prices

Tropicana to Shrink Packaging, Increase Prices on OJ
News

Florida Freeze Forces Tropicana to Raise Orange Juice Prices

Florida's inclement weather this Winter is no pulp fiction.
by

Florida's inclement weather this Winter is no pulp fiction. Due to a deep freeze in January that impacted tomatoes and citrus, Tropicana is saying it has no choice but to raise prices on its orange juice. In May, Tropicana plans to keep the price steady on its Pure Premium orange juice half-gallon cartons, but reduce their size from 64 to 59 ounces. Its gallon-sized jugs will stay the same in volume, but go up in price by five to eight percent.According to the company, the Florida citrus industry has produced the smallest crop in 20 years. Its yield is down 12 percent from last year, after a freeze damaged a large portion of the produce. Part of this devastating cost is being passed off to customers. I'm not that bothered by the price increase — it likely won't be more than 50 cents extra — but I think the practice of shrinking sizes is deceptive. How do you feel about the move?

Source: Flickr User justinlai

Poll: Have You Ever Changed Your Order Based on Price?
Poll

Have You Ever Changed Your Order Based on Price?

Several nights ago, I stopped by an organic restaurant to pick up some takeout for my guy.
by

Several nights ago, I stopped by an organic restaurant to pick up some takeout for my guy. Although I didn't catch the price, I ordered the fish tacos — but when time came to sign the credit card bill, I recoiled at the amount — $20! I was slightly embarrassed, and hated to trouble the waitstaff who had to run into the kitchen to cancel the order, but the amount was far more than I was expecting to pay for tacos. Have you ever done something similar?

Beef Prices Drop
News

As Beef Prices Drop Restaurants Offer Cheaper Steaks

With more consumers turning to less expensive cuts of meat, like ground beef, the price of premium cuts has dropped to a very low level.
by partysugar

With more consumers turning to less expensive cuts of meat, like ground beef, the price of premium cuts has dropped to a very low level. This is good news for restaurants who can sell the top notch beef at a lower cost.

To compensate for the reduced demands of meat, the industry is producing less and letting the cattle pasture longer. Since the cattle are going to market at an older age, there are more premium cuts of beef: mature cows have better marbling.

However, consumers and chefs shouldn't wait to take advantage of the cheaper beef, the low prices might be short lived:

Beef prices will likely rise more in the late spring and summer, when demand goes up starting with Mother's Day and continuing through summer because of grill-heavy holidays such as Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

While I've been more inclined to buy cheaper meat these days, it's good to know that the price of something is dropping, and perhaps, the next time I'm out, I will opt for steak. How about you? Have you changed your meat habits?

Source

Boston Market Expands $5 Value Menu
News

Boston Market Latest Chain to Promote Cheaper Meals

Boston Market is the latest restaurant chain to succumb to sluggish spending.
by

Boston Market is the latest restaurant chain to succumb to sluggish spending. The Golden, CO-based corporation announced yesterday that it will offer a larger discounted menu of 11 meals for $5.

Boston Market joins a list of food chains — such as Subway, Quizno's, and Domino's — that have been promoting meals for $5. The company's chief brand officer, Judy Cantrell, said:

The $5 price point is an important part of the new vernacular in the restaurant industry. It’s become a price point that consumers respond to, and we see an opportunity to increase the quality of choices with our slow-roasted rotisserie chicken meals.

The value menu includes the chain's popular one-quarter rotisserie chicken, classic chicken salad, and rotisserie chicken pot pie, which come with a side dish and a drink. The company will promote its newly-priced menu with a TV commercial and online campaign. Will you try one of their $5 meals?

Source

When Buying Groceries, Do You Visit More Than One Store?
Shopping

When Buying Groceries, Do You Visit More Than One Store?

These days, it seems as though food prices are creeping higher on everything from corn to sushi.
by


These days, it seems as though food prices are creeping higher on everything from corn to sushi. Since I'm no stranger to a budget, I've increased the amount of time I spend shopping by heading to different stores for certain items.

For instance, I frequent Chinatown and farmers markets for produce, a large-scale grocery store for packaged foods, and a gourmet shop for seafood and specialty items. What about you?

Source

Given Current Events, How Often Do You Eat Out?
Poll

Given Current Events, How Often Do You Eat Out?

Has the slowing economy and potential food crisis changed how often you eat out?
by

Has the slowing economy and potential food crisis changed how often you eat out? Does it have to be a special occasion, or do you go whenever you feel like it?

Source

Has the Rising Cost of Food Changed Your Shopping Habits?
Shopping

Has the Rising Cost of Food Changed Your Shopping Habits?

It seems like there's a new story about the rising cost of food each and every morning.
by

It seems like there's a new story about the rising cost of food each and every morning. That combined with the current economy, makes me wonder what you're spending your money on at the grocery store. Have you changed your shopping habits at all? Or have you not been paying attention?

Source

Rationing! It's Not Just For Your Grandparents Anymore
prices

Rationing! It's Not Just For Your Grandparents Anymore

Click to ReadRationing! It's Not Just For Your Grandparents Anymore Shoppers at the Costco in Mountain View, CA felt the first tremors of the clamp down this week — no rice!
by Click to Read

Rationing! It's Not Just For Your Grandparents Anymore
Shoppers at the Costco in Mountain View, CA felt the first tremors of the clamp down this week — no rice! The usually packed shelves held but a few jumbo bags of rice and shoppers faced something the US hasn't really seen since WWII: rationing.

Rising Wheat Costs Means an Increase in Flour Prices
baking

Gold Medal Flour May Cost More Than Gold

As someone who loves to bake, I was pretty bummed to hear that the price of flour is going up.
by

As someone who loves to bake, I was pretty bummed to hear that the price of flour is going up. We've been hearing about how grocery prices are going up due to increased prices of dairy and wheat, but this is the first time I've seen solid numbers. According to CNN Money, the price of a 50-pound bag of flour went from $16 to $37, a 131 percent increase. And if that's not crazy enough, sources say that the price may reach $40 next week.

The prices have been steadily climbing due to poor growing conditions including a US Winter freeze and a European drought. With prices reaching new records, it's not just the homecook who won't be able to afford anything. Increased prices means less profit margins for restaurants and retailers. Sooner or later, those price increases are going to be passed on to those of us eating the food. So start saving your pennies, that $2 croissant might just be $3 tomorrow.

Source