Nestle Changes Product Name
le USA, based here, will change its 50-year-old brand name, Nestle Quik, to Nestle NesQuik. All of Nestle's product lines, which are marketed to more than 100 countries, will bear the new moniker, as well as the associated packaging. The roll-out is slated to begin in May. In a related development, Nestle has entered into a partnership with Minneapolis-based General Mills, to launch a new NesQuik cereal line in the United States, also in May.
USDA: Hog Prices to Rebound
WASHINGTON -- After suffering record lows last year, hog prices are expected to rise to approximately $40 per cwt in 1999, due to receding slaughter levels, lower production and continued increases in exports, according to the latest outlook by the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture here.
At the retail level, pork prices during 1998 declined less than 5%. During 1999, it is believed that retail prices will continue on a "downward adjustment" to meet the lower hog prices, eventually tapering off toward the end of the year, according to the ERS.
At their lowest, in December, prices for hogs were $14 per cwt, the worst average for the month since 1963.
Dean to Acquire Alta Dena
FRANKLIN PARK, Ill. -- Dean Foods here announced it plans to acquire Alta Dena Certified Dairy, City of Industry, Calif., from Bongrain North America. Terms were not disclosed.
Serving southern California, Alta Dena is a processor of milk, ice cream and other dairy products and has annual sales of approximately $200 million. The agreement is contingent on regulatory approval.
According to the company, some products, such as Dean's popular Milk Chug, will be sold locally under the Alta Dena label.
