Elior Group, France, signed a definitive agreement through its U.S. subsidiary, culinary management leader Elior North America, Charlotte, N.C., to acquire Preferred Meals.

The specialty food industry continues to be a bright spot in the U.S. economy, and is now a $120.5 billion dollar industry, according to a new report by the Specialty Food Association.

Albertsons Cos., Boise, Idaho, launched a new store brand called Signature, the largest private label across all 2,286 of its stores.

According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research, Albany, N.Y., the global chilled and deli foods market is expected to rise to $988.7 billion by 2021.

FiveStar Gourmet Foods, an Ontario, Calif.-based provider of fresh and frozen prepared foods, announced plans to expand to the East Coast with a $20 million investment in a food manufacturing and distribution operation near Naples, Fla.

An increasing number of consumers are choosing supermarkets and convenience stores for their prepared meals and snacks in addition to quick-service restaurants, according to The NPD Group.

Ever So Saucy Foods by Chef Frank, a new line of hand-made, all-natural and tradition-inspired fine prepared foods, debuted on QVC by chef Frank Tramontano.

Bakkavor, a UK-based prepared foods manufacturer, acquired B. Robert’s Foods, a private label prepared food manufacturer based in Charlotte, N.C.