contents of this announcement and the Offer and will not be responsible to any person other than Kraft Foods for providing the protections afforded to clients of Citigroup Global Markets Limited, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or any matters referred to herein.

Deutsche Bank AG is authorised under German Banking Law (competent authority: BaFin - Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) and authorised and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Services Authority. Details about the extent of Deutsche Bank AG's authorisation and regulation by the Financial Services Authority are available on request. Deutsche Bank AG is acting as financial adviser and corporate broker to Kraft Foods and no one else in connection with the contents of this announcement and the Offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than Kraft Foods for providing the protections afforded to the clients of Deutsche Bank AG nor for providing advice in relation to the Offer or any other matters referred to herein.

This announcement does not constitute, and must not be construed as, an offer to sell or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any securities, pursuant to the Offer or otherwise. The full terms and conditions of the Offer, including details of how the Offer may be accepted, are set out in the Offer documentation. Cadbury Securityholders who accept the Offer may rely only on the Offer documentation for all the terms and conditions of the Offer.

This announcement is not a prospectus for the purposes of the EU Prospectus Directive. Cadbury Securityholders in the EU should not tender their shares except on the basis of information in the prospectus to be published pursuant to the EU Prospectus Directive on Kraft Food's website. In making their decision whether or not to accept the Offer, Cadbury Securityholders who are South African residents will need to take into account the Excon Regulations, and consider whether or not their acceptance of the Offer and their subsequent receipt of consideration for their Cadbury Shares from Kraft Foods, whether in the form of cash and/or New Kraft Foods Shares, will be in compliance with the Excon Regulations.

The release, publication or distribution of this announcement and any other Offer-related documentation in jurisdictions other than the UK, the US, Canada, France, Ireland or Spain, and the availability of the Offer to Cadbury Securityholders who are not resident in such jurisdictions may be affected by the laws or regulations of relevant jurisdictions. Therefore any persons who are subject to the laws and regulations of any jurisdiction other than the UK, the US, Canada, France, Ireland or Spain, and Cadbury Securityholders who are not resident in such jurisdictions should inform themselves of and observe any applicable requirements.

The Offer is not being extended and will not be extended, directly or indirectly, in or into or by use of the mails of, or by any means or instrumentality (including, without limitation, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, telex, telephone, internet or other forms of electronic communication) of interstate or foreign commerce of, or any facilities of a national securities exchange of, any jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws of that jurisdiction and will not be capable of acceptance by any such use, means, instrumentality or facility or from within such Restricted Jurisdiction unless otherwise determined by Kraft Foods. Accordingly, copies of this announcement and the Offer-related documentation are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly, mailed, transmitted or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in, into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction. Persons receiving such documents (including, without limitation, custodians, nominees, and trustees) should observe these restrictions and must not mail or otherwise forward, distribute or send them in, into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction. Doing so may render any purported acceptance of the Offer invalid.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements regarding the Offer. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed combination and other such statements that are not historical facts, which are or may be based on Kraft Foods' plans, estimates and projections. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Kraft Foods' control, that could cause Kraft Foods' actual results to differ materially from those indicated in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or required financing or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the Offer, and the risk factors set forth in Kraft Foods' filings with the SEC, including the registration statement on Form S-4 that will be filed concomitantly with this announcement by Kraft Foods in connection with the Offer, Kraft Foods' most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Kraft Foods disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this announcement, except as required by applicable law or regulation.

Additional US-Related Information

Kraft Foods intends to file a registration statement and tender offer documents with the SEC in connection with the Offer. Cadbury US Shareholders, Cadbury Canadian Shareholders and Cadbury ADS Holders (wherever located) should read those filings, and any other filings made by Kraft Foods with the SEC in connection with the proposed combination, as they will contain important information. Those documents, when filed, as well as Kraft Foods' other public filings with the SEC, may be obtained without charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and at Kraft Foods' website at www.kraftfoodscompany.com.

- make today delicious -

SOURCE Kraft Foods Inc.

We all know college football is an American pastime that is enjoyed each year by people nationwide. Here's more on how the brave men and women currently serving our country abroad will also get a taste of home this year.

Listen to this report from Tostitos at:

http://inr.mediaseed.tv/oneClip_C/?feed=n6tv9_KHuUSBuz3upmfYwlAnolIyoq05

Medialink is a division of The NewsMarket. Registered journalists can access video, audio, text, graphics and photos at http://www.thenewsmarket.com.

12LA09-0756

SOURCE Medialink; Tostitos

Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. (Other OTC: GDHI) www.gdfbhk.com announced that it has expanded its sales force to include a number of veterans of the food and beverage industry who will be responsible for driving sales and strategic business initiatives throughout Beijing. The new additions include; Mr. Liang Changwei, Mr. Li Dan, and Mr. Du Fan.

"Our recent product launches have significantly increased our product line and our market exposure, additionally the arrival of our 40ft container with more products, demands that we must expand our sales team in order to address the new volume," stated Mrs. Cindy Yin, Director of Sales & Marketing.

In addition, the company plans to add ten new sales associates by midyear 2010, selectively placed throughout the Beijing metropolitan area and reaching the surrounding cities like Fangshan, Daxing, Tongzhou, Shunyi, Chagping and Huairou. This aggressive expansion of the Company's sales force is to meet the demand that will be created through new product releases, current unique products and new partnerships with other secondary tier distributors.

Mr. Frank Yglesias CEO also stated, "I am delighted in working with Mrs. Yin in the development of this dynamic and enthusiastic sales team, a much needed component to our success. We intend to utilize the sales force to grow our share of the market and meet, with expectations to exceed our goal of 200 stores by yearend 2009."

Safe Harbor Statement

Information in this press release may contain 'forward-looking statements.' Statements describing objectives or goals or the Company's future plans are also forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the financial performance of the Company and market valuations of its stock, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the 'Safe Harbor' provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

SOURCE Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc.

Venom Energy drink announced today it has signed a multi-year sponsorship with Andretti Autosport to continue as primary sponsor of the #26 car driven by Marco Andretti. Venom Energy will activate the partnership with in-store merchandising, consumer sweepstakes and retail appearances.

"We are excited to be back on board with Marco Andretti and Andretti Autosport," said Russ Schleiden, brand manager of Venom Energy. "We look forward to bringing the Venom Energy drink and Marco Andretti partnership to life for our fans on the track as well as at retail."

"Dr Pepper Snapple Group has been a great partner of Andretti Autosport for a number of years," said Michael Andretti, the team's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We are excited to extend the Venom Energy drink relationship to a multi-year deal that will hopefully lead Marco to the winners circle for many years to come."

Venom Energy is an energy drink in the Dr Pepper Snapple Group portfolio and delivers hardcore energy in unique and delicious flavors not typically associated with energy drinks. Available in fruit punch, mango, regular and low calorie. For additional information, visit www.venomenergy.com.

"I'm very excited to have Venom Energy back with me," said Marco Andretti. "I know the Venom Energy crew feels just like me, and can't wait to get back to the track and get going for 2010. We're ready to go to the next level, and I'm going to take Venom Energy with me."

About Venom Energy

Venom Energy is one of many flavorful brands in the beverage portfolio of Dr Pepper Snapple Group ( DPS). DPS is the leading producer of flavored soft drinks in North America and the Caribbean. Our success is fueled by more than 50 brands that are synonymous with refreshment, fun and flavor. We have 6 of the top 10 non-cola soft drinks, and 8 of our 12 "power brands" are No. 1 in their flavor categories. In addition to our flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, our portfolio includes Sunkist soda, 7UP, A&W, Canada Dry, Crush, Mott's, Squirt, Hawaiian Punch, Penafiel, Clamato, Schweppes, Venom Energy, Rose's and Mr & Mrs T mixers. To learn more about our Plano, Texas-based company and our iconic brands, please visit www.drpeppersnapple.com.

About Andretti Autosport

Based in Indianapolis, Ind., Andretti Autosport is led by racing legend Michael Andretti. Andretti Autosport stands as the winningest team in Indy Racing League history and fields a series-high four entries in the IZOD IndyCar Series and two Firestone Indy Lights cars. Andretti Autosport boasts three IndyCar Series championships (2004, 2005 and 2007), two Firestone Indy Lights titles (2008 and 2009) and has won the Indianapolis 500 twice (2005 and 2007). For more information, please visit www.andrettiautosport.com.

SOURCE Venom Energy Drink

If you have seen "Super Size Me," the junk food documentary, get ready for a stunning look at the other side of the dining table. Independent filmmaker Jenna Norwood will screen her feature documentary, "Supercharge Me! 30 Days Raw" at Harvard University on Tuesday, December 8th, 5 p.m. at Sever Hall, Harvard Yard. The event is part of Norwood's "Supercharged Living" College Tour. The film will be followed by a lecture and discussion about food and its relationship to sustainability. Event is sponsored by the Harvard University community and is free to the public. For more information, see http://www.JennaNorwood.com

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091203/CL20833LOGO )

The following day, Norwood will present a healthy food demonstration to students, parents and teachers at the Warren Prescott Elementary School in Charlestown, MA as part of its Meatless "Carbon Offset Program." The program was initiated by the Oceanic Society and Quen.ch, an environmental education outreach group from the Harvard University Extension. The raw food lifestyle is regarded as having the smallest ecological footprint.

"This vital interconnectivity among our food, our health and our environment is every reason for communities and schools to come together to gain knowledge and share resources to improve our future," said Alisyn Johnson, event organizer. "That is the motivation behind these events."

"Supercharge Me!" is a "rawcumentary" -- a humorous film that shows what happens when one volunteer human guinea pig (Jenna Norwood) consumes only raw, organic food for 30 days. The original inspiration was weight loss, but the results went beyond the visible to those which were more profound; including lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, elimination of chronic pain, improved mental clarity and happier disposition.

Norwood's odyssey took her from Sarasota, Florida to San Diego, California where she enrolled in a 30-day raw food detox program and ate only uncooked "living" foods. Generally, these foods include organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouted grains, blended soups, smoothies and juices. The 30-day experiment was to test the belief that food in its raw state has greater nutritional value and contains more enzymes. Documentary cameras followed Norwood as she transformed her life with a raw food diet and interviewed doctors, raw food experts, celebrities (Ben Vereen and Kathy Sledge) and a variety of others from around the world who follow the raw food lifestyle.

About Jenna Norwood

After her dramatic transformation on raw food, Norwood became passionate about sharing her experience. She switched careers from public relations consultant to raw food educator and chef. She currently has a recipe book in the works and is working on international distribution of "Supercharge Me!"

Norwood currently serves as Co-Chair of the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County. She is a native of Washington, D.C. where she founded her public relations consulting business in 1993. In her former PR career, she worked exclusively with socially conscious clients. Norwood holds a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Maryland. She received her nutrition and culinary education through the Optimum Health Institute and the Living Light Culinary Arts Institute.

SOURCE Norwood PR & Productions

Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company, announced today that it has signed a long term agreement with Wirtz Beverage Group to distribute Diageo wine and spirits brands in the state of Illinois. Diageo's distribution arrangement in the state began in 2003 with Wirtz Beverage Illinois. Diageo brands such as Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray, and Sterling Vineyard and Beaulieu Vineyards wines are sold and marketed by a separate sales force solely dedicated to Diageo brands in the state.

"Wirtz Beverage is recognized for achieving industry-leading growth for our premium supplier partners," said Wirtz Beverage Group President Rocky Wirtz. "We are proud of the Diageo partnership and look forward to bringing the marketplace the true excellence of their products."

"Wirtz Beverage Group has helped us build our business in Illinois over the past six years and we look forward to furthering this growth as we extend our relationship," said Jeff Ivey, Senior Vice President, Commercial Strategy for Diageo North America. "We also look forward to working with them to continue our community involvement and leading the industry in social responsibility."

Wirtz Beverage Group has approximately 3,000 employees nationally and 1,100 in the state of Illinois. In addition to employing more than 400 people in Plainfield and Chicago, Diageo contributes approximately $1.2 million in local property taxes and $1.2 million in payroll taxes to the state. The alcohol beverage industry employs more than 131,000 people in Illinois and contributes more than $3 billion in wages, and nearly $979 million in state and local taxes.

About Wirtz Beverage Group

Wirtz Beverage Group, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the nation's leading alcohol beverage distributors with operations in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada and Wisconsin. With more than $1.5 billion in annual sales, Wirtz Beverage Group counts the world's elite suppliers as its partners.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo

To celebrate the season responsibly, Ketel One vodka has created a luxury, late-night experience that will provide gentlemen and their friends with everything they need to end their night right this December. The Ketel One Canteen will travel across the country offering complimentary gourmet food, bottled water and chauffeured rides home in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. Each city will feature recipes created by celebrity chefs Michael Psilakis, Rick Bayless and Ilan Hall respectively.

The chefs' unique take on late-night food is reflective of their personal cooking styles. Michael Psilakis pays homage to his Greek-American roots while Rick Bayless will offer contemporary expressions of Mexico's most beloved dishes. Ilan Hall fuses together a wide array of ethnicities and tastes as he does at his new Los Angeles restaurant.

In addition to late night bites, Ketel One vodka will offer complimentary rides home on a first-come-first-served basis in high-end vehicles. This combination of gourmet food and safe rides ensure that everyone ends their night out in a responsible manner.

"The holidays are a time of celebration, but it's important to always drink responsibly," said Toby Whitmoyer, Director of Marketing, Ketel One vodka. "The Ketel One Canteen is the perfect way for gentlemen and their friends to end their evening."

THE KETEL ONE CANTEEN DETAILS
-----------------------------

Dates:       New York City - Dec. 3-5
             Chicago - Dec. 10-12
             Los Angeles - Dec. 17-19
Time:        Midnight - 2 a.m.
Locations:   New York City - Meatpacking district
             Chicago - Gold Coast district
             Los Angeles - West Hollywood

About Ketel One® Vodka

Ketel One® vodka is a vodka rooted in authenticity, crafted honoring tradition and sophisticated in taste. Ketel One vodka is produced by the Nolet family in Schiedam, Holland, who has been distilling fine spirits for 10 generations. Ketel One is produced from the finest quality wheat. The super premium vodka is crafted from small batches using traditional copper pot stills including the original copper pot still "Distilleerketel #1" after which Ketel One is named. For more information, visit www.ketelone.com.

In 2008, the Nolet Group and Diageo announced that they had completed a transaction to form a new 50/50 company called Ketel One Worldwide B.V. to own the perpetual exclusive global rights to sell, market, and distribute Ketel One vodka and Ketel One Citroen vodka. The Ketel One brand is owned by Double Eagle Brands N.V.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.

SOURCE Ketel One(R) vodka

For the fourth consecutive year, the readers of Global Traveler magazine have bestowed the honor of "Best Domestic First Class Airline" upon American Airlines, a founding member of the oneworld®( )Alliance.

Global Traveler's annual GT Tested Awards program surveyed more than 25,000 business and leisure travelers to determine the best in business and luxury travel for 2009. The GT Tested Awards will be presented on Jan. 21, 2010, in New York City.

"By winning this award for the fourth straight year, our customers know they will experience a far better premium travel experience on American Airlines," said Lauri Curtis, Vice President-Onboard Service at American Airlines. "It is our hope that our flight attendants' tireless efforts to provide a safe and enjoyable flight - combined with the multitude of product enhancements that we have prudently invested in - will continue to enrich our customers' onboard experience."

Global Traveler conducted an open-ended reader survey from Jan. 1, 2009, to Aug. 31, 2009, to determine the best in many categories of business and luxury travel. Only those questionnaires that were at least 50 percent completed were counted and entries from employees of the magazine or individuals associated with the travel industry were not accepted.

"We're honored that for the fourth year in a row the readers of Global Traveler have selected American Airlines as best domestic First Class," said Kurt Stache, Vice President and General Sales Manager at American Airlines. "This recognition reflects American's commitment to enhance the customer experience for our loyal travelers by offering quality products and services that our customers value."

"Congratulations to American Airlines. For the past four years, their domestic first class service has continued to be a favorite among our readers," said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, Global Traveler. "The dedication to service and product exhibited by American Airlines is certainly award worthy."

Throughout 2009, American strategically fine-tuned its existing service by implementing complimentary enhancements such as new styles of china and cutlery in First and Business Class; new wine glasses in premium cabins on select flights; an appetizer course and bread plate, as well as a new cheesecake in domestic First Class; and a variety of other enhanced food and beverage offerings for customers traveling in premium cabins as well as flying internationally in Economy Class.

American Airlines was also honored in August in Global Traveler's annual "Wines on the Wing" awards as the premier choice for sparkling wine while cruising at 35,000 feet. Global Traveler's panel of wine experts and consultants selected American Airlines as serving the Best Sparkling Wine in the North American Premium Class category for its Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut.

"Year after year, American's onboard wine selection continues to win accolades from our expert wine judges," Gallagher said. "American Airlines is doing something right and I expect to see them on our survey for many years to come."

Earlier this year, American welcomed classically trained winemaker and viticulturist Ken Chase as the airline's official consultant in selecting fine wines for customers traveling on American's various routes throughout the world.

"Wine is an integral part of the onboard dining experience," Curtis said. "Ken Chase's extensive knowledge bolsters American's ability to share classic wine varieties with our customers inflight, as well as to introduce unique wines from non-traditional regions to those who enjoy tasting new wines."

American Airlines will provide tastings of its award-winning Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut to attendees at the GT Tested Awards ceremony in New York City on Jan. 21.

The December issue of Global Traveler magazine features American's "Best Domestic First Class Airline" recognition and American's "Best Sparkling Wine in North American Premium Class" Wines on the Wing award.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. ( AMR)

AmericanAirlines® We know why you fly®

Current AMR Corp. releases can be accessed on the Internet.

The address is http://www.aa.com

SOURCE American Airlines

Salsarita's Fresh Cantina, one of the nation's fastest growing, fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains, is celebrating December with a special "Spin the Wheel" promotion at the Ballantyne Quad location on 14021 Conlan Circle in Charlotte. Guests are encouraged to bring in any valid coupon and trade it in for a chance to spin the wheel to win a menu discount.

"During the holidays consumers are inundated with coupons they don't use or need. Salsarita's is offering our Ballantyne customers a chance to trade any coupon in at checkout for a chance to win a free menu item or discount," said Patricia Morris, brand manager, Salsarita's Fresh Cantina. "You can bring in a coupon for an oil change, dry cleaning or even another restaurant as long as it is valid."

The promotion is being tested at this single corporate location for the month of December and if successful, will be rolled out to franchisees nationwide in 2010. Prizes include various discounts off entree menu items, a complimentary meal or a free cookie. Guests landing on the grand prize spot will be entered into a weekly drawing in which they'll have the chance to win a year's supply of free burritos. Typically, in-store promotions are piloted at selected corporate locations and then expanded systemwide based on the campaigns' effectiveness.

"Many chains discourage couponing, which we feel is counter intuitive for our fast casual offering since customers are seeking ways to save on restaurant meals now more than ever," said Paul Mangiamele, president and CEO, Salsarita's Fresh Cantina. "Ultimately, we want our customers to become lifetime guests and this unique promotion is focused on delivering value, while exposing our guests to our legendary food and hospitality."

Salsarita's specializes in serving made-to-order burritos, tacos, tortilla pizzas and taco salads. Prepared fresh-daily in each restaurant, guests can enjoy high-quality dishes featuring ground beef, grilled chicken, grilled steak, or pork, grilled shrimp and fresh vegetables. Salsarita's also offers a choice of 13 delicious fillings and four homemade salsas. Every order is prepared in full view of customers in a 700-square-foot display kitchen with a contemporary Hispanic motif.

With new locations opening across the country, Salsarita's is one of the leading fast-casual fresh-Mexican restaurants in the United States, and is quickly gaining brand recognition and a reputation for quality and legendary hospitality.

"In today's tough economy, we thought this would be a unique and fun way to offer our loyal guests a price break over the holiday season," said Morris. "We invite family and friends to stop in and take advantage of the promotion and enjoy our delicious Fresh-Mexican fare."

Salsarita's is currently looking for qualified candidates with food service, operations or real estate experience to join its team as area representatives, area developers or single-unit franchisees. The estimated initial investment for a traditional restaurant is between $296,700 and $577,100 depending on the real estate selection ranging from 2,200 to 2,700 square-feet, which includes a $25,000 franchise fee. The company's comprehensive training and support program includes a three-week Burrito Boot Camp at the corporate headquarters, pre- and post-grand opening on-site support and ongoing business coaching.

About Salsarita's Fresh Cantina

Founded in 2000, Salsarita's Fresh Cantina is one of the fastest-growing Mexican fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains, recognized for its people, food and world-class hospitality. Customers can create delicious made-to-order meals from a flavorful Mexican menu that offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, tortilla-crusted pizzas and salads with a wide selection of meats, fresh vegetables and homemade salsas in lively, family-friendly environment. The company is currently closing in on its first hundred restaurants with the goal of opening 200 restaurants by the end of 2012. For general information, please visit www.salsaritas.com or call 704-540-9447. For franchising information, please visit http://www.salsaritasfranchising.com or call 866.61SALSA.

Media Contact
Jenna Kantrowitz
Fish Consulting
646-454-9708
jkantrowitz@fish-consulting.com

SOURCE Salsarita's Fresh Cantina

Sino Green Land Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: SGLA), a leading distributor of high-end fruits and vegetables in China, today announced that a full video and audio recording of the company's investor presentation is now available within the Media Center section of the Company's website at www.sinogreenland.com. The investor presentation contains a broad range of topics including a market overview, the company's growth strategy, as well as information about the company's plans to begin distributing green food products in 2010.

About Sino Green Land Corporation

Sino Green Land Corporation is a leading agricultural distributor of high end fruits and vegetables in the People's Republic of China. Since its inception in 2003, Sino Green Land has grown from a small distributor of various produce to become a large distributor of high end fruits such as: Fuji apples, emperor bananas and tangerine oranges. In the process, Sino Green Land has built a solid reputation, a sophisticated supply chain and a distribution network that stretches from Beijing to Guangzhou.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements include, among others, those concerning the company's expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about future events. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that a number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results of the Company to differ materially from those anticipated, expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "targets," "optimistic," "intend," "aim," "will" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include risks related to the company's ability to overcome competition in its market; the impact that a downturn or negative changes in the price of the company's products could have on its business and profitability; the company's ability to simultaneously fund the implementation of its business plan and invest in new projects; economic, political, regulatory, legal and foreign exchange risks associated with international expansion; or the loss of key members of the company's senior management; any of the factors and risks mentioned in the "Risk Factors" sections of the Company's amended current report on Form 8-K/A filed on April 24, 2009. The Company assumes no obligation, and does not intend, to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Contact:
Crescendo Communications, LLC
David Waldman or Klea Theoharis
Tel: (212) 671-1020
E-mail:  sgla@crescendo-ir.com

SOURCE Sino Green Land Corporation

China Marine Food Group Ltd. (NYSE Amex: CMFO), a manufacturer of seafood-based snack foods and distributor of fresh and frozen marine catch, today announced the signing of a definitive loan and option agreement with Fujian based Xianghe Food Science and Technology ("Xianghe"), the manufacturer of the branded "Hi-Power" algae-based soft drinks in China. China Marine received an option to purchase 80% of the stock of Xianghe for $27.8 million in cash consideration with the closing expected after the satisfactory completion of customary due diligence and auditing within the next two months. In consideration for the option, China Marine agreed to loan Xianghe $26.4 million, which will become part of the consideration for the purchase price from Mr. Qiu Shang Jing, the founder and sole shareholder of Xianghe, in the event China Marine exercises the option. The loan will be secured with a pledge by the seller of all of the stock in Xianghe.

China Marine's transaction with Xianghe was made after management determined the company would be a strong complement to China Marine's existing health-conscious seafood-based products. Xianghe's flagship product, "Hi- Power" algae drink, was developed by the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute Chinese Academy of Fishery Science in coordination with Xianghe's founder, Mr. Qiu Shang Jing. Hi-Power markets itself as a high-protein content drink, low in calories and fat, with benefits to the immune system, improved digestion and reductions in hyperglycemia and hypertension. Hi-Power's target market is focused on health-conscious consumers in China's fast-growing beverage market.

Similar to China Marine, Xianghe has developed a network of distributors in the Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Hunan provinces which sell Hi-Power to retail food stores, restaurant food supply dealers and the hospitality industry. Preliminary 2010 estimates of revenues from Xianghe are over $20 million with net profit margins anticipated at 20%. China Marine's estimate regarding Xianghe's performance is subject to the completion of due diligence and future development of the business. Through integrating the product into China Marine's distribution network and expanding distribution to untapped provinces in China, management expects revenues can accelerate significantly during 2010 and beyond.

Revenue contributions from Xianghe were exclusive of China Marine's previously stated 2010 guidance of $80 million in revenues and $18 million in net income.

As part of the acquisition, the parties intend that the managing director of Xianghe and all associated sales and marketing staff will join the China Marine team. Collectively, the team plans to meet the strategic goals of Hi- Power's marketing strategy and also collaborate with China Marine's Mingxiang(R)-branded seafood snack food sales team to leverage China Marine's current distribution in seven provinces throughout China.

"We believe Xianghe is at a key inflection point in its business evolution," began Pengfei Liu, Chairman and CEO of China Marine. "In addition to the potential earnings contribution from this contemplated acquisition, there are a number of synergies, including cross selling to our collective customer base, brand identity and distribution methodologies, which meet our acquisition criteria. Xianghe's location in our home province of Fujian is very near to our Shishi based headquarters which lends to their quick assimilation into our business operations and corporate culture. This beverage product line is ideally situated in one of the fastest growing categories in China's retail food and drink markets. The final consideration was that the company's use of algae as the base raw material in Hi-Power is consistent with healthy, marine-based food sources we currently use ourselves. We look forward to completing our due diligence and reviewing Xianghe's 2009 audit as we take the next steps in this contemplated acquisition. We are also confident that our investors will also find similar value in our decision and expansion of our product portfolio and that Xianghe's anticipated accumulated profits will equal our initial investment within four years," Liu concluded.

About China Marine

China Marine Food Group Ltd. processes and distributes seafood-based snack foods, and fresh and frozen marine catch to seven provinces in the PRC. Founded in 1994, China Marine has grown steadily and positioned its "Mingxiang" brand as a category leader in 2,200 retail sales points in the PRC. The Company has received "The Famous Brand" and "Green Food" awards. It is located in Fujian province, one of the largest coastal provinces in the PRC and a vital navigation hub between the East China Sea and the South China Sea. The Company is committed to the highest standard of quality control with the ISO9001, ISO14001, HACCP certification and EU export registration.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of China Marine Food Group Limited, its subsidiary companies and Xianghe Food Science and Technology, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes, estimates, expects, anticipates" or similar expressions. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including all business uncertainties relating to product development, marketing, concentration in a single customer, raw material costs, market acceptance, future capital requirements, competition in general and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are or will be described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. China Marine Food Group Limited and Xianghe Food Science and Technology is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    Company:
     Marco Hon Wai Ku, CFO
     Suite 815, 8th Floor
     Ocean Centre, Harbour City
     Kowloon, HONG KONG
     Tel:   +852-2111-8768 (HK)
     Email: marco.ku@china-marine.cn
     Web:   http://www.china-marine.cn

    Investor Relations:
     John Mattio, SVP
     HC International, New York
     Tel:   +1-203-616-5144 (U.S.)
     Email: john.mattio@hcinternational.net
     Web:   http://www.hcinternational.net

SOURCE China Marine Food Group Ltd.

Dunkin' Brands, the parent company of two of the world's most recognized and loved brands, Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, today announced that Rich Emmett has joined the company as senior vice president and general counsel. He will serve on the Dunkin' Brands Executive Leadership Team and will report directly to Dunkin' Brands' Chief Executive Officer Nigel Travis.

"Rich has extensive general counsel experience at big-brand, franchised, food service companies," said Dunkin' Brands' CEO and Dunkin' Donuts President Nigel Travis. "His management experience, business as well as legal acumen, and impressive track record in the development of strong franchisee relationships will be invaluable to us as we move our brands forward. We are delighted to welcome Rich to the senior leadership team."

Before joining Dunkin' Brands, Mr. Emmett was Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary at QCE HOLDING LLC (Quiznos) where he was responsible for the oversight of the legal department, Board management and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. He also served as a member of the Quiznos leadership team and worked with the company on a wide array of issues, ranging from the development of the overall business strategy to managing U.S. and international franchise relations.

Prior to Quiznos, Emmett served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Papa Johns International, Inc., where he was a member of the senior management team and was integrally involved in the company's policy and strategic decision-making, as well as in the day-to-day operations of the business.

"I am delighted to be joining Dunkin' Brands, a company with two of the world's best-loved brands and one of the premier franchising concepts in the world," said Mr. Emmett. "I look forward to working with the leadership team and our franchisee community to continue to better serve our customers and deliver results around the world."

Before entering the corporate environment, Emmett was a partner at the law firm of Greenebaum Doll & McDonald. He earned his J.D. from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary and a B.A. from Colgate University. Emmett will be relocating to the Boston area from Denver, Colorado.

About Dunkin' Brands, Inc.

With more than 15,000 points of distribution in 44 countries worldwide, Dunkin' Brands, Inc. is renowned for its leadership in the quick quality category. At the end of 2008, there were 8,835 Dunkin' Donuts franchised restaurants and 6,013 Baskin-Robbins franchised restaurants and the company had system-wide sales of approximately $6.9 billion. Dunkin' Brands, Inc. is headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.dunkinbrands.com.

  Contact:     Michelle King
               Dunkin' Brands
               Phone: 781-737-5200
               Email: michelle.king@dunkinbrands.com

SOURCE Dunkin' Brands

Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Recessionary Strategies for Food and Drinks Companies: The impact on NPD, price architecture and future developments

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0165654/Recessionary-Strategies-for-Food-and-Drinks-Companies-The-impact-on-NPD-price-architecture-and-future-developments.html

In North America, Europe and, to an extent, Japan, the food and drink industry has been significantly impacted by the downturn. Recession in these markets has radically altered consumer behavior across the board, and essentials such as food and drink are by no means exempt. While consumers are not going to stop buying groceries, recession has both a real and a potential impact on household incomes and budgets. Falls in actual income caused by recession and the possibility of reduced future income have entailed major changes in spending on food and drink in developed economies.

Table of Contents

Recessionary Strategies for Food and Drinks

Companies

Executive summary 8

The recession and spending on grocery 8

The impact of the recession on grocery sectors 9

Recession and grocery retail 10

Chapter 1 Macroeconomic analysis 14

Summary 14

Introduction 15

Developed economies in recession 15

The cost of food and drinks 21

Chapter 2 Resilience, vulnerability and

trading down 26

Summary 26

Introduction 26

Immediate impact of the recession 27

Short-term movement in grocery markets 27

Resilient sectors of the market 30

Premium and ethical products 32

The impact of trading down 34

Impact on market structure 34

Case study- Bonduelle 37

Movement to home consumption 39

Taking more meals at home 40

Entertaining at home 41

Preparation of food for out-of-home consumption 42

Chapter 3 Recession and the grocery retail

sector 44

Summary 44

Introduction 45

Grocery retail and the recession 45

Growth in value retail and discounters 46

Dynamics of price-driven discount food retail 50

Building standardized ranges 52

Targeting high growth segments 52

Adapting products to suit local tastes 53

General trading down in grocery retail 56

Premium private label offering 58

Ongoing development of lowest price private label 59

Upmarket retailers develop value ranges 59

Growth of private label 61

Chapter 4 Innovation and NPD 66

Summary 66

Introduction 67

Price and value strategies 68

Targeting budget-conscious consumers 70

Focusing on costs and pricing 72

Packaging modification 76

Targeting in-home consumption 79

Meal occasions out of the home 79

Displacement of demand 81

Products and ingredients for home cooking 81

Home entertainment and treats 82

Products for out-of-home consumption 84

Chapter 5 Outlook and future

developments 88

Summary 88

Introduction 88

Outlook scenarios for developed economies 89

Consumer trends over the next 5 years 92

The evolution of NPD 94

List of Figures

Figure 1.1: Quarterly real GDP growth in Europe, the US and Japan (%), 2008-Q2 2009 16

Figure 1.2: Economic Sentiment Index, Europe, 2004-2009 18

Figure 1.3: Unemployment rates in Europe, the US and Japan, % of adults, September 2008-June

Figure 2.4: Rating of resilience to the downturn of different product categories 31

Figure 2.5: Recessionary impact on market structure 35

Figure 2.6: Sectors gaining from trading down 36

Figure 3.7: Retail strategies for recession in the UK 46

Figure 3.8: Growth in discounter share of European grocery market value, 2003-08 48

Figure 3.9: Innovative private label offerings 55

Figure 3.10: Trading down in a recession 56

Figure 3.11: Grocery private label share (%,value), Europe, May 2009e 62

Figure 4.12: Balancing experience with value 67

Figure 4.13: Importance of downturn-related consumer trends on grocery 69

Figure 4.14: Rating of importance of strategies targeting budget-conscious consumers 70

Figure 4.15: Rating of options for cutting costs and developing lower price products 72

Figure 4.16: Expectations of changes in marketing and NPD expenditure during recession 74

Figure 4.17: Innovation in packaging 77

Figure 4.18: Out-of-home share of total meal occasions (% of annual occasions), Europe and US,

Figure 4.19: Meals for out-of-home consumption 85

Figure 5.20: Rating of importance of consumer trends over next five years 92

Figure 5.21: Rating of impact of downturn on NPD by region 95

Figure 5.22: Key positionings by year for all food and drinks products (% share of launches), 2007-

List of Tables

Table 1.1: Quarterly real GDP growth in Europe, the US and Japan, 2008-Q2 2009 16

Table 1.2: Unemployment rates in Europe, the US and Japan, % of adults, September 2008-June

Table 1.3: Monthly changes in food prices, EU economies (%), August 2008-July 2009 22

Table 3.4: Growth in discounter share of European grocery market value, 2003-08 47

Table 4.5: Out-of-home meal occasions, Europe and US (occasions bn), 2003-2008 79

Table 5.6: Impact of outlook scenarios for developed economies on grocery sector 89

To order this report:

Food Retailing Industry: Recessionary Strategies for Food and Drinks Companies: The impact on NPD, price architecture and future developments

More Market Research Report

Nicolas Bombourg
Reportlinker
Email: nbo@reportlinker.com
US: (805)-652-2626
Intl: +1 805-652-2626

SOURCE Reportlinker

Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG) today announced that CFO Jacqualyn Fouse will address the 2009 Citi's Food Fest - 1st Annual Food Manufacturing Conference in New York on Thursday, December 3, 2009, at 1:45 p.m.

The presentation will be webcast live on www.Bunge.com.

Webcast Information

To access the webcast, click on the "Investor Information" link on the Bunge homepage then select "Webcasts and News Alerts". Click on the link for "Citi's Food Manufacturing Conference".

A replay of the webcast, available later in the day, will be archived on the Bunge Web site. To access the replay, go to "Investor Information", select the "Audio Archives" link and follow the prompts to access the presentation.

About Bunge Limited

Bunge Limited (www.Bunge.com, NYSE: BG) is a leading global agribusiness and food company founded in 1818 and headquartered in White Plains, New York. Bunge's 25,000 employees in over 30 countries enhance lives by improving the global agribusiness and food production chain. The company supplies fertilizer to farmers; originates, transports and processes oilseeds, grains and other agricultural commodities; produces food products for commercial customers and consumers; and supplies raw materials and services to the biofuels industry.

SOURCE Bunge Limited

Diedrich Coffee, Inc. (Nasdaq: DDRX) announced today that it will extend the period that Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc. (Nasdaq: PEET) has to negotiate a proposal with Diedrich Coffee to amend the current merger agreement and the offer contemplated thereby in a manner that Diedrich Coffee's Board of Directors determines is at least as favorable to Diedrich Coffee's stockholders as the revised offer of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (Nasdaq: GMCR) until 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, November 30, 2009.

In a press release issued earlier today that its Board of Directors had determined that the recently revised offer from GMCR continues to be a superior proposal to the terms of the merger agreement with Peet's, Diedrich Coffee announced that Peet's had until 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, November 27, 2009, to negotiate a proposal with Diedrich Coffee to amend the current merger agreement.

In a later press release issued by Peet's, Peet's indicated that it interprets the relevant provisions of the merger agreement differently in that Peet's believes that it has until 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, November 30, 2009 to negotiate a proposal with Diedrich Coffee to amend the current merger agreement. In the interest of ensuring the best possible outcome for the stockholders of Diedrich Coffee, the Board of Directors of Diedrich Coffee has decided not to debate interpretations of the merger agreement but will extend the relevant period to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, November 30, 2009.

About Diedrich Coffee

Diedrich Coffee specializes in sourcing, roasting and selling the world's highest quality coffees. The company markets its three leading brands of specialty coffees, Diedrich Coffee, Coffee People and Gloria Jean's Coffees, through office coffee service distributors, restaurants and specialty retailers, and via the company's web stores. Diedrich Coffee is one of only four roasters under license to produce K-Cups for Keurig Incorporated's top-selling single-cup brewing system. For more information about Diedrich Coffee, call 800-354-5282, or go to www.diedrich.com, www.coffeepeople.com or www.coffeeteastore.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that relate to future plans, financial results or projections, events or performance are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and fall under the safe harbor. Actual results and financial position could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the financial and operating performance of Diedrich Coffee's wholesale operations, the company's ability to maintain profitability over time, the successful execution of the company's growth strategies, the impact of competition, the availability of working capital, and other risks and uncertainties described in detail under "Risk Factors and Trends Affecting Diedrich Coffee and its Business" in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 24, 2009 and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except where required by law, the company does not undertake an obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or changed circumstances.

Additional Information and Where To Find It

Stockholders of Diedrich Coffee are urged to read the relevant tender offer documents because they contain important information that stockholders should consider before making any decision regarding tendering their shares. Peet's Coffee & Tea and its acquisition subsidiary have filed tender offer materials with the SEC, and Diedrich Coffee has filed a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement with respect to the tender offer. The tender offer materials (including a Registration Statement, an Offer to Purchase, a related Letter of Transmittal and certain other offer documents) and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement contain important information, which should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the tender offer. The Registration Statement, Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, are available to all stockholders of Diedrich Coffee at no expense to them. The tender offer materials and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement are available free of charge at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, stockholders are able to obtain a free copy of these documents from Diedrich Coffee by mailing requests for such materials to: Diedrich Coffee, Inc., Office of Investor Relations, 28 Executive Park, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614. In addition to the tender offer materials described above, Diedrich Coffee and Peet's file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information filed by Diedrich Coffee or Peet's at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Diedrich Coffee's and Peet's filings with the SEC are also available to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

Diedrich Coffee Investor Relations:
Scott Liolios or Cody Slach
Liolios Group, Inc.
Tel 949-574-3860
info@liolios.com

SOURCE Diedrich Coffee, Inc.

- Expansion of the Private Brand "Mega ", Reaching 6% of the Sales, Starting to Yield Fruits

Blue Square Reports stability in the Operating Profit Despite the Increased Competition and One-Time Expenses

The Successful Launch of the Loyalty Club Resulted in the Enrollment of 350,000 New Club Members in the Third Quarter and in the Aggregate the Club has 500,000 Members.

The Company Announces the Commencement of the Second Stage in the Development of "Eden Teva Market" Chain Planning to Open "Eden" Branches in the Company Stores Under the Concept of "Store Within a Store" Blue Square-Israel Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: BSI) today announced its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Results for the third quarter of 2009

Revenues for the third quarter of 2009 were NIS 1,925.5 million (U.S.(A) $512.4 million), compared to NIS 1,936.2 million in the corresponding quarter of 2008 - a decrease of 0.6 %. Supermarket same store sales (SSS) for the period decreased by 2.5% (compared to a decrease of 6.8% in sales in SSS in the first half) due to the recession in the market, increased competition and erosion of the sales prices in HD chains. On the other hand, the decrease in sales was offset by the net addition of nine new stores during the last 12-month period of approximately 8,000 square meters;

Gross Profit of the third quarter of 2009 amounted to NIS 533.2 million (U.S. $ 141.9 million) (27. 7 % of revenues) compared to gross profit of NIS 538.8 million (27.8% of revenues) in the corresponding quarter of 2008. The decrease in the gross profit margin derives from an increase in the relative scope of sales of the HD chains of total sales that were offset from the improvement of trade agreements and supplier discounts and from the contribution of the private brand of "Mega", which already accounts for 6% of total sales.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses for the third quarter of 2009 amounted to NIS 474.4 million (U.S. $ 126.2 million) (24.6% of revenues) compared to NIS 478.8 million (24.7% of revenues) in the corresponding period, a decrease of 0.9%. The decrease reflects the effect of efficiency measures taken by the company during the quarter which was mitigated by 1)increased expenses associated with the net addition of nine new stores, including the expenses associated with the accelerated opening of five branches of the "Eden Teva Market" format during the last twelve months 2) enrollment costs of a new phase of the "You" club 3) costs deriving from the increase in the expenses of the private brand 4) increase of the CPI, which affects expenses of rental fees and municipal taxes.

Operating Income (before changes in fair value of investment property and other gains and losses) in the third quarter of 2009 amounted to NIS 58.7 million (U.S $ 15.6 million) (3.1% of revenues) compared to the operating income of NIS 60.0 million (3.1% of revenues) in the corresponding period.

Changes in fair value of Investment Property: In the third quarter of 2009, the Company recorded gain from appreciation of investment property in the amount of NIS 6.7 million (U.S $ 1.8 million). In the corresponding period of the previous year, no change in the value of investment property was recorded.

Other Gains and Losses, Net: In the third quarter of 2009, the Company recorded other expenses, net of NIS 4.9 million (U.S. $ 1.3 million), compared to net income of NIS 11.1 million in the corresponding period. The expenses this quarter included costs of NIS 2.4 million (U.S $ 0.6 million) relating to the transaction of transferring real estate properties from Mega Retail Ltd. to Blue Square Real Estate and costs associated with the synergy of headquarters in BEE group amounting to NIS 0.8 million (U.S $ 0.2 million). In the corresponding quarter, mainly derives from decrease in holding rate in companies held by BEE Group due to reorganization.

Operating Income before financing in the third quarter of 2009 was NIS 60.5 million (U.S. $ 16.1 million) (3.1% of revenues) compared to operating income of NIS 71.1 million (3.7% of revenues) in the third quarter of 2008.

Financial Expenses (net) for the third quarter of 2009 were NIS 44.7 million (U.S. $11.9 million) compared to financial expenses (net) of NIS 50.1 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The decrease in financial expenses in this quarter compared to the corresponding quarter last year mainly derives from financial income from derivative financial instruments that contributed in this quarter an income of NIS 7.0 million (U.S $1.9 million) compared to an expense of NIS 6.4 million in the corresponding quarter last year and from financial income from marketable securities that contributed this quarter an income of NIS 3 million compared to an expense of NIS 3 million in the corresponding quarter. The decrease in the financial expenses was offset mainly as a result of the increase in financial expenses on long term loans and debentures in the amount of NIS 15.6 million this quarter compared to the corresponding quarter.

Taxes on Income for the third quarter 2009, tax benefit amounted to NIS 13.9 million (U.S. $3.7 million) (net of tax benefit in respect of the changes in tax rates as detailed below of NIS 20.3 million the effective tax rate was 40.9% compared to a statutory tax rate of 26%) compared to tax expenses of NIS 8.9 million (effective tax rate of 42.6% compared to a statutory tax rate of 27%) in the corresponding quarter. The change of tax expenses in the corresponding quarter to tax benefit this quarter mainly derives from recording tax benefit due to the decrease in deferred tax liabilities following the change in tax rates, as a result of the legislation of the Law for Economic Efficiency (Legislation Amendments for the Implementation of Economic Plan for 2009- 2010) 5769 - 2009, which prescribed, among others, the gradual decrease of corporate tax rate down to 18% in the 2016 tax year and onwards.

The implication of the change in the tax rates were reflected in the results of the third quarter of 2009 by a decrease in deferred tax liability and a recognition in income from taxes in the amount of NIS 20.3 million (U.S $ 5.4 million) out of which the portion attributed to the company's shareholders is NIS 15.2 million (U.S $ 4.0 million).

Net Income for the third quarter of 2009 was NIS 29.6 million (U.S. $ 7.9 million) compared to net income of NIS 12.0 million in the third quarter of 2008. The increase in the net income in this quarter compared to the corresponding quarter last year derives from tax benefit offsetting decrease in operating income, as mentioned above. The net income for the third quarter of 2009 attributable to shareholders, was NIS 25.1 million (U.S. $6.7 million), or NIS 0.57 per ADS (U.S. $ 0.15), while the portion attributable to the share of minority interests was NIS 4.5 million (U.S. $1.2 million).

Cash Flows in the third quarter of 2009

Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net cash flows deriving from operating activities in the third quarter of 2009 amounted to NIS 173.7 million (U.S. $ 46.2 million) compared to NIS 59.5 million in the corresponding quarter last year. The increase in cash flows from operating activities derives from increase in the negative working capital balances, decrease in paid taxes and was offset from decrease in operating income.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash flows proceeds from investing activities in the third quarter of 2009 amounted to NIS 307.3 million (U.S. $81.8 million) compared to net cash flows of NIS 73.3 million used in investing activities in the corresponding quarter last year. Cash flows proceeds from investing activities in the third quarter of 2009 included mainly realization of short term deposits of NIS 389.3 million (U.S. $103.6 million) net of cash used in investing activities for purchase of property and equipment, intangible assets and investment property in a total amount of NIS 72.5 million (U.S. $19.3 million) and net investment in marketable securities of NIS 12.2 million (U.S. $3.2 million). Cash used in investing activities in the third quarter of 2008 mainly included the purchase of property and equipment in a total amount of NIS 52.3 million and purchase shares of minority interests in subsidiaries in the amount of NIS 35.4 million.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash flows used in financing activities in the third quarter of 2009 amounted to NIS 167.4 million (U.S $ 44.5 million) compared to net cash provided by financing activities of NIS 98.8 million in the corresponding period last year. Cash flows used in financing activities in the third quarter of 2009 included mainly decrease in short term credit of NIS 380.3 million (U.S $ 101.2 million), repayment of long term loans of NIS 31.9 million (U.S $ 8.5 million), dividend paid to minority in subsidiaries in the amount of NIS 7.3 million (U.S $ 1.9 million), repayment of convertible debentures of NIS 13.3 million (U.S $ 3.5 million) and interest paid in the amount of NIS 35.2 million (U.S $ 9.4 million) net of receipt of long term loans amounting to NIS 301 million (U.S $ 80.1 million). Cash flows provided by financing activities in the third quarter of 2008 mainly included receipt of long term loans of NIS 172.5 million and increase in short term bank credit of NIS 25 million net of cash used in financing activities for repayment of long term loans of NIS 56.5 million, dividend paid to minority in subsidiaries of NIS 11 million and interest paid in the amount of NIS 30.8 million.

Comments of Management

Commenting on the financial results, Mr. Zeev Vurembrand, Blue Square's President and CEO, said: "2009 is marked by strategic measures with long term impact, which will shape the image and performance of the company in the coming years: the adjustment of the chains and the sub-brands through the establishment of Mega Bool Chain, the entry into the private brand segment and the launch of renewed loyalty club. In addition, during 2009 we performed a procedure of increasing operating efficiency and structural change which costs were charged to statement of operations.

In "Teva Eden Market" we completed Stage A of opening 9-10 branches. In Stage B, we intend to open approximately 6 Eden branches during the next two years inside the Mega branches, as a store within a store. In BEE retail group, during the next two quarters the synergy process of the headquarters will be finalized and the new logistic center will commence its operations during the second half of 2010. "Mega Bool" brand positions itself as a strong and leading brand in the HD segment in shorter time than expected. In conclusion, we began to see the fruits of the strategy, which was first implemented a year ago and we expect that the new actions will continue to impact the results of the company in the coming quarters".

    Additional Information

    1. As of September 30, 2009, the Company operated 203
       supermarkets in the following formats: Mega In Town -119;
       Mega Bool - 47; Mega - 11; Shefa Shuk - 17; Eden Teva Market - 9.

    2. EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and
       Amortization)
       In the first nine months of 2009, the EBITDA was NIS 311.7
       million (U.S. $ 83 million) (5.6 % of revenues) compared to NIS 344.0
       million (6.1% of revenues) in the corresponding period of last year.
       In the third quarter of 2009, amounted to NIS 106.5 million
       (U.S. $ 28.4 million) (5.5 % of revenues) compared to NIS 104.3
       million (5.4% of revenues) in the corresponding quater of last year.

       As of September 30, 2009, the ratio of its net financial
       obligations to EBITDA was 3.6 and the ratio of its unpledged
       property and equipment to the net financial obligations was 1.7.

Use of financial measures that are not in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

EBITDA is a measure that is not in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Non- GAAP) and is defined as income before financial income (expenses) net, other gain (losses) net, changes in fair value of investment property, taxes, depreciation and amortization. It is presented because it is a measure commonly used in the retail industry and is presented as an additional performance measure, since it enables comparisons of operating performances between periods and companies while neutralizing potential differences resulting from changes in capital structures, taxes, age of property and equipment and its related depreciation expenses. EBITDA, however, should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or income for the year as an indicator of our operating performance. Similarly, EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures for other companies. EBITDA may not be indicative of our historic operating results nor is it meant to be predictive of potential future results. Reconciliation between our income for the period and EBITDA is presented in the attached condensed financial reports.

    3. On October 1, 2009, Standard & Poors Maalot ratified the
       rating of ilA+ for the debentures Series A and B of the company
       and updated the rating forecast from stable to negative.

    Data in NIS (millions)
    Data                   Q3 2009    Q3 2008     1-9 2009     1-9 2008

    Sales                  1,925.5    1,936.2      5,534.2      5,675.8
    Gross profit             533.2      538.8      1,538.0      1,569.9
    % Gross profit            27.7%      27.8%        27.8%        27.7%
    Operating profit
    (before
    increase in fair
    value of real estate)     58.7       60.0        179.6        221.0
    % Operating profit
    (before
    increase in fair
    value of real
    estate)                    3.1%       3.1%         3.2%         3.9%
    Financial expenses        44.7       50.1         92.0         98.6
    Net income                29.6       12.0         79.4        114.3

Events During the third Quarter of 2009

Reorganization of real estate activity - transfer of real estate properties to the subsidiary Blue Square Real Estate Ltd.

In September 2009, the reorganization plan of the real estate activity of the company and its centralization under the subsidiary (78.45%) Blue Square Real Estate (BSRE), was completed under which the real estate properties of the subsidiary Mega Retail Ltd. ( formerly Blue Square Chain Investment & Properties Ltd) (Mega Retail), were transferred to BSRE.

Within the approval of the property transfer transaction the following were approved as well:

1. Lease agreement to lease the transferred properties that are not leased to third parties to Mega Retail for ten years from the closing date of the purchase agreement and an option to the lessee to extend the lease agreement for five additional years, and,

2. An agreement to extend the term of the existing lease agreements between Mega Retail and BSRE to an identical period (ten years from the closing date of the purchase agreement and an option to the lessee to extend the lease agreement for five additional years).

The completion of the transaction was performed as a of split pursuant to Section 105 to the Income Tax Ordinance which confers upon Mega Retail an exemption from the payment of land appreciation tax at this stage and its deferment under the split agreement with BSRE until the realization of the properties (as far as realized) or by the depreciation rate of the depreciable properties by BSRE. In addition, the payment of purchase tax for the transaction will be at a reduced tax rate of 0.5%.

The company and the subsidiaries, Mega Retail and BSRE will be subject to the restrictions prescribed by the provisions regarding the split pursuant to Section 105 to the Ordinance.

BSRE pledged certain of the transferred properties as collateral for a loan taken in order to finance the transaction. Transaction costs including purchase tax were recorded as expense in the statement of operations.

Results for the first nine months of 2009

Revenues for the first nine months of 2009 were NIS 5,534.2 million (U.S $1,472.6 million), compared to NIS 5,675.8 million in the corresponding period of 2008 - a decrease of 2.5 %. Supermarket same store sales (SSS) for the period decreased by 5.5% due to the recession and increased competition and erosion of prices in HD chains. On the other hand, the decrease in sales was offset by the net addition of nine new stores during the 12-month period of approximately 8,000 square meters.

Gross Profit in the first nine months of 2009 amounted to NIS 1538.0 million (U.S. $ 409.3 million) (27.8 % of revenues) compared to gross profit of NIS 1,569.9 million (27.7% of revenues) in the corresponding period of 2008. The increase in the gross profit derives from an increase in sales of BEE group characterized with relatively higher gross profit margins relative to the acceptable gross profit in the area of food retailing. In addition, the gross profit increased from trade agreements, some of which relate to the establishment of Mega Bool chain that offset the effect of the planned erosion in the gross profit margin as a result of establishing the chain.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses in the first nine months of 2009 amounted to NIS 1,358.4 million (U.S. $ 361.4 million) (24.5% of revenues) compared to NIS 1,348.9 million (23.8% of revenues) in the corresponding period, an increase of 0.7%. The increase reflects increase in expenses deriving from 1) net addition of 9 new stores, part of which relate to accelerated opening of 5 branches of the "Eden Teva Market" during the last 12 months 2) costs associated with launch of "Mega Bool" chain. 3) enrollment costs of a new phase of the "You" club 4) increase of the CPI, which affects expenses of rental fees and municipal taxes. On the other hand, the company took efficiency measures which resulted in decrease in payroll and related expenses. This decrease was offset in one time costs of NIS 9 million.

Operating Income (before changes in fair value of investment property and other gains and losses) in the first nine months of 2009 amounted to NIS 179.6 million (U.S $ 47.8 million) (3.2% of revenues) compared to the operating income of NIS 221.0 million (3.9% of revenues) in the corresponding period. The decrease in operating income was effected by the decrease in sales and increase in selling and administrative expenses, as mentioned above.

Changes in fair value of Investment Property in the first nine months of 2009, the Company recorded gain from appreciation of investment property of NIS 8.4 million (U.S $ 2.2 million) compared to NIS 18.0 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Other Gains and Losses, Net in the first nine months of 2009, the Company recorded other expenses, net of NIS 5.6 million (U.S. $ 1.5 million), compared to other expenses of NIS 9.3 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. The expenses included, in this period, provision for impairment of property and equipment in Dr. Baby stores in the amount of NIS 3.7 million (U.S. $ 1.0 million) and costs of NIS 2.4 million (U.S. $ 0.6 million) related to the transaction of transferring real estate properties from Mega Retail to BSRE and were offset by the capital gain in the amount of NIS 0.3 million (U.S. $ 0.1 million) from selling 1.55% of the shares of Blue Square Real Estate for NIS 10.1 (U.S. $ 2.7 million) and from capital gain of NIS 2.8 million (U.S. $ 0.7 million) from the purchase of 8% of Naaman shares held by minority. In the corresponding period, income mainly included gain from decrease in holding rate in companies held by BEE group due to the reorganization.

Operating Income before financing in the first nine months of 2009, was NIS 182.4 million (U.S. $ 48.5 million) (3.3% of revenues) compared to operating income of NIS 248.3 million (4.4% of revenues) in the corresponding period in 2008.

Financial Expenses (net) in the first nine months of 2009 were NIS 92.0 million (U.S. $24.5 million) compared to financial expenses (net) of NIS 98.6 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. The decrease in financial expenses in the current period compared to the corresponding period last year mainly derives from the effect of the change in the value of derivative financial instruments that contributed in the current period to an income of NIS 25 million (U.S $6.6 million) compared to an income of NIS 8.3 million in the corresponding period last year net of increase in the net financial debt of the company in the current period compared to the corresponding period last year which resulted in increase in short term financial expenses by NIS 10.7 million (U.S $2.8 million) in the current period compared to the corresponding period last year.

Taxes on Income in the first nine months of 2009 were NIS 10.9 million (U.S. $2.9 million) (12.1% effective tax rate compared to a statutory tax rate of 26%) compared to NIS 35.4 million (effective tax rate of 23.7% compared to a statutory tax rate of 27%) in the corresponding period. The decrease in the effective tax rate in this period compared to the corresponding period last year derives mainly from recording tax benefit due to the decrease in deferred tax liabilities following the change in tax rates, as a result of the legislation of the Law for Economic Efficiency (Legislation Amendments for the Implementation of Economic Plan for 2009- 2010) 5769 - 2009, which prescribed, among others, the gradual decrease of corporate tax rate down to 18% in the 2016 tax year and onwards. The implication of the change in the tax rates were reflected in the results of this period by decrease in deferred tax liability and recognition in income from taxes in the amount of NIS 20.3 million (U.S $ 5.4 million) out of which the portion attributed to the company's owners is NIS 15.2 million (U.S $ 4.0 million).

Net Income for the first nine months of 2009 was NIS 79.4 million (U.S. $ 21.1 million) compared to net income of NIS 114.3 million in the corresponding period of 2008. The decrease in the net income in the first nine months of the year compared to the corresponding period last year derives from a decrease in operating income and a decrease in income from appreciation of investment property net of a decrease in income tax expenses, as mentioned above. The net income for the first nine months of 2009, attributable to shareholders, was NIS 64.7 million (U.S. $17.2 million), or NIS 1.49 per ADS (U.S. $ 0.40), while the portion attributable to the share of minority interests was NIS 14.7 million (U.S. $3.9 million).

Cash Flows in the first nine months of 2009

Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net cash flows deriving from operating activities in the first nine months of 2009 amounted to NIS 331.7 million (U.S. $ 88.2 million) compared to NIS 337.7 million in the corresponding period last year. The decrease in cash flows from operating activities derives mainly from a decrease in operating income, and part of which was offset from a decrease in net taxes paid.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash flows used in investing activities in the first nine months of 2009 amounted