--(www.USEquityNews.com)-- 08/27/2008 - Consumer Goods industry alert provided by U.S. Equity News. Chiquita Brands International Inc. (NYSE: CQB) said recently that it formed a joint venture with Haitong Food Group Co. Ltd for the processing, sale and marketing of fresh produce in China. The move marks the company's first entry into the Chinese market. Under the agreement, Chiquita will provide limited capital investment and have majority ownership of the joint venture company, Zhejian Chiquita-Haitong Food Company Ltd., which will operate food processing operations in Cixi, China. The company will market and sell such offerings as fresh packaged salads, fresh cut fruits and vegetables and fresh chilled beverages in China. The pact is expected to receive regulatory approval during the fourth quarter. Chiquita was advised throughout the transaction by Shiyao Investments Ltd.
Convinced that great tasting food requires slow, careful preparation, Popeyes(R), a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFCE), is embarking on a comprehensive brand transformation that emphasizes its almost four decades of Louisiana-inspired home cooking. The initiative includes a more contemporary logo, new brand advertising and tagline, and distinctive new products. Positioning Popeyes as a "Louisiana Kitchen," the company employs a memorable "Louisiana Fast" theme to remind consumers that the brand's unique, authentic taste is based on a time-honored tradition of 12 + hour marination. "We are re-energizing our legacy of food superiority and authenticity," said Cheryl Bachelder, CEO of Popeyes. "For us, it's not just what we make, it's how we make it -- slow cooked food for a fast-paced life. Our brand repositioning will cater to the ever-changing needs of our guest without wavering on the authentic flavor and recognizable look that Popeyes fans know and love."
They've conquered England, were a dynamic duo in Beijing this August and are preparing for the U.S. Open...but that's not enough for tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams! The power pair announced recently that they're taking on a "second sport" and putting their "twisting, licking and dunking" skills to the test, as the newest members of the Double Stuf Racing League (DSRL). The sisters join famous quarterback brothers Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, the league's first "two sport" athletes, who launched the DSRL earlier this year. The DSRL puts a new spin on the classic Oreo and milk ritual by bringing friends and families together to "lick race" - a friendly competition where racers see who can twist, lick and dunk a single Oreo Double Stuf cookie and drink a glass of milk the fastest. The company's stock (NYSE: KFT) is listed on the Standard & Poor's 100 and 500 indexes as well as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Ethibel Sustainability Index.
NutraCea (OTCBB: NTRZ), a world leader in stabilized rice bran (SRB) nutrient research and technology, recently announced financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2008. The Company reported net revenues of $10.3 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared to net revenues of $13.0 million for the second quarter of 2007. The net revenues for the second quarter of 2007 included a one-time license fee of $5.0 million (non-recurring) without which net revenues for the second quarter 2007 would have been $8,000,000. Sequentially, net revenues for the second quarter of 2008 rose 102% over first quarter 2008 net revenues of $5.1 million. The Company's two business segments, NutraCea and Irgovel, recorded net revenues of $3.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively, for second quarter 2008.
About U.S. Equity News
U.S. Equity News provides information, resources and news services for investors of small-cap, micro-cap and emerging companies. U.S. Equity News distributes RSS news feeds and a free subscription-based newsletter available through its website at www.usequitynews.com.
U.S. Equity News is a financial news distribution service by Equity Solutions, Inc. (www.equityirsolutions.com) that provides a platform for public companies to disseminate important news to key Wall Street interest such as shareholders and new investors. Equity Solutions, Inc. can assist by providing an effective increase in the awareness of a public company's news, development and corporate story through its proprietary network and its financial portal. U.S. Equity News and its affiliates charge each client cash for news distribution and may take an equity position in the companies mentioned herein, please visit the disclaimer at www.USEquityNews.com.
