Food Producers Offer Value & Growth

Article Excerpt

Many investors see the food industry as stable and slow-moving. However, food is in the news every day. Consumers worry about the risk of common foods from transfats and other ingredients. New scientific studies link health with the presence of vitamins, minerals and other food components. Obesity is a growing concern as it becomes more common and its risk becomes better understood. This volatile situation creates opportunities for well-managed food producers like these three. All are improving their market share with new products, and cutting costs. They are also enhancing their longterm potential with new projects outside of Canada. CANADA BREAD COMPANY, LTD. $61 (Toronto symbol CBY; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; SI Rating: Above average) is a leading supplier of fresh and frozen baked goods to supermarkets and restaurants. It also makes pastas and sauces. Its main brands include “Dempster’s”, “Tenderflake” and “Olivieri”. Canada Bread’s revenue rose from $678 million in 2001 to $1.35 billion in 2005, mainly due to its $262.3…