Newswatch 2009-01-12 (2)

TYSON CEO RICHARD BOND RESIGNS

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Richard Bond last week announced that he was resigning his position as chief executive officer of Tyson Foods, the largest meat company in the U.S., effective immediately. Leland Tollett, who was chairman and CEO of Tyson from 1995 through 1998, will serve as president and CEO of the company on an interim basis, according to published reports. “After seven years of helping lead or leading the world's largest meat company, I have decided it is in both my best interest personally, and the best interest of the company for me to move on and pursue other interests,” Bond said in a statement. Tyson, along with most other meat companies, struggled last year with steep spikes in input costs, led by soaring prices for animal feed and fuel. Bond's resignation followed “months of increased involvement in the company's daily affairs by Don Tyson,” who controls almost 70% of the company's voting shares, the Wall Street Journal reported.

SUPER BOWL AVOCADOS PROMOTED

IRVINE, Calif. — The Hass Avocado Board has launched its annual, multi-platform marketing campaign to promote avocado consumption on Super Bowl Sunday. This year's program features a partnership with three-time Super Bowl champion and NFL commentator Shannon Sharpe. HAB's consumer website, avocadocentral.com, will feature a guacamole recipe by Sharpe, as well as a contest inviting fans to submit videos of their favorite game day recipes, halftime antics or tailgating experiences for a chance to win one of 10 autographed footballs. The board will also run a series of ads on the Food Network featuring party recipe suggestions and emphasizing the nutritional benefits of avocados. And throughout January, HAB will offer Big Game Day themed point-of-sale materials, which retailers can order at www.avohq.com/POS_Order_Form.