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This week in supplier news

Foodservice packaging manufacturers say they are upbeat about prospects in 2010. Also this week: National Chicken Council, Tyson Foods Inc., CSM, Bakery Supplies North America, Best Brands Corp., Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Cheerwine, the Wornick Co., American Lamb Board, and Niman Ranch.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- Members of the foodservice packaging industry are more optimistic than they were last year, according to the Foodservice Packaging Industry Surveys conducted by the Foodservice Packaging Institute. The survey found that 82 percent of foodservice packaging manufacturers in North America forecasted their sales would be better in 2010 than they were last year. That figure is up from 42 percent in 2009, the surveys said. The surveys also said that 55 percent of manufacturers anticipated that their profits would be better than last year's.

SPRINGDALE, Ark. -- The National Chicken Council named Rodger Starnes, vice president of foodservice marketing and customer development for Tyson Foods Inc., to its marketing committee. Starnes, who joined Tyson in 1999 as director of customer development national accounts, will serve a one-year term. The committee meets twice a year to evaluate the sales and marketing climate of the chicken industry and provide recommendations concerning priority issues.

TUCKER, Ga. -- CSM, Bakery Supplies North America, has completed the acquisition of Best Brands Corp. CSM said the acquisition will provide product depth to the organization while complementing CSM's global customer service commitment. Combined annual sales will be more than $2.3 billion.

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Pepsi Bottling Ventures has begun distributing Cheerwine to restaurants and convenience stores for fountain use in North Carolina and the Myrtle Beach, S.C., area. Introduced in 1917 Cheerwine is a sparkling soft drink owned and distributed by the Carolina Beverage Corp. and Cheerwine Bottling Co. in Salisbury, N.C.

CINCINNATI -- The Wornick Co., a manufacturer of convenience foods and customized meal solutions, said Paul Sturkey will join the firm's product development team as development chef. In that role, Sturkey will lead product development and formulation for Wornick's new foodservice division.

DENVER -- The American Lamb Board teamed up with www.BostonChefs.com at the first Boston American Lamb Jam recently. Held at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Mass., the competition showcased 15 chefs and their American lamb dishes, which were paired with Boston beers and hand-picked wines. The winner were:

  • Leg Best in Show: Gourmet Caterers
  • Loin Best in Show: Sel de la Terre
  • Shank Best in Show: 606 Congress
  • Shoulder Best in Show: Pain D'Avignon

CHICAGO -- Levy Restaurants said it has formed an exclusive partnership with Niman Ranch. The Denver-based meat supplier will provide all-natural, gourmet beef, pork, turkey sausages and franks for the menus of several sports and entertainment venues operated by Levy. They include Arlington Park, Churchill Downs, Conseco Fieldhouse, Georgia Dome and U.S. Cellular Field. The partnership includes a concession component, and a suites and club program.

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