Excerpted from the 2008 edition of Plunkett's Food Industry Almanac, this summary presents analysis of the food and beverages business, including the food processing, distribution, retailing and marketing. This market research tool includes our analysis of the major trends affecting the industry, from genetically-modified foods, to Wal-Mart success in becoming America's largest grocer, and the growing popularity of online grocery sales. In addition, we provide major statistical tables covering the industry, from agricultural commodities, to supermarket revenues, to restaurant statistics.