Food Roundup: ConAgra Rebranding, Aroma Infusions, New Boston Market CEO and More

ConAgra to emphasize ConAgra — Though the food company has numerous well-known brands, it’s now putting more emphasis on its own name in a new promotional campaign. Research showed consumers did not associate their favorite ConAgra brands with the larger company the way they might with products from Kraft or General Mills. Furthermore, as private labels gain market share, a stronger national brand could help ConAgra maintain supermarket shelf space. [Sources: AP, Business Wire]

Aroma infusions tested — A company called ScentSational Technologies says it’s working with a number of food companies to add smells to their products. Taste is strongly linked to smell, so an added smell could make the brain perceive added flavor. ScentSational hasn’t revealed which companies it’s working with, but one is adding the scent of “freshness” to baby food lids. [Source: Fortune]

New chief at Boston Market — Lane Cardwell Jr. will replace Rick Arras as president and CEO of the Boston Market chain, the company announced Friday. Previously Cardwell worked for Brinker International and was interim CEO for five months at Famous Dave’s. [Source: Nation's Restaurant News]

100-calorie packs lose out in value-centered economy — Smaller snack packs are falling out of favor with consumers, according to market research company Mintel. Such packs are convenient but ultimately more expensive, on top of which, research has shown that they have not been as effective at promoting weight-loss as was initially anticipated. [Source: FoodNavigator-USA.com]

Farm worker immigration gets tougher — The U.S. Department of Labor has suspended for nine months new rules that would have made it easier to employ and get visas for temporary farm workers. The Bush Administration put the rule in place during its final days in office, but critics said the change would bring down farm worker wages. [Source: Wall Street Journal]