How a pasta maker used its noodle to whip the giants; AIPC reflects power shift within food industry to private-label firms

Article Abstract:

One area of the huge food industry is doing quite well and that area is the private-label makers. One such manufacturer is American Italian Pasta Co. that now makes Mueller's pasta for Bestfoods. Overall, private labels grew about 4% last year while the food industry grew only l%. The firm was started up in the mid-1980s by Richard Thompson, a college dropout. Earnings for fiscal 1998 were $15.3 million on sales of almost $189 million. Hershey has put its pasta business on the auction block because the company wants to focus on its other, more profitable lines.

Product information, Services information, Macaroni and spaghetti, Macaroni, Spaghetti & Noodles, Dry Pasta Manufacturing, Services, Pasta products, Cereal products industry, Pasta industry, American Italian Pasta Co., PLB, Private labeling, Private label products

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Heinz to trim its work force as much as 9%

Article Abstract:

H.J. Heinz Co. will make ketchup, tuna and pet food with 4,000 fewer employees worldwide over the next year or two. The company's plan includes closing about 20 factories and selling the Weight Watchers unit. The complete restructuring plan will take about four years and will focus on six product categories and six countries which ultimately is projected to increase the firm's return on investment to 40% up from the current 29%.

Comment:

Restructuring means plant closings and layoffs

Facilities & equipment, Misc. Food and Kindred Products, All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing, Misc Food Products, Planning, Food industry, Food, Buildings and facilities, H.J. Heinz Co., HNZ

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