In a recent first quarter earnings release, West Coast restaurant operator Real Mex, Cypress, Calif., noted that -- although restaurant sales are down -- the company is continuing to expand its manufacturing.

Frozen food sales have slowed since the recession officially ended.

Meat, poultry and prepared foods giant Hormel Foods Corporation, Austin, Minn., said it promoted Scott Aakre to vice president of corporate innovation and new product development.

Weight Watchers International Inc. is literally taking a fresh approach to packaged food sales.

Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Toronto, said it will close a prepared meats facility located in Surrey, British Columbia, on September 30, 2011.

Already a champion for freshness, Sandridge Food Corp. takes an industry-leading step for refrigerated food safety.

Consumers are sourcing their food across an increasingly broad range of retail and foodservice outlets, according to a new report by Technomic.

Pierre Foods, Advance Food Company and Advance Brands said they officially closed a merger to form AdvancePierre Foods.

Convenience stores have been strengthening their foodservice programs and it appears their efforts are paying off.

Frozen bakery and prepared foods are key growth areas for Swiss global bakery foods giant Aryzta AG, which expected by July to complete two acquisitions valued at $1.08 billion.