New research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that eating a protein-rich breakfast reduces hunger, boosts satiety and reduces brain responses involved with food cravings more than a typical breakfast that is lower in protein.

Albertville Quality Foods acquired Sunrise Foods, adding more than $100 million in additional revenue to the combined company.

Pork and turkey processing giant Smithfield Foods, Inc., Smithfield, Va., said Richard J. M. Poulson, executive vice president, will retire from Smithfield effective September 1, 2010.

Senior management from Pierre Foods, Inc., Advance Food Company, Inc. and Advance Brands, LLC, said today that all three companies have agreed to merge.

Brazilian meat processor Marfrig Alimentos S.A., Sao Paulo, said it agreed to purchase U.S. foodservice  protein supplier Keystone Foods LLC, West Conshohocken, Pa., for $1.26 billion.

Watch out entree processors. You've got more competition ... from the produce department! Garden Protein International, Vancouver, B.C. has introduced gardein trio, a new line of refrigerated single-serve meals for merchandising in the produce cooler.