Timed with October’s celebration of National Sausage Month, Sara Lee Corp. said it introduced Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles, a "quicker and easier way to add perfectly-seasoned, hearty sausage to breakfast favorites."

It's twice as much Cajun taste -- in just one bag. Cajun Dining for Two is the latest offering from Savoie's Sausage and Food Products Inc., Opelousas, La.

InsideToronto.com said Cargill Limited plans next spring to close its Etobicoke, Ont., case-ready meat packing plant as part of "a strategic realignment."

Smoked meats processor Texas Hill Country Barbecue, Inc. (THCB), Dallas, said it formed a restaurant and hospitality division to develop and franchise restaurants.

Citing excess capacity in the fresh sausage industry, restaurant operator and sausage processor Bob Evans Farms Inc., Columbus, Ohio, said it will close its Galva, Ill., sausage plant, effective immediately.

Kayem Foods Inc., Chelsea, Mass., isn't chicken about flavorful new products. The latest addition to its al fresco chicken sausage line is Chipotle Chorizo with Mango.

Looking to expand its Canadian national presence, diversified meats processor Sofina Foods Inc., Markham, Ont., said it plans to purchase Lilydale Inc., Edmonton, Alb.

Signature sausages, globally inspired sandwiches and a resurgence in fried foods are among the 10 major influencers driving menu trends for 2010.

Sara Lee Corp., Downers Grove, Ill., said it will reduce salt by an average of 20 percent during the next five years across its key categories.

Tom Finn and John Zimmerman were promoted at Rosina Food Products Inc., a Buffalo, N.Y., processor of frozen pasta,entree, meatball, sausage and pizza topping products.