Gourmet News March 2012 by Oser Communications

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volume 77, number 3 MARCH 2012 $7.00 n

specialty retailers n

Barrington Coffee fills niche with first Boston shop page 10

grocery & department Stores Kings Food Markets relaunches brand page 11 n Wal-Mart introduces nutrition icon for both packaged goods and produce page 11 n

Specialty Distributors & Brokers n

Tony’s Fine Foods acquires Bernard & Sons page 17

supplier business n

Columbus Foods to pay EPA penalty, invest $7 million in refrigeration safety upgrades page 18

News...................................................2 New Section: Giftware...............................................9 Marketwatch............................... 19-20 Ad Index............................................22 Smorgasbord/Classifieds...................22

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Expo West set to open strong By ROCELLE ARAGON

3,000 exhibits and 400 first-time exhibitors indicate the diversity of the natural products industry Registration was still open at press time for Natural Products Expo West, set March 8–11 at the Anaheim Convention Center. At a time of unprecedented growth and investment in the natural products industry, over 400 first-time exhibitors have helped make the show one of the biggest in its 30-year history. Even the show’s live music guest, Ziggy Marley, is at the show to launch two natural product lines of his own. Export opportunities will be a focus this year, with an International

Buyers Program drawing buyers from over 99 countries, and an exporters’ education track. A session has been added on March 8 to specifically address the business impact of the U.S.-European Union organic equivalency agreement, newly signed at press time. The speaker will be Jake Lewin, Chief Certification Officer at California Certified Organic Farmers. Also new this year is the Beer, Wine and Spirits Marketplace, which addresses the fast-growing market for naturally-produced alcoholic beverages. This year’s Expo West keynote will be delivered by Paul Greenberg, author of the sustainability-oriented New York Times bestseller “Four

Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food.” Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will also be speaking. Co-located with Expo West are two separate but related events: Engredea and Nutracon are shows focusing on innovations in the ingredient and supply chains, while the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace is an outdoor event focused on organic products. Show policies Earlier this year, Gourmet News reported on Expo West’s new policy barring children below 16 years old from the show floor. Following significant feedback from their Continued on Page 5

Buyer attendance up amid strong order-taking at NYIGF By Lorrie Baumann

Attendance at this winter’s New York International Gift Fair was solidly up and order-taking was heavy, according to the show’s vendors and management alike. With the introduction of 500 new companies among 2,800 total exhibitors, the show attracted an increased number of individual retailers, as well as a robust gain in the number of stores attending market, according to GLM, the show’s owner. The win-

ter 2012 NYIGF edition ran January 28-February 2, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. The winter 2012 NYIGF total attendance of 35,000 represented retailers from all 50 states and 74 countries, with Canada, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Columbia, Australia and the United Kingdom as the top source of international visitors. Overall, individual buyer atten-

dance grew almost five percent over winter 2011, with total company attendance increasing by seven percent over last year. “Growth in both individual and company attendance reflects an increasingly healthy economy and amplified the positive mood of the market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “Anecdotally, exhibitors reported a week of strong order Continued on Page 4

Raw, vegan foods projected among top 12 natural product trends Natural products research firm SPIN also picks hot ingredients SPINS, a market research and consulting firm for the natural products industry, released its projections of top industry trends for 2012, from non-toxic packaging to organic supplements to garbanzo beans. Specialty retailers will find interest in the “Broader Trends” section, which notes the popularity of using highly local food suppliers and the need to substantiate claims of “artisanal” status. The Chicago-based firm maintains tracking partnerships with several top natural products retailers. Here, an edited version of the report. TOP TRENDS: Raw foods are branching into new product categories, including raw condiments like ketchup, fermented unpasteurized sodas and kvass beverages. Meanwhile, cultured raw condiments like kimchi and sauerkraut are becoming more mainstream. Factors believed to be influencing fermented/ cultured products’ popularity include the consumer’s desire for digestive balance and immune system support and their growing understanding of how these types of products can Continued on Page 6

Sales of soy, other plant milks reach $1.33 billion in 2011 - Packaged Facts Almond tipped as “the new white milk”; report includes proprietary usage data Total retail sales of soy milk, almond milk, rice milk and other plant milks reached $1.33 billion in 2011, according to “Dairy Alternative Beverages in the U.S.,” a recently released report from market research firm Packaged Facts. While soymilk is still ahead in popularity, the report highlights almond milk for growth potential: 62 percent of adults who drink it are doing so “somewhat” or “much more often” than they were five years ago. Press releases for the

report called almond “the new white milk.” The almond milk segment, which now accounts for 21 percent of the retail market for dairy alternative beverages, saw sales grow by 79 percent in 2011. Coconut and rice milks are next, in order of popularity. Slow decline in dairy beverage consumption Recent decades have seen a slow but steady decline in consumption of dairy beverages: the average per-capita consumption of cow’s milk fell from 24.3 gallons per person in 1994 to 20.8 gallons per person in 2008, according to the

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. Many consumers are increasingly turning either to noncaloric beverages or to non-traditional beverages with novel nutritional characteristics or benefits. The latter is a positive trend for the dairy alternative beverages market. Consumers choose plant-based dairy alternatives for numerous reasons,

according to Packaged Facts publisher David Sprinkle. Prime consumers include vegans, vegetarians and people concerned about antibiotics or growth hormones often found in cow’s milk. Health issues including lactose intolerance, milk allergy, and the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) can be addressed through Silk launched its fifth variant of almond milk in March

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Retailers invited to participate in National Whole Grain Sampling Day Boston-based non-profit Oldways and its Whole Grains Council (WGC) are launching the first annual National Whole Grain Sampling Day on April 4. The organization is putting out a call to supermarkets, foodservice outlets, restaurants and manufacturers to join the celebration. Retailers and supermarkets interested in sampling whole grain products can email Oldways’ Karen Mansur (karen@ oldwayspt.org). The mission of Whole Grain Sampling Day is three-fold: to show consumers how delicious whole grains can be; to encourage chefs and kitchens to include whole grains in their everyday offerings; and to give manufacturers an opportunity to promote their new whole grain choices. First to commit was Compass Group, a food management company serving over six million diners daily. McDonald’s, Arby’s and Cooking Light magazine have also signed on. Indian Harvest, supplier of specialty rices and grains, will conduct a Facebook contest to encourage its foodservice customers to come up with creative ideas for sampling day promotions––and will award a free case of whole Continued on Page 5

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The fun, the fabulous, the fabulously conscientious make their debut at New York’s Newest, NYIGF By Lorrie Baumann

The New York’s Newest show at the New York International Gift Fair offered a plethora of ideas for giftware that’s on trend, fabulous and fun. One strong trend seen at the show was for reusable products that reduce waste. As an example, BOWLOVERS, 100 percent cotton bowl covers with elastic edges. BOWLOVERS come in sets of six machine washable covers that fit over various bowl sizes and are printed with different messages to distinguish them and the bowls they cover from each other. “DELICIOUS LEFTOVERS,” says one, and “WASTE NOT, WANT NOT” appears on another. BOWLOVERS were invented in Great Britain by a woman who wanted something more sustainable than the shower cap she was using to replace disposable plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They’re now available to U.S. retailers. BOWLOVERS have a suggested retail price of $20 for a package of six – two large, two medium, and two small bowl covers. For more information, call John Simon Sales at 1-855700-7529 or email bowlovers@ johnsimonsales.com Following that same trend is Re-Pac Bags: reusable pouches for storage of food, toiletries, or school supplies, or other small

objects. The pouches are leakresistant as well as stain-, waterand mold-resistant, and they’re washable in either the dishwasher or washing machine. They’re phthalate-free and plastic-free, with a nylon liner and a skin of 100-percent polyester microfiber. The bags come in gallon, quart, sandwich, and snack sizes, and sell at retail for $7 to $10 each, depending on size. For more information, call 760-580-5875 or email sales@re-pacbags.com. VERSANTE has introduced a line of all-natural premier quality bath and body products that bring Vermont’s environmental ethic to upscale hotels, spas, and retail shops. “We have a life-long theme of health and wellness,” said Jan Marinelli, a VERSANTE partner along with Richard Eyre. “We’re all about the wellness experience, and we chose to live in a place where purity and simplicity is the brand.” The VERSANTE line includes hand and body lotions, body butters, body mists, bath salts, and salt and sugar scrubs. One of the most popular products in the line is a maple syrup and brown sugar body scrub that brings the Vermont experience into the home spa. “There’s something about the alpine experience,” Marinelli said. “These bring the forest into homes.” Individual

products retail for $5.95 to $22, with gift sets ranging higher. For more information, call 800-7691545 or visit www.versantebodycare.com. The folks at BuzzFinder are taking some of the stress off women with a device designed to save time spent looking for lost items. The BuzzFinder is a small device that a woman can attach to items she’s likely to lose. The device comes in a set along with a couple of egg-size remote controls that can be worn as jewelry or tucked into a purse or drawer. When the item to which the device is attached goes missing, a touch to the remote control will send a signal that causes the BuzzFinder to make an 85 decibel sound powerful enough to lead the owner to the object from a range of up to 200 feet away. And if it’s the remote control itself that’s lost, a signal from the second remote control will help to track it down. The BuzzFinder has a suggested retail price of $34.95 for the basic model that comes in black or white and $39.95 for the deluxe model that’s finished with either dramatic pink crystals or elegant carbone. For more information, call 1-866-768-2388 or visit www.sosfinder.com. Continued on Page 7

Organic food sales rise 15-20 percent in 2011 – TABS Group Survey 62 percent of respondents purchase at mainstream retail stores; young consumers with lower disposable income the most loyal The past year saw significant growth in the organic market, with American consumers not only buying more organic products, but also a wider range, regardless of disposable income. The majority of this growth is going to mainstream retail stores, with 62 percent of the respondents buying their organic products at mainstream stores compared to 38 percent purchasing at natural food or specialty stores. This was revealed in the results of the Annual Organic Product Survey, conducted by consumer

products research firm, The TABS Group. For the first time in four years, the survey found a significant one-year increase in American consumers purchasing organic products and a jump in overall sales. Specifically, the percentage of all consumers stating they purchased organics rose from 39.8 percent in January 2011 to 41.8 percent in January 2012, a 5 percent increase, according to Dr. Kurt Jetta, TABS Group CEO. Total organic product sales rose approximately 15 to 20 percent. The survey also found an 11 percent increase in the number of product types purchased by a typical organic shopper. Increased penetration for organic products, particularly staples like milk,

eggs, meat and vegetables, signifies that consumers are finding more room in their budget. Findings included an increase in sales of organic products such as beef (+48 percent), ice cream (+44 percent), hair care products (+28 percent), vegetables (26 percent), milk (+25 percent), eggs (+21 percent) and chicken (+17 percent). Younger consumers expressed greater preference for organic products, with 48 percent of respondents under 40 years old reporting usage in the last six months, compared with only 34 percent of consumers above 60. Those under 30 bought, on average, 4.6 different organic products, compared with 2.9 different products purchased by

people 60 and older. “Younger consumers, with typically the least disposable income, show the greatest loyalty to organics. This likely will increase organics’ sales and market share over time, as their buying power grows and their preference is passed on to their children,” said Jetta. TABS found people earning less than $30,000 a year and those with children purchased more organic products than higher earners and those without children. The TABS Group Organic Product Survey was conducted among 1,000 representative respondents aged 18-75. Since 1998, TABS Group has provided leading research, data analysis and consulting services to the consumer products industry. gn

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briefs Tortuga Rum Cakes named “Best Cruise Souvenir” for eighth consecutive year Porthole Cruise Magazine, a leading cruise and travel publication, has recognized Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes with a 2012 Editor-InChief Award in its February issue, naming the tropical treats as “Best Cruise Souvenir” for the eighth straight year. Tortuga Rum Cakes are sold in nearly 100 onboard cruise ship gift shops throughout the Caribbean. Baked from a generations-old family recipe, every Tortuga Rum Cake is hand glazed with a special, five-year-old blend of Tortuga Gold Rum, then vacuum sealed to lock in freshness. They are the number 1 export of the Cayman Islands and are found in gift shops throughout the Caribbean. “Given the consistent quality and great taste of Tortuga Rum Cakes, it was again an easy choice for best cruise souvenir,” said Bill Panoff, publisher and editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine. “I can’t remember a time when I returned from a cruise without one -- or several.” Tortuga International has bakeries and operations in Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Barbados, as well as a franchise bakery with retail shops in the Bahamas. Tortuga Rum Cake Company, the company’s Miami, Florida subsidiary, handles sales, marketing and worldwide distribution.

Dallas Gourmet Gold 2012 winners announced Dallas Market Center recently announced the winners of the third annual Dallas Gourmet Gold Awards, for exhibitors at January’s Total Home & Gift Market. The Gourmet Market, a 25,000-squarefoot shared showroom, features unique gourmet gifts, specialty food and beverage lines, houseware, cookware, tabletop, kitchen gadgets and wine accessories from more than 150 companies. It is the only permanent gourmet showroom open daily in the United States. Participants competed in 11 categories, and were judged on taste, originality and packaging. This year’s judges were Jon Miller, head chef at Neighborhood Services in Dallas, Texas; Karen Chandler, owner of Kitchenwares on the Square in McKinney, Texas; and Rich Vana, managing editor of Entrée Dallas, a blog featuring a “culinary biography” of Dallas. The 2012 Dallas Gourmet Gold winners are: Best Chocolate or Candy – Isabelly’s Sweet Treats Best Dessert – Isabelly’s Sweet Treats Best Snack or Dip –

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NYIGF

Continued from Page 1 writing, especially within home product categories, including textiles, tabletop, home furnishings and gourmet housewares.” Daniel Berkowitz, President of Picnic Plus, a leader in innovative and unique outdoor living and indoor entertaining products, said the increase in attendance was noticeable from his booth. Naomi Deutsch, Business Development Director for the company, agreed. “I haven’t seen this many people at this show in ten years,” she said. Berkowitz noticed particularly that he was visited in his booth by more of his West Coast customers than has been usual at recent New York shows. “We’ve written international orders as well,” Deutsch said. Mary Wallace, a co-founder of peopletowels, noted that the SustainAbility: design for a better world®showcase that’s a growing part of the Gift Fair helped attendees find eco-friendly products. “That’s been very helpful for us,” said the manufacturer of hand towels made from 100 percent fair trade organic cotton. The towels are terry on one side with a soft, smooth texture on the other, and they’re about the size of a large pocket handkerchief. They drew a lot of attention from folks looking for the next new green product, to meet the needs of customers increasingly focused on find-

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ing reusable products to replace disposable paper and packaging products for everyday household needs. “A lot of people are buying our towels to put in their kids’ lunch boxes to go to school,” Wallace said. “It’s been really interesting to see the increase in the number of people looking for eco-friendly products. There’s been quite a change of attitude. I think customers are driving it.” DKB Household USA Corp. used the show as an opportunity to unveil a range of new products from Zyliss. New at this show were, among others, Fast Cut herb slicers, a three-in-one folding grater, a corn stripper for taking corn off the cob, and three new knives that come with blade guards so they’re perfect for taking on trips or tossing into a drawer without worrying about an unprotected edge. DKB also offered a preview of Zyliss products that will be debuted next August at NYIGF. Those included a slicer for both tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, and a peeler and paring knife in one that’s perfect for fruit. The summer market will take place Saturday, August 18, through Thursday, August 23, 2012, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. Some 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 80 countries worldwide are expected. Information and registration are available online at www. nyigf.com. gn

SOY, MILK

Continued from Page 1 the consumption of plant-based milks, which are free of animal proteins, in particular casein. Various types of plant milks are available in a growing array of formulations. These include flavored, sweetened, unsweetened, low-fat or non-fat, and fortified varieties, as well as blends formulated to address specific health concerns such as heart health (a common marketing positioning for soy milk products), digestive health, energy, and calcium absorption. Survey data from Packaged Facts show that more than half (54 percent) of U.S. adults who purchase soymilk do so because of the nutritional characteristics of this beverage, and nearly half (43 percent) do so because of nutritional advantages related to specific personal or household health concerns. Almond milk counters with one advantage over soy: taste. Generally, people enjoy the flavor of almond milk. It is a good source of unsaturated fats; the fats found in almond milk derive primarily from the natural almond oil. It is high in protein and omega fatty acids, contains no cholesterol or saturated fat, and has high levels of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, as well as the antioxidants vitamin A and vitamin E. Additionally, hemp, oat, hazelnut, flax, sunflower seeds and multigrain milk are available at retail, although they enjoy only a very minor market share. Quinoa, lupine, pea, peanut, cashew, and sesame

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are also used to make ready-to-drink plant-based milks in countries other than the United States. These products carry the potential to enter the U.S. market at a later date on a commercial scale, either through domestic production or importation. Growth in private label and singleserve RTD The most popular segments of dairy alternatives have also seen growing competition, as private-label brands have been slotted beside the now-familiar leading brands. In some regions, many of the private-label versions boast the same formulations as the branded products, while undercutting the branded-label retail price. In retail outlets, these store brands often command the premium shelf space for both refrigerated and aseptic versions. The introduction of single-serve dairy alternative beverages has also created broader opportunities. These ready-todrink beverages fit well in refrigerated cases alongside water, juices, and sodas, and can provide an immediate snack, a beverage to pack for lunch, or a small container for use as a creamer, along with the ability to cater to different taste and nutritional preferences within a household. Packaged Facts Food Shopper Insights survey data show that 21 percent of grocery shoppers purchase refrigerated single-serve beverages for immediate consumption. This rate puts these alternative grab-and-gulp drinks in the same league as sweet snacks such as candy, or as traditional beverage staples such as ground/whole bean coffee. Forecasts and proprietary data available This report also estimates and analyzes the size, growth rate, and composition of the plant-based beverage market. Historical sales data, as well as market forecasts to 2016, are provided for soy, almond, rice, coconut and hemp milk. Smaller products such as flax, hazelnut, multi-grain, oat and sunflower milks are also covered. Strategic analyses of competitors in this market are included, as are descriptions of recently introduced products. Trends and regulations influencing this market are discussed. Importantly, readers will see data from Packaged Facts’ extensive proprietary survey of consumer attitudes and usage trends relating to plant-based beverages. For more information or to purchase the report, visit www.packagedfacts. com. gn

DALLAS GOURMET GOLD AWARDS Continued from Page 2 Great San Saba River Pecan Best Condiment: Jelly/Jam – Liz & Linda’s Pepper Jelly Best Condiment: Salsa/Relish – Galli Gourmet Best Seasoning/Rub/Sauce – Uncle Bob’s Sauces Best Soup or Chili – Ala Carte Alice Best Beverage – Fulbellie’s Best Oil/Vinaigrette/Dressing – Wimberley Valley Nut Co. Best & Most Innovative Kitchen Accessory – Lynne’s Whim Best of the Rising Stars – San Felipe Salt Co.

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trade Show Buzz

a monTHLy upDaTe on THe goings-on aT inDusTry-reLaTeD sHoWs By mimi viLLafane

The Trade Show Industry is abuzz this month with highlights and happenings. New products, features, awards and business, to name a few. First we’d like to share some highlights from the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF®), next there are a few March shows we must showcase and last on our plate are April and May’s upcoming shows. New York International Gift Fair With the addition of 500 new companies to the total of 2,800 exhibitors, the NYIGF® offered hundreds of new resources to buyers and attracted an increase in the number of both individual retailers and represented stores. Overall, individual buyer attendance grew by 5 percent over winter 2011, with total company attendance increasing by a significant margin—7 percent over last year, according to GLM, the show’s owner. Exhibitors also reported strong order writing, especially within the home product categories, including tabletop, home furnishings, gourmet housewares and textiles. Several exhibitors were recognized and awarded for excellence in product design, interior design and best new products. Seven exhibitors in the At Home section were recognized by the American Society of Interior Designers as “Best of the Best” in the winter market. Five “Best New Product Awards” were presented at Baby & Child., and four Accent on Design exhibitors were awarded

for excellence. Don’t miss these unique shows this month. The regional food show in California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley, the Fresno Food Expo, takes place at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center on March 8th. In its second year, this show is attracting national and international buyers with over 100 exhibitors ranging from food producers, manufacturers and growers to winemakers and brewers. Discover innovative new products, specialty crops and new sourcing-solutions at this show, which is one of the few to be set close to the area where the food itself is grown. The International Home and Housewares Show (IHHS) features 2,000 exhibitors, runs from March 10-13, at McCormick Place in Chicago, and expects to attract more than 60,000 attendees. Remember to check out what’s brewing at the National Coffee Association’s annual convention, Full Steam Ahead: Solution’s for Tomorrow’s Industry, March 22 – 24, happening at the Charleston Place Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. The Chicago Spring Market takes place March 25 – 27, in conjunction with STYLEMAX and the National Bridal Market Chicago. The January Chicago Market set attendance records, had standing-room only programs and showcased fresh new products and permanent showrooms. The Chicago Spring Market looks

as promising as January’s. April and May shows The New York Tabletop Show comes to New York from April 17–20. Over 100 showrooms will open their doors for one of the biggest tabletop shows ever! Housed at Forty One Madison Avenue off Madison Square Park, the modern style glass and steel building contains 23 floors of showrooms from over 80 manufacturers of tableware, tableware housewares and gift products. What’s in store at United Fresh 2012, The Produce Show in Dallas May 1 -3? For starters, a front seat to a category that’s front and center of the changes in America’s diet, from child nutrition to food safety to healthier high-end dining. Come listen to Former First Lady Laura Bush present the keynote address on May 2, Wednesday’s Breakfast General Session. From May 5 – 8, The NRA Show will be at McCormick Place, Chicago. In this venue, 58,000 industry pros from more than 100 countries can connect with 1,800 exhibitors. Special Keynote Speaker will be President Bill Clinton. Those of us with sweet tooths will want to attend the 2012 Sweets & Snacks Expo, also at McCormick Place on May 8 – 10. Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the EXPO has the honor of being the largest confectionery, cookie and snack show in the Americas. The show features over 540 companies showcasing three and a half acres of confectionery and snack products all in one place. Be sure to balance the sweets with healthy foods; eat plenty of produce at United Fresh before heading to this show! Gn

EXPO WEST

Continued from page 1 community, show management has declared 2012 a “transitional year.” Children, including those below 12 years old, will be allowed, subject to specific pre-show registration. The official bag policy remains the same, one sample bag per attendee. Natural Products Expo West is open to a professional audience of manufacturers, buyers, and industry members. It is not open to the general public. Free wi-fi and paid on-site child care will be available. Gn

WHOLE GRAIN DAY

Continued from page 2 grains to those with the top five ideas. “Research shows that taste is growing as the reason people choose whole grains, so by partnering with restaurants, food companies and the media we plan to ‘wow’ people on National Whole Grain Sampling Day,” said Cynthia Harriman, Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies for the Whole Grains Council and Oldways. “All incentives––free samples, coupons or a whole grain gift with purchase––help get whole grains into the mouths of consumers, our ultimate goal.” Whole grain consumption is on the rise, due in large part to wider availability of a wide range of grains for every palate. According to SPINS, a market research and consulting firm, sales of natural foods and beverages with the Whole Grain Stamp increased 9.9 percent over the last year. The Whole Grains Council will list all participating activities and promotions on its website, www.wholegrainscouncil.org. Gn

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RAW, VEGAN FOODS

Continued from Page 1 meet those needs. Gluten Free Body Care: recent study performed at George Washington University found that topical beauty and body care products that contain gluten proteins could have a negative reaction in people who suffer from celiac disease. This preliminary research has sparked a trend that is expected to flourish in 2012. Many naturally positioned brands and products are labeled gluten free, but it is expected that many conventional brands will follow suit over the next year. Vegan Crosses Over: Once, the very word “vegan” has sent shivers down the spines of some foodies, but evidence suggests that the gourmet consumer’s perception may be changing. It is becoming more common to find high end restaurants that offer vegan options, labeled as such on their menus. Over the past year we have seen several specialty gourmet brands increase their vegan product offerings, as well as many dedicated vegan brands release increasingly gourmet products. We expect these trends to continue over the next year. Non Toxic Packaging: Several packaging innovations have appeared as a result of consumers demanding that their products come in containers that do not contain BPA (Bisphenol-A). Canned foods are a big area of concern. Many plastic-packaged products have already switched to BPA free, but new information on other chemicals may indicate a move away from plastic altogether. Glass packaging may be a viable alternative. Eden Foods is one of several brands that use

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BPA free cans and package all their tomato products in glass containers. We will likely see more innovative solutions to this issue over the next couple of years. Non-GMO Labeling: Over the past year, the dangers of genetically modified organisms in the food supply have been in a growing number of headlines beyond our industry. The movement to clearly label those products, whether voluntarily or mandated by the FDA with an official seal, is picking up momentum. Consumers can find a list of non-GMO products online and even download a smartphone app. Movies like “The Future of Food” are helping to spread information and propel the movement. The non-GMO movement also received a boost from major natural industry players gaining Non-GMO Project verification, such as Silk and Whole Foods Market. Organic Supplements: An increasing number of supplements contain organic ingredients. In 2012 we saw more than 800 new item launches in organic supplements, whereas in 2009 and 2010 the number was closer to 500. Organic supplements are manufactured under stricter quality control standards and are free of many of the pesticides and chemical residues that can sometimes be found in their non-organic counterparts. This trend is resonating with consumers, as seen by the growth of organic supplements, which are growing at two to three times [the rate] of non-organic supplements, depending on the channel. Energy Shots: The popularity of energy shots has been slowly rising over the last two years, but 2011 saw a further increase and the trend shows no signs of slowing down in 2012. It is interesting to note that many of the top performers in this category are energy beverage brands like Red Bull, Gatorade and

V8 rather than traditional supplements brands. The most popular primary ingredients used in these types of products include B vitamins, taurine, ginseng and guarana. Cognitive Health: More consumers are searching for ways to stay focused and alert. With the current job market and U.S. demographic trends, many consumers are simply looking to maintain their current state of cognitive health as well as prevent or slow down further decline. There are many great cognitive support supplements on the market today that promise just this. With more research being conducted, the results of which may further drive this trend. HOT INGREDIENTS Chia: Ready-to-to drink chia drinks are bridging the worlds of functional beverages and meal replacements. These offerings provide consumers with protein, fiber and an omega3 source, all in one convenient and delicious product. Garbanzo Beans: Foods made with garbanzo beans are popping up in the most unlikely places like coffee and snacks. Consumer demand for grain-free snacks appears to be a factor driving this trend, in addition to the bean’s high nutritional profile, great taste and satiety. Other grain-free snacksare increasing in popularity include kale chips and seaweed snacks. Quinoa: This highly nutritious “grain” has been popular within the core natural consumer community for the last several years, and is now being embraced by foodies to a greater degree than other grains. Several products have been introduced in the last couple of years using quinoa, and the trendto be crossing over now into the mainstream

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and specialty channels. Argan Oil: A type of oil produced from nuts of the argan tree, native to Morocco, where the oil has long been revered for its nutritive, cosmetic and medicinal properties. It contains more Vitamin E than any other natural oil. This powerful antioxidant neutralizes free radicals that cause cell damage and aging. Argan oil is also rich in anti-inflammatory phytosterols and antioxidative phenolic compounds. Argan oil is often sourced from cooperatives in Morocco who harvest the argan fruit, and who benefit directly from the proceeds of the sales. African Mango: This plant is used traditionally by African tribesmen for both its nutritional and medicinal properties. In 2010 Dr. Oz featured African Mango and touted its weight loss and cholesterol lowering abilities. Since then, it has been highlighted in various popular magazines and sales have skyrocketed. Distinct from many other natural weight loss products, three separate clinical studies support the claims regarding its use. The weight loss category is booming at the moment and African Mango is its rising star. Fruit Stem Cells: Stem-cell based products are an emerging trend in body care. Questions remain around the safety of stem cell based products, but there is also much potential for creating products that may increase human epidermal stem cell regeneration and enable the return of more youthful looking skin. Dairy Alternatives: Dairy sensitivities are very common; awareness towards avoiding dairy for ethical reasons also seems to be on the rise. A huge number of new coconut milk products in particular have launched over the last year, seeming to combine consumers’

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desire for dairy alternatives and the benefits of coconut. As consumers continue to seek more variety in dairy alternatives and as more become concerned with controversial and differing news about soy, the non-dairy alternative beverage market will continue to thrive and expand. Probiotics: supplement launches doubled in 2011 compared to 2010. Consumers are becoming more aware of probiotics and their benefits. With the high incidence of digestive disorders and digestive complaints in the population, the marketing of foods that contain probiotics, and increased interest in functional foods, we are likely to see the continued success of foods, beverages and supplements that contain probiotics in 2012. BROADER MARKETPLACE Specialty Gourmet Retail and the Local Producer “Local” continues to be recognized as a quality standard in the world of gourmet and specialty food. Unlike their big-brand counterparts, the flexibility and adaptability of small businesses to experiment, establish a connection with their consumers centered around a passion for great food, and solicit feedback from these consumers, are incredibly important factors to what we are seeing in the gourmet world– –variety, innovation and creativity. For example, an increasing number of smaller/regional meat companies across the US have started offering local, artisanal, cured meats, pates, head cheeses, and assorted charcuterie in specialty/gourmet retail, a trend that began in restaurants a few years ago. Subsequently (or perhaps helping to drive the demand), in many gourmet grocers, offerings of local meat have clearly surpassed those of national brands, and this trend appears to have established a lasting

presence in the channel. Further, some retailers have brought “local” even “closer”, by tending to their own farms onsite or near the retail location, for the ultimate in authenticity. Artisanal/Artisan: One trend gaining momentum in 2012 is the use of the word ‘artisanal’ or ‘artisan’. Specialty/gourmet market shoppers generally want to feel that the products that they are purchasing are special and/or unique, and the use of [this] word may influence a consumer’s purchase decision. Artisanal/artisan marketed food can be found in categories such as cheese, cookies and even beer. Core natural and specialty gourmet consumers tend to respond unfavorably to artisanal and gourmet washing. These groups often read labels and research brands in more depth than the average conventional consumer. Manufacturers should be ready to back their claims with substantial evidence, in terms of quality and sourcing of raw materials to win over this discerning audience. Self-Diagnosis/Self Care: The influence that [media] hold over consumers when making decisions about their health can not be understated. The internet, social media and even pharmaceutical ads have persuaded some consumers that they, not their doctors or health professionals, know best. While the natural supplements industry is not necessarily at the forefront of this marketing, when coupled with increased self-diagnosis and self-treatment, it does create a culture of acceptance for treating yourself for any (perceived) ailment or preventative measure. This new attitude has now become the norm, and many consumers are applying that attitude as they explore more alternatives to conventional, over-the-counter medicine, dietary supplements and health care practices. gn

NYIGF Continued from Page 2 The New York’s Newest show also featured a variety of items designed just for fun. The Storymatic is one of these. It’s a box of cards that each contain either an element of a character in a story or a situation that prompts a story. To play the game, each player draws two character cards and two situation cards and invents a story on the spur of the moment. “It’s great for bedtime stories or at a party to get people interacting together,” said Vaune Trachtman, Business Manager for The Storymatic. “It’s like a ball. You know, there are a lot of things you can do with a ball. It breaks you out of the day-to-day.” The game was invented by Brian Moon, a writer and teacher of writing, who developed it as an exercise for his fiction-writing classes. His students had so much fun playing the game that they took it back to their dormitories to play with their friends. When Moon learned about that, he was inspired to develop it for the mass market. For more information, call 802-451-0050, email vaune@thestorymatic.com or visit www.thestorymatic.com. For wearable fun, consider Panda hats, a line of synthetic fur animal-inspired hats that’s become the rage for adults as well as children. Panda was founded in 2009 in a small booth at the Union Square holiday market in New York City. The brand now includes more than 70 original designs sold in 25 retail locations in the U.S. and Europe. “I don’t think it’s a fad. I think it’s a trend,” said Panda’s Tomer Melman.

Although the warm and fuzzy hats are definitely winter wear, he believes that the trend will survive the summer to come back strong for next winter, when the new Panda hats will include pockets for iPods. “It’s always winter somewhere,” he says. “It’s not like we go to sleep and wake up when it’s winter.” Retail prices range from $25 to $80. For more information, call 646-2595513 or visit www.pandahats.com.

Also putting fun into fashion accessories is the Hi-di-hi line of retro-hip accessories for people who aren’t afraid of being noticed carrying a purse that winks at passers-by. “It’s fresh new accessories to brighten up lives,” says Phil Mykland, Vice President of Sales for Portal Distribution, which introduced the line to the American market at this year’s New York International Gift Fair. Retail prices on Hi-di-hi products range from $15 to $100. For a complete list, call Portal Distribution at 612-454-9066 or visit the website at hi-di-hi.com. gn

EDITORIAL

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MARCH 2012

GOURMET NEWS

From the editor W W W. GOURME T NE W S . C OM PUBLISHER

s I write this, we are preparing for Expo West 2012. This is our biggest Expo West issue in four years, an indication that the natural products industry is itself in spectacular health. Hartman Research points out that wellness and health are increasingly becoming an overall lifestyle for American consumers, rather than simply a matter of diet choices, and the booming numbers for this show would seem to confirm this. Consider too that the major food controversies of the moment––food safety, nonGMO labelling and hard-fought definitions for once-clear terms like “gluten-free” and “Fair Trade”––all have direct impact on the natural product industry. Retailers must know and care about these evolving definitions, because today’s engaged, informed specialty food consumer most certainly does. As we headed to press, news broke of a U.S.-European Union agreement to unify the organic standard between the two continents. The most immediate thing to change is apparently some very small print on antibiotics content – but down the road it is one less trade barrier between the U.S. and European markets. Intense competition can only up the game and widen the choices for retailers and consumers. We will have more on this in succeeding issues. Also out this month are the first new U.S. school lunch standards in 15 years: double the vegetables and significantly more whole grains. With this program providing an esti-

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The Fresno Food Expo brings buyers closer to California’s fertile Central Valley.

mated 32 million children with half their daily calories, this has the potential to remake the American diet – and our healthcare costs. All this means increased demand for produce, and for healthy snacks that can conform to the upcoming standards for school vending machines. In this issue we also bring show news: two stories on trends at the New York International Gift Fair (which has been drawing an increasing number of specialty food manufacturers), and an ad for Peru’s Expoalimentaria, where buyers can discover new suppliers from the land that gave the

world potatoes. We also have two Buyers Guides this issue, along with a story on how even that humble childhood food––sweet, crunchy granola and cereal––is getting updated for today’s palates and price tags. I hope to meet many of you at Expo West. Until then, or if we somehow miss each other roaming the aisles of this big show, please drop us a line at rocelle_a@oser.com. GN – Rocelle Aragon, Editor 520-721-1300 rocelle_a@oser.com

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MARCH 2012

GIFTWARE

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Giftware Giftware accessories complement booming wine market, trendy cheeses BY A.J. FLICK

Americans are consuming more wine than ever, with the U.S. wine market considered one of the fastest-growing markets in the world in terms of production and consumption, according to a new Research and Markets report. “Increasing disposable incomes, rising awareness about the medical benefits of wine, and the resultant consumer shift towards consumption of premium alcoholic beverages are driving the growth in the wine industry,” according to the report, “U.S. Wine Market Forecast to 2012.” “The U.S. wine market will continue growing at a rapid pace in coming years, also, and become the largest wine consumer in the world, surpassing France,” according to the report. The report predicts the U.S. wine market will reach sales of $33.5 billion and 871 million gallons of wine by 2013. “The economic recession had little impact on the U.S. wine industry as consumers started enjoying low-priced bottles and wines by the glasses,” the report states. “For the first time last year,” Amy Payne wrote in RMGT magazine, “Americans consumed more wine overall than the French (who still lead in per-capita consumption). According to the Wine Institute in San Francisco, domestic wine sales grew by 7 percent. Americans also spent more per bottle. People are growing increasingly curious about wine and want to learn more. Where there’s a demand, the supply will soon follow.”

Like wine’s constant companion—cheese—Americans are getting turned on by artisan wines. “The best way to approach the new trend in wine is to think about cheese,” wine expert David Williams wrote in The Observer. In other words, he says, “do you prefer your cheese processed or au naturel?” Speaking of cheese, if you haven’t noticed, it’s omnipresent these days. Grilled cheese, in particular, is said to be “the new hamburger” for foodies. Naturally, the giftware market is burgeoning with products to sate the taste of the wine-and-cheese crowd. There’s everything from the amusing twist on the traditional cheese presentation—Picnic Trend’s 19th Hole Cheese Board, which features a recessed juice groove and removable flag—to Boska’s inventive Barbecelette, which allows cheese lovers to barbecue their favorite cheese (Raclette, brie, mozzarella, gorgonzola, goat’s cheese, etc.) in a nonstick melting tray on a BBQ grill—to PlaceTile Design’s CheeseTiles, stylish, erasable ceramic accent labels for cheese trays. At a lower price point and ideal for casual gifting is Chronicle Books’ packet of stylish Cheese Papers, available mid-March, which targets wrapping and storage for novice cheese enthusiasts. May is perfect to target oenophiles because May 25 has been declared “Wine Day” (as if wine lovers need an excuse to indulge).

VinniBags suit wine lovers on the go because they suspend the wine in an air cushion, protecting bottles from impact and leaking. There are endless gadgets on the market for opening wine bottles. Two that stand out are Cork Pops’ Ratchet Corkscrew, which features a patent-pending gear box that eases cork removal, and Trudeau’s Stress Less Automatic Corkscrew, which has a spiral triple-coated in DuPont Teflon and allows for a two-step motion to uncork a bottle. Once the bottle is opened, consumers have a vast array of aerators to allow wines to “breathe” before drinking. Vinturi, which pioneered wine aerators in 2007, recently was honored with the Chicago Athanaeum Good Design™Award in the Tabletop category for its Vinturi Travel aerator, a compact, fully functional aerator housed in a sleek and sturdy tapered black case with stainless steel accents. Cheese doesn’t get all the glory when it comes to wine pairings. Foodies are discovering more ways to enjoy a bite with their sips. CookieZen offers a way to get a conversation started with different ways to mix and match cookies and wine with Cookies & Corks, which includes a simple guide that offers suggestions on novel pairings. In giftware, it’s a great pairing whether consumers are looking for something to present at a gathering or present to the host or hostess. gn

The sweet and savory way to spice up any event Fun, flirty and fabulous, Cookies & Corks adds excitement to any gathering Give a gift that shines. Cookies & Corks’ sweet and savory cookies are the effortless, stylish wow factor that any hostess would love to receive! Whether offered as a favor at a bridal shower, given to a friend before a dinner party, or presented to a girlfriend for a girls’ night in, Cookies & Corks’ daring flavor combinations, uniquely tailored to pair with wine varietals, are so much more than a bottle of wine or a gift of chocolate. They’re a conversation starter, engaging everyone as guests experiment with different cookie and wine combinations. Cookies & Corks’ sweet and savory cookies for wine pairing come in a variety box (three cookie types and fifteen total cookies) which retails for $7.95, and a single flavor box (five cookies) which retails for $3.00 at select retailers across the U.S. and on the company’s website. For more information, to inquire about becoming a reseller or to find a local retailer, visit www. cookiesandcorks.com or email Leah Kuo at lkuo@cookiezen.com.

Tervis revs up summer entertaining giftware with new NASCAR tumblers BY A.J. FLICK

Ah, spring—a time when so many of us are stepping out into the warm sunshine to get our first whiff in months of ... racing fuel? Don’t scoff if you’re not one of 40 million Americans who are NASCAR fans. According to NASCAR, that’s 37 percent of the U.S. adult population, 32 percent of whom are 18 to 34 years old and 40 percent of whom are female. In addition, 42 percent of NASCAR fans earn more than $50,000 a year. Not only do those statistics shatter the redneck stereotype of racing fans, it also means there’s a ton of marketing opportunities to grab those NASCAR fans, who love nothing more than to snatch up anything with their favorite driver’s image or number on them. The folks at Tervis know what it’s like to have a loyal following. “Tervomaniacs,” as they call themselves, snatch up the company’s popular insulated tumblers almost as soon as they are put on the shelves. Tervomaniacs, meet NASCAR. NASCAR fans, meet Tervis. Tervis’s NASCAR tumbler collection was introduced at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and onto retailers’ shelves just in time for the 2012

NASCAR season, which began Feb. 26 with the storied Daytona 500. “We do a lot of research to figure out which brands and which products match Tervis,” said Kristi Rees, Tervis Senior Brand Manager. “And we also listen to our consumers, who have been asking frequently on our Facebook page why we don’t have any NASCAR products.” The NASCAR Tervis tumbler collection has 28 designs featuring the NASCAR logo and 13 drivers: Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Ryan Newman, 2011 Champion Tony Stewart and Jamie McMurray. The 14 styles are available in all tumbler

sizes and retail for $16 to $20. “I’ve been a NASCAR fan for many years,” said Rees, who roots for five-time champ Jimmie Johnson, “and it’s so exciting to be part of bringing that in for our consumers.” Tervis will merchandize the NASCAR collection—as well as its new Fiesta Americana line, Peanuts collection and insulated water bottles—using a variety of strategies including social media (Facebook), signage in stores, email blasts and, of course, connecting with retailers to let them know about the new products. Sure, tumblers keep beverages cold or hot, but let’s not forget the real “meat” of a tailgate party: what’s on the grill. Little Griddle has a line of heavy-duty grill-top griddles that allow just about anything to be cooked on any grill. The four styles and six sizes are made of 12- or 14-gauge 430 stainless steel and fit easily and securely on an outdoor barbecue or campfire grill. They retail from $69.99 to $449.99. For those who really want to get to the tailgate party in style, look no further than the Sachi Fashion Lunch Bags—insulated, fashionable lunch bags suitable for any school or work setting as well as summer parties. Stylish and roomy enough to double

as a handbag, they keep food hot or cold as desired. The bags easily wipe clean with a damp cloth and the handles fold down for refrigerator storage. The Sachi bags come in a variety of styles and colors and retail for $14.99 to $23.99. gn

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Barrington Coffee fills niche with first Boston shop Opening in deep midwinter has not prevented award-winning Berkshire-based artisanal coffee roaster Barrington Coffee (based in Lee, Mass.) from finding success in Boston’s gentrifying Fort Point neighborhood. “It really feels like we have filled a niche [here] in Fort Point,” said Barth Anderson, one of the company’s co-founders. “Our customers are super engaged in what we are up to, from the coffees we brew to the farms we work with. We continue to have lots of great conversations and interactions. We have also been pleasantly surprised at the number of clients that come in to pick The shop is the first Boston location in for Barrington Coffee, which received a prestigious Good Food Award in 2011 and has been sourcing and craft roasting farm-direct coffee since 1993. Those long-standing relationships and experience now “set a new standard for handcrafted espresso in Boston,” according to the store’s release. Moving the standard higher is an investment

The shop’s American-built Synesso features the most advanced barista-controlled pressure profiling available.

upwards of $30,000 for espresso equipment alone––a serious commitment to infrastructure quality. The staff is similarly high-level, with a lineup of veteran baristas. Several full-time staffmembers have been pulling the brand’s signature Barrington Gold Espresso and texturing Jersey milk from Massachusetts’ High Lawn Farm for over six years. Gregg Charbonneau and Anderson, Founders and Master Roasters, started Barrington Coffee to supply single origin, roasted-to-order coffee to outlets in the Berkshires. They quickly expanded to a nationwide customer base. They continue to act as roasters and consultants to the specialty coffee industry worldwide. The shop’s managing partner, Mukunda Feldman, began working as a barista at Gregg’s coffee shop, Lenox Coffee, in 1995. Shortly thereafter, he became Barrington Coffee’s first full time staff member and a Master Roaster. Feldman now owns three cafes, along with his role in the new shop. gn

Loblaw’s reimagines historic stadium into “ultimate urban grocery” By ROCELLE ARAGON

U.S. retailers traveling to Toronto have a new destination to pencil in: Loblaws® at Maple Leaf Gardens, a specialty-food oriented grocery created in a former stadium that is an iconic site in Canadian hockey. Opened Nov. 30, the 85,000-square-foot store has been a hit since day one. A “wall of cheese” and a 200-pound chunk of chocolate are among the marquee attractions at the 85,000 square foot store, which draws food shoppers and diners alike with a huge prepared foods selection.

One of the main concepts is “Food’s Greatest Stage,” ™ which views shopping as entertainment and exploration. “We wanted to make [this] a place of activity,” said Mark Landini, Creative Director of Landini Associates, the Australian design firm selected after a worldwide competition. “Shoppers don’t just want to be presented with aisles of food; they want more of the market experience with theatre, visible food preparation, authenticity, tasting, knowledge and something new happening all the time. They want to be entertained.” Every stage has its stars. In the words of Andre Fortier, Senior President, Store Concept for Loblaw Companies Ltd., those “principal actors” are specific ingredients––parmesan, prosciutto, cupcakes––highlighted in destination displays, as conceived by Landini’s firm. Then of course there is the chocolate, a last-minute idea that was a surprise hit. “To highlight our great chocolate selection, we decided to think big,” said Fortier. The 200-pound ‘iceberg’ now draws about 50 people daily who wait for the case to open, taking photos and preparing to chip off their piece by hammer and chisel.

“Its cost is maybe half that of the wall of cheese, but reaction has been at least equal,” said Fortier. Inspired ideas were demanded for the Maple Leaf Gardens store, which faced high expectations because of its building’s historic status––not only as architecture, but as former home of the Toronto Blue Jays. That history is highlighted throughout: stadium chairs have been turned into a sculpture of the team’s blue maple leaf emblem, and images of players, sheet music and historic personalities decorate the store. “On opening day there were a few surprises. The first was the queue that stretched city blocks all night in the cold to be first in. Probably the most unexpected thing was the public’s reaction to our marking “Centre Ice” by aisle 24. People loved it and were queuing there all day to have their photograph taken by it,” recalls designer Mark Landini. But beyond photo opportunities are eight years of study and planning. In a high-density business area, prepared food and payment areas throughout the store are designed for quick visits several times a week. As of now though, “it seems people want to stay longer; we keep hearing that their one hour free parking isn’t enough,” says Fortier. With so much to live up to, the store aims high. An on-premise kitchen with 15-20 chefs creates all the food for the many counters of prepared foods, which draw shoppers from 7 am till after midnight. The “theater of tea” has nearly 150 different flavors and is created by well-known Canadian company Tea Emporium. The in-store bakery is not a generic outlet, but doubles as the R&D

MARCH 2012

GOURMET NEWS

briefs Trader Joe’s signs tomato agreement on eve of opening first Florida store After two years of protests, Trader Joe’s and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) have signed an agreement that formalizes the retailer’s support of CIW and Florida tomato growers to support the CIW’s Fair Food Program. Trader Joe’s has agreed to pay one cent more per pound of tomatoes picked, and to purchase tomatoes only from growers who have signed on to the program, which aims to improve notoriously harsh working conditions for Florida harvesters. The agreement marks the end of a twoyear campaign of protests at Trader Joe’s stores by the CIW. It was signed the day before Trader Joe’s opened a 14,000 square foot store in Naples, Fla., its first in the state and 367th in the country. The CIW had planned a 40-city protest action to picket the opening, which was instead mobbed by Naples shoppers. Next up is a six-day early March action targeting Florida-based supermarket chain Publix, which has not yet committed to support the Fair Food program. Like Trader Joe’s, Publix promotes an image of community responsibility and environmental awareness. “We are truly happy today to welcome Trader Joe’s aboard the Fair Food Program,” said Gerardo Reyes of the CIW. “With this agreement, Trader Joe’s sends a strong–and timely–message of support to the Florida growers who are choosing to do the right thing, investing in improved labor standards, despite the challenges of a difficult marketplace and tough economic times.”

department of ACE Bakery, a respected artisan brand owned by Loblaw’s. An extensive organic produce selection devotes one five-shelf “wall” to each of four key ingredients: mushrooms, fresh and dried; peppers of all colors; berries; and Asian greens, featured as a staple rather than just an ethnic product. Prepped salads made instore, and Loblaw’s first juice bar (where you can order up to 1 liter of juice to take home) complete the fresh offering. In meat and seafood, the store is the first in Canada to use FreshPack technology to keep meat fresher longer without having to freeze it. The service meat case is entirely “free from”, and beef is aged in an area where staff can cut and pack meat on the spot, allowing shoppers to buy trial sizes. The store also features a cooking school, a wine and spirits outlet and a 10,000-squarefoot shop for Loblaw’s-owned clothing brand Joe Fresh. A wellness-oriented medical clinic has 10 doctors on staff, as well as a full-time dietitian who can shop the aisles with customers to help plan their meals. gn

GOURMET NEWS

MARCH 2012

Grocery & Department Stores

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briefs

Kings Food Markets relaunches brand By ROCELLE ARAGON

Meijer appoints new COO, J.K. Symancyk Meijer, the Grand Rapids-based grocery retailer, has announced the appointment of J.K. Symancyk to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer, along with the addition of Peter Whitsett to the Meijer team as Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. Symancyk will report directly to Mark Murray, president of Meijer, and will have three direct reports: Janet Emerson, Executive Vice President of Retail Operations; Rick Keyes, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain and Manufacturing; and Whitsett, who joins the company in the role previously held by Symancyk. Whitsett most recently served as executive vice president of Global Merchandising for Dick’s Sporting Goods and has an extensive background in leadership roles with retail brands including Kmart and Radio Shack. Meijer operates 197 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

Harris-Teeter reports 8.5 percent sales increase for Q1, fiscal 2012 Supermarket chain Harris Teeter has reported that, for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 ended January 1, 2012, sales increased by 8.5 percent, reaching $1.12 billion from $1.03 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The increase in sales was driven by an increase in comparable store sales of 5.33 percent and sales from new stores, as well as partially offset by store closings. During the period Harris Teeter opened three new stores and closed one. Since the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011, Harris Teeter has opened one replacement store, seven new stores, and closed three stores, for a net addition of five stores. Harris Teeter operated 206 stores as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

Delhaize to close 126 stores, retire Bloom banner To strengthen its U.S. operations, Delhaize America will close 126 stores and convert several others; retire the Bloom banner; close a distribution center in Tennessee, and accelerate the rollout of the Food Lion brand strategy in an additional 600-700 stores. The plans were announced in mid-January. “Today’s actions will enable our company to focus on our successful brand strategy repositioning at Food Lion and the expansion of Bottom Dollar Food in new markets,” said Ron Hodge, CEO of Delhaize America. Within the upscale-oriented Bloom banner, 42 stores in Virginia and Maryland will be converted to Food Lion stores, with an additional seven underperforming stores closed. Closures were set to occur within 30 days, and store conversions began immediately.

Kings Food Markets (Kings), an upscale grocery chain with 24 stores in New Jersey and New York, relaunched its brand in February with a completely new website, tagline (“Where inspiration strikes”) and a grand reopening at its benchmark store in Bedminster, NJ. With the grand reopening coinciding with Super Bowl weekend, house-baked New York Giants cakes were brisk sellers. The Bedminster store contains the current must-haves of an upscale grocer: freshly rolled sushi, fresh-made pasta, made-to-order brick oven pizza, chef-inspired prepared foods, over 400 international cheeses, an espresso bar, gourmet juice bar, an expanded produce and floral boutique, online ordering and a Wi-Fi enabled café. Customers can also expect store staff who are expert in their departments, continuing to offer the personal touch that Kings considers a hallmark. The Parsippany, NJ-based chain has been serving customers for more than 75 years. “This rebranding initiative was important so that we can bring customers the best possible experience. Our customers are very sophisticated, and we therefore need to stay ahead of the curve,” says Judy Spires,

President and CEO of Kings Food Markets. “The grocery category has a tremendous amount of formidable competitors, all of whom we respect,” Spires continued. “Our value equation offers our customers a tremendous return with an emphasis on quality, and at the end of the day, customers are essentially voting with their purchases.” The experience extends online through Kings’ redesigned website. In contrast to highly functional but somewhat cluttered grocery websites, the new site presents a spacious, user-friendly interface with sections such as rare finds, unique gourmet

the pasta-cutting ceremony

recipes from Kings chefs, and daily menus of freshly prepared food available at each store. The site also connects customers to Kings on Facebook and Twitter, where the brand has become more active in hopes of a competitive advantage. “Consumers rely on Kings for a unique shopping experience and the highest quality foods, and we aim to build upon that strength with these enhancements,” says Spires. “We really wanted to capture that moment when the freshest ingredients, rarest finds and the passion for cooking all come together to create the perfect meal.” gn

Photo courtesy of Sabina Louise Pierce

Wal-Mart introduces nutrition icon for both packaged goods and produce One year after pledging a front-of-pack label that would help customers identify healthier food, Wal-Mart Stores unveiled the “Great For You” icon in February. The same event also announced $9.5 million in grants to organizations, such as Share Our Strength, the National 4-H Council and Action for Healthy Kids. Developed according to rigorous nutrition criteria, the icon will initially appear on select Walmart store brand items, as well as on fresh

and packaged produce this spring. It may also appear on national brand products that qualify, and can work in tandem with other nutrition labeling systems. “Great for You” is part of Wal-Mart’s healthier food initiative, which also includes opening stores in food deserts and increasing support for charitable and educational projects. The icon hopes to help shoppers make incremental changes to their diet. The science-based criteria uses a two-step

process. Step one focuses on what to eat: fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds and lean meats. Examples of these items include brown rice, 1 percent milk, raw almonds and 93 percent lean ground beef. Step two focuses on what to eat less of, attempting to limit total, trans and saturated fats, sodium and added sugars that can be found in supermarket staples such as sweetened oatmeal, granola bars, flavored yogurt and frozen meals. gn

Four grocers recognized for top beef marketing programs Independent grocer Broulim’s Fresh Foods, regional chain Haggen Food & Pharmacy/ TOP Foods, Harris Teeter Inc., and Safeway were recognized for creative, effective beef marketing in February, during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention & NCBA Trade Show in Nashville. “The majority of beef sales in the United States depend on the commitment and dedication of supermarkets of all sizes,” says Margie Hande, chair of the checkoff’s Retail Committee. The awards are funded by the Beef Checkoff Program, established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, along with a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents per head, forwarding the rest to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and

Research Board, which administers the national program, subject to US Dept. of Agriculture approval. Independent Retailer – Broulim’s Fresh Foods (7 stores): Awarded for the second straight year, this progressive grocer, based in Eastern Idaho, is known for high-quality beef selection, retail experience and strong employee knowledge on new cuts, recipes, safety, labeling and even the production process. A strong partnership with the Idaho Beef Council, promotions and advertisements have dramatically increased beef sales. Mid-Size Retailer – Haggen (28 stores): The Washington state-based regional chain has built its brand on marketing Northwest beef and supporting local ranchers. In 2011, a branded beef program was launched, focused on the selling aspects of what drives beef usage, new cuts and recipes. Large Chain Retailer – Harris Teeter (206

stores): Deep consumer research enables the four-time awarded chain to blaze new trails in product labeling and point-of-sale merchandising; promotions such as the “Friday Night Steak” initiative increased daily beef sales more than 80 percent. Innovator of the Year – Safeway (1,694 stores): The retailer has built Ranchers Reserve into the largest beef brand in the marketplace, one that consistently delivers with proven sales results. Safeway is recognized as a pioneer beef retailer, committed to driving innovative marketing tactics, including new beef items, marinated meats and seasonal promotions like the Mobile Grill. Winners were chosen by an independent committee of retail professionals, based on variety of promotional partnerships, beef merchandising and education programs. More information is available at BeefRetail.org. gn

GOURMET NEWS

MARCH 2012

BUYERS GUIDE

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Buyer’s Guide KOSHER FOODS This listing is compiled from a survey conducted by Gourmet News and sent to all manufacturers known to the staff. Inclusion in this section is based on a company’s response to our request for information. Information included in this listing is provided by the featured companies.

Truebar Bakery On Main introduces Truebar, a new line of fruit and nut bars with simple, wholesome ingredients and nothing to hide. Available in 6 delicious flavors, Truebar is a good source for fiber and Omega 3, made with many low-GI ingredients, non-GMO, dairy and casein free, low sodium with no transfats or cholesterol and certified gluten free. Available in display sleeves of 12 40g individually wrapped bars. To request a sample, email marketing@bakeryonmain.com or visit Expo West booth #2473. SRP: $1.99 No. of kosher products offered: All 24 Bakery On Main SKUs are Kosher OU Parve Bakery On Main 888-533-8118 www.bakeryonmain.com

Hye Quality Bakery Soft 16-inch cracker bread for foolproof rolled sandwiches and wraps. With its velvety texture, thinness and flavor, the Hye Roller complements any filling, for a light yet satisfying experience. Unlike tortillas or other flat breads, Hye Rollers hold fillings without turning soggy, splitting or cracking. Rollups can be made fresh and held up to 72 hours (depending on filling). Baked from natural ingredients and unbleached flours, with no trans fats or preservatives. Shelf life 8 weeks refrigerated, 6 months frozen, 2 weeks at room temperature. In White and Wheat flavors, with Pesto available for foodservice. SRP: $6.99 to $7.99 for retail pack of three. Packed 36 per case, in retail (12 resealable vacuum-packed bags, three per bag) or foodservice (six bags, six sheets per bag). No. of kosher products: 5, all certified Kosher D 877-445-1778 www.hyequalitybakery.com

McConnell’s Ice Cream First opening its scoop shop doors in 1949, McConnell’s remains, proudly, a family business run by a small band of ridiculously dedicated “cone-essuers.” We aim to not only to leave behind a rich ice cream legacy, but to do it the right way––with locallysourced ingredients, sustainable methods, going organic whenever possible, and leaving this world a little “sweeter” than we found it. Nearly 70 years ago, Mac McConnell dreamed of “making the very best ice cream in the world.” His success is what hundreds of markets, restaurants, ice cream shops and loyal fans expect from McConnell’s today. No. of ice creams offered: Over 75 total: 18 in single-serve, as well as pints, scrounds and 3-gallon containers. McConnell’s Ice Cream 805-963-8813 (tel)/ 805-965-3764 (fax) for wholesale www.mcconnells.com

Papa Ben’s Mandelbroyt An Eastern European delicacy headed to retailers near you! Ben Lesser has enriched the family tradition with five unique flavors to tantalize every palate: Original Family Recipe, Lemon Blueberry with Poppy Seeds, Minty Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Espresso Bean and Spicy Chipotle with Ginger and Dark Chocolate. These delicious anytime cookies use simple, fresh and natural ingredients, and are bursting with mouth-watering flavor. PBK’s bakery is KSA certified and certified Pareve. Each package is 8 oz. (227g), 2-1/4 x 4 3/4 x 8 ¼. SRP: $ 6.99 per 8 No. of kosher products: 5 SKUs Papa Ben’s Kitchen 888-233-1072 www.PapaBensKitchen.com

Rubschlager Rubschlager Baking offers a delicious line of European-style specialty breads, all 100 percent whole grain, which are an excellent source of fiber. Available in Cocktail Breads, Square Breads, Rye-Ola Breads (100 percent Rye), Toasted Mini Chips, and Dinner Rolls, these dense, hearty breads carry the Whole Grain Council stamp and are Kosher OU Pareve. Most loaves are one pound, and most products are available as shippers. SRP: Varies by product category No. of kosher products offered: Approximately 60 SKUs Rubschlager Baking 773-826-1245 www.rubschlagerbaking.com

Sticky Fingers Bakeries Sticky Fingers Bakeries, a long-standing member of the National Assn. for the Specialty Food Trade, has created a whole new market niche with its Kosher certified, all natural, just-add-water, quick and easy, unbelievably delicious English Scones, Brownies and Muffin Mixes. Boasting one of the largest selection of quick and easy bakery mixes sold nationally, Sticky Fingers Bakeries allows the time-pressed contemporary family to enjoy an age-old comfort food in just minutes. Colorfully packaged in a soft fold bag complemented with beautiful graphic illustrations. SRP: $4.99 to $5.99 per 1 lb. bag No. of kosher products offered: 28 SKUs that are Kosher Certified Sticky Fingers Bakeries 800-458-5826 www.stickyfingersbakeries.com

Way Better Snacks We’ve unlocked the powerful nutrients found in sprouted seeds, grains and beans to offer you a way better tortilla chip. Six flavors: Simply Sunny MultiGrain, Unbeatable Blues, Sweet Potato, Black Bean, Sweet Chili and No Salt. Certified gluten free, nonGMO, vegan and whole grain; low sodium, no trans fats, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Available in 5.5 oz bags and new individual serving size bags. SRP: $2.99 - $3.79 No. of kosher products offered: All six flavors are certified OU Kosher Live Better Brands, LLC. 631-761-6950 www.gowaybetter.com

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Garlic Olive Oil Spray 8oz spray bottle of Imported Italian Olive Oil. 2.5 calories per spray. Also available in Valencia Orange, Lemon, Garlic and Chili. They also offer kosher organic extra virgin olive oil in an 8-oz. chef-style bottle. SRP: $9.99 No. of kosher products offered: 5

Wild Forest /Mardona Specialty Foods 855-645-7772 www.mardonaspecialtyfoods.com

Flavorama™ No-Salt Spice Blends Exciting, robust flavor profiles enhance every meal––no salt needed. Superior quality, certified Kosher, 100 percent natural, certified organic: our growers are part of our sustainable mission, ensuring consistent quality and healthier farming communities. Featuring: All Purpose, Mesquite, Lemon Pepper Seafood, Spicy, Garlic Herb, and Poultry. Flavorama™ comes in high-quality plastic jars with shaker flip top lid. SRP: From $.99, average $4.95. No. of kosher products: Retail lineup of more than 100 SKUs. Aromatica™ Organics 775-971-8550 www.aromaticaspice.com

Chozen Ice Cream Made with and inspired by the best desserts from every Jewish holiday, each based on family recipes and created by local bakers. Ingredients are all natural and Kosher. Flavors include Ronne’s Rugelach, Coconut Macaroon, Matzoh Crunch, Apples and Honey, Chocolate Gelt and Coffee Talk. Chozen is available in pints. SRP: $5.99 No. of kosher products: 6 Chozen Ice Cream 212-675-4191 www.chozen.com

Honey Ridge Farms Whipped Honey Cremes

Organic Nectars Cashewtopia Vegan Ice Cream GOLD sofi ™winner for Outstanding Organic Product, named Best Raw Ice Cream of 2010 by VegNews Magazine, Organic Nectars’ vegan, low-glycemic frozen dessert is amazingly delicious. Made from raw, organic cashews, free of processed sugar, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, gluten and GMOs. Sweetened with our own 100 percent raw, organic agave syrup, it’s suitable for people watching their sugar intake and is only 150 calories or less per serving. Certified organic, vegan and non dairy kosher by Natural Food Certifiers, Spring Valley, NY. Also available in 1 gal food service containers. SRP: $3.99 (pint) No. of kosher products offered: 100 SKUs Organic Nectars 845-246-0506 www.organicnectars.com

Taste of Crete Vegan Greek Cookies Mediterranean Diet and are based on family recipes. Made with extra virgin olive oil, they are cholesterol free, low in sodium and are Pareve. Two varieties carry the tablet K kosher designation: the wine cookies, which are fragrant and not too sweet; and the orange cookies, in which whole oranges are used for a clean, bright fruit flavor. Packaged in 5 oz. boxes, sold 12 to a case. Bakery packaging in plastic shells and in bulk is also available. SRP: $4.49 No. of kosher products offered: 2 varieties: orange (SKU892101000078) and wine (SKU-8921010006) Taste of Crete 908-685-2035 www.tasteofcrete.com

Tishbi Wine & Fruit Preserves Unique and delicious Tishbi Wine & Fruit Preserves are created by Oshra Tishbi, from the vintage of her family’s award-winning winery in Zichron Yaakov, Israel and local fresh fruits. Perfect paired with cheese, on scones or croissants, or spooned over ice cream. Available in Fig Cabernet (awarded sofi(TM) Silver 2010), Cherry Shiraz, Passion Fruit Champagne (Winner Best in Show Kosherfest 2011), Strawberry Champagne, Mango Chardonnay and Sangria; Tishbi Wine Jellies are available in Chardonnay, Cabernet, Riesling and Merlot. Retail News awarded collection Best Gourmet Gift 2011. SRP: $7.95 - $9.95 No. of kosher products offered: All 40 SKUs Fruit of the Land Inc. 905-761-9611, 877-311-JAMS www.fruitoftheland.com

Matzel Toff!

Honey Ridge Farms of Brush Prairie, Washington—familyowned, with five generations of beekeeping experience— combines locally sourced Grade A raw honey with fruits and spices, creating seven honey crème flavors: Blackberry, Raspberry, Cranberry, Apricot, Spiced, Lemon and Clover. Luscious yet light on the palate, the honey crèmes need no refrigeration and are dairy- and gluten-free. SRP: $7.99 per 9-oz. jar No. of kosher products offered: 7 flavors, certified under supervision of Oregon Kosher

Certified KofK kosher, our flagship product is a Passover favorite. Decadent hand-made toffee, Streit’s Matzo and premium allnatural chocolate = pure bliss. Available in five different mouth watering varieties, Matzel Toff! has become a Passover staple at the Seder table, and makes an ideal hostess gift or an indulgent midnight Passover treat. Matzel Toff! is available in single-bar cello packs and 2-bar gift boxes. Also available: three varieties of Holy Macaroon! (chocolate-covered coconut macaroons), and Matzel Bits! (bite-size Matzel Toff!). SRP: $9.75/box No. of kosher products offered: 9

Honey Ridge Farms 360-256-0086 (Leeanne Goetz) www.honeyridgefarms.com

Urban Nosh, LLC 917-837-4377, phillip@matzeltoff.com www.matzeltoff.com

Kinnikinnick’s Multigrain Soft Bread

Woolwich Dairy Original Chevrai

With a nice rise like traditional bread, this new soft bread is made with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors; is fortified with five essential nutrients; contains at least five grams of fiber per serving; zero cholesterol and lower calories, making it one of the most nutritionally sound gluten free breads on the market today. Also dairy free, nut free and certified OU Kosher. 16 oz package, 16 slices in a loaf. SRP: $4.99 No. of kosher products offered: All.

Fresh, delicate and creamy with a slight, mild tang, Woolwich Original Chevrai uses only best quality local milk sources, guaranteeing ultra freshness. All natural and rennet-free (making it vegetarian-friendly), and specifically designed to please the North American palate, this 100% pure, Woolwich Dairy soft unripened chèvre is highly adaptable, suited for any occasion, recipe or dish. Available in 4-oz and 10.5-oz logs. SRP: $3.49 - 4.99, (4 oz.), $7.49 - $8.99 (10.5 oz.)

Kinnikinnick Foods 877-503-4466 www.kinnikinnick.com

WOOLWICH DAIRY, INC. 800-326-5620 (Ruth Flore, Norseland) www.norseland.com

GOURMET NEWS

MARCH 2012

BUYERS GUIDE

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Buyer’s Guide I C E C R E A M & G E L AT O S This listing is compiled from a survey conducted by Gourmet News and sent to all manufacturers known to the staff. Inclusion in this section is based on a company’s response to our request for information. Information included in this listing is provided by the featured companies.

Adonia Greek Frozen Yogurt by Ciao Bella Introducing Adonia Greek Frozen Yogurt by Ciao Bella – a smooth, heavenly, fat free dessert that takes the Greek Yogurt craze to new yumliscious levels. Available in 14 oz. retail size––Vanilla, Raspberry, Wild Blueberry, Mango, Peach, Espresso and Key Lime––and two novelty bars, Wild Blueberry and Peach. The 14 oz. size is non-fat, has 9 g of protein, 130 calories per serving and Live and Active cultures. Novelty bars are non-fat, with 5 g of protein and 75 calories per serving. SRP: $4.99-$5.39 for 14 oz; $4.99-$5.19 for novelty bars Ciao Bella Gelato Company 800-343-5286 www.adoniabyciaobella.com

Double Rainbow Organic Ice Cream Cup For over 35 years, Double Rainbow Gourmet Ice Creams has been producing award winning Super Premium Ice Creams and frozen desserts. The recent introduction of their 32 oz Organic Super Premium Ice Cream over the past year has seen such a tremendous demand that they are proud to introduce their NEW 5 oz. Organic Super Premium “Portion Control” Ice Cream Cups in three flavors: French Vanilla, Chocolate and Coffee. Made with all natural ingredients, these single serve cups are gluten free, kosher, and certified organic. SRP: $1.79, 5 oz. cups; $4.29 pints, $6.99 quarts No. of ice creams/gelatos: 14 ice creams, 4 organic ice creams, 5 soy creams and 5 sorbets. Double Rainbow Gourmet Ice Creams, Inc. 800-489-3580 www.doublerainbow.com

Bacetti Bacettii is an authentic gelato bite coated in sweet dark chocolate, handmade with local ingredients in San Francisco. A two-bite-sized pleasure with no scooping required! Each flavor comes in a pack of six individually wrapped Bacetti, offering your customers a surprising experience. For only 60 calories per Bacetti, it is a 100 percent guilt-free pleasure. SRP: $ 5.95 No. of ice creams/gelatos: Three flavors: Vanilla, Cioccolato, Milk with Roasted Pinenuts BACETTI 415-512-1020 www.bacetti.com

Boulder Ice Cream Super premium, all natural and organic ice cream in 14 flavors, including best sellers Mexican Chocolate, Famous Sweet Cream, Coconut Crunch, Green Tea, Ginger Cream, Espresso Chocolate Chip and more. Hand-crafted and batch churned to create a rich, creamy and decadent dessert. The Coloradobased company sources local cream, milk and eggs and is produced in a plant that offsets 100 percent of electricity with wind power. Available in 16 oz. pints and 3.6 oz. grab-and-go cups. Recently launched is an organic gelato line, Sorano Gelato, in seven great flavors: Limone, Pistachio, Double Dutch Chocolate and more. SRP: $3.99 No. of ice creams/gelatos offered: 14 flavors of all natural and organic ice cream, 7 flavors of Sorano Gelato Boulder Homemade Inc., dba Boulder Ice Cream 800-691-5002 www.bouldericecream.com

Mintimalism Ice Cream Sandwich

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Called “the best in America” by Time magazine, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams begins with naturally sweet cream from hormone-free, grass-grazed Ohio cows. Added to that luscious foundation are fruits, vegetables, spirits, cheeses, herbs and ultra-rare ingredients (organic/fair-trade Ndali Estate Ugandan vanilla; single-farm/bean-to-bar Askinosie chocolate). At the heart of Jeni’s is Jeni Britton Bauer, “an ice cream wizard”, according to The Washington Post, and author of the New York Times best-seller “Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home.” Renowned chef David Tanis states, “Jeni brings an artist’s imagination and wit to the table, and astonishingly delicious flavors.” SRP: $9.99 to $10.99 Number of ice creams/gelatos: 14 pints (flavor shown: Queen City Cayenne), 4 ice cream sandwiches Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams 614-725-0600 www.jenisicecreams.com

McConnell’s Ice Cream First opening its scoop shop doors in 1949, McConnell’s remains, proudly, a family business run by a small band of ridiculously dedicated “coneessuers.” We aim to not only to leave behind a rich ice cream legacy, but do it the right way––with locally-sourced ingredients, sustainable methods, going organic whenever possible, and leaving this world a little “sweeter” than we found it. Nearly 70 years ago, Mac McConnell dreamed of “making the very best ice cream in the world.” His success is what hundreds of markets, restaurants, ice cream shops and loyal fans expect from McConnell’s today. No. of ice creams offered: Over 75 total: 18 in single-serve, as well as pints, scrounds and 3-gallon containers. McConnell’s Ice Cream 805-963-8813 (tel)/ 805-965-3764 (fax) for wholesale www.mcconnells.com

Champagne Mango Sorbet made with Agave All natural artisan gelato made from an authentic family recipe. In addition to our already popular line of over 200 flavors of gelato and sorbet, we now have a line of sorbet which uses agave, a natural low calorie sweetener which is perfect for diabetics and dieters alike. We handpick the sweetest champagne mangos and add agave to give the sorbet an incredible creaminess and intense flavor. Comes in pints which are ordered in packs of 16, or in 5 liter pans which come in cases of two. SRP: $3.55 per pint No. of ice cream/gelatos offered: Over 200 flavors Dolci Gelati 202-257-5323 www.DolciGelati.net

Caramel Sea Salt by GS Gelato Naturally low in fat, gelato is a perfect healthy alternative for ice cream. With around one-third the fat of traditional ice cream, and bursting with flavor, Caramel Sea Salt brings the worlds of salty and sweet into an explosive combination of taste. Sea Salt Caramel features a deep, creamy texture with a rich taste that is reminiscent of a soft warm caramel, yet has a delicate touch of Mediterranean sea salt, creating a fusion that is unmatched in taste and sure to surprise. Also available for foodservice distribution. SRP: $4.29 No. of ice creams/gelatos offered: The Gelato Collection includes nine flavors: Tuscan Tiramisu, Caramel Sea Salt, Triple Chocolate, Tahitian Vanilla, Coconut, Italian Pistachio, Blood Orange, Mango and Amalfi Lemon. G.S. Gelato & Desserts, Inc. 850-243-5455 www.gsgelato.com

Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Named after the Minimalist design movement, as Coolhaus offers all architecturally-inspired flavors. Featuring a brownie-like Double Chocolate cookie, soft and chewy with chocolate chips, and Dirty Mint Chip ice cream with fresh mint leaves, a touch of brown sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. The two combine to make an irresistible and addictive artisan, gourmet dessert treat. The sandwich is 3.25” diameter, about 3” tall and weighs 5.2 oz. Packaged in a matted shiny material designed to look like our ice cream sandwich trucks. SRP: $5.00 No. of ice creams/gelatos: 5 SKUs

The brand’s signature flavor and all-time best seller. Made with select triple-washed black raspberries from Oregon’s premier grower, and rich chunks of bittersweet dark chocolate, Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip is an absolute “must-try” for anyone new to Graeter’s. Hand-packed in pints, Graeter’s Ice Cream is the best ice cream you’ll ever taste: creamy, dense and delicious. SRP: $4.99/pint No. of ice creams/gelatos: 24 flavors in pint containers; 5 flavors in 56 oz. containers (select availability)

Coolhaus 917-701-2777 (Dan Fishman, President of Wholesale) www.eatcoolhaus.com

Graeter’s Manufacturing Co. 513-721-3323 www.graeters.com

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Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss As rich and creamy as premium ice cream, Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss is a satisfying, delicious, and healthy alternative to dairy and soy-based frozen desserts. Made from a base of naturally rich coconut milk and sweetened with agave syrup. All 14 of our pint flavors and two flavors of novelty bars are certified organic, certified Non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and Fair Trade ingredients whenever possible. SRP: $6.49 pints / $5.49 bars No. of ice creams/gelatos: 4 pint flavors, 2 flavors of novelty bars, 5 flavors of 1.5 gallon food service tubs Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss 541-345-0020 www.coconutbliss.com

Maple’s Organics Cardamom Ginger Gelato Green cardamom pods steeped in handcrafted sweet cream gelato, with chunks of spicy candied ginger. Just one of our many inspired flavors–– including top seller Sea Salt Caramel-Almond Gelato (with swirls of raw sugar caramel) and spicy Mexican chocolate. Our ingredients are sourced directly from local Maine family farms, our flavors crafted with love using traditional methods. All pinted flavors are certified organic. Sorbetti are vegan and fat-free or low in fat. Available in lovely clear PET pints, quarts, 5-liter gelato pans, and 3-gallon tubs. SRP: $5.99/pint No. of ice creams/gelatos offered: 24 flavors in pints (with SKUs) and 64 flavors in bulk packaging (pans and tubs). Maple’s Organics 207-899-3342 www.maplesorganics.com

Palazzolo’s Tahitian Vanilla Bean Gelato In Tahiti our farmers leave the vanilla bean pod on the orchid flower until the flower is dried and the floral notes are secured in the bean pod. Our cold pressed vanilla has over 250 different floral notes. We put a small section of the vanilla bean pod on top of the gelato for your extra enjoyment! SRP: $5.29 No. of ice cream/gelatos: Over 600 flavors of gelato and sorbetto. We customize any flavor requested. Palazzolo’s Artisan Gelato 800-4Gelato (443-5286) www.4gelato.com

Rumba Desserts Original, handmade American with a worldly palate. We flavor our artisan ice creams and sorbets with our own housemade mix-ins: organic, pure exotic fruits and spices, combined with rich California milk and cream. Our collection is inspired by fruits and flavors we crave and are passionate about: Lucuma, Passion Fruit, Cherimoya/Guanabana, Coffee, Purple Corn & Limes, Mamey, Bananas, Cinnamon, Pisco, Wine and Port Grapes, Coconut, Chocolate, Citrus, Dulce de Leche, Burnt Sugar, Cinnamon, Clove & Cinnamon. Gluten-free, egg-free, vegan sorbet, natural ingredients. In pint, mini and 1.5 gallon sizes. SRP: $2.99-$6.99/4-16oz. Pint No. of ice cream/gelatos: More than 20 flavors available, in three sizes. Rumba Desserts 530-409-7607 or email info@rumbadesserts.com (direct distribution) www.rumbadesserts.com

Gelato di Babbo™ Pure Pistacchio de Bronte Gelato di Babbo, one of Pennsylvania’s largest producers of artisan gelati and sorbetti, is known for its intensely pure, natural flavors––especially the new pistachio. Kim Zanni trekked to Italy for the main ingredient: organic, DOPcertified Bronte pistachios, proprietary roasted to her specifications. No food coloring required. The pistachios are naturally a dense verdant green color, have a high concentration of vitamins and protein, and a rich, nutty flavor and aroma from the mineral-rich volcanic soil and Sicilian sun and air. As one of the lowest-fat gelatos, its nutritional factsheet also make customers smile. In 16 oz. pints, shipped 8 to a carton. SRP: $5.49 to $5.99 No. of gelato lines offered: Nine: Pure Pistacchio di Bronte, White Chocolate Hazelnut, Coffee, Coconut, Vanilla Bean, Super Dark Chocolate, Raspberry, plus one rotating seasonal flavor. Zanni Foods, Inc. 717-626-8878 www.zannifoods.com

GOURMET NEWS

MARCH 2012

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briefs BRIANNAS announces 2011 Silver Spur Sales Award winner Del Sol Food Company, Inc., makers of Briannas Fine Salad Dressing, awarded APEX Sales and Marketing as the winner of BRIANNAS 2011 Silver Spur Sales Award. Presented at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, the hand crafted award was accepted by APEX’s Ben Langford and Josh Reed. The Bentonville, Ark.-based firm was selected for the 2011 award because of their excellent sales team, sales volume, dedication to service, and for their courteous and professional business standards. “Our thanks to the Apex Sales Team who did a super job of spurring their sales well into the double digit range. They have provided solid, effective advice all along the trail, and have always been a pleasure to work with,” Del Sol President Jerry Brown said when presenting the award. BRIANNAS® line of 14 gourmet dressings continues to grow in popularity, and can be found in most of the major grocery store chains and independent retailers in all 50 states. It is also sold in numerous international markets.

Marley Coffee expands East Coast, Hawaii distribution Marley Coffee, a sustainably grown, ethically farmed and artisan roasted gourmet coffee, has announced new distribution agreements that will expand availability on the East Coast of the U.S. and in Hawaii. On the East Coast, Marley Coffee is now available through NGB Distributing to retailers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Based in Allentown, PA, NGB Distributing services some of the region’s top grocery retailers, including Weis Markets, Giant Food Stores, Wegmans, Genuardi’s, Boyer’s Food Markets, Valley Farm, Ahart and Elias Market. For sales inquiries in this region, please call 484-661-1080. Marley Coffee is also available in the metro New York region through a partnership with The Evans Company. Marley Coffee has also increased its Hawaii presence through a new distribution agreement with Mulvadi Corporation. Founded in 1997 by Steve Mulgrew with a handful of stores, Mulvadi Corporation today supplies over 500 retail stores throughout Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, California, Nevada, Japan and China. Among the Hawaii retailers served by Mulvadi are Whole Foods Markets, Umeke Market, Don Quijote, and ABC Stores. “We concluded 2011 with new distribution in Northern California and Colorado and are thrilled to begin 2012 with continued momentum as we bring Marley Coffee to more retailers and consumers,” said Brent Toevs, CEO, Marley Coffee. Marley Coffee currently offers seven varieties of new Marley Coffee Organic Ground, a premium assortment of 12-ounce Whole Bean Coffee as well as single-serve pods.

specialty Distributors & Brokers

Tony’s Fine Foods acquires Bernard & Sons Tony’s Fine Foods and Bernard & Sons, Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement under which Tony’s will substantially acquire all of the assets of Bernard’s meat distribution business. The transaction closed on Jan. 27, and assets are now consolidated into Tony’s centralized distribution facility in West Sacramento, Calif. “This acquisition represents another step in Tony’s continuing strategy of providing efficient service-oriented perishable food distribution throughout the West Coast,” said Karl Berger, Chief Executive Officer

of Tony’s. “It will further enhance Tony’s ability to meet growing consumer demand for fresh meat and poultry products at a variety of value price points. We believe vendors and customers will benefit from Tony’s greater product reach, comprehensive and consolidated distribution and enhanced logistics and storage operations which ensure products are delivered fresh, multiple times per week.” Dennis Bernard, the principal shareholder and President of Bernard’s, added that “I am excited about this transaction for both our

customers and our vendors. Tony’s reputation for exceptional service and integrity made them the logical choice to continue Bernard’s tradition of offering the very best service along with value pricing. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in our past success.” A third generation family-owned company, in business since 1934, Tony’s provides a wide range of distribution and logistics services to more than 1,500 customers throughout the West Coast. More information can be found at www. tonysfinefoods.com. gn

KCBS selected to represent Original SoupMan in soup aisle debut The Original SoupMan soups has selected KCBS, a member of nationally-recognized food brokerage group Beacon United, to coordinate sales of its new, shelf-stable packaged soups. Previously available frozen, the soups debut in March in the main soup aisle, alongside canned soups but in shelf-stable Tetra Recart packages. With clients such as Arizona Ice Tea, White Castle and Ghirardelli, KCBS’s record of brand building will be of great value to Original SoupMan as its products enter the main soup aisle. Annual soup sales are estimated at over $6 billion.

KCBS will provide a fully integrated “go-tomarket strategy.” Its corporate and divisional sales team will bring The Original SoupMan their expertise in maximizing distribution and customer promotion within stores nationwide, thus allowing The Original SoupMan to optimize the ROI on its marketing programs. “The ability to now deliver soup products with this level of excellence and national appeal to the supermarket shelf via TetraRecart is a combination that could change the soup industry,” said John Rutherford, President of KCBS. “KCBS is proud to

represent the Original SoupMan brand as a client.” “We are thrilled to have KCBS represent us,” said Arnold Casale, CEO of The Original SoupMan. “We chose KCBS because we believe their ability to provide customer expertise is unmatched.” The new Tetra Recart carton packaging enables the The Original SoupMan soups to be handled like traditional canned soups. Varieties include Lobster Bisque, Chicken Noodle, Lentil and Tomato Bisque, with an SRP of $3.79 to $3.99 for a two serving, 17.3 ounce package. gn

The Diamond Group signs Warren’s Foods Seeks expansion for healthy salsa, relish products The Diamond Group, a Maryland-based food consulting, brokerage, and advisory firm, has signed on Warren’s Foods LLC, a Connecticutbased manufacturer of all-natural, gluten-free and koser-certified salsa and relish. The company’s range includes Webber’s Original Relish (hot, medium, and mild) and Louie’s Original Salsa (hot and mild). The Diamond Group plans to be instrumental in bringing the products to grocery store shelves throughout the U.S. “Warren’s Foods salsa and relish products caught my attention when I tasted them at a food show. The taste was phenomenal,” said Jeremy Diamond. A food business veteran whose family started a chain of supermarkets in the Maryland and Washington D.C. areas, Mr. Diamond is frequently called upon by manufacturers, retailers, and local and national media for his ability to identify food trends such as store locations, marketing strategies, product placement, etc. Warren’s Foods is looking to connect with wholesalers and retailers for broad distribu-

tion. The company’s products would also marry well with food producers like tortilla chip manufacturers, hot dog producers, and

natural, organic, or Latino food companies among others. For more information, contact jdiamond@fdrama.com. gn

Supplier Business

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Columbus Foods to pay EPA penalty, invest $7 million in refrigeration safety upgrades Settlement reached following ammonia cloud that left 17 hospitalized Columbus Foods, a leading specialty meats producer, has agreed to pay a sizable penalty to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and to invest about $7 million in an upgraded refrigeration system to settle Clean Air Act violations resulting from incidents at its San Francisco plant in 2009. “This EPA ruling is in regard to a 2009 ammonia release, and is the final stage of regulatory action relating to the incident. Columbus has a 95 year history of doing the right thing. We take the safety of our employees, the surrounding community and

the environment very seriously. In Columbus’ 50 year history at the Forbes Blvd. location there have been no similar instances. The accident was an unfortunate result of actions made by a third-party contractor during a plant upgrade,” says a statement from Columbus Foods CEO Tim Fallon. Under the terms of the settlement, Columbus Manufacturing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbus Foods LLC, agrees to pay a $685,446 penalty to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and to invest about $7 million in a reconfigured ammo-

nia refrigeration system. The fees are in addition to $850,000 that was paid to San Mateo County, and an undisclosed settlement with neighboring company Genentech, whose employees were among those hospitalized after the incident. The agreement is covered in a consent decree announced Jan. 25. The case stems from two accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia that occurred in 2009, at the company’s manufacturing facility in South San Francisco, Calif. The first incident was in February 2009. Seventeen

people were hospitalized and 30 sought medical attention after the second incident, in August 2009. Neighboring offices were evacuated and freeway offramps shut down. Columbus fully cooperated with the investigators, and has announced that its system improvements will surpass the EPA’s recommended standards. The Forbes facility, which has been operational since 1967, acts as Columbus’ primary manufacturing plant. In 2012, the plant is expected to produce approximately 22 million pounds of specialty meats. gn

Estate Cheese Group acquires Sonoma Creamery The Estate Cheese Group LLC (ECG) has acquired Sonoma Creamery LLC (Sonoma), formerly Sonoma Foods Inc., creator of the Sonoma Jack® and Sonoma Cheese® brands. “Sonoma is a special brand. The outstanding family of Sonoma brand products and excellent longtime employees form the basis of a great investment for ECG. We intend to grow the company and build on Sonoma’s longstanding heritage of inno-

vation, quality and expertly crafted cheeses,” said John Crean, President and CEO of ECG and Sonoma Creamery. Mr. Crean is a food and beverage entrepreneur who previously co-founded the successful private label wine, spirits and beer company, Winery Exchange. The Estate Cheese Group invests in and manages outstanding cheese and dairy brands with a commitment to delivering all natural, sustainably farmed products.

ECG has brought all Sonoma team members on board to deliver uninterrupted, quality service to existing customers. Anchoring the Sonoma team are David Viviani, Vice President of Marketing and grandson of co-founder Celso Viviani, and Lou Biaggi, Vice President of Operations, a 30-year cheesemaker for the company. Together with the rest of the Sonoma team, they bring over 100 years of combined industry experience

with frush™, a yogurt and fruit shake in four flavors (strawberry, blueberry, peach and strawberry banana) and two sizes (8.4 fl. oz. and 32 fl. oz.). Billed as a “superdrink” by the company, the shake contains real fruit, creamy yogurt and all-natural health boosters like HOWARU ® Bifido probiotics and TruCal® calcium. Additional super food product lines are planned. “It’s time for an all new

approach to the way we eat,” said Don Greenlee, general manager of Origin Food Group. “We are sourcing the ingredients locally whenever possible. In fact, the milk will come from neighboring Stamey Farms, making the trip from farm to factory less than one mile.” “We’re thrilled to offer frush to the marketplace, while also creating jobs in our community and giving new life to an existing building by adding a state-of-the-

GOURMET NEWS

briefs Kellogg to buy Pringles for $2.695 billion The Kellogg Company has entered into an agreement to acquire Procter & Gamble’s Pringles® business for $2.695 billion. The deal will make Kellogg the second-largest savory snack company in the world after Pepsi-owned Frito-Lay. “Pringles is an excellent strategic fit for Kellogg Company. It significantly advances the company’s goal of building a global snacks business on par with its global cereal business,” said the company’s release. Kellogg has established a strong U.S. snacks business since its successful acquisition of Keebler more than a decade ago. In the U.S., the acquisition provides a new source of growth; globally, Pringles’ recognition and presence will help Kellogg aggressively leverage its other brands, including Cheez-It and Special K Cracker Chips. With the purchase, Kellogg also acquires manufacturing facilities in Tennessee and Belgium. The companies expect to complete the transaction in the summer of 2012, pending necessary regulatory approvals. Such approvals ended the first chapter of the Pringles sale, when a heralded deal with Diamond Foods was cancelled following the discovery of accounting irregularities that led to the departure of Diamond Foods’ CEO and CFO.

Palladium Equity Partners increases investment in Sahale Snacks and relationships. The creamery was acquired from its most recent owners, Pulmuone USA and Monterey Gourmet Foods, Inc. Andrew Mun, CFO of the group, commented, “We have great faith in John Crean and team from ECG. We are very pleased that the brand is in good hands and wish them the very best in their future developments.” gn

Origin Food Group to invest more than $7 million for North Carolina plant The Origin Food Group, LLC, has announced plans to invest more than $7 million to build and upfit a facility in Iredell County, N.C., to produce an innovative line of healthy food products, beginning with frush ™ Yogurt & Fruit Shakes. The state-of-the-art plant expects to create 28 jobs initially, and employ as many as 50 people by 2014. Origin Food Group will initially launch in grocery stores

MARCH 2012

art manufacturing plant. Creating these jobs for Iredell County is putting a smile on all of our faces here at Origin,” Greenlee continued. Headquartered in Statesville, N.C., the Origin Food Group combines 33 years of experience in yogurt and beverages by the Alarcon family of Ecuador with more than 60 years of dairy farming and cattle business by the Stameys of Iredell County. For additional information, visit www.originfoodgroup.com. gn

Private equity firm Palladium Equity Partners, LLC, announced its follow on investment in Sahale Snacks®, a Seattle-based producer of premium all-natural snacks. Terms were not disclosed. Palladium has held a significant minority stake in Sahale since 2007. “We are excited to extend our commitment to Sahale, and look forward to partnering with the management team on several promising growth initiatives for 2012 and beyond,” said Yue Guan, Vice President of Palladium. “Sahale’s highlydifferentiated offerings place it in a strong position to capture significant opportunities in the fast-growing $3.6 billion market for snack nuts and seeds. The company has more than doubled in size since our initial investment, and we expect substantially more growth as Sahale adds new products, increases distribution, and further penetrates existing sales channels.” Sahale offers unique mixes of premium nuts and dried fruits tossed with a hint of carefully crafted spices in an easy, portable snack pack. The company achieved Certified Gluten Free® status in 2011. The products and plant were also recently certified by KOF-K®, Kosher Supervision, one of the foremost kosher certification agencies in the U.S. Sahale launched its first products in January 2004, at a small grocery store in Seattle. Today, Sahale’s products can be found in over 20,000 locations nationwide across multiple channels, including Starbucks, Costco, Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, REI and a wide range of hotels, health clubs and specialty retailers.

home pageS

A Special Advertising Section

GOURMET NEWS

MARCH 2012

MARKETWATCH

www.gourmetnews.com

Marketwatch www.herbspicetea.com

GRANOLA

San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co. offers more than 1,000 culinary herbs and spices, botanicals, essential oils and more, in single herb and custom blends.

Holy Crap, “the world’s most amazing breakfast cereal”

www.herbspicetea.com

San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co. offers more than 1,000 culinary herbs and spices, botanicals, essential oils and more, in single herb and custom blends.

www.coffeefest.com Coffee Fest has been serving the specialty coffee and gourmet tea industries since 1992. If it looks like coffee, smells like coffee, goes well with coffee or is coffee you will find it at Coffee Fest.

www.rubschlagerbaking.com

Best-known for their cocktail breads, now available in four varieties, Rubschlager also produces a quality line of European-style breads in styles known as “Squares” and “Rye-Olas.”

Healthy consumers, active sales New ingredients and flavors bring interest to the gourmet granola and cereal category By ROCELLE ARAGON

igures from the NASFT show hot cereals as a small but fast-growing market, with cold cereal significantly larger but more stable. Sales of natural and specialty hot cereals totaled an estimated $77 million in 2010, up 8.6 percent from 2008 and outpacing total sales for hot cereals by 14.5 percent. Meanwhile, cold cereals had estimated sales of $593 million in 2010, up just .9 percent since2008. (Source: State of the Specialty Food Industry 2011. Figures do not include WalMart, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.) Oats continue to benefit from heavy advertising by giants like Quaker, which has established oatmeal as a healthy yet affordable anytime meal, a weight loss tool and source of fiber. Findings also show more consumers eating breakfast––rather than skipping it––but choosing foods that they can consume on the road. Meanwhile, granola continues to be a specialty staple, tapping into the all-day snack market as well. Every day someone launches their own version, and it is easily made at home. Yet none of this keeps the crunchy clusters from specialty store shelves and posh breakfast menus. Gluten free, raw, specially sweetened: Gluten free granola and oatmeal are becoming a large category of their own, as the former niche goes mainstream. PARTNERS granola has always been low-sodium, and Enjoy Life Foods is expanding from its base in the allergen-free market. Premium-priced raw granola is available from Kaya Foods and Two Moms in the Raw. Superfruits such as goji berry and baobab are in the mix, as are granolas sweetened with agave, premium maple syrup or premium honey. Whole grains: Seven- or 10-grain cereals have long been available. But with

increased interest in whole and ancient grains, retailers can expect new choices in both hot and cold. Flax seed was just the start. Kaya Foods makes three flavors of buckwheat granola, while HapiFoods’ memorably named cereal, Holy Crap!, is built around chia, buckwheat and hemp hearts. Online provider Custom Choice recently added crisped rice as a cereal base option. Savory flavors: Classic sweet mix-ins (fruit, nuts, chocolate and cinnamon) lead the way by far, but savory notes like chai, blood orange and coffee are popping up. Dorset Cereals, a British import, includes flavors like gingerbread and elderflower; Brooklyn’s Granola Lab has a tamarindbanana blend, and Early Bird Granola proudly proclaims its base of “olive oil, salt and love.” Consumers’ interest in novel flavors should keep this going. Personalization and seasonal/limited-edition flavors. Custom Choice Cereals allows customers to create their own gluten-free cereal blends and ships them online. Some of the company’s own blends are carried at Dean & DeLuca and A Southern Season. Meanwhile, Nature’s Valley takes the cue from other specialty food categories with three new blends of its hit “limited edition” premium granola, Love Crunch. Topping: Granola has benefited from the surge in Greek yogurt, via parfaits. Dairy maker Alpina makes two parfait lines, the low-fat Restart and the more indulgent Revive, pairing specific granolas and yogurts. Colorado-based Rush! Bowls include granola as crunchy topping for pints of readyblended fruit. Continued on Page 20

Holy Crap, the fastest selling new, raw, gluten-free cereal with 100 percent organic ingredients, is now available in the US. Holy Crap rocked the Canadian natural food product industry by expanding into over 1,000 stores, showing a 2,000 percent growth in only six months. “The eye-catching and humorous product name draws people in to taste our cereals,” says Corin Mullins, HapiFoods Group co-founder. “Once they experience the benefits of the cereal they keep buying it and tell all their friends and family about it. Retailers tell us it flies off the shelves.” Holy Crap Cereal is a special blend of whole grain super foods including organic chia seeds, organic buckwheat and organic hulled hemp hearts. Organic cranberries, raisins, apples and cinnamon give the cereal a tasty flavor all its own. Will Kelsay, Boulder, Colorado’s professional XTERRA triathlete uses Holy Crap. “I could really feel the difference that it made in my everyday, highly active life. My energy levels were much more consistent, I wasn’t so hungry all the time, and well... I was much more regular. I love it!” For more info, visit www.holycrap.ca.

Enjoy Life Foods re-launches uniquely positioned line of granola Enjoy Life Foods, America’s #1 brand in the allergy-friendly category whose products are also gluten-free, has recently re-launched its uniquely positioned line of granolas. Featuring shelf-popping bright new packaging, Enjoy Life Crunchy Granolas are available in three flavors: Cinnamon Raisin Crunch, Very Berry Crunch, and the company’s most recent introduction–– Double Chocolate Crunch (you can never have too much chocolate, hence the double dose). The three varieties of granola, which are all nut-, gluten-, and soy-free, along with being free of the other top eight allergens, feature all natural, non-GMO ingredients and are a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals. All Enjoy Life products are kosher and halal certified, and carry the globally recognized GFCO certification. Enjoy Life Foods is committed to providing consumers with allergy-friendly and gluten-free foods of the highest quality. Standing strongly behind their promise of “Taste, Trust, Love,” Enjoy Life manufactures a wide variety of products for the millions of Americans living with food allergies, lactose intolerance, and celiac disease. In addition to being free of the eight most common allergens, Enjoy Life products are made in a dedicated nut and gluten-free facility. For more information, contact Joel Warady at jwarady@enjoylifefoods. com or visit the company website at www. enjoylifefoods.com.

MARKETWATCH

www.gourmetnews.com

MARCH 2012

GOURMET NEWS

GRANOLA

Continued from Page 19 Stay close to home: Many cities have their “own” granolas, created by popular chefs or sold at farmer’s markets. Retailers can pair a local favorite––like San Franola, beloved by its city’s health-oriented techies––with a regional artisan yogurt and locally-grown fruit or nuts for a one-of-a-kind seasonal parfait. Oatmeal continues to be strong, a staple from convenience stores to fast food and even the occasional vending machine. Bakery on Main’s instant oatmeal is not only gluten-free, but includes amaranth, quinoa, chia and flax. Umpqua Oats, a line of nine pre-mixed flavor bowls, made a strong entry through coffee kiosks, while Bob’s Red Mill offers organic, coarse-ground Scottish oatmeal among its 17 varieties of oats. Sometimes cereal doesn’t even have to be eaten: oat smoothies (single-serve and ready to drink) are a European innovation now surfacing in the U.S. Asian countries have long had instant cereal drinks that replace breakfast and sometimes have savory addins. (Think congee but made from wheat or barley.) One important aspect for manufacturers and retailers alike: watch your claims, especially the all-important “All-Natural.” Top natural brand Kashi and its parent company Kellogg are named in a federal class action consumer suit alleging that the brand’s “allnatural” claim—an anchor of its branding—is false and misleading. As proof, the suit names such ingredients such as “bromelain, plant sterols, potassium bicarbonate, xantham gum, yeast extract, inulin, cholecalciferol, ascorbic acid, calcium caseinate, lactic acid, high oleic safflower oil, and a number of soy products,” according to the FDA Law Blog. While still in its early stages, the suit does bear close watching, along with the evolving standards for gluten-free. gn

Gluten-free instant oatmeal from Bakery on Main Bakery On Main recently introduced its new gluten free instant oatmeal, a multigrain hot cereal that comes in three delicious bakeshop flavors. This healthy comfort food is made with whole grains including certified gluten free oats, amaranth, quinoa, chia and flax. It is high in fiber, is non-GMO, free of dairy and casein, as well as low in sodium. It is GFCO certified gluten free, and Kosher OU Parve with no transfat or cholesterol. The three delectable bakeshop flavors are Apple Pie, Strawberry Shortcake and Maple Multigrain Muffin. This is good news for anyone who follows a gluten free diet, a growing population. It is not only individuals with celiac disease (who must adhere to a lifelong gluten-free diet), but also those with gluten intolerances and autism, who eat a gluten free casein free (GFCF) diet in an attempt to reduce symptoms. A growing number of athletes have adopted a gluten free diet to improve performance. Many people who have tried Bakery on Main’s gluten-free line, and stuck with it, simply report feeling better when eating less or no gluten. Suggested retail price is $5.99/10.5oz box, which contains six individual packets. For more information, visit www.bakeryonmain.com or stop by Expo West booth #2473.

PARTNERS Gourmet Granola

DIY Granola Kit from GourmetKitchens oils|vinegars Mix up a batch of homemade granola with zesty dried fruits, oats and the awakening aroma of GourmetKitchens oils|vinegars Blood Orange Oil. Listening to requests from our customers, Arnabal International launched this DIY kit to celebrate Food Day. The kit includes all the pre-measured ingredients and the “original recipe” for making the tastiest homemade granola––yielding 12 servings to enjoy over yogurt, ice cream or just by itself. Not only is it effortless, satisfying and healthy, it is also arranged in a gift-ready presentation with compartments for each ingredient. The square box is arranged so that the ingredients do not move in transit. The bottle of Blood Orange Oil is secured nicely in its own compartment. The DIY Granola Kit is the newest rave for introducing healthy eating to KIDS…and it has proven a great hit with a panel of opinionated students at a local elementary school. For more information, contact Arnabal International at 949-861-8820, email orders@ arnabal.com or visit us at www.arnabal.com. We’ll be glad to share the buzz!

PARTNERS Gourmet Granola is not your typical mass produced product. Developed from a family recipe dating back to 1972, it tastes as if it came straight from Grandma Marian’s kitchen. Just like all of PARTNERS’ products, the granola is made from all natural ingredients, ingredients you might find in your own kitchen. Ingredients you can trust. The granola is slow baked in small batches and sweetened only with honey and dried fruit. There is no added sugar. As a mother and grandmother, Marian understands the need for flavor variety and nutrition when it comes to feeding the whole family. She developed three distinct flavors: Harvest Fruit, Multigrain, and Apples & Cinnamon, which can be enjoyed as a healthy snack, crunchy topping, or morning breakfast cereal. No matter how her family consumes it, Marian is comforted knowing each flavor contains at least 25 g of whole grains per serving—over half of the daily recommended intake. Marian Harris is the original founder and o w n er o f PA RT N ERS , a t ast efu l ch o i ce company. She and her family have developed award winning, all natural products since 1992. PARTNERS Gourmet Granola can be purchased in cases of six 12 oz re-sealable pouches or in bulk as a 15 lb case. For more information, call PARTNERS at 800632-7477, email service@partnerscrackers.com or visit www.partnerscrackers.com. They will also be at Expo West, at booth #4378.

All Natural. Elegant. Truly Delicious. 800-800-9076

www.diletantte.com

954-462-0533

Bemka Corp. www.houseofcaviarandfinefoods.com

Our exclusive line of exotic fruit toppings make a thoughtful gift— they are gluten-free, all-natural and made with fair trade ingredients. They are delicious as dessert toppings, spreads, a base for marinades, or in baking your favorite pastry or cake. We can package the trio in an eco-friendly box.

888-543-4738

FairHarvest, LLC www.fairharvestfoods.com

201-438-7100

Antichi Sapori antichisaporius@hotmail.com

American Vintage 718-361-1003

American Vintage Wine Biscuits 718-361-1003 www.americanvintage.com

For more than 100 years, the Mantova family has been dedicated to producing high quality Italian products. Recently, we have brought to market a new spray technology with only one ingredient: Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Nunes Farms Almonds ship direct from the farm where they are grown, roasted, seasoned and packaged. Choose from a unique variety of all natural products. Oven roasted in small batches to ensure freshness, from a farm that has been family-owned for generations.

Fine Italian Food 630-904-0002 www.fineitalianfood.com

209-862-3033

Nunes Farms www.nunesfarmswholesale.com

Rubschlager Baking offers a delicious line of European-style breads, made with 100% chopped whole rye with no wheat added and they are an excellent source of fiber. Available in Pumpernickel, Black Rye, Sunflower and Flax, these dense and hearty breads carry the 100% Whole Grain Council stamp and are Kosher Pareve.

Peppadew® fruit and Peppadew value-added products (including mustard, mango salsa, potato chips, seasoning, splash on and more) all serve to bring the unique sweet and spicy flavor to the palate. Discovered just 15 years ago in South Africa, Peppadew® come in Mild, Hot and the New Peppadew Gold.

Rubschlager Baking Corporation 773-826-1245 www.rubschlagerbaking.com

Strohmeyer and Arpe Co. Inc. 908-580-9100 www.peppadewfresh.com

Introducing a special line of vinegars from Acetaia San Giacomo! Traditional slow oxidation and a two year aging process results in beautifully aromatic vinegars with the desired acidity and highlights of the natural fruit. These special vinegars include beer, quince and wine vinegar aged in juniper barrels. The distinct flavors will intrigue you!

What do you get when you add sprouted ingredients to a tortilla chip? A Way Better Snack! Simply Sunny Multi-Grain, Unbeatable Blues, Sweet Potato, Black Bean, Sweet Chili and No Salt. * Certified Gluten Free * Non GMO * Vegan * Certified Kosher * Whole Grains * Low Sodium * No Trans Fats, Artificial Colors, Flavors, Preservatives

Viola Imports, Inc. 847-690-0790 www.violaimports.com

Way Better Snacks 631-761-6950 www.gowaybetter.com

A Special Advertising Section

Since 2002, Pastificio Lisa has provided all-natural pasta for a balanced diet. Our authentic homemade Italian pasta comes in 14 unique shapes and uses only completely natural ingredients. Whether durum, semolina or egg pasta, our production follows Pastificio Lisa specifications: carefully selected, strictly controlled raw ingredients of the highest quality. Now seeking distributors.

American Vintage Wine Biscuits are cracker snacks made with wine and pepper. The striking flavor combinations and eyecatching artwork of framed grapes create customer interest and add rich color to any counter display or gift basket. Contains no preservatives or cholesterol.

GOURMET MARKETPLACE

A symbol of distinction and perfection since 1984, House of Caviar and Fine Foods—located in the USA and Europe—is a specialized importer/exporter and distributor of caviars and gastronomic products. Our experts select, prepare and pack a wide range of sophisticated fine food products under the control of CITES, FDA and HACCP.

American Vintage is thrilled to present our NEW BEER BISCUITS, handmade with real American beer. 3 FLAVORS: Smoky Chipotle, Lime & Beer – Mild; Smoky Chipotle, Lime & Beer – Hot Hot Hot; and Pizza & Beer. No preservatives, no cholesterol and no trans fat. Free consumer samples are included with each retailer’s order.

A Special Advertising Section

DILETTANTE Truffle Cremes

SMORGASBORD

www.gourmetnews.com

Hard Facts $15,208

1.25

41.8%

What the average U.S. family spends on groceries for one year

billion No. of chicken wings eaten on Super Bowl Sunday

Source: USDA

Source: Reuters

Percentage of consumers who purchased organic foods

Source: The TABS Group, survey of 1,000 consumers Jan. 2012

CALENDAR March 9-11

April 17-20

CoffeeFest New York

New York Tabletop Show

www.coffeefest.com

www.41madison.com

March 9-11

May 5-8

Natural Products Expo West

National Restaurant Show

Anaheim, www.expowest.com

Chicago, www.restaurant.org/show

March 10-13

International Home+Housewares Show

Chicago, www.housewares.org

May 8-10

Sweets & Snacks Expo

Chicago, www.allcandyexpo.com

Advertiser IndeX Page Website

Phone

ADEX (Asosacion de Exportadores)

www.expoalimentariaperu.com

011-618-3333

American Vintage Wine Biscuits 21

www.americanvintage.com

718-361-1003

AMES International

www.emilyschocolates.com

888-469-2637

Antichi Sapori

antichisaporius@gmail.com

201-438-7100

Bakery on Main

www.bakeryonmain.com

888-533-8118

Bemka

www.houseofcaviarandfinefoods.com 954-462-0533

EU5 c/o Gotham Direct

www.legendsfromeurope.com

Formaggio

www.formaggiocheese.com

Hye Quality Bakery

www.hyqualitybakery.com

877-445-1778

Nunes Farms

www.nunesfarms.com

209-862-3033

Pacific Resources Int’l.

www.shoppri.com

805-684-0624

Peanut Shop of Williamsburg

www.thepeanutshop.com

800-831-1828

Rubschlager Baking

www.rubschlagerbaking.com

773-826-1245

www.herbspicetea.com

800-227-2830

San Francisco Herb & Natural

19, 22

888-997-1866

Seattle Gourmet

www.seattlegourmetfoods.com

800-800-9076

Sierra Soup Co.

www.sierrasoups.com

800-397-6887

The Spice Lab

www.thespicelab.com

954-275-4478

Stonewall Kitchen

www.stonewallkitchen.com

888-326-5678

Wabash Valley Farms

www.wfarms.com

877-888-7077

Wind & Willow

www.windandwillow.com

888-427-3235

Periodicals postage paid at Tucson, AZ, and additional mailing office. Gourmet News (ISSN 10524630) is published monthly by Oser Communications Group, 1877 North Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715; 520-721-1300. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or prices quoted in newspaper. Contributors are responsible for proper release of proprietary classified information. ©2012 by Oser Communications Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher, is expressly prohibited. Back issues, when available, cost $7 each within the past 12 months, $12 each prior to the past 12 months.

GOURMET NEWS

people watch Mary Ann Casati and Lorraine Twohill elected to Williams-Sonoma board Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has announced that top investment banker Mary Ann Casati and Google executive Lorraine Twohill have been elected to its Board of Directors. “We are excited to have Mary Ann and Lorraine join our Board,” said Adrian Bellamy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “These two individuals each bring a unique perspective and expertise that we believe will help shape the success of our company.” Laura Alber, President and CEO, joined Mr. Bellamy in welcoming Ms. Casati and Ms. Twohill to the Board. “We are delighted to announce the addition of Mary Ann and Lorraine to our Board,” she said. “They are both widely respected leaders in their fields.” Ms. Casati is a co-founding partner of Circle Financial Group LLC, a private wealth management membership practice, and has served as such since 2003. Prior to that, Ms. Casati was a partner and managing director of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. where she developed and ran their Global Retailing Industry Investment Banking business. Ms. Twohill joined Google in 2003 and is responsible for the company’s global marketing function. She has served as Head of Global Marketing for Google since May 2009. Prior to moving to the U.S., Ms. Twohill served as Vice President of Marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Winn-Dixie CFO Nussbaum to switch roles after Bi-Lo merger Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. has disclosed its chief financial officer, Bennett L. Nussbaum, will step down from the role following the company’s merger with grocery-store operator BI-LO LLC, but will remain with the company as its integration lead. In his new role, Nussbaum will report directly to the combined company’s CEO and President Randall Onstead; BI-LO’s current executive vice president and CFO Brian Carney will take on the CFO role at the combined company. Last month, BI-LO LLC agreed to take Winn-Dixie private in a deal that values the grocery chain at about $560 million. Winn-Dixie CEO Peter Lynch has announced his departure upon the merger’s completion. Brewing industry leader John Coleman joins Pabst Brewing as President Pabst Brewing Company has nnounced that John Coleman, former Vice President of Sales for the West at Anheuser-Busch, has been hired as President. Coleman brings 23 years of experience to Pabst as well as tremendous knowledge of the industry, its customers and distributor relations. Coleman, a long-time veteran at Anheuser-Busch, began in a role in the sales department and was responsible for approximately $1.6 billion in revenue when he left. “We truly believe that John’s experience, skills, and results-focused approach fit our already existing team, which will continue to drive Pabst to its unique potential,” said Evan and Daren Metropoulos, co-owners of Pabst Brewing Company. “We are carefully building an executive team and company culture that shares our own highly entrepreneurial, results-oriented style and the values of our special consumers. John combines extensive industry experience with a fire within to join a

smaller company and help it realize its huge potential. We are very excited and look forward to working with him to optimize the potential of our brands both within and outside of the United States.” “I’m thrilled to be part of the team at Pabst. This is an iconic company, with some incredible brands that have been brewed in America since 1844. We look forward to accelerating the current momentum and returning the entire brand portfolio to its former greatness,” said Coleman. “With the Metropoulos family’s commitment to authenticity, revitalization and innovation, we will continue to position ourselves for long-term success.” Cedar River Coffee Co.’s Levi Anderson joins Coffee Fest Coffee Fest, a division of LifeStyle Events Inc., is pleased to welcome Levi Andersen as Coffee Fest Attendee Registration and Educational Programming Manager for the organization. Levi’s job is to support the needs of attendees, presenters and sponsors at Coffee Fest, including attendee show registration, educational presentation planning and all related communications. He will work closely with the leadership and support staff at Coffee Fest doing his part to ensure that each show exceeds the expectations of all attendees, presenters and sponsors. Coffee Fest’s objective is to continue the growth and success of the shows which serve to contribute significantly to the bottom lines of all participants. Levi Andersen has been around coffee and espresso since 2005, beginning as a barista and later lead trainer. Most recently and currently, Levi owns Cedar River Coffee Co. in which his wife will now take over the daily operations as he transitions to his post at Coffee Fest. With seven years experience in the specialty coffee business, he has attended Coffee Fest shows locally and as far away as Minneapolis, has participated as a latte art competitor, has attended Coffee Fest Focus Group meetings and proudly participated at Fishing Fest III. President of Coffee Fest, David Heilbrunn, says, “I am excited to welcome Levi to our team, and look forward to his insightful contributions. Together with recent industry acquisitions, Jessica Rice and Ken Bollman, Coffee Fest continues to position itself as the first choice and industry leader in the facilitation of face to face business for the specialty coffee industry. For the first time in Coffee Fest’s 21 years, we have integrated members to the team with genuine inside industry experience and insight designed to fuel the relevance, growth and influential future of Coffee Fest Trade Shows.”

Back orders must be paid in advance either by check or charged to American Express, Visa, or Master Card. Gourmet News is distributed without charge in North America to qualified professionals in the retail and distribution channels of the specialty foods and hardgoods trade; paid subscriptions cost $65 annually to the U.S. and Canada. All foreign subscriptions cost $150 annually to cover air delivery. All payments must be made in U.S. funds and drawn on a U.S. bank. For subscriber services, including subscription information, call 520-721-1300. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gourmet News, 1877 North Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715.

CLASSIFIEDS

Advertiser

MARCH 2012

The Spice Lab 954-275-4478 sales@thespicelab.com

Private Spring Water 877-664-1500 www.PrivateSpringWater.com

Marley Coffee is now available in seven delicious Organic Ground and Whole Bean varieties. Certified USDA organic, Marley Coffee lives up to Rastafari standards of ITAL for all things Pure, True and Vital. A portion of sales supports the Kicks for Cause Foundation with local charitable programs available. Contact Paola Dooly at paola@marleycoffee.com.

503-841-5783

Marley Coffee www.marleycoffee.com

860-895-6622

Bakery On Main www.bakeryonmain.com

“True American Hero” BBQ sauces are All Natural and Gluten Free and processed in a micro-batch fashion to ensure every bottle is the top of the line in both quality and taste. They are available in a hot version for the heat lovers, honey for those who like it sweet and a mild apple favor. The eye-catching labels creates customer interest as they look closer at the products.

203-723-8144

Beacon Brands www.beaconbrandsinc.com

At The Invisible Chef, we pride ourselves on using the finest all natural ingredients in every mix we make. We offer flavor combinations that include classic standbys everyone loves, as well as unique offerings for the sophisticated inner chef in all of us! Featured above, the Coffee & Tea Cakes Chocolate Collection.

800-456-7115

The Invisible Chef contactus@theinvisiblechef.com

New for 2012, a versatile cast iron skillet originally designed as a pizza pan. Cast iron is an ideal cooking utensil for its heat retention qualities. It can also be used on the BBQ for burgers, chicken, etc.; they won’t dry out or lose their juices. Try using it to cook shrimp & vegetables, as they can’t fall through the grill anymore.

Stonewall Kitchen 888-326-5678 www.stonewallkitchen.com

Gourmet du Village, Inc. 800-668-2314 www.gourmetduvillage.com

Po Valley Foods Corp.

516-801-4688

www.povalleyfoods.com

New Louisiana Mesquite Smoked Pacific Sea Salt is the perfect combination of tastes. It uses only clean healthy New Zealand sea salt, containing all the natural trace elements with no additives. The salt is then smoked with a secret, down-home Louisianan family recipe for the perfect sweet, smoked mesquite flavor. Available in Fine or Coarse.

Pacific Resources International 805-684-0624 www.shoppri.com

Create magic in your kitchen! Enhance the natural flavor of meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, pasta, salads and stews. These sauces can be used for broiling, grilling, marinating, roasting and baking. Add zest, spice, flavor and taste to almost any food.

Carolyn Saucier 510-336-9403 www.carolynsaucier.com

Our best oils and vinegars have been re-imagined for the 21st century. Call us for information on over 30 SKUs. Boyajian Inc. 800-965-0665

A Special Advertising Section

Stonewall Kitchen’s new line of Simmering Sauces offers homecooked solutions for delicious meals in less than 45 minutes. The new Simmering Sauces include: Buffalo Wing, Cacciatore, Coconut Curry, Coq Au Vin, Pulled Pork & Sloppy Joe.

For one hundred years, La Campofilone has used only simple natural ingredients like eggs from free-range hens fed exclusively with non-GMO cereals and non-genetically-modified, high protein durum wheat grown exclusively in Le Marche region of Italy. The result is light, delicious, high protein authentic pasta which rivals most homemade egg pastas.

GOURMET MARKETPLACE

Private Spring Water…Bottle your business with style, elegance, and sophistication. Unmatched Client Services. State-Of-The-Art Comprehensive Design Solutions. Customized Label Packages & Programs. We are an environmentally conscious, company with a big cause. Our sustainable practices significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Be a part of the solution…. “Responsible Hospitality.”

Truebar is a new line of fruit and nut bars with simple, wholesome ingredients and nothing to hide. Available in 6 delicious flavors, Truebar is a good source fiber and Omega 3, made with many low-GI ingredients, dairy and casein free, low sodium with no transfats or cholesterol and non-GMO Project Verified, certified gluten free and Kosher Parve.

A Special Advertising Section

Gourmet Sea Salts. Over 180 sea salts from around the globe, the largest selection from a single source. Plus our unique Sea Salt Collection sampler sets, pepper, peppercorns and pepper spice blends – new tastes, flavors and aromas abound. 4 oz and 8 oz jars, 12 per case.

MARCH 2012

NEW PACKAGING—A BIG HIT AT JUST TOMATOES!

Naturally Healthy talks to Rebecca Nannie, VP of Operations of Just Tomatoes, Etc!® about the response to their new packaging and exciting new look.

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PARTNERS, A TASTEFUL CHOICE COMPANY: IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY

NH: We understand Just Tomatoes, Etc! has been in business since 1985. Tell our

2012 marks the 20th anniversary for PARTNERS. As a family-owned, all natural foods manufacturer, PARTNERS has solidified its spot in the marketplace by focusing on three core values: quality, respect, and integrity. The team at PARTNERS understands that it’s not only

CRUNCHIES: THE NATURAL CHOICE SNACK THAT COMBINES FLAVORFUL MIXES, POWERFUL NUTRITION

HEALTHFORCE EXPANDS ITS PLANT-BASED NUTRITION FOODS FOR SPORTS BUFFS

Continued on Page 48

Crunchies Food Company, LLC, the leading producer of all-natural freezedried vegetable and fruit snacks, announces plans for some great new additions to the Crunchies® lines!

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Dr. Jameth Sheridan, Doctor of Holistic Medicine (DHM), talks with Naturally Healthy about the new nutrition line for fitness buffs.

Continued on Page 58

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KENT NUTRITION PRODUCTS THE NEW BREED ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE OF STAFFING FOR PETS, OWNERS Scot J. Dube is PresiNaturally Healthy sat down with David P. Tagliatela, Director of Sales, Mass and Grocery Channels for Kent Nutrition Group, about how pets can enjoy high-quality, organic products. Continued on Page 60

dent of The Dube Group, sales and marketing consultants. NH: What is your background?

SD: While attending graduate school, after I graduated from Boston College with a degree Continued on Page 102

SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE

TWININGS OF LONDON FOCUSES ON THE ORGANIC AND FAIR TRADE SEGMENT

We interviewed Jim Donnelly, VP Sales for Twinings of London, as they finished another year as the fastest growing specialty tea company in the US. He remains very positive on Twinings future growth prospects.

BAKERY ON MAIN PROVIDES GREAT-TASTING GLUTEN-FREE PRODUCTS

Michael Smulders, Founder and President of Bakery On Main, talks about his company’s healthy options.

NH: Tell our readers a little about your company. What’s your main line of business?

Continued on Page 50

CLEAR PRODUCTS KEEPS ON INNOVATING FORMULAS, COMBINING HOMEOPATHY AND TRADITIONAL REMEDIES

Naturally Healthy talks with. Staś Ozog III, Ph.D., co-founder and formulator of Clear Products, Inc.TM homeopathic/herbal health products line, about the uniqueness of their formulas.

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BUILDING YOUR ICONIC BRAND THROUGH CHRISTIE COMMUNICATIONS’ ORGANIC MARKETING TIPS

By Gillian Christie, Founder and CEO, Christie Communications

There’s no more important time to be clear about who you are and

Continued on Page 52

PALM OIL OFFERS A HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE FOR FOOD FORMULATION AND PRODUCTION

Foods requiring a replacement to animal fats have been traditionally made using trans fats for their ability to provide product quality and shelf stability at a relatively low cost. In baked goods, these

Continued on Page 102

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BRAD’S RAW FOODS REVOLUTIONIZES GROWING MOVEMENT WITH CHIPS Naturally Healthy gets Brad Gruno, Owner of Brad’s Raw Foods, to sit still long enough to dish on his innovative product.

NH: How did you become interested in raw foods? Continued on Page 102

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JER’S CHOCOLATES: A PERFECT CONFECTION OF ALL-NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER, CHOCOLATE AND SMILES Jerry Swain, CEO/Founder of Jer’s Chocolates talks about his chocolate confections with Naturally Healthy.

NH: There are dozens of gourmet chocolate brands out there. What sets Jer’sTM Chocolates apart from the rest?

JS: From the ingredients we use in our products to the heart and soul of the company, and our one-to-one family-style customer

service, we believe that Jer’s Chocolates offers a unique overall experience. We not only use pure, all-natural ingredients, but we use what we consider to be the best all-natural ingredients. This includes Valencia peanut butter and premium ethically sourced chocolate that uses real vanilla – simply because we believe it tastes the best. It is this taste profile that brings our customers back. We are fortunate to have been awarded 11 international confections awards and, most im-

BALANCE BAR INTRODUCES BLUEBERRY ACAI TO ITS BARE PRODUCT LINE Balance Bar Company, one of America’s top five leading nutrition and energy bar makers, has launched Balance Bar BARE Blueberry Acai. The new flavor joins two other great-tasting BARE bars: Sweet & Salty Chocolate Almond and Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter. BARE Blueberry Acai is made with a crisp high-protein core, simple sweeteners, dried wild blueberries, sunflower seeds and acai juice powder. A yogurt coating along the bottom adds a hint of sweetness, and the rolled oats on top bring an extra crunch to

this great tasting vitamin- and mineral-rich nutritional bar. As with all BARE flavors, Blueberry Acai is the perfect balanced nutrition snack for active, outdoor or on-the-go occasions. The subtly sweet and crunchy taste will appeal to kids, teens and adults, while keeping thenutritionally balanced and energized throughout their busy days. Wholesome BARE Goodness: BARE Blueberry Acai includes organic agave syrup as a sweetener and contains 15 grams of protein, four grams of fiber and seven grams of

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GOURMET NEWS

A SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE OF GOURMET NEWS

Lee M. Oser CEO and Editor-in-Chief

portantly, maintain a loyal base of customers. Our wholesale customers have come to know that when a person experiences a piece of Jer’s all-natural chocolates, they will almost always come back for more. We like to say, “to try them, is to love them.”

NH: What is the newest line for Jer’s Continued on Page 16

whole grains. Each bar has 200 calories, 19 vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent source of antioxidants. Blueberry Acai, like its fellow BARE flavors, adheres to Balance Bar’s proven healthy 40/30/30 nutritional model (40percent of calories come from healthy carbohydrates, 30 percent from quality protein, and 30 percent from dietary fat) to help stabilize blood sugar levels, satisfy hunger and provide lasting energy. Be Among the First to Try Blueberry Acai: stop by booth #2780 at Expo West to be among the first to try new Balance Bar BARE Blueberry Acai. It comes in 1.76 ounce single-serve bars and is OU-certified kosher dairy. Suggested retail price is in-line with the BARE products. Displays and other support materials are available. Contact Balance Bar to learn Continued on Page 102

Lyle Sapp Senior Associate Publisher Director of Sales Steve Cox Kate Seymour Senior Associate Publishers Kim Forrester Associate Publisher Lorrie Baumann Editorial Director Rocelle Aragon Editor - Gourmet News Naima Simi Dirk Deppey Associate Editors Valerie Wilson Art Director Ruth Haltiwanger Selene Pinuelas Traffic Managers Rhonda Baker Angela Bosso Paul Harris Devon Holden John McQuaig Conrad Mendoza Deborah Yarbrough Account Managers Enrico Cecchi European Sales Gourmet News is published by Oser Communications Group ©2012. All rights reserved. Publishing office: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520-721-1300/Fax: 520-721-6300 Subscriber services: Gourmet News P.O. Box 30520 Tucson, AZ 85751

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ENZYMES REALLY DO CLEAN BETTER Enzymes are a new way to clean for a healthier home: Grime on your kitchen floor are removed naturally, food preparation surfaces are cleaned naturally, mold and mildew stains are eliminated naturally. Naturally It’s CleanTM has the industry’s first full line of all-natural, non-toxic cleaning products. Independent testing has found enzyme cleaners not only out-perform other natural cleaners, but chemical cleaners as well. What makes them work so well are enzymes that dissolve dirt and grime into their basic natural components—safe for you, safe for our planet. There’s a popular misconception that safe, natural cleaners don’t do the job well. This is sustained by mass marketing telling you that cleaning requires an arsenal of potent and toxic cleaners. In fact, none of this is true. Enzymes really do clean better. Enzymes are family safe: How do you protect your family? Experts agree that toxic elements in our home environment are largely responsible for the increased occurrence of cancer and serious health issues in our world today. Naturally It’s Clean enzyme cleaning products are all-natural. They do not release harmful gases of any kind. They’re nontoxic, non-caustic, hypoallergenic, and safe for human, animal, and plant life. They contain no petroleum-based ingredients and even use an all-natural colorant for our floors and toilet products. And the plant-based enzymes are large protein molecules very sim-

ilar to the lipase, amylase and protease found in nutritional supplements—completely safe for your family. Enzymes are truly nature’s safest solution: Enzymes come from nature and are present in all biological systems. One of the most interesting, and we think amazing, things about enzymes is how they speed up natural processes to return organic matter back to basic elements like carbon, hydrogen and oxygen—not just biodegradable, they speed up the process. Enzymes are not just part of a sustainable environment, they create one. For an enzyme to work, the material it works on must be present. If no such material is available to the enzyme, the enzyme performs no function. Therefore, the only warning label is keep it out of your eyes and they can be used on nearly any surface not damaged by water. Naturally Its Clean is a wonderful cleaners, but they do not disinfect. If you need to disinfect, please consider using natural disinfectants such as Tea Tree Oil or Thyme Oil. And of course, these products are not tested on animals. To learn more about Naturally It’s Clean please visit Info@NaturallyItsClean.com or call 800-3755059.At Expo West, visit booth #3275.

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HILLTOP RANCH A MODEL OF HIGH BUSINESS PRINCIPLES AND QUALITY PRODUCT Simple old-fashioned business principles lead to big success for California almond handler. Standing by their commitments to pay growers on time and at contracted pricing, along with delivering their customers good quality almonds on time and as agreed, has earned Hilltop Ranch a reputation as a rock solid partner in a chaotic and uncertain organic almond market. The owners and staff pride themselves in providing honest market information and remaining transparent to both growers and customers. Hilltop Ranch was founded in 1980 by David and Christine Long, who remain active in the business along with their son Dexter, who is currently the General Manager. While always maintaining old-fashioned business principles, the company also works to stay on the leading edge with state-of-theart processing technology. Major plant expansions took place in 2002, 2006, 2008, and 2012. The current expansion will enable the company to handle the steam pasteurization in-house, providing more control, quicker turn-around time, and a unique process. Hilltop Ranch’s product line includes inshell almonds, whole natural almonds

(CCOF organic and conventional) and manufactured almonds such as blanched, sliced, slivered, splits, diced and meal. They export directly from the United States, through exclusive distributors in a few select countries, and from bonded warehouses in Europe. Hilltop Ranch currently ships to over 65 countries. After a three year study, Hilltop Ranch became the first almond processor to achieve NSF certification for sustainability. Dexter Long noted “Sustainability is a thought process that consumers would like farmers to move toward, but it is something that we as farmers are already doing and have been doing.” The sustainability efforts range from as simple as changing to automatic light switches, to as big as a 4.5 acre solar energy system. The annual tonnage has grown to 55 million pounds of almonds - and organic is the fastest growing area of their business. They invite you to visit their booth to discuss your almonds needs. For more information, please visit www.hilltopranch.com and see Paul Ewing and Mark Edsall at Expowest booth #5749.

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PASTA LISA: FLAVORS OF ITALIAN TRADITIONS

SAFFRON ROAD LAUNCHES NEW WORLD CUISINE VEGETARIAN LINE

Since 2002, Pastificio Lisa has provided allnatural pasta for a balanced diet. Our authentic homemade Italian pasta comes in 14 unique shapes and uses only completely natural ingredients. Whether durum, semolina or egg pasta, our production follows Pastificio Lisa specifications: carefully selected,

Yet again Saffron Road is ahead of the curve as they fill another market gap. This time they are providing options for those seeking high quality, gourmet vegetarian and vegan foods. The All Natural and Halal-Certified brand recently launched four new frozen entrees that will certainly up the ante on frozen food aisles. The new line includes: Manchurian Dumplings with Basmati Rice – An Indo-Chinese masterpiece, this exotic vegetable dumplings dish is made with cabbage, carrots, green beans and onions simmered in a spicy red chili & ginger sauce. Gluten free, vegan, all natural and an authentic recipe. Macaroni & Cheese – We replaced ordinary pasta with delicious, flavorful pasta made with exotic jerusalem artichokes and durum semolina. This classic dish makes the perfect side for soup or salad and we’ve included enough for two to share. Premium quality, authentic recipe, all natural and vegetarian. Thai Basil Chili Tofu with Basmati Rice – Thai basil is no ordinary basil – it has subtle undertones of anise or licorice, and it’s a perfect complement to zest up our protein-rich firm organic tofu. Thai cuisine is based on balance, and each spice works in harmony with this medley of fresh crunchy vegetables

strictly controlled raw ingredients of the highest quality. Now seeking distributors. Contact Antichi Sapori, the exclusive manufacturer, importer and distributor, at 99 Grand St., Moonachie NJ 07074, via antichisaporius@gmail.com or by calling 201438-7100.

EMILY’S CHOCOLATES: A DIFFERENCE YOU CAN TASTE AND SEE Emily’s Chocolates believe that ingredients matter. When it comes to its signature line of chocolates, fruits and nuts, it wants its customers to know that all chocolate and nuts are not created equal. That is why the company has painstakingly created a confection that focuses on a difference you can taste and see. Each of its signature fruit and nut confections uses only real fruit and nut centers. Bite into one of the chocolate covered strawberries, cherries, or blueberries and you will see real, whole pieces of fruit in each chocolate gem. No dices, no jellies, no purees. Only a real piece of whole fruit that goes through a unique drying process to lock in the natural flavor of each berry. When biting into one of the chocolate covered almonds, cashews, or macadamias, the fresh, crunchy flavor of each nut comes through. This is because

Emily’s has the unique capability to roast its own nuts, on site, and then immediately layer on the chocolate to lock in the flavor and freshness. Whether it’s a plump, juicy fruit, or a crisp roasted nut, Emily’s has taken the step to pair each confection with a unique blend of chocolate created to match each delicate center. No artificial colors or flavors, just pure milk and dark chocolate that melts in your mouth. “Our customers really can taste the difference and are passionate about letting us know it! They can not only taste the difference, but when they flip over the package and read the ingredients, they can see our products are whole fruit and nuts, no pectins, just pure fruit and nuts, the way nature intended,” says Amy Paulose, the company’s Continued on Page 20

to make an extraordinary entrée. Gluten free, authentic recipe, all natural, and vegetarian. Three Cheese Lasagna – Imagine layers of the finest durum semolina pasta topped with Italian Ricotta, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Then add in more layers of a ratatouille recipe worthy of Provence, with zucchini and diced eggplant in a wonderfully seasoned and perfectly savory tomato sauce. Premium quality, authentic recipe, all natural and vegetarian. “We have been pleasantly impressed with the number of Halal and natural food consumers who have expressed a very strong affinity for Saffron Road vegan and vegetarian products. We are excited to be able to once again rapidly respond to our growing consumer base’s needs, as well as step up the quality of vegetarian ethnic options for this segment of the marketplace,” says Saffron Road’s CEO, Adnan Durrani. A testament to the brand’s foresight into the needs of the marketplace, Saffron Road continues to tap into the “world on a plate” trend (as recently forecasted by Baum + Whiteman for food trends to expect in 2012) by creating products that appeal to America’s growing multicultural tastes. Whole Foods Market has Continued on Page 16

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WOLFGANG’S BAVARIAN PRETZELS: ALL NATURAL PRETZELS AND DESSERTS, AUTHENTIC FROM MUNICH by Wolfgang Hocke

Pair summer’s craft beers with the original Munich Oktorberfest Pretzel, now available in the U.S. The Bavarian Pretzel recipe is over 1,000 years old, with a rich flavor and taste that cannot be duplicated. Our pretzels are made from the finest natural ingredients: free Munich water and secret assortment of gourmet spices. They come in three sizes: regular 3-oz; king size 5-oz; and giant 10-oz. Our pretzel Hoagie (4oz) adds a twist to summer sandwiches; and our Party Mix (1.6oz. versions of the Mini Hoagie, Mini Bun and Mini Knot) is great for picnic-table snacking.

Our Bavarian fare would not be complete without desserts, which pair well with ice cream. Our Apple Strudel is not a single burrito-like roll; it is multilayers of pastry dough with rich apple filling. Our Apple Rings are coated in a featherlight batter, delicious as a snack or as a base for original desserts. Plus of course Original German Potato Pancakes, which are exclusive to us. Enjoy them topped with jam, or as an unusual side dish with grilled shrimp. All our specialties are fully baked in Munich and require no additional baking. Enjoy! For more information on APEX Imports, www.wolfgangspretzels.com or call 209-295-4664.

CAROLYN SAUCIER MAKES HEALTHY COOKING EASY!

Create magic in your kitchen! Carolyn Saucier offers five, all-natural, gourmet sauces and marinades that are bold yet versatile: Tornado Dijon, Earthquake Garlic, Monsoon Chinese, Volcano Italian and Wildfire Hot Sauce. Whimsical disaster-themed packaging hints at the whirlwind of fresh flavor inside. Continued on Page 20

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AROMATICA ORGANICS PRODUCTS GROWN IN COMPLETE HARMONY WITH NATURE AND 100 PERCENT ALL-NATURAL FROM GROWING TO PROCESSING

By Jerry Tenenberg, President, Aromatica Organics

Aromatica OrganicsTM is the largest provider of retail 100 percent natural and certified organic herbs and spices, as well as culinary and botanical ingredients. Serving food service and retail clients, from family owned businesses to international corporations, we are able to offer a superior product and outstanding service by controlling every step in the supply line―from growing to processing. Our story begins in 1977, the year founder Jerry Tenenberg entered the retail natural food business. With a growing appreciation for natural and organic herbs, he became a dedicated hands-on cultivator and producer, learning every step and subtle nuance of this time honored trade. This legacy of expertise and attention to detail lives on at Aromatica. We believe that certified organic is the only proven “100 percent natural,” as claims without the controls of certification require no documentation. Our independently certified grower-partners are carefully selected and guided to meet our strict standards and monitored by regular visits. They span the globe throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, the

Pacific Island nations, North America, South America, Central America, and Mexico. Sustainable growing processes improve the local ecologies and provide higher standards of health and living for participating farmers and their communities. Organic products are grown, harvested and processed without pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, artificial preservatives or other harmful chemicals. Our products are grown in harmony with nature and the topsoil, waterways and ecosystems are preserved and protected. Our products are not irradiated, treated with ETO or bromides. We believe our products are full of natural flavor and taste better than conventionally grown products. Our in-house chefs and Continued on Page 20

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BASILTOPS: AWARD-WINNING NATURAL PESTO SAUCE MAKER SEEKS DISTRIBUTORS Presenting for the first time at Expo West is Basiltops, an award-winning maker of artisan quality pesto sauces that have been a staple at Southern California farmers’ markets and at specialty stores for 17 years. Starting in 1995 at the farmers market in Cardiff by the Sea, CA they have since expanded to their current factory in Vista, CA. Long before it became popular, this natural food company has been catering to their vegan, dairy-free, health-conscious and lactose-free public. Basiltops’ market has grown to multiple farmers’ markets and is distributed to many gourmet stores throughout California. Harry Najjar of Cream of the Crop states, “We have been buying Basiltops pesto sauces for the past 10 years. We carry it in the store and also use it in our deli with pasta, sandwiches, and as a salad dressing. It is the only pesto sauce we sell! As a natural foods store we love that it is freshly made locally Jer’s (Con’t. from p. 4)

Chocolates this year?

JS: We introduced our brand new Jer’s SquaresTM in late 2011 and have been overwhelmed with the positive responses we’ve received from our customers. The fact that people can reach into a box and get an individually wrapped square “snack” of our award-winning chocolate is like a “little piece of heaven on earth.” Jer’s Squares have been a great addition to our existing lines of Peanut Butter BarsTM, Jer’s Gourmet Peanut Butter BallsTM and Brittle BitesTM. We believe that with the addition of Jer’s Squares, we’ve successfully created delicious peanut butter and chocolate products for almost any time or any occasion. NH: How is Jer’s Chocolates committed to providing a socially responsible product?

JS: We prides ourselves on “giving back” for over 20 years. It is the cornerstone of what Jer’s was founded on. This is why we developed “Jer’s Cares” since the inception of the company. We support fund raising efforts, volunteer activities and charity functions for multiple non-profit organizations both locally and nationally. We even host our own annual charity chocolate event, every year – quite a project, but oh what a ball! We believe in supporting companies that provide and uphold ethical and moral farming practices, right here in the U.S. Although a majority of the peanuts and peanut Saffron Road (Con’t. from p. 12)

already picked up all four items nationwide, and American Halal expects many others to follow suit as more retailers seek to meet the increasing demand for all natural vegetarian and ethnic options. Each item will be available for the suggested retail price of $5.49 to $5.69. “We know more premium global cuisine

and naturally. I use it personally every day at home.” Owner Cynthia Bronte states, “We are here at this year’s show to expand our distribution and complement our farmer’s markets sales. At the markets, I am talking directly to my customers (foodies)––whom I love–– delivering to them exactly what they need and have requested. We know immediately if a new sauce is acceptable and will sell at the market - it’s the best test lab in the country!” Sold at Whole Foods and select gourmet stores in the state, Basiltops is ready for more distributors. “We are at the show to share new products, find distributors to help expand beyond the West Coast, and to meet the foodservice groups serving the booming natural food market” says Bronte. Buyers will appreciate Basiltops’ six-month refrigerated shelf life; unusually long due to the Continued on Page 22

butter we eat are actually sourced from outside the U.S. (because it may be less expensive), we source Valencia peanut butter from U.S. farmers. In addition, our chocolate comes from companies that ethically source cocoa beans and are certified by the World Cocoa Foundation, which encourages responsible and sustainable cocoa farming.

Finally, we are committed to bringing smiles to our customers to promote goodwill. Our inspiration quote cards found in every box is sure to sustain smiles year round with every box that is opened. NH: What’s next for Jer’s?

JS: Though Jer’s Chocolates is known as the pioneer of gourmet peanut butter and chocolate, we are constantly exploring other products to extend the goodness of Jer’s collection. We are confident that we will break new ground in other areas, just as we did with peanut butter and chocolate combinations. When people think of peanut butter and chocolate, we want them to reach for Jer’s. Without using fillers or added preservatives, we will continue to provide a meltin-your-mouth experience that begins with seeing the package on the shelf, to popping a delicious piece of Jer’s into your mouth. We hope to continue to delight customers for years to come. To find out more about Jer’s Chocolates visit info@jers.com or call 800-540-7265. Drop by booth # 4485 at Expo West 2012.

is needed in the marketplace due to the evolving tastes of consumers and we’re happy to provide some truly unique vegetarian options that we believe will appeal to a variety of consumers,” says Saffron Road’s Executive Vice President, Jack Acree. To add Saffron Road’s new line in your store, visit www.saffronroad.com or booth #5501 at Natural Products Expo West.

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SNACK HEALTHY, SNACK DELICIOUS – JAX’N TWICE-BAKED POTATO STICKS

SHAMAN AND HEALER BRANT SECUNDA AT SHAMAN CHOCOLATES

Taste an incredible healthy snack that is gluten free, low calorie, low fat with epic flavor. Jaxn’s Twice-Baked Potato Stix® have added Sweet Potato to their line of all-natural snacks. These tasty treats are 75 percent

Known as the “Chocolates with a Cause,” SHAMAN Chocolates not only taste good, they do good too! With every delicious bite, you help insure the cultural and economic survival of the Huichol Indians. Truly the “Food of the Gods,” and made with the finest organic and Fair Trade ingredients, SHAMAN Chocolates are available in

AMES International (Con’t. from p. 12)

Marketing Director. With the positive feedback received from customers, Emily’s Chocolates is making a push into retailers across the U.S. and internationally, through the introduction of its shipper program and trial packs. The retail Carolyn Saucier (Con’t. from p. 14)

The sauces got their start at Carolyn’s restaurant in the trendy Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. After years of filling countless to-go cups for loyal patrons, she decided to stock 150 bottles and offer them as carryout. The sauces sold out in a mere two days. With encouragement from her former customers, family and friends, she created Carolyn Saucier as a way of offering her signature sauces to everyone— from seasoned cooks to those just starting their own culinary adventure. Carolyn lives (or shall we say, eats) by the mantra that food should be both healthy and tasty. The natural flavor of food should be enhanced,

less fat than regular potato chips, offer the fabulous nutritional benefits of Sweet Potato, with a sweet/spicy additive crunch. Continued on Page 22

standup bags typically sell for $3.99 to $4.99. Smaller 1-ounce trial packs retail for $1.29 to $1.49. For more information about AMES International Inc., please go online at www.emilyschocolates.com or email questions@emilyschocolates.com. To reach us by phone, please call 888-469-2637. not smothered. The sauces are sure to inspire fresh and delicious cuisine. Add some chopped onion, cilantro and a splash of Volcano Italian Sauce to ground turkey; then fire up the grill for some terrific turkey burgers. For a quick and easy stir-fry, toss some freshly grated ginger and Monsoon Chinese Sauce with your favorite seasonal veggies—you can’t go wrong! Short on time and ingredients for a weeknight dinner? Squeeze fresh lemon on salmon, coat with Tornado Dijon Sauce, grill and top with capers—outstanding! For more of these ideas, recipes and more, visit www.CarolynSaucier.com. Special wholesale pricing available. For inquiries, call 510.336.9403.

Aromatica Organics (Con’t. from p. 14)

product development team have created delicious, unique flavor profiles with lower amounts of salt and sugar. No artificial fillers or synthetic enhancements are needed when plants are grown in soil rich with organic nutrients and matured to maximize the development of essential aromatic oils. Timely harvesting and diligent processing also insure the freshest flavors. From growers around the world to the final package here in our Nevada plant, we oversee every step of the process with a balance of rigorous safety standards, botanical science and a gourmet’s passion. Food safety is our highest priority and all products are tracked through a chain of traceability from farm to shelf insuring quality and food safety through strict operating procedures. In addition to independent, offsite testing, our in house labs and quality as-

nine unique flavors, including an 82 percent Extra Dark, and Milk with Macadamia Nuts and Hawaiian Pink Sea Salt. Brant Secunda, inspired by a visionary dream, created SHAMAN Chocolates as a way to help sustain the Huichols, the Continued on Page 103

surance teams test and monitor all products batch by batch. Our company thrives on a simple principle, by providing 100 percent real food ingredients that are the purest and highest quality; we create a healthy business, healthy farming communities, and a healthy environment. We have a variety of available programs for every ingredient need. Including retail products: Flavorama No-Salt Blends, Skillet or Grill ItTM Seasonings and Rubs, Fresh Pack Recloseable Bag Program, Dehydrated Mushrooms. And we have extensive solutions for foodservice and industrial applications. To learn more about Aromatica Organics please visit www.aromaticaspice.com or contact Kristi Green at 775-971-8550, or via email at kgreen@aromaticaspice.com Aromatica Organics will be at booth # 5352m Hall E at Natural Product Expo West 2012.

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ATACORA ESSENTIAL: BAOBAB AND FAIR PARTNERSHIP IN AFRICA

BRIANNAS: THIRTY YEARS OF GREAT TASTE

Naturally Healthy interviews David Goldman, Founder and President of Atacora Essential, about his company and products.

Founded 30 years ago in Austin, Texas, as the Del Sol Food Company, Inc., BRIANNAS Fine Salad Dressings grew out of a desire to create a superior product with family pride and consistent high quality. Named after the owner’s daughter Marianne and grandson Brian, BRIANNAS has grown to become one of the most popular and sought after salad dressings in the world. The company has received numerous first place industry taste awards for their delicious dressings, and its packaging has been honored with the most prestigious award in packaging design, the “Clio.” The Del Sol Food Company is familyowned and operated, with four Del Sol family members presently involved in the day-to-day running of the business. Through the years the “family” has been instrumental

DG: Tell our readers about Atacora Essential. What is your main line of business?

NH: We are direct producers of Baobab and Neem products, as well Bodacious Foods (Con’t. from p. 20)

Come find the Bodacious Food booth (in the back right corner of Hall B – booth # 1296) to try all three flavors of Jaxn’s. Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper is the original flavor, followed by Sour Cream & Chive and the new Sweet Potato version. These snacks have been served by AirTran Airlines for the past year as their gluten-free snack option, helping Jaxn’s gain rave reviews across the US. Their fans say it best: “the Sweet Potatoes Stix--They are the best tasting things I ever tasted!!!” Jody Williams, Georgia: “Hi….I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your Twice-Baked Potato Stix. I have suf-

as craft goods from Bénin, West Africa, which we import to the U.S. We are currently developing other healthy botanical products as well. Our botanicals are 100 percent wild harvested, sourced directly from small landholders in the Atacora region. We employ 50 Continued on Page 26

fered from celiac, so it is really hard to find something that isn’t packed full of calories and that doesn’t taste like tree bark. I just wanted to give you some feedback and thank you from people like myself who have to have “gluten-free” foods and can never seem to find many tasty snacks.” Melanie C. Phillips, Biloxi, MS. Distributed nationally through Unified Grocers, Tree of Life, UNFI and other fine regional distributors. Bodacious Food Company can be found at booth # 1296 Hall B (way in the back). They may be hard to find, but the treat will be worth the trip. For more information, call 800-391-1979 or visit www .bodaciousfoods.com.

Basiltops (Con’t. from p. 16)

pesto’s superior freshness and concentrated texture which is prepared without the use of preservatives. Basiltops hand-crafted artisan pesto sauces are made using a unique, patented process which includes removing the bitter stems by hand from the basil. This results in a sweet, smooth, concentrated sauce that is as much a condiment as a sauce. The company proudly brings artisan pesto sauces to Expo West. The top-selling, tradi-

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in creating the award-winning packaging and exceptional recipes. Many of these recipes are unique to their flavor category. Jerry Brown, President, commented, “From the very beginning we were focused on one thing and one thing only: creating the highest quality, most delicious salad dressing available anywhere. We make all of our distinctive flavors “home style,” a little at a time, in small batches, just like you’d make them in your own kitchen. In fact, most of Continued on Page 26

tional Pesto Perfectto, which has always been lactose-free as it is made with pecorino cheese (sheep’s milk); Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto; and four vegan pestos sauces: Dairy Free Pesto Perfectto, high-protein Hemp Seed Pesto, Roasted Garlic Pesto and new spicy Pesto Habanero. For more information, visit www.basiltops.com or call Cynthia Bronte at 760-7535200. Better yet, visit booth #5091 at Expo West and meet Cynthia. She is currently setting up appointments and will be passing out samples of her wonderful sauces!

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Atacora Essentials (Con’t. from p. 22)

women who transform the whole fruit with traditional methods to obtain our end products.

DG: Baobab is not well known in the US market. Please describe your baobab products for our readers.

NH: Baobab is the Tree of Life in African culture. The majestic trees are a dominant feature of the savanna landscape. We purchase the fruit in remote villages, and our women’s co-op members employ traditional methods to obtain the powdered fruit pulp, a highly nutritious and delicious superfruit. The seed oil is a rejuvenating skin serum. Baobab is THE Prebiotic Superfruit. A single serving of pulp provides 4g of fiber for digestive health. It also provides 80 percent daily value of vitamin C and has an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbence Capacity) value of 650 per g, meaning it is rich in antioxidants. It is a source of calcium and other minerals. It has a great citrusy flavor and is particularly suited for for digestive symbiosis by mixing with probiotic foods such as yogurt, or in beverages such as smoothies. Its binding and thickening qualities make it a useful additive in a variety of preparations.

Baobab Seed Oil contains vitamins A, D, E and F, and Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. It has great glide on the skin for massage, and is particularly indicated for fine lines, wrinkles or stretch marks. It has an earthy, nutty

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aroma, and is a fine ingredient in a variety of skin and hair care products. NH: What about Neem?

DG: Neem trees were brought to Africa from the Indian subcontinent, where the tree is known as The Village Pharmacy. Our cold-pressed Neem oil soothes dry, irritated skin arising from a variety of skin disorders and infestations. It is also useful in garden applications mixed in a foliar spray. It acts as an antifeedant and is believed to hinder reproduction in sucking and chewing insects, while not harming beneficial ones like pollinators. NH: What distinguishes Atacora Essential from the competition?

DG: Definitely our Fair Partnership model. I co-created this business with Beninese partners I have known since my Peace Corps days 20 years ago, to address the crushing poverty and gender inequality that still exist in the region despite an abundance of valuable and sustainable natural resources. By revaluing resources through better access to markets, paying fair prices and wages and performing community projects to benefit health, education and the environment, we empower people with a sense of ownership of their future. For more information, call 360-918-8193 or visit www.atacoraessential.com. At Expo West, visit Atacora Essentials at booth #1595.

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SNAIL’S PACE: ECO-FRIENDLY CARDS, WRAPS AND MORE Snail’s Pace is a new line of eco-friendly gift paper from the monks at Abbey Press Printing. Our “Thank You” Hummingbird Card is blank inside, for adding your own personal message; the front features design by local Indiana artist Ashley M. Verkamp. Card is printed on FSCcertified, 100 percent post-consumer fiber, BRIANNAS (Con’t. from p. 22)

our recipes were first created in our family’s kitchen. Salad dressing is all we do and we control the process from beginning to end. We believe this attention to detail plays a large role in setting us apart from our competition in the marketplace.” All BRIANNAS dressings are manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art, totally climate-controlled facility in Brenham, Texas. Built in 2006, the new location provides improved quality control with better product flow, as well as more warehouse and office space and plenty of real estate for future expansion. This plant also carries the highest rating available: “Superior” from ASI Food Safety Consultants. There are approximately 50 people employed at Del Sol Food, of which 50 percent have been with the company for over 10 years. One of the many goals of the company is to encourage team building. This can best be seen by the approaching celebration in May 2012, when Del Sol Food Company

using soy-based inks. Envelope included. We are 100 percent Made in the USA, and 100 percent committed to the environment. Contact us at 800-621-1588 or www.snailspacewholesale.com. Visit Expo West booth #5281 for a special gift, prizes and show specials. will reach 10 years without a loss time accident. This is quite an accomplishment for a food manufacturing plant. Another goal of the company, as stated in their mission statement, is to provide courteous and professional service to all of their business associates, while expanding their product offering in a controlled and profitable manner. Del Sol Food produces 14 unique flavors of BRIANNAS Salad Dressings. They are all made with heart healthy canola oil and contain no MSG, trans fats or high fructose corn syrup. Eleven flavors are all natural, 10 are gluten-free, two are fat-free and BRIANNAS Real French Vinaigrette is sugar-free. “Our salad dressings’ unique flavor profiles, and the many different uses of our products, are just a couple of the reasons that consumers increasingly reach for BRIANNAS,” says Jerry Brown. For more information, visit www .briannassaladdressing.com. At Expo West, BRIANNAS is at booth #4833.

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OTSUKA AMERICA FOODS INTRODUCES WILD VEGGIE BRAND HOT OR COLD ALL-NATURAL VEGETABLE SOUPS By John Stall, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Otsuka America Foods, Inc.

I started working for Otsuka America Foods, Inc. (OAFI) just one year ago, as I saw a tremendous opportunity to grow the frozen

soup category with a product called “Wild Veggie.” The Wild Veggie brand are healthy, all natural vegetable soups, picked at the peak of ripeness, that taste just about as fresh as when the vegetables are picked! There currently are no other soups on the market

INTRODUCING JOIA, ALL-NATURAL SPARKLING SODAS WITH UNIQUE FLAVORS Boundary Waters makes its NPEW debut with Joia, a new line of premium natural sodas. Naturally Healthy sat down with Bob Safford, Co-Founder & CEO. NH: What is Joia?

BS: Joia is a line of all-natural sparkling sodas, featuring crafted blends of fruits, herbs and spices that create unique layers of intensely fresh flavor and refreshment. Joia is made of sparkling water, real fruit juices, natural flavors and pure cane sugar. It is free of any preservatives, caffeine or sodium, and it’s gluten-free. Joia comes in four complex, distinctive varieties: Grapefruit, Chamomile and Cardamom; Lime, Hibiscus and Clove; Blackberry, Pomegranate and Ginger; and Pineapple, Coconut and Nutmeg.

NH: Where did the idea for Joia come from?

BS: Joia was created as a beverage to celebrate life––to bring joy. The concept was largely driven by today’s culinary trends, with herbs and spices being incorporated into a growing number of products to produce more interesting and adventurous flavors. We also recognized there was a void for sodas that are natural, distinctive, celebratory and, most importantly, exceptionally flavorful and refreshing. So we put two and two together and created Joia. Like so many new products, the basic idea for Joia evolved from my own personal experiences where I found the choices of non-alcoholic beverages to be extremely limiting. Nothing readily available was exciting

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that taste as fresh as Wild Veggie, with all the benefits such as GMO-free, gluten-free, low in calories, rich in vitamins/nutrients, and vegan. In addition Wild Veggie can be consumed hot or cold, and used as a base for many recipes, which we have posted on our web site (www.wildveggie.com). We currently produce three varieties of Wild Veggie Soups: Broccoli, Carrot, and Red Bell Pepper. Shortly we will be launching new

packaging and three new varieties: Beet, Butternut Squash, and Edamame Soups, and have plans for five more varieties in the fall of 2012. In addition to the new soups, we will be launching a grassroots marketing campaign to help get the word out that “Healthy Soup Begins Here” with Wild Veggie! I am very excited about our plans for 2012 and beyond. Please come by and visit us at the Natural Foods Expo West Show March 9 – 11 in Anaheim, booth 4839 in Hall D.

enough, flavorful enough and refreshing enough. As a result, I became pretty good at mixing up my own concoctions, and then I realized there was an opportunity to share these amazing flavors with others who are looking for the same thing.

NH: Joia also won a big award. Tell us about that.

NH: Joia is a pretty new product, right? When was it introduced?

BS: Joia debuted in the Twin Cities last July and has received excellent reviews in the marketplace, both with retailers and consumers. We are a really big hit among foodies. Consumers in general have been raving about Joia and it has quickly become a topselling premium soda in most stores.

We have been doing a ton of sampling events and have seen repeatedly that people who try Joia rave about its unique flavors and incredibly refreshing taste. And they are even more excited when they learn it’s also all-natural. It’s really fun and rewarding to see their reactions and to share our story.

BS: We are extremely proud that Joia was named the Best New Carbonated Soda for 2011 by BevNET, which is a leading national authority in the beverage industry. BevNET editors referred to Joia’s flavors as “extremely unique and addictive.” This official recognition from BevNET will support our growth plans and goals to grow Joia into a leading national all-natural soda. NH: Why are you at Expo West?

BS: As a new product, this is our first time at Expo West and we are really excited to be here. We are gearing up for expansion into markets in the West and Northwest in the second quarter of 2012, and Expo West is THE place to be to help us build on those plans. This region is filled with consumers who are health conscious, adventurous, food and beverage enthusiasts, and avid natural products users. Visit us at booth #5765.

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BRANDS OF BRITAIN: COMMITTED TO THE FINEST NATURAL INGREDIENTS THROUGH ITS ENTIRE LINE OF PRODUCTS Brands of Britain, LLC, an exclusive U.S. importer and marketer for food and beverage products from the United Kingdom, imports only all-natural products. Its wide range includes Taylors of Harrogate Specialty Teas & Coffee, Yorkshire Teas, Fever-Tree Premium Mixers, Dean’s of Scotland Oat Cookies & Shortbread, Eat Natural Bars and Highland Spring Waters. The focus on premium and natural is clear throughout Brands of Britain’s portfolio. Products include the fast-growing Fever-Tree range of premium mixers – a brand now recognized as pioneering the premium mixer

category and the best quality mixer on the market today. This award winning range includes Tonic Water, Ginger Ale, Club Soda, Bitter Lemon, Light Tonic Water and Ginger Beer. Fever-Tree doesn’t use preservatives, flavorings or colorings. The line contains only the finest natural ingredients – natural spring water, cane sugar, natural quinine from Rwanda and the highest quality gingers. The Eat Natural brand is also included in Brands of Britain’s portfolio. The three delicious bars in this range include: Macadamia, Brazils and Apricots, Almonds, Apricots and Yogurt Coating, and Brazil, Sultanas,

GELATO AND SORBET PURVEYOR EXPANDS FROZEN DESSERT OFFERING WITH ADONIA GREEK FROZEN YOGURT BY CIAO BELLA Ciao Bella Gelato is proud to introduce Adonia Greek Frozen Yogurt, the company’s newest line of all natural, better-for-you desserts. Adonia marks an innovative extension to Ciao Bella’s established collection of award-winning gelato and sorbet products,

as the first frozen yogurt offering at retail for the brand. Adonia by Ciao Bella joins the freshly created Greek frozen yogurt retail category that industry leaders are hailing as a top trend to watch for 2012. “We are so thrilled to unveil Adonia Greek

Almonds and Hazelnuts. Each bar is glutenfree and suitable for vegetarians. With its mottos, “Simple…isn’t it” and “Nothing dodgy,” the bars contain enormous chunky nuts and huge pieces of dried fruit. The simple and natural ingredients are openly shown through the clear packaging. Using great care to find only the finest-sourced ingredients, each bar is made from small batches to preserve its exceptional flavor and texture. Dean’s also bakes its products in small batches to ensure the highest quality. As a family-run business in Huntly, Scotland, Dean’s uses time honored handcrafted baking methods. By combining the finest ingredients and traditional recipes, it creates a wide variety of premium quality shortbreads and oat cookies. Along with choosing all-natural and premium quality products, brands within the Brands of Britain portfolio, such as Taylors of Harrogate, have a long history of trading fairly and developing strong trading relationships

Frozen Yogurt by Ciao Bella, the brand’s latest offering in our continued mission to create the most delicious and inspired frozen desserts on the market,” says Deborah Holt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Ciao Bella. “Creamy and truly heavenly, Adonia represents our boldest and most inventive product to date, and we look forward

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with the farmers who grow their teas. Taylors supports a number of initiatives and programs to improve the lives of growers and their communities, including paying farmers consistent premium prices for the finest quality teas. Its vast body of work in environmental and social initiatives includes recent support of projects such as “Trees for Life Appeal,” planting over three million trees, and joining the Rainforest Foundation to save a section of the rainforest the size of Yorkshire County (3.7 million acres). The rapid growth of Brands of Britain can be attributed to the company’s firm commitment to provide its trading partners with brands that have a significant quality advantage over products currently on the market – an advantage that consumers are clearly recognizing. For more information on Brands of Britain, LLC and its products please email info@brandsofbritain.com or call (925) 8069400 and visit booth #5459 at the Natural Products Expo West. to providing consumers with a truly unique and tangy spin on both the Ciao Bella brand and Greek yogurt craze.” Available to retailers nationwide this spring, the Adonia line includes a variety of Ciao Bella’s signature flavors available in 14-ounce containers (Wild Blueberry, Espresso, Key Lime, Mango, Peach, Raspberry and Vanilla) and yogurt bars (Peach and Wild Blueberry). All Adonia products are under 130 calories, fat-free and contain nine grams of protein per serving. Fondly called America’s gelato, Ciao Continued on Page 34

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THE NATURAL WAY TO SPICE UP ANY EVENT

SUPERB PUDDINGS AND GREAT GUAC…UNDER ONE ROOF?

Fun, flirty and fabulous, Cookies & Corks adds excitement to any gathering

Southern California-based Comfy House Foods Excels in Two Very Different Product Categories.

A perfect hostess knows how to effortlessly make a party stand out. Cookies & CorksTM sweet and savory cookies are that something special that keeps people laughing, eating…and enjoying all night long! Leah Kuo and Laura Englander, the duo behind Cookies & Corks, are always searching for ways to showcase the possibilities of their cookies. Not too long ago, at their local wine shop, they suggested pairing wine with cookies as a way to inject some fun into the typical wine tasting. The owner quipped, “Ladies, the only thing you pair with wine is a baguette.” Taking the challenge head-on, Leah and Laura sought to show him what cookies could do. They quickly realized they were on to something and began perfecting daring flavor combinations uniquely tailored to pair with wine varietals. Cookies & Corks is much more than a display or extra plate at the table; it’s a conversation starter, engaging everyone as guests experiment with different cookie and wine combinations. People are free to try pairing one cookie type with two different wines or pick the wine flavor of preference to try with several different cookies. The easy to use pairing guide is the perfect starting point. For instance, pair Zesty Lemon with Sauvignon

Blanc and Merlot, or pair the White Cheddar Rosemary and Sea Salt Chocolate Oatmeal with a Cabernet Sauvignon. The combinations are endless! Cookies & Corks is the wow factor that hostesses will love to make their party stylish, flirty and special. Placing a cookie and wine pairing bar at an event is an instant conversation-starter. Place the emphasis on good food, good conversation and good fun. Cookies & Corks’ sweet and savory cookies have no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors. They come packaged for wine pairing in a variety box, with three cookie types and 15 total cookies which retails for $7.95, and a single flavor box of five cookies which retails for $3.00. Trays of 30 count. bulk cookies are also available for foodservice and events. The cookies are baked with a sixmonth shelf life and can be frozen up to three months. For more information or to inquire about becoming a reseller, visit www.cookiesandcorks.com or e-mail Laura Englander at lenglander@cookiezen.com.

It’s certainly not the combination you would expect. On one hand you have rich flavorful puddings, including classic tapioca and rice puddings. Great American comfort foods to be sure (hence the name, Comfy House Foods). But then there’s that “South of the Border” product line from the company: distinctive guacamoles and authentic dips including a black bean dip and a multi-layer dip. That’s a rather unlikely match-up of desserts and dips. “I know, I know,” says Comfy House Foods founder Adam Cardenas. “It’s an unusual pairing of product lines to be sure. It Ciao Bella (Con’t. from p. 32)

Bella began in New York’s Little Italy and has been tempting taste buds since 1983. Crafted like no other, Ciao Bella’s indulgent collection of gelato and sorbet creates moments of happiness everywhere with an unparalleled, incredibly unique dessert experience. We simply rely on a chef-inspired blend of pure, naturally intense ingredients and a passion for evoking pleasure and delight in every frozen bite. Offering unique and intense flavors like Blood Orange Sorbet and Key Lime Graham Cracker

just turned out that we had two experienced food cultures coming together within the company. And that put us in the unique position to produce two excellent portfolios of products that are quite distinctive.” Puddings came first, starting with the concept of taking traditional rice and tapioca puddings and, one by one, removing all the unhealthy ingredients like sugar, white rice, and artificial ingredients. “Our goal was to upgrade these puddings two ways,” says Cardenas. “Make them a lot healthier and use higher quality ingredients.” A perfect example is the company’s Continued on Page 36

Gelato, Ciao Bella uses only the most elite and pure ingredients, resulting in ultra-premium frozen specialties which embody both classic Italy and modern America. The brand has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and on AOL’s home page for its captivating and mouthwatering creations. For more information and the latest news on Adonia, visit www.adoniabyciaobella.com, www.ciaobellagelato.com, email info@ciaobellagelato.com or call 800-343-5286. Follow Ciao Bella’s official Facebook and Twitter pages. Drop by booth #4078 at Natural Products Expo West.

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COOLHAUS: ‘BUILDING’ AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH EMPIRE

RAW DIET AFICIONADO CREATES TASTY, HEALTHY CHIPS

Natasha Case and Freya Estreller started baking cookies and making ice cream in Freya’s mom’s kitchen in fall 2008. Because of their architectural and real estate development backgrounds, they decided to name the flavor combinations after architects and architectural movements they were inspired by, and started experimenting with recipes. It seemed like a fun art project, and was the first iteration of a concept they called “farchitecture,” which sought to explore architecture using food as the medium, and also to make design more fun using edible creations. After much brainstorming, it occurred to Freya and Natasha that an ice cream truck would be the perfect way to disseminate their made-to-order ice cream sandwiches (and architecture dialogue) around Los Angeles. The truck would be a nod to the past tradition of the Good Humor man selling ice cream novelties around neighborhoods, but with a modern twist--not to mention the long-standing popularity of taco trucks around Los Angeles and the rapidly growing infatuation with “gourmet” food trucks. The timing seemed perfect, now all they needed was a truck! They found a postal truck on Craigslist for $2,900 and launched the Coolhaus Ice

Five years ago, Brad Gruno was like millions of American men. He was overweight with high cholesterol and difficulty sleeping. Then something extraordinary happened: Gruno discovered the

Cream Sandwich Truck at Coachella Music Festival in April of 2009. When they came back to Los Angeles, they had generated a strong following via social media and food bloggers. The public fell in love with their classic and edgy flavors (Pistachio Black Truffle ice cream anyone?), their commitment to using all-natural ingredients and hormone-free dairy, edible packaging, hip trucks, and location-based social media. Natasha and Freya could hardly keep up with demand and started hiring a passionate staff that could help them build their dream. Three years later, they have served over 450,000 of their delicious ice cream sandwiches all over the U.S. Coolhaus has uniquely positioned themselves as the gourmet ice cream novelty company to look out for and partner with. Today, they have a fleet of four trucks in Los Angeles, two trucks and one cart in New York, two trucks in Austin, two trucks in Miami and a newly launched storefront in Culver City, Calif. Their ice cream sandwiches can be found at all Southern California Whole Foods Markets. With an impressive social media presence (over 50,000 Twitter and Facebook followers/fans Continued on Page 38

Comfy House Foods (Con’t. from p. 34)

‘Brown & Wild’ Rice Pudding. Comfy House, who manufactures all their own items, replaced the reconstituted white rice used in many national brands with a balanced multi-grain blend of wild rice, barley and other natural ingredients. The product has won accolades for its uniquely rich and nutty flavor, not to mention its admirable nutrition profile. All four of the company’s current pudding offerings are good sources of Omega-3s, are vegan, gluten free, and dairy/soy free. As for the newer chunky dip products, it was Cardenas’ two decades of avocado experience that prompted their rollouts in 2011/2012 under the Ay-Chiwawa brand name. “We had so many great product concepts using avocados, salsas, black beans and peppers,” says Cardenas, “we just couldn’t ignore the possibilities. We were very motivated to go to market.” Like the desserts, Comfy House eagerly

benefits of eating a predominantly raw diet. In three months, he lost 40 pounds, felt completely energized Continued on Page 38

wanted to put taste, quality and nutrition ahead of everything else. Cardenas calls it a “healthy fusion” of authentic flavors with nutritional attributes not often found in refrigerated dips and guacamoles. “For the natural channel, it’s important to not only offer natural products, but versions richer in protein, fiber and lighter in fat calories,” says Cardenas. The four Ay-Chiwawa guacamole products also use a unique High Pressure Processing (HPP) which greatly help perishable avocado stay fresher longer. “Offering the freshest, chunkiest guacamoles and dips is a key goal for us,” adds Cardenas. Though on the market for a just a short time, both the dips and guacamoles are already selling in over 600 stores in the Midwest, almost 1000 stores in Canada, and over 150 stores in Southern California. So yes, puddings and guacamole may be a bit of an odd couple. But for Comfy House Foods it seems to work just fine. Send inquiries to: info@comfyhousefoods.com or call 310-910-4400. At Expo West, they are at booth #5958.

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Coolhaus (Con’t. from p. 36)

combined), they have created a powerful marketing arm that complements their retail sales and community-based relationships in a way that no other gourmet ice cream novelty company can compete with. They hope to nationally and globally expand their retail line, to develop new products under the Coolhaus umbrella (like their recently launched ice cream-inspired hot chocolate

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DOMATCHA: A HEALTHY ADVANTAGE

CRUNCHIES: THE NUMBER ONE FREEZE-DRIED SNACK! Crunchies Food Company, LLC was established in response to the obvious dearth of good-tasting and truly healthy natural snacks on the market. The company sought to develop a line of pure foods that would blend the taste and crunch of a potato chip, but be completely free of the preservatives, added sugar, trans fat, and excessive sodium that is so prevalent among many snack food products. The result was an innovative breakthrough in blending great taste with important nutrition: Crunchies freeze-dried fruits and vegetables have been proven hugely by appealing to everyone from school children to seniors, and from health conscious parents to busy executives. Available today in a wide array of deliciously nutritious flavors, Crunchies are produced by placing individually frozen fruits and veggies in a refrigerated vacuum chamber that removes up to 97 percent of the

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moisture. This assures consumers of a unique crunchy treat that retains virtually all of its nutrients and enzymes (unlike conventional heat drying methods), while still maintaining its shape and intensifying its flavor. To fully realize the growth of the natural snack trend, Crunchies Food Company LLC is led by 28-year packaged goods industry veteran James Lacey, who served as the company’s President and CEO. Formerly an executive with Weider Nutrition, Power Bar, Nestle Food, and Smith Klein-Beechman, Lacey is applying his considerable cross functional management, and international distribution, marketing expertise to help lead the company through its most significant period of expansion to date. This included the early 2007 launch of several distinct new items all reflecting the trademark blend of Continued on Page 40

line), and continue to push the flavor envelope. Their Brown Butter and Candied Bacon Ice Cream Sandwich is already a top seller at Southern Calif. Whole Foods! Coolhaus is ready to become this generation’s Ben and Jerry’s, and ice cream sandwiches are only the beginning. For more information, call 310-424-5559, email Natasha@eatcoolhaus.com, visit www.eatcoolhaus.com or drop by booth #5850 at Natural Products Expo West.

Green tea is well known for its health benefits. But did you know it also comes in a more nutrient-dense powdered form? Matcha (from the Japanese words matsu, meaning ground or rubbed, and cha, meaning tea) is a powdered Japanese green tea full of nutrients and antioxidants. Unlike regular green tea where the leaves are steeped in hot water and then thrown away, with matcha Brad’s Raw Foods (Con’t. from p. 36)

and his cholesterol returned to a normal level. “This diet improved my health and changed my life,” Gruno said. “The only thing I missed was the crunch of a good snack.” Gruno experimented until he created a raw chip made with fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds and spices. He set up shop in a singlecar garage and began selling the chips at farmer’s markets. “It was a humble beginning,” Gruno admitted. “Yet we rapidly evolved into a successful brand.” Today, the company operates in a 4,000square-foot facility in the heart of Bucks County, Pa., near several large farms that provide much of the fresh vegetables and whole grains needed to produce Brad’s Raw Foods. “What makes our chips so unique is that they’re not baked or fried,” Gruno explained. “Instead, they are dehydrated under

you are basically consuming the entire tea leaf. But that’s the basics. There’s so much more. Japanese monks introduced matcha to Japan in the late 12th century, as traveling tea cakes which they used for energy and Continued on Page 40

115 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that all of the nutrients and living enzymes are preserved.” It is a time-consuming process to make each batch by hand, but the result might just be the world’s healthiest chip, Gruno said. “Now that our chips and leafy kale are selling so well on the shelves of mainstream grocery stores, we have an opportunity to create a whole section of raw products,” Gruno said. The company is rolling out four new flavors of raw chips, as well as a line of granola, at the Expo this week. Raw food is only part of Gruno’s vision to help people and the planet get healthier. “My mission is to inform people―young and old―about the benefits of a predominantly raw diet,” Gruno said. “If everyone began eating more raw foods, they would feel so much more vibrant and alive.” For more information, visit www.bradsrawchips.com, email brad@bradsrawchips.com, or call 215-766-3739. At Expo West, visit booth #5285.

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DRINKME: THE VISION IN ME

DoMatcha (Con’t. from p. 38)

By Christina Paganelli, CEO and Founder, drinkme Beverage Co. Six years ago, thyroid cancer and MS ravaged my body. I was picked and prodded at with surgery, steroids and radiation treatments. Nothing worked to ease my situation. I was losing hope, witnessing myself deteriorating physically, mentally, and emotionally. With cancer discovered in my lungs, I knew the outlook was grim, and became desperate for an alternative. That’s when it hit me: he body is a powerful force, bigger than any of us can imagine. I found inspiration in others and strived for change. The only permanent thing we have in life is change” So said the late, great Bernard Jensen, DC, PhD. Capable of unconscious breath and Crunchies Food Company (Con’t. from p. 38)

innovation and product excellence of Crunchies Food Company, LLC. Crunchies is adding new additions to their fruit and veggie lines for a total of 12 veggie flavors, 10 fruit flavors, five organic flavors, and the brand new Munch Pak size available now in six popular fruit flavors and soon to add four Veggie Munch Paks. Already favorably covered in some 40 national magazines and hundreds of regional newspapers, Crunchies Food Company, LLC is poised to continue growing over the years without losing its core emphasis on

cognitive thought, our body can recognize and communicate within itself. Do we need a diagnosis, or a label of a disease, to initiate a change in our health patterns? We should give our bodies more credit. Wake up everyone! I know I did. I put these most basic theories to the test: I removed everything from my life that was dead, processed, polluting my air, my skin, my digestion, my thoughts, Continued on Page 42

consumer satisfaction, quality ingredients, superior packaging, and supporting worthy environmental causes. As James Lacey puts it, “You can’t improve on nature, but you can freshly package what nature has given us and make it readily accessible to people wherever they may be. We’re heartened to see how enthusiastically our products have been embraced around the country and look forward to staying true to our mission of creating great-tasting, innovative, healthy snacks for many years to come.” Come visit the Crunchies booth #2627 or check out www.crunchiesfood.com.

mental clarity—important for long days on the road and for meditating. Over the next few hundred years the monks developed the beginnings of what we see today in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. In these early years producing a good quality matcha was extremely labor intensive (and still is to some degree), so matcha was reserved only for royalty, visiting dignitaries and high Samurai, certainly not for the general populace. Today matcha is available to everyone. Matcha lattes can even be found in vending machines in Tokyo. The harvesting and processing methods, however, remain gentle and focused. Matcha is unique in that fields destined to become matcha are shade covered 2 to 4 weeks before harvest. Shade forces the chlorophyll to rise to the top outermost leaves, which are handpicked at the desired time. The leaves are lightly steamed to prevent oxidation, and then de-veined and de-stemmed (Japanese women used to de-vein and de-stem the leaves using chopsticks). Finally, better grades of matcha are stone ground into a fine powder between traditional granite stones. It takes one hour of slow stone grinding to produce a one-ounce tin of matcha. Cheaper quality matcha is frequently pul-

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verized instead, losing many of the desirable nutrients and leaving a bitter taste. When gently harvested and processed, matcha retains the majority of its antioxidants and nutrients. General consensus is that one cup of matcha has the nutrient value of about 10 cups of regular green tea. When offered samples of high quality matcha, customers often sip the tea then come back a few minutes later asking, “What is this tea again? It makes me feel great!” The feeling they are referring to comes from L-theanine, an amino acid naturally found in matcha which has been shown to enhance mental focus, calmness, and an overall sense of wellbeing. While matcha does contain caffeine, the antioxidants and L-theanine mitigate caffeine’s negative effects while providing a sustained lift of energy. A good quality matcha should be strong tasting but smooth. DōMatcha’s Organic Ceremonial grade matcha is North America’s #1 selling matcha, sold in natural health stores across the U.S. and Canada, as well as some European markets. Consumers repeatedly state that DōMatcha is the best matcha. Come by our booth, #4280 in Hall D at ExpoWest, and try it for yourself. We think you’ll agree. For more information, call 604-876-9876, email info@domatcha.com, or visit www.domatcha.com.

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APPEAR BIGGER THAN YOU ARE: THE DUBE GROUP ON SALES AND MARKETING OUTSOURCING In today’s marketplace, many companies find it difficult to justify full time senior level sales and marketing professionals. Yet these are the very people that leading retail chains expect to deal with on a day to day basis. One increasingly common business model is outsourced sales and marketing expertise. Today’s outsourced professionals are a new breed. They are not the “master brokers” of bygone years working on old relationships with little product knowledge. Today’s outsourced professionals can queue up high level appointments too but they act as an extension of the supplier’s team. They perform the traditional marketing functions including participation in strategic planning sessions with suppliers, they know product details, they plan

and execute retailer promotions, they study and interpret retailer metrics, and they keep track of retailer and competitive activities. Outsourcing allows suppliers to play in the big leagues without the expense of big league budgets. In today’s highly competitive environment most suppliers get one chance with major retail chains. First impressions are lasting impressions and having the right expertise is as important as having the right product. Remember, survival of the fittest does not always mean the “biggest.” It means the “smartest.” Contact the Dube Group at 727-559-1785, email information@dubegroup.com or visit www.dubegroup.com.

FALL RIVER WILD RICE: RESOLUTE AND INNOVATIVE From a cool mountain valley known for its artesian waterflows, springs a company fit for this location―Fall River Wild Rice. The Fall River Valley and surrounding Inter-mountain area have conditions that are perfect for growing wild rice.

Fall River Wild Rice supplies a full line of bulk sizes that will take care of your foodservice needs. The company provide 5-, 25- and 50-pound sizes, all delivered to your door quickly and Continued on Page 46

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VITACLAY: HELPING BUSY PEOPLE ENJOY NATURAL, UNPROCESSED FOODS THAT TASTE GREAT Written by VitaClay

“My shelves are totally stocked with red rice, black rice, pintos, black soys, adukis, kidneys, garbanzos. You name it, I’ve got it. ...That said, cooking these nutrient-packed Drinkme (Con’t. from p. 40)

and my world. I replaced my diet with only living foods––vibrant colours full of energy and life force. I introduced only edible oilsand creams to my skin and hair, and allowed my lungs to breathe clean air. To my surprise (although I already knew the answers within), my body accepted the new world I lived in, and began thriving. On a cellular level, I was testament to everything that I had learnt about enzymes and the biology of the body. A healthy body could prosper, as long as it was fed clean air, nutrition, and positive thoughts. Why do we not see the answers staring us in the face? I am the “me” in drinkme! My vision is to share my powerful story and my living product with all the positive energy and life-force I can give it. We are happily introducing drinkme to America, offering living food as fuel, with unbelievable taste. Like our bodies’ chakras, drinkme’s energy surges through our ingredients of red, green,

dinners could take hours and this lady’s only got minutes in the kitchen, so I’ve figured out a system that’s working perfectly.” So writes vegan Lynn Kessner, on her blog Continued on Page 58

orange, and yellow. Our plan to save sharks from extinction completes our energy spectrum, with blues and violets encompassing our move to return balance to our oceans and ecosystem. When you consume drinkme, you can feel the life force – and you say, “Wholey Kale! This is not what I expected.” Drinkme is a 100 percent raw, certified organic, whole food beverage. Our three flavours, Green, Green3 and Ruby, are loaded with 3.5-5.5 servings of fruit and vegetables in every bottle. Kale is the star, but whole oranges, bananas, and raspberries make drinkme fruity, savoury sweet and delicious. Kale, teamed with whole beets, make it vibrant, energizing and extremely nutritious. drinkme never touches heat in our manufacturing process, so all this goodness is living. Please visit www.drinkme.ca to learn more about our product, call 877-797-9003 or email info@drinkme. Visit booth #5578 at Natural Products Expo West.

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EARTHSPRING FOODS INTRODUCES PRIMASOY, A NEW ESTROGEN-FREE SOY FOOD AT EXPO WEST Deborah Pace, President/CEO, of EarthSpring Foods, takes a moment from her busy schedule to talk about her company with Naturally Healthy. NH: What does PrimaSoy do precisely?

DP: PrimaSoy blocks protein inhibitors that prevent soy from fighting global malnutrition.

NH: When did EarthSpring Foods first introduce this product and how did it develop?

DP: EarthSpring Foods officially launched at the Natural Products Expo East in September 2011. We have since perfected PrimaSoy, an all-natural, patented process for deactivating estrogen, phytic acid, oligosaccharides and trypsin inhibitors from soy. This amazing product now gives you the option of enjoying soy products without the associated concerns of eating estrogen. With phytate content below 2 percent, it also increases soy’s adaptability in fighting global malnutrition. Our PrimaSoy flour, along with soy nuggets made by the Walless Institute, will be at booth 5150 at Expo West, March 9-11. Please stop by to check them out.

NH: Why should we care about estrogen?

DP: There are strong reasons for people to reduce the amount of estrogen in their food. Hormonal imbalances caused by too much estrogen are found in half of all women over age 35. Because of this, women can suffer from symptoms of estrogen dominance, including mood changes, weight gain and water retention. Unopposed estrogen levels also put women at greater risk for several cancers. In addition, women who have breast cancer or are breast-cancer survivors are at risk because research has shown that dietary estrogens (phytoestrogens) promote breast cancer cell growth in animals. NH: Does it only affect women?

DP: Men can also suffer from hormonal imbalance, which can result in weight gain, man boobs, or an inability to build musclemass. Preliminary studies on children have also shown an increase in premature puberty, PCOS (an imbalance in sex hormones), obesity, and irregular periods. The evidence for reducing estrogen in our diets

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is staggering.

NH: Why does EarthSpring Foods care?

DP: Because, to our entire team... it’s personal! As the CEO of EarthSpring Foods, I speak from experience on the seriousness of hormonal imbalance. Not only do I have two young children whom I would like to see reach double-digit age before they see puberty, but I have suffered from several of the symptoms of estrogen dominance myself. EarthSpring Foods’ co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Ivan Solero, also has a very personal interest in creating food solutions that can help address the issue of low testosterone in men. NH: Where can you find PrimaSoy?

DP: We are following a two-tiered track of creating estrogen-free soy products for boutique U.S. markets, while licensing the PrimaSoy process to manufacturers, making estrogen-free, nutrient-dense soy available to consumers globally. We are excited by the countless options that PrimaSoy presents, and you will soon find our PrimaSoy logo on products at every market level around the globe. Talk to your retailers and manufacturers, and encourage them to use PrimaSoy as an estrogen-free protein source in their products and on their shelves. For more information, call 302-521-8283, e-mail info@EarthSpringFoods.com, visit www.EarthSpringFoods.com, or stop by Expo West booth #5150.

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EAST AND WEST GOURMET AFGHAN FOOD: BOLANI, THE SNACK THAT LOVES YOU BACK East and West Gourmet Afghan Food is the story of an Afghan woman and her family’s struggle in the search for a better life. Supported by her husband and eldest son, the family immigrated to the US and founded East and West Gourmet Afghan Food. Bolani is a traditional Afghani flatbread, stuffed and baked with spinach, pumpkin, red potato or green lentil filling. Best served Fall River Wild Rice (Con’t. from p. 42)

at a price that makes it affordable to provide your customers with a unique, natural and healthy choice. Fall River Wild Rice carries a comprehensive line of retail items where you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for. Choose from the 8-ounce box or the 16-ounce bag if you’re looking for a great traditional and natural dish to prepare. If you don’t have time to cook, yet don’t want to compromise on quality, you can try their fully cooked, shelf-stable wild rice found in a 10.5-ounce pouch. This fully cooked item is their crown jewel, an innovation conceived from the needs of the customer. Wild rice is often perceived as a time-consuming item in the kitchen, but with the fully cooked option,

warm as a main dish, side dish, appetizer, or hors d’oeuvre. It is the perfect diet food: nutritionally rich in protein, fiber and vitamins, but low in carbohydrates, calories, fat and sodium. Bolani is also ideal for vegans and anyone else looking for healthy alternatives to meat. Initially found in only a few Bay Area farmers markets, this unique fusion of East Continued on Page 50

not only is it ready to eat, there are no additives―just wild rice and water―a simple item ready to fit any number of great recipes. Fall River Wild Rice is pleased to feature a new item: Chocolate Covered Puffed Wild Rice. This is a fun new item that is a great snack alternative for big kids and little kids alike! It will satisfy the urge for sweets and at the same time offers a great crunch and adds a healthy whole grain to your diet. The item also can be used as a topper giving a fantastic new twist to favorite desserts such as ice cream and cakes. Come by and give our new item a try! See Fall River Wild Rice’s products at booth #5470 at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim. If you can’t make it to the show, visit it online at www.frwr.com.

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PLENTILS PROVIDES A HEALTHY OPTION TO THE SNACK CHIP CATEGORY Enjoy Life Foods, the number one brand in the allergy-friendly category whose products are also gluten-free, is entering the savory snack category with its innovative line of crunchy lentil chips: Plentils. The eight-SKU line will be introduced to the trade at Natural Foods Expo West 2012. The four great-tasting flavors include Sea Salt, Garlic & Parmesan, Margherita Pizza, and Dill & Sour Cream. Unique is the fact that the latter three flavors are dairy flavored, yet are produced with dairy-free ingredients, providing a long-awaited taste experience for the 50 million Americans who are either lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. Plentils are the newest addition to the company’s extensive product selection, which now exceeds 40 SKUs in a variety of categories, including Soft and Crunchy Cookies, Chewy Bars, Granolas, Seed and Fruit Mixes, Cereals, Chocolate for Baking, and Chocolate Bars. All Enjoy Life products are free of the top eight allergens, gluten-free, produced with all natural nonGMO ingredients, and are both kosher and halal certified. Plentils’ leading ingredient is high-protein red lentils, allowing for a tasty way to add protein while enjoying a crunchy snack. This healthy lentil base results in the chips being extremely rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent source

of nutrients. Additionally, the chips have 40 percent less fat than a regular potato chip, making them truly “Chips With Benefits.” Plentils are available in two sizes, a fourounce bag great for sharing, and a 0.8ounce bag perfect for a “Grab and Go” healthy alternative. The Sea Salt flavor is full of delicious salty, crunchy goodness, with a touch of salt, featuring a clean, pure flavor. Margherita Pizza packs the flavor of a delicious, fresh ‘tomatoey’ pizza, with just the right amount of spice in every single chip. Dill & Sour Cream is a great snack for all dill lovers, with the perfect amount of dill flavor and a touch of rich (but dairy-free!) sour cream. The Garlic & Parmesan flavor is for everyone who could use more cheese in their lives, with an ideal savory, creamy flavor with just a hint of garlic. Continued on Page 54

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FAIR TRADE USA LAUNCHES REDESIGNED LABEL TO PROVIDE GREATER CLARITY TO CONSUMERS For the first time in Fair Trade USA’s 13-year history, the organization has launched a newly redesigned, fullcolor label. The mark will better communicate the benefits of Fair Trade while offering shoppers the ability to distinguish 100-percent Fair Trade Certified products from those containing a mixture of both Fair Trade and non-Fair Trade ingredients. Just Tomatoes (Con’t. from p. 1)

readers a little about your company and how you’ve grown.

RN: As fourth and fifth generation farmers in California’s beautiful Central Valley, we have a true commitment to offering the highest quality, all-natural freeze-dried and dehydrated fruits and vegetables on the market. This is a family-owned business that has been cultivated carefully and lovingly over the last twenty-six years by The Cox Family. NH: How did you go from being farmers to producing these products?

RN: It was Karen Cox, our founder, and her desire to provide healthy, fresh food for her family in a new and convenient way. She started by dehydrating tomatoes. She offered them as a snack at a dinner party, and no one would believe that they were just tomatoes. She continued to tell her guests that they were truly, just tomatoes! And that’s when she knew she had something great – hence our namesake. NH: What type of products do you offer?

RN: Well, every time we thought of yet another vegetable or fruit that would be delicious dried, we offered it! We now have over 47 different conventional and organic offerings. Because of this, we changed our name from Just Tomatoes to Just Tomatoes, Etc!

NH: Tell us a little about the response to your new packaging. RN: Up until recently we sold our products in small- and medium-sized plastic tubs. But with the fast-paced life everyone leads, we found that airtight, zip-lock, re-sealable pouches were far more convenient, and a better option for folks and kids on-the-go. And research revealed that this new packaging also provides a longer shelf life for our products. NH: This is also a new look for you.

RN: Yes, indeed! We felt it was time to really put a face to who we are. We wanted a fresh, natural look, but we wanted to make sure that we didn’t loose our original playful fruit and veggie illustrations that we’ve originated over the years - they have become icons for our brand. In addition, keeping these icons also makes it easy for customers to identify us on the shelves. NH: Does the same family still run

The updated label, a significant deviation from the original blackand-white Fair Trade Certified label, is globally-registered, allowing Fair Trade USA’s business partners to label and sell product in any country in the world. It was also designed to visually highContinued on Page 66

the company?

RN: Absolutely. And you can depend on their commitment to fresh and healthy snacks for years to come. NH: Is anything else new about the company?

RN: You mean other than how quickly we are growing?! [smile] Yes, as a matter of fact, we have also introduced a new tag line that is an honest message about our all-natural products, and that they truly come “From the Heart of NatureTM.” Our love and passion for what we do is also represented by the heart-shaped window on our new stand-up pouches. NH: What is the process for producing your products?

RN: All of our products are vine or treeripened, hand-picked at their peak, then they’re washed, cut and placed in specially designed dehydrators. We also use a freezedrying process and/or a natural drying process, depending on the texture we are after. But it’s all done utilizing a very slow process in order to maintain color, flavor and most of all, the nutrients. NH: So then, you add nothing other than the vegetables or fruits to your process?

BH: This is what we pride ourselves on most. Since 1985, we have added absolutely nothing! No additives, preservatives or sweeteners. Our products are Kosher certified, and our products that are organic are rigorously tested and are organic certified by Quality Assurance International. Also, all of our products are naturally gluten, dairy, wheat and nut-free. NH: Is there anything else new at your company?

RN: Yes, we have added many new positions, and have made a strong commitment to our sales and marketing teams in order to grow brand awareness and support our retailers. We look forward to helping them increase their product sales! We invite everyone to come see us at Expo West booth # 3463 to check out all of our products (even some additional surprises), enjoy samples and get more information about our products. NH: Thank you for your time Rebecca. RN: My pleasure. Thank you!

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GFCO: THE SCIENCE-BASED STANDARD FOR GLUTEN-FREE The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is the first program established to provide customers and manufacturers confidence in knowing that products labeled with the GF logo meet strict standards for glutenfree foods. As a third-party audit program under the guidance of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG), GFCO helps gluten-intolerant customers quickly identify

that certified companies’ products are safe. GFCO provides science-based standards for food companies that produce gluten-free products. It mostly focuses on the certification of products for human consumption, including companies that manufacture consumer food items, food service or any

Twinings (Con’t. from p. 1)

NH: Aren’t most of the organic brands on the market also Fair Trade Certified?

NH: What can you tell us about your organic products?

JD: We spent a lot of time speaking with consumers before developing our Organic & Fair Trade products. As a result, we fully understand the dynamics that lead to the purchase and usage of organic teas, and have developed a product line that aligns with what consumers actually look for. We learned, for example, that one of the most critical issues consumers face when looking for an organic tea is variety. Twinings offers 12 Organic & Fair Trade items across Black, Green and Herbal tea segments. This is important to highlight because consumers often end up buying a non-organic product when they don’t find a tea segment or a flavor they like in organic. Additionally, a lot of the organic items on the market come from smaller, lessknown brands, and some consumers can be a bit hesitant about buying a brand they aren’t too familiar with, especially if it is premium priced. Consumers told us that Twinings’ strong heritage of making great-tasting teas for over 300 years provides them with reassurance that they are purchasing a quality product. Lastly, we heard consumers complain that organic teas are expensive, so we retail at a much more competitive price than most other organic and Fair Trade brands. All these factors combined have allowed us to establish Twinings in the natural channel and put us in a position to continue to grow. NH: Are all of Twinings Organic teas also Fair Trade Certified?

JD: Yes. We are one of only a handful of brands that has a line of products that is 100 percent Organic & Fair Trade. We have both certifications and won’t compromise. East and West Gourmet Food (Con’t. from p. 46)

and West flavors rapidly gained popularity strictly through word of mouth and the power of a sample. Today East and West participates in up to 200 farmer’s markets every week in California. The product is now also available in Whole Foods Markets, Costco, Mollie Stone’s, Andronico’s, Olivers Market, Berkeley Bowl, Bi-Rite Market, Bianchini’s, Corti-Brothers Sacramento, Davis Food Co-op, Mulberrys Market, Piazzas, Rainbow Food Co-op, Real Foods, Sacramento Food Co-op, Sonoma Market, and Lassens in Southern California. Other grocery stores are coming soon. Bill al Sidiq is the ambassador for the company. With his winning smile, down-toearth attitude, and plenty of samples, he rep-

Continued on Page 66

JD: You would think so, but the answer is no. There are product claims like “mostly organic”, “made with organic ingredients”, “all natural ingredients”, etc. But much different is being just organic. As I already mentioned, every one of our organic teas is also Fair Trade Certified. The next time you are in the tea isle, take a look at the organic offerings; you could be surprised to see that not everyone has these certifications. NH: How do you manage to offer organic products at a competitive price?

JD: When creating our Organic & Fair Trade products, we asked consumers what was most important to them. First and foremost, they want a great tasting tea, so our efforts focused on that. We didn’t focus on creating a more “fancy” product that comes in an elaborate box, tin, or bleached silky bag. Consumers told us that these were “nice-tohaves” but secondary to flavor. Our cartons and tags are recyclable and our tea bags are compostable, so we stay true to having a green footprint, while keeping our efforts on providing truly great-flavored teas. NH: Is your Organic & Fair Trade product line sold everywhere? JD: No. Our Organic & Fair Trade items are exclusively sold to the natural channel. Unlike many competitive brands, we don’t sell our Organic & Fair Trade SKUs to grocery or mass merchandisers, so you will never find our Organics outside of the natural channel. Visit www.twinings.com, or see them at Expo West booth #4178.

resents the essence of Afghan cuisine: good healthy food and hospitality. He attributes the success of East and West to the company’s mission of providing exotic, tasty, quality-focused products with an exceptional level of customer service. In an era of unhealthy eating habits and the notion that all healthy foods taste awful, East and West’s goal is to provide a healthy and nutritional alternative for tasty eating. Once one tastes East and West’s food, one is sure to become a loyal customer for life! Traditional Afghan recipes are passed down through generations. To find out more about East and West Gourmet Food, visit www.bolaniandsauce.com or call 877-687-0817. At Expo West, visit booth #4481 and try this wonderful healthy treat for yourself.

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HOLY CRAP.CA—THE ORGANIC CEREAL PHENOMENON Holy Crap, the world’s most amazing breakfast cereal rocked the natural food product industry by expanding into 1,000 stores (including Whole Foods and IGA) within six months after appearing on the hit TV reality show Dragons’ Den. Holy Crap Cereal is a special blend of whole grain super foods including organic Clear Products (Con’t. from p. 1)

NH: Tell our readers about your company and what makes your products so unique?

SO: Clear Products, Inc. is a premier formulator of innovative natural health products. What is unique about our product line is we have safely and effectively combined homeopathic remedies and traditional Oriental medicine in an easy to use encapsulated form. We define combining these two modalities as Clearopathy®. NH: You have a unique story about the founding of your company. Tell us about it.

SO: I met my business partner, Skipp Neville, during my internship nearly eighteen years ago. I helped Skipp with some health issues, one of which was an ongoing sinus congestion and ear problem. Skipp is a water guy and loves to surf, swim and scuba dive. I created a formula that was so helpful in relieving sinus congestion and swimmers ear that he basically came to me and told me we were going into business and this was going to be our first product. We released Clear Sinus & Ear® in 1998, to the scuba diving industry. It did very well. Within weeks we were receiving emails discussing the great results of using this product for congestion. Additionally, there was a side benefit which was to help reduce Tinnitus. Tinnitus is defined as a ringing, hissing or whistling that is only audible in one’s head. Tinnitus affects over 50 million people in the U.S. alone. For me, Tinnitus has always been a health issue which was very difficult to treat. We began testing the product on friends and family and found that it was indeed very effective in reducing the noise associated with Tinnitus. I adjusted the formula a bit and we created our top selling product Clear Tinnitus®. NH: To what do you attribute the success of your products?

SO: I contribute our success to the fact I am formally trained and licensed as an herbalist and acupuncturist, have achieved a master’s in traditional Oriental medicine, have a Ph.D in alternative medicine and years of practical experience which have prepared me to create very safe, balanced and effective formulas. The composition of an effective formula involves more than putting together ingredients to obtain a desired effect. Constructing a product is a careful and often painstaking process. Many issues need to be considered including the chief complaint and secondary issues. I must create a balance of homeopathics and herbs which work together in harmony to effectively help

chia seeds, organic buckwheat and organic hulled hemp hearts. Organic cranberries, raisins, apples and cinnamon give the cereal a tasty flavor all its own. The healthy cereal is gluten-free, wheat-free, vegan, raw, lactose free Continued on Page 68

reduce the symptoms. Targeting the root cause and not masking the symptoms will result in reducing the severity and frequency of the illness. The goal of an effective formula is to balance and harmonize the entire body and bring it back to homeostasis. NH: Describe your company’s current marketing strategy.

SO: Our marketing strategy is to offer condition-specific formulas and product names that are valuable to both the retailer and consumer. The product names provide immediate recognition of use and purpose. The products are safe, affordable and assist with a wide range of everyday common health issues. Our product names include Clear Tinnitus, Clear Sinus & Ear, Clear Cold Sores, Shingles and UTITM, and Clear Migraine®. All of our products are gluten, lactose and sugar-free. NH: Tell our readers about your Expo West objectives, plans, new products, promotions, etc.

SO: The goal of being at the show is to expand our presence in the health products industry. We are here to share our unique approach and perspective to help achieve good health and enhance quality of life. We have a couple of new products coming to market including Clear Immune SupportTM and Clear Cold & FluTM. We are offering a show discount special of 25 percent off either directly or from our distributors. We offer sales support and staff training also. NH: What is the nature of your distribution?

SO: Our products are available nationally through our distribution partners, Natures’s Best, Palko, Threshold, UNFI East/Select, UNFI West, The Source/KeHe, and Super Natural or you can call us at 888-257-2532. NH: How can our readers find out more about your company?

SO: Our website has a tremendous amount of consumer information about Clear Products and the use of our formulas. We believe in sharing our knowledge about each of the formulas with our customers including applications, ingredients, use, helpful hints and proper nutrition recommendations. I also do radio shows and lectures to not only speak about Clear Products but to discuss health issues and a natural approach to healing. To learn more about Clear Products, Inc. please visit www.clearproductsinc.com or stop by booth #1580 at Naturally Healthy Expo West 2012.

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HEARTHSIDE FOOD SOLUTIONS BRINGS A MAJOR BUZZ TO GRANOLA By Rob Goluba, Director of Marketing, Hearthside Food Solutions

Hearthside Food Solutions is excited to introduce our new, innovative product line that is sure to put a major buzz back into the granola set: Willamette Valley Granola Company brand Granola Chips. These light, crispy bite-sized whole grain granola snack chips are designed for healthy folks on the go. Our delicious, and nutritious, Willamette Valley Granola Chips are made with only all natural, non-GMO ingredients and are ideal for healthy snacking. The four new 6.2 ounce Granola Chip items come in decadent flavors HealthForce (Con’t. from p. 1)

NH: Welcome back, Dr. Sheridan. This is your fifth year at Expo West with over 27 years in the industry. What will you be featuring this year?

JS: As the formulator for HealthForceTM and WarriorForceTM, I endeavor to create and evolve products that truly make a difference. I live and breathe this lifestyle and have for 27 years. I hold true to old-school integrity, providing products that promise purity, potency, and maximum value for the dollar. This year we will be showcasing our new WarriorForce Sports Nutrition line, an expansion of our already successful non-toxic plant-based protein products to support fitness buffs to Olympic athletes in performing their best without sacrificing health. We are also launching new versions of Vitamineral Green, Antioxidant Extreme, and Vitamineral Earth. Additionally, we are excited to release the much-awaited Friendly Force Ultimate Probiotic. Read more in the editorial about these new products.

NH: Dr. Sheridan, packaging is very important to you and you have developed EcoFresh Nutrient LockTM Packaging.

JS: HealthForce products offer maximum therapeutic value and nutrient density. To preserve this value, I have developed our exclusive Energetic Enhancement Processes and expensive EcoFresh Nutrient Lock packaging (recyclable amber glass bottles, oxygen absorbers, and airtight metal lids) to ensure actual potency. Contrast this to the popular and inexpensive plastic lined metal pouches, which emit maximum chemical off-gassing and allow maximum degradation of product, but are by far the cheapest to buy. We don’t sacrifice your health for the almighty dollar. Not now, not ever!

Enjoy Life Foods (Con’t. from p. 46)

Since they do not contain any gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, fish, or shellfish, all Enjoy Life products are specifically manufactured for the millions of people living with food allergies, lactose intolerance, and celiac disease. As one of the only salty snack items on the market that is safe for this community, it

like Vanilla Bean, Honey Nut and even Butter Pecan and yet these low fat chips are loaded with whole grains, contain only 110 calories per serving and are a good source of fiber! The Willamette Valley Granola Company Granola Chips took over a year to develop and refine, as we tested concepts with consumers across the country. Granola Chips were the overwhelming favorite, with granola consumers overwhelmingly preferring this product format for both themselves and their family. Our ultimate goal is to create a Continued on Page 56

NH: What are some of the unique selling features of your product line?

JS: We have been pioneers in providing raw, vegan, gluten-free, TruGanicTM, HardCore, whole food nutrition for over 20 years. TruGanic is a purist, hard-core quality standard for sourcing and production significantly beyond organic. TruGanic products must pass actual tests to verify they are 100 percent free of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, irradiation, and GMOs (zero detectable). Organic only “certifies” with paperwork, but does not verify. At HealthForce, we control every aspect of our production. We protect the facility from electromagnetic fields, we use earthfriendly cleaning products, we purify the air with advanced high-efficiency particulate air and ozone filtration, we use magnets to purify and enhance the products. We have also developed a way to energetically enhance every batch of products. NH: Dr. Sheridan, what drives you to continue to create your world-class line of products?

JS: The quality, therapeutic concentration, and affordability of a nutritional product can, and often does, mean the difference between lethargy and energy, sickness and health, and, quite literally, life and death. I don’t want anyone to be tired, sick, or dead because they could not obtain or afford the best possible product. If someone does not feel this same way, they should not be in the nutritional product business. I live and breathe this philosophy in both my personal and professional life, and constantly strive to evolve HealthForce products and offer them at the best possible values. I would rather die than compromise these principles. For more information, please visit HealthForce at www.HealthForce.com or call us on 800-357-2717. Also, visit our booth # 1584.

is also a great tasting product for people who are simply looking for a clean ingredient list. In a “better for you” snack, Plentils crunchy lentil chips are perfectly positioned to provide a healthy and delicious snacking option for all snack-loving consumers. Please visit www.enjoylifefoods.com, to learn more or call 847-260-0300 or email jwarady@enjoylifefoods.com. Visit booth #4150 at Natural Products Expo West.

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HERBAL ZAP BRINGS INSTANT AYURVEDIC IMMUNE SUPPORT TO THE USA Empowering your immune system naturally has never been easier or tastier!

Herbal Zap, one of the hottest new products at the 2012 Expo West, instantly delivers Ayurvedic herbs to strengthen your immune Partners Crackers (Con’t. from p. 1)

about building relationships within the company, it’s about building relationships within the families who enjoy eating their all-natural products. The PARTNERS story started in 1992. Shortly after retiring from the restaurant business, Marian Harris realized the handmade crackers she made for her restaurants were a hit. She perfected her recipes, bagged her creations, and hit the streets. Marian soon recruited her son, Greg Maestretti, and daughter, Cara Figgins, to keep up with the company’s growth. Both Greg and Cara had fond memories of growing up with their mother’s delicious treats and were excited at the chance to share Marian’s talent with the world. The three still run the company today and Marian is still creating new recipes and perfecting old favorites. One of those old favorites is PARTNERS Gourmet Granola. Based on a family recipe dating back to 1972, PARTNERS Gourmet Granola is not your typical mass manufactured product. It tastes like it came straight from Grandma Marian’s kitchen. The granola is made from all natural ingredients; ingredients you might find in your own kitchen at home, ingredients you can trust. It is slow baked in small batches and sweetened only with honey, no added sugar. As a mother and grandmother, Marian understands the need for flavor variety when it comes to feeding the whole family. She has developed three different flavors: Harvest Hearthside Food Solutions (Con’t. from p. 54)

new category of healthy, portable granola snacks designed for busy and active lifestyles, and Willamette Valley Granola Chips are just the beginning. We are already showcasing our next round of products, including single serve items, at booth #4571 at the Natural Products Expo West Show. Innovation and high quality products are nothing new for Hearthside Foods. In addition to the new Willamette Valley Granola Company Granola Chips, we are also very proud of our leadership in bulk granola products, with over 25 exciting options under the Golden Temple brand. We continue to innovate with exciting flavors and non-GMO ingredients under our Peace Cereal® line of RTE Cold Cereal. Favorites like Vanilla Almond, Mango Peach Passion, Raspberry Ginger, and our latest release of Chai Fiber Flakes, demonstrate our ability to keep customers excited about breakfast as we deliver Peace of Mind in Every Bite. That peace of mind just received

system in a spicy aromatic beverage. Herbal Zap’s immune support formula is based on the centuries-old tradition of Ayurveda. It has also been scientifically Continued on Page 72

Fruit, Multigrain, and Apples & Cinnamon; so that everyone can choose their favorite nutritious snack, crunchy topping, or morning breakfast cereal. In order to maintain the unique toasted crunch of PARTNERS Gourmet Granola, all flavors are packed in 12ounce resealable pouches. In addition to PARTNERS Gourmet Granola, PARTNERS has successfully launched over 40 all-natural specialty food items within 5 different brand names: Partners, Wisecrackers, Blue Star Farms, Get Movin’ and Mia Dolci. When questioned about PARTNERS success as a company, Cara chops it up to consistency. “Patience, persistence, and commitment to quality do pay off. We have relied on our core value of providing an original, high-quality, all-natural product line, and we have built very strong consumer loyalty. Staying true to what we do best has moved us forward.” In addition to being mindful of what goes into their all-natural products, the PARTNERS team understands that what they do and use today will make an impact on what their children will have tomorrow. 100 percent of the company’s purchased energy comes from green power sources and is safe, clean, and renewable. For more information about PARTNERS, A Tasteful Choice Company, please visit booth #4378 at Natural Products Expo West 2012, call 800-632-7477, or e-mail service@partnerscrackers.com. You may also find PARTNERS at www.partnerscrackers.com, or on facebook at facebook.com/partnerscrackers. a big boost as all Peace Cereal RTE Cold Cereal items have been Non-GMO Verified by the Non-GMO Project. Finally, we are also the only manufacturer that delivers high quality, high-value granola in a gable top, milk-style carton under the Sweet Home Farm brand, a concept that has been very successful in the U.S. and, more recently, internationally. Words can’t describe the excitement we have for all of the enhancements made on our existing products. Our new snack product offerings with the Willamette Valley brand simply add energy to our enthusiasm to help our retailer-partners grow their business in the natural/specialty channel with wholesome, flavorful and innovative products. So come visit The Hearthside Foods booth and see for yourself. We’re sure you’ll be just as excited as we are! For more information call 602-354-4524, email rgoluba@hearthsidefoods.com, or visit www.willamettevalleygranola.com. At Expo West, please visit booth #4571 for a free sample or more information.

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GO NATURALLY: CONFECTIONS FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE GoNaturally Organic Hard Candy was created in response to consumer demand for natural, healthy products with no preservatives, no colors, no high fructose corn syrup or additives. Hillside Candy, a family-owned Crunchies Food Co. (Con’t. from p. 1)

Crunchies has launched its new singleserving packaging for some of its most popular fruit flavors and will be adding four additional Veggie Munch Paks to the line. This convenient Munch Pak makes fitting in the recommended five servings of Crunchies all-natural, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables easy as crunch! Along with adding four Veggies to join the Munch Pak line, Crunchies will also be expanding the Veggie line as a whole with seven brand new flavors! These great new veggie flavors are the perfect savory replacements for high calorie nuts and chips – without sacrificing that much-needed crunch! The new line of Veggie Crunchies includes the new Power Veggie line made up of Buttered Power Veggies® and Herbed Spiced Power Veggies®. These power mixes include flavorful blends of corn, edamame, peas and carrots and are perfectly seasoned with natural spices, flavoring and sea salt. The popular Roasted Veggies, bursting with corn, peas, carrots, tomatoes and red bell peppers, will soon be teaming up with all natural spices and flavorings to introduce the long awaited BBQ Roasted Veggies! This blend of vegetables and spices will no longer make eating your vegetables a chore, but rather an addiction! Crunchies Corn Snack will also get a flavorful upgrade VitaClay (Con’t. from p. 42)

lifeloveandlollipops.com. The core of that system? The VitaClay Smart Multicooker. Vita-Clay’s unique traditional, unglazed, natural clay pot insert infuses and intensifies flavors, while the airtight, dual lids prevent evaporation. Foods simmer in their natural juices, retaining nutrients and sealing in flavor heavy fats, salts or seasonings. Meats come out juicy and tender, while vegetables stay crisp. Thai curry, coq au vin, lasagna, pot roast and baby back ribs are ready in 40 to 90 minutes, with last-minute staples like from-scratch mac and cheese ready in as few as 30 minutes. Homemade baby food, all kinds of rice and whole grains––they’re all simpler with VitaClay. Program the VitaClay the night before to enjoy all-natural oatmeal hot and ready upon waking. Kessler, who purchased two VitaClays, continues, “It’s something between a clay stew pot and a pressure cooker. I can set it to cook however I like (stew, rice, etc) and at whatever time I like for as much time as I like. After it’s done cooking it releases pressure and stands at a “Keep Warm” setting until I’m ready. It’s brilliant! And it’s way better than

business, continues to pride itself in producing premium products, made only from the finest ingredients. Hillside Candy offers three very distinct product lines, all made in the USA. Each product Continued on Page 72

nd come out in two new tasty flavors including Spiced Ranch Corn Snack and BBQ Corn Snack. Two additional flavors, Buttered Sweet Corn and Sugar Snap Peas, will be rounding out the all new Veggie Crunchies® line to make great additions to the already famous, protein filled edamame line including: Edamame, Salted Edamame, and Grilled Edamame with Wild Rice. All of these Veggie Crunchies are not only incredibly wholesome, but also rich in fiber, protein, isoflavones and contain relatively little fat. These Veggie Crunchies provide you with a nutritional burst of energy that’s available anywhere, anytime, thanks to Crunchies’ convenient re-sealable pouches. All of Crunchies’ delicious flavors are made in the U.S. through a unique freezedrying process in which individually frozen fruits are placed in a refrigerated vacuum chamber that removes up to 97 percent of the moisture. This special process gives Crunchies their crunchy texture and allows them to retain a high percentage of the nutritious enzymes that are invariably lost through traditional heat-drying, making them nutritious and delicious! Due to the forever expanding international business, be sure to also check out Crunchies new bilingual French and English bags shipping soon to our neighbors in Canada! Come visit Crunchies at booth #2672 or visit www.crunchiesfood.com. my old Cuisinart pressure cooker in that it’s clay, so I’m not worried about any leaching or scratching from non-stick surfaces.…I love LOVE my VitaClays! They’re a health-conscious, vegan mama’s dream come true.” B. A. Nilsson, blogging on Metroland.com, appreciates VitaClay’s utter versatility and portability. “There’s an earthy flavor unique to clay,and preparation can be as simple or complicated, as spicy or bland as you prefer. [VitaClay’s] programming is nicely intuitive. It has a capacitor-driven clock, and so will hold the time setting when it’s unplugged and put away. I’ve schlepped this thing everywhere over the summer.… Recipes abound. People are preparing porridge in their VitaClays, and apple crisp and spinach-cheese dip and even lasagna. … I’m putting my money on this one as a keeper. I don’t want to sound too infomercially, but I think this cooker transcends the great crowd of kitchen novelties and should take its place alongside the food processor and stand mixer as something you’ll wonder how you lived without.” For more on this new essential for the healthy kitchen, call 877-877-9121 or visit www.VitaClayChef.com.

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CHINESE STANDARD CONDIMENTS GO GLUTEN-FREE All natural Wok Mei Oyster Flavored Sauce, Plum Sauce and Hoisin Sauce create a stir (fry, that is). Since Golden West Specialty Foods introduced WOK MEI, a gourmet brand of three premium all-natural Chinese condiments, the fast-selling condiment line has had incredible success. Wok Mei All-Natural Oyster Flavored Sauce, Wok Mei All-Natural Plum Sauce, and Wok Mei All-Natural Hoisin Sauce found their way to pantries, restaurant kitchens, and manufacturing plants around the country. Now, the entire Wok Mei line has one more characteristic to add to its already impressive list of specifications: Gluten Free! “Wok Mei”, meaning ‘pretty wok’ in Chinese, is a philosophy of Chinese cooking where one achieves a balance with respect to the five qualities of food: flavor, texture, color, temperature, and aroma. An all-natural line based on classic Asian favorites, Wok Mei products adhere to a strict and Kent Nutrition Company (Con’t. from p. 1)

NH: What can you tell us about your company?

DT: Our company, Kent Nutrition Group, Inc., is a family-owned business that has been producing pet products for more than 60 years. We pride ourselves in producing premium products, made only from the finest ingredients. Our employees are dedicated to the products we produce and have pride in their jobs. They know that we are able to produce pet products that will enhance the quality of life for pets and their owners. NH: What types of products do you produce?

DT: Our three core brands are World’s Best Cat LitterTM, made from whole-kernel corn, providing outstanding odor control, quick clumping and long-lasting use; By Nature® Pet Foods, a super-premium dog and cat food, containing no corn, no wheat and no soy; and Native® Performance Dog Food, made from the most advanced nutrition and wholesome ingredients and the only complete line of performance dog food on the market.

NH: What are some of the key support services that retailers should expect from the suppliers in this category? DT: Retailers should expect their suppliers and manufacturers to help them drive the business creating trial and repeat sales. Ask your wholesaler or manufacturer to supply you with marketing support materials in the way of shelf talkers, signage and brochures. For example, World’s Best Cat Litter is running a national television commercial and print advertising to drive consumer demand into the retail store. This is a great example of a brand that is providing strong marketing support. Be on the lookout for promotions, introductory pricing, etc. All manufacturers today have consumer and dealer call-in numbers or web sites. Take advantage of what they offer. Utilize trade shows to edu-

unusual coda, ingredient wise––no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, no modified starches, MSG, or modified yeast extracts, and no refined sugars. Now, we can also say, no gluten. So what does Wok Mei have? Flavor, and plenty of it. The All Natural Oyster Sauce has a full oyster flavor and smooth texture that is both clean and lower in sodium than other oyster sauces. The Hoisin Sauce has a rich texture, with the complex flavor of clove and allspice in a background of perfect sweetness. The Plum Sauce is admirably pungent and full bodied, with an abundance of fruity plum that just calls out for chicken or duck! “I am thrilled to bring these all-natural products to market,” stated Lawrence Ames, President of Golden West Specialty Foods, creator of the Wok Mei brand. “We created Wok Mei to appeal to the growing numbers of ingredient-conscious consumers––it is Continued on Page 62

cate yourself to the many new products available today that you might not otherwise know about. NH: What are the category trends and opportunities in the category?

DT: Natural, sustainable, people-, pet- and earth-friendly products have been and continue to be a rising trend. When it comes to feeding your pet, natural, organic and grainfree, highly digestible products are the trend. Proteins should come from multiple sources instead of just one single source. Meat-based proteins are highly digestible. Fats and their source are extremely important in fulfilling your pet’s caloric/energy needs. Look for products that meet these parameters and not just the best-priced products out there. NH: What new product and innovation can retailers expect from your company?

DT: Kent Nutrition Group Inc. has continually been on the cutting edge of superior pet nutrition and other pet-related products, such as World’s Best Cat Litter. Our research shows that consumers are looking for a scented cat litter. We recently introduced a Scented Multiple Cat Clumping Formula to meet this consumer demand. We are the first natural cat litter to use a 100 percent natural scent in our litter. We will continue to be innovative and produce the highestquality products available on the market today for the health and care of your pet. NH: What are your company’s mission and vision statements? DT: Mission: Work relentlessly to create premium brands, exceptional nutrition and responsible products for pets. Vision: Help people nurture a lifelong bond with their pets and an enduring relationship with our brands.

For more information, please visit booth 4243, go online to www.worldsbestcat litter.com or call 877-367-9225.

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MAYESA GUARANTEES THAT LIFE IS BETTER WITH CHOCOLATE! Experience Mayesa cacao... a deeply delicious dark chocolate drink.

Uplifting on every level, Mayesa is the perfect choice for home or play, work or workouts! Mayesa impacts two growing retail markets, those consuming dark chocolate and those looking for a “better for you” beverage driven by a shift in consumer focus toward natural and organic products. Mayesa has broad Christie Communications (Con’t. from p. 1)

what you do than when a market is crammed with rapidly growing competition. Authentic communication can be lost amid the babble. In today’s increasingly competitive natural products industry, creating a strong market presence with a highly differentiated brand is critical to success. A successful brand must convey not only your values, but what value you add to your target audiences’ lives—including stakeholders, shareholders, and your end customer. Those who can be clear and credible will be those that succeed over the next decade. Having helped ethical companies maximize their impact through effective communications services for over twenty years, I’ve developed a few tips to provide insights on how even resource challenged enterprises can not only win market share and cultivate consumer loyalty, but establish an identity that is authentic, trusted, and iconic: Understand who you are: define your dream, purpose, and values. Stay true to this when analyzing your growth strategies, distribution, investment opportunities, branding, and marketing. Be consistent: understand that your brand is more than your logo. It is every interaction with your company from your website to your packaging, from the person who answers your phones to your sales teams. Know and respect your audience: take time to get to know your audience through grassroots outreach, one-on-one market reWok Mei (Con’t. from p. 60)

designed specifically for natural food grocers and specialty food stores that require stringent adherence to all-natural, healthy ingredient profiles. I don’t believe another 100 percent all-natural Oyster Sauce is currently available on the market. We’ve also seen tremendous growth of Wok Mei in restaurants whose patrons are increasingly ingredient sensitive, and with industrial clients looking for clean, well balanced and flavorful ingredients for their products. I credit Wok Mei’s success not just due to the all-natural profile, but also the award-winning packaging, and Wok Mei’s complex, rich, authentic flavors. We couldn’t be more pleased.” Wok Mei is packed in 8 ounce retail jars, half-gallon food service sizes, and larger drums for bulk use by sauce manufacturers and portion-pack meal providers. Made in the USA. All-Natural Oyster Flavored Sauce: Wok Mei All-Natural Oyster Flavored Sauce adds

appeal and is enjoyed by consumers of all ages. Mayesa, currently available in Cacao Original and Cacao Mint is thrilled to announce the addition of two new flavors to their lineup. Coming in May 2012: Cacao Banana and Cacao Berry. Cacao Banana combines two all-time favorites into one yummy and irresistible flavor. Cacao Berry is Continued on Page 64

search, and talking with customers, retailers, and brokers to find out what they need and how to most effectively communicate to them to build brand awareness and market demand. Market organically: use a holistic approach that aims to avoid wasting resources and effort, such as defining the message, key media, and outreach channels precisely through consumer market research to prevent waste of materials as well as your audiences’ time. Tailor your messaging: organic marketing is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Each message should be highly customized and designed with personal, logical, and emotional profiles in mind, this applies to branding, packaging, and sales strategies as much as media outreach and advertising. Listen : get feedback. Ask questions. Optimize processes to reduce waste, address inefficient systems, and ensure the best product and experience possible. People like to be heard, especially critical in a society so inundated with Mental PollutionTM. Build your grassroots community: online, in person, and through effective public relations. Persevere: all success takes persistence, hard work, and maintaining your dream and values. Iconic brands are not built overnight but are the result of longstanding trust, confidence, and surpassed expectations. We are standing by to help you take your Dream to Mainstream. Call us today to maximize your impact. Reach Christie Communications at 805969-3744, or via www.christiecomm.com. richness to Asian dishes without overpowering their natural flavor. A key ingredient for traditional stir-fry, Wok Mei Oyster Sauce also serves as the perfect base for marinades and gravies. All-Natural Hoisin Sauce: Known as the “Chinese BBQ sauce”, Wok Mei Hoisin can be used in almost all Chinese cooking. Its sweet and spicy flavor makes it ideal for basting or glazing meat. This is also a great dipping sauce, complementing Peking Duck and Mu-Shu Pork. All-Natural Plum Sauce: Wok Mei AllNatural Plum Sauce’s delicious sweet and sour taste makes it the perfect all-purpose dipping sauce. Also ideal for stir-frying, grilling and basting, Wok Mei Plum Sauce will quickly become indispensable in your household. Come see Wok Mei at Expo West booth #3988, contact Lawrence Ames at 800-5844481 or 415-657-0123, or visit www.gwsfoods.com.

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JAALI BEAN: MAKING INDIAN FLAVORS EASY FOR EVERYDAY Jaali Bean is an exciting new food company started by a husband and wife team in Chicago IL that brings a fresh, modern approach to Indian food. The company’s initial product line is a variety of all natural, ready-to-eat lentil “stews” (called Dals) that have an appeal that extends beyond those seeking ethnic cuisine. We had a chance to sit down with Monila Kotecha Junkins, Jaali Bean’s Co-Founder and inspiration behind the recipes, to find out more about this up and coming company. NH: Why did you start Jaali Bean?

MJ: As a first generation Indian-American, Bakery On Main (Con’t. from p. 1)

MS: We make premium gluten-free products with an emphasis on good health and great taste. We believe that everyone deserves great-tasting healthy food and that no one should have to suffer due to intolerance, special diet or other dietary restriction. NH: What would you say makes your company unique?

MS: Bakery On Main really did start out as a small bakery on Main Street in Glastonbury, Conn. Our customers loved our gluten-free granola so much, we decided to start selling and delivering it to stores around Connecticut. We quickly grew to national distribution and soon after, international! While our products are widely available, a little-known fact is that we have an office staff of five people and a production staff of approximately 20, allowing us to maintain the small bakery atmosphere that we came from. We continue to bake in small batches just like we did at the original bakery. NH: Are you introducing any new products?

MS: Yes, Bakery On Main is currently introducing an honest-to-goodness line of fruit and nut bars called Truebar that say, “I’ve got nothing to hide,” and are available in six Mayesa (Con’t. from p. 62)

an explosion of super-foods for one super-taste! Mayesa is not only delicious, it is good for you! Every serving is packed with plant polyphenols, fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin D. Gluten-free, dairyfree, and soy-free, it is guaranteed to be easy on the tummy and a great addition to your daily pursuits. Mayesa sources only the best organic cacao that is fermented, dried, roasted, winnowed and milled by hand at Peruvian Fair Trade Cacao Cooperatives. Delicious hot or chilled, day or night. Mayesa is inspired by “Xocolatl” the ancient Mayan vitality drink and brought to you by Jane, Abby, and Karel, three good friends who are passionate about healthy liv-

I originally started this journey as a way to document the foods I grew up eating, not only for myself but also for my two young daughters. However, along the way I discovered how unknown Indian food is to most people. That became our reason for starting Jaali Bean––to make the flavors of India familiar and easy to incorporate into everyday meals.

We are passionate about helping people discover how delicious, easy and good-for-you Indian food can be. The rich textures, balanced spices, and vibrant flavors can be incorporated into any meal and can add an Continued on Page 74

exotic flavors. We are also introducing a multigrain gluten-free instant oatmeal with chia, flax, amaranth and quinoa, available in three irresistible bakeshop flavors. We also introduced a line of Soft & Chewy oat-based gluten-free snack bars last year. NH: Who are your target end-users?

MS: The majority of our products cater to consumers with Celiac disease, gluten or casein intolerance, wheat and dairy allergies, vegetarians, as well as consumers who seek out Kosher products (we are certified by the Orthodox Union). Truebar also meets these needs but was created for anyone who wants a convenient, delicious and healthy snack. NH: What is your outlook in general for this product line?

MS: With the consistently swift growth of Bakery On Main, as well as the growth of the gluten-free industry as a whole, I believe Bakery On Main’s products will continue to grow at an exceptional rate. Our products are of exceptional quality and our customer service is outstanding—this is the recipe for success from that has allowed our little bakery on Main Street to become the 34,000square-foot plant we have today. For more information, visit Bakery On Main at booth #2473 and www.bakeryonmain.com.

ing and, of course, chocolate. The three women formed JAK Native, Inc. in 2007 to share their exciting recipe with you - an exotic and indulgent chocolate beverage made from roasted and ground cocao and mixed with select spices for a superior, singular taste experience. Today, Mayesa brings you the same qualities of that divine Mayan drink…”Cacao magic delighting your mouth, surprising your mind, boosting your mood, restoring your mojo! An invigorating daily ritual for body and soul – en cuerpo y alma.” To learn more about Mayesa, please visit www.mayesa.com or call 760-8155978.www.mayesa.com , call 760-815-5978 or email jane@mayesa.com Booth 5954 at Expo West

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ANGELO PIETRO, JAPAN’S BEST SELLING DRESSING, LAUNCHES IN THE US AT EXPO WEST All Natural Angelo Pietro, Japan’s best selling salad dressing, is now set to launch in the USA! Pietro’s Original and Sesame Miso salad dressings are making a flavorful, all-natural splash at Expo West in March. The story behind these outstanding products reads like the Japanese version of our own American dream. A man with a big passion for Italian cuisine, Pietro Founder Kunihiko Murata followed his heart and opened a small Italian pasta restaurant in 1980 in his hometown of Fukuoka. He quickly learned that Japanese food lovers shared his passion for the flavors of Italy. One restaurant became two, then four, and within a few years, Kunihiko-san was running a successful chain of over 100 Angelo Pietro restaurants throughout Japan. Hugely popular in Japan, Angelo Pietro Dressing began as a humble sideline to the GFCO (Con’t. from p. 50)

other aspect of food production and distribution. GFCO works with a broad range of suppliers and manufacturers, including baking companies, ready-made meals, dairy, snack foods, meat and personal care. “The GF logo gives companies confidence that their certified products are safe for customers,” said GIG’s Executive Director, Cynthia Kupper. “GFCO has certified more than 8,500 products from 275 food companies in the United States and internationally.” Some of GFCO’s primary responsibilities include: 1. Monitor food companies’ gluten-free products to ensure they are safe for gluten intolerant consumers. 2. Recognize and support food manufacturers that provide safe, gluten-free products. 3. Educate and train the food industry on gluten-free related issues. In order to be certified, companies must unFair Trade USA (Con’t. from p. 48)

light the important benefits of Fair Trade. “The clearer, more modern design helps the label ‘pop’ better on the shelf, enabling consumers to quickly find Fair Trade Certified products where they shop, while better communicating the importance of Fair Trade certification,” said Ivan Blackshear, Graphic Design Manager at Fair Trade USA. “The use of green expresses the environmental benefits inherent in Fair Trade, and the simpler, ‘farmer with an open basket design’ communicates the reciprocal relationship we have with the farmers that produce our food.” Two versions of the label, Fair Trade Certified and Fair Trade Certified Ingredients, coincide directly with Fair Trade USA’s recently released Ingredients Policy. Under the revised policy, which applies to all food and personal care products, only products that contain 100 percent Fair Trade Certified ingredients may bear the full Fair Trade Certified label. Prod-

pasta business. “We cook our pastas to order and that takes about 10 minutes,” says Kunihiko-san. “To keep our customers, many of them families with children, happy, we introduced a small starter salad like they do in America and Italy. In the kitchen, we combined the idea of an Italian vinaigrette with Japanese flavors like Soy, Sesame and Miso. It was an instant hit.” Customers loved it, but most importantly, children loved it. As the story goes, parents noticed that children would eat their salads and vegetables – but only with Pietro’s special dressing. With repeated requests from parents for dressing to take home to families, Murata began filling empty wine bottles with salad dressing. He soon realized that he had something big on his hands, something that Continued on Page 74

dergo a four-step process. First, a company completes an application of all the products they want considered for certification. Upon review, a quote is determined for expenses, based on the risk assessment for ingredients, along with a number of other factors. Next, a GFCO Auditor will observe the company. Depending on observation, a verified contract is prepared and a certificate is sent. GFCO goes beyond just creating awareness of gluten-free products. Upon certification, its staff forms a working relationship with the food companies it inspects by creating customized packages that include marketing assistance and additional consulting. GFCO takes away the worry for both food companies and customers, by holding products to high inspection standards, based on scientific research. Its GF logo helps validate a company’s products, while putting the customer’s mind at ease by reducing the need for the constant checking of food labels For more information, call 253-833-6655, email admin@gfco.org or visit www.gfco.org. At Expo West, visit booth #5311. ucts containing at least 20 percent Fair Trade Certified ingredients will now bear a new Fair Trade Certified Ingredients label. “The Policy reflects our organization’s commitment to include more farmers and workers in the Fair Trade model, and our desire to raise the bar for certification transparency,”said Paul Rice, President and CEO of Fair Trade USA.”It’s designed to offer more Fair Trade farmers the opportunity to sell their products into the global market, enable more companies to make a meaningful impact through responsible sourcing, and accurately communicate to shoppers the social and environmental benefits of purchasing Fair Trade Certified products.” Brands are encouraged to convert to the updated logo on packaging by October 2012, but Fair Trade USA will continue to support both the old and new labels to minimize marketplace confusion. For more information, visit www.FairTradeUSA.org or stop by booth #2871.

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ECOCERT CONTINUES ITS DEVELOPMENT IN THE US MARKET WITH THE ACQUISITION OF INDIANA CERTIFIED ORGANIC LLC ECOCERT, the worldwide leader for organic certification, acquired Indiana Certified Organic in 2011. Formed in 1991, ECOCERT is actively involved in environmental protection and social responsibility. Its wide range of products and services––certification of organic farming and inputs, organic cosmetics, fair trade products, organic textiles, ecological green spaces, organic home fragrance and cleaning products, carbon footprint, environmental labeling––makes this company a key actor in sustainable development. The acquisition of ICO allows the group to offer its tailored environmental services on the U.S. market with a local presence, brand, network and team. Currently operating in more than 20 states, ICO is NOP and ISO 65 accredited. It offers inspection services through its national network and certification for crops, wild crops, livestock, handlers and processors. A leader in organic farming certification in Europe, Ecocert is recognized in more than 80 countries. Its local teams ensure access to every market by certifying organic

products according to the NOP regulation, to the European Regulations 834/2007, to the Japanese JAS Standard and many national markets (Brazil, South Korea) where import regulation do exist. As for organic cosmetics certification, its client base includes renowned international brands such as Aveda, Kiehl’s, Nuxe, Kora and Origins. The Ecocert name and seal are registered trademarks worldwide, and trusted by consumers, businesses and governments. ECOCERT CEO and co-founder, William Vidal noted, “ICO was the perfect match to develop our activities in the US, spread our values, and more generally promote the organic world. We are proud to have ICO within the ECOCERT Group. It will strengthen our commitment to the organic sector. Our presence in Indiana and California gave us a very good opportunity to improve our service to our clients.” For more information, visit www.ecocertusa.com or www.indianacertifiedorganic.com, or email vincent.morel@ecocert.com. ECOCERT will also be present at Expo West 2012 booth # 4124.

ECOTASTERS: AN EASY WAY TO GREEN YOUR DEMO Naturally Healthy samples EcoTasters with Peggy Cross, CEO and Founder of EcoTensil, Inc.

NH: Why a paperboard tasting utensil?

PC: EcoTasters® finally give people a truly green utensil choice, while actually improving their demo. Customers love having such an easy way to be environmentally responsible. EcoTaster by EcoTensil was even voted “Best Green Product” by retailers at Natural Products East. NH: How does a paperboard spoon work? Holy Crap (Con’t. from p. 52)

and tastes great according to over 8,000 Holy Crap Facebook fans that exchange serving ideas and recipes. Co-founders, Brian and Corin Mullins of Sechelt, British Columbia, launched the artisanal breakfast cereal business in 2009. After testing 21 different recipes they sold 10 bags at the Sechelt Farmer’s Market calling it Hapi Food. In response to several customers trying it at the market and saying, “Holy crap, this is good,” Brian decided to re-name the cereal Holy Crap. Sales shot up at the next week’s market. Run on a daily basis by CEO Corin Mullins the company grew from shipping

PC: In one easy fold, they transform into sturdy, guilt-free tasters. They’re perfect for in-store demos, events and other sampling situations. EcoTasters are much more compact and efficient to store and ship. 5000 EcoTensils fit in the same sized box as 1000 plastic or biodegradable spoons. NH: How do EcoTasters improve your demo? PC: Demos give you just one taste to wow your customer. EcoTasters provide an enhanced, silky-smooth tasting experience with Continued on Page 78

$1,000 a day to over $10,000 a day in under a week after the Dragons’ Den TV show. Corin feels that, “The keys to success are the eye-catching and humorous product names which draw people in to taste our cereals. Once they experience the benefits of the cereal they keep buying it and tell all their friends and family.” Today, HapiFoods Group Inc. is a multimillion dollar company producing 32,000 meals a day in their organic nut-free plant in Gibsons, B.C. The products are shipped worldwide. The cereal is available in over 1000 plus stores in Canada, the USA and Japan. To learn more about Holy Crap.cereal, please email lyle@holycrap.ca or call 604886-8860.

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IMBUE BODY: EXPONENTIALLY GREATER PAIN RELIEF, NATURALLY Dr. Peter Borten, Founder of Imbue Body LLC, discusses his company’s new product, Imbue Pain Relief Patch. NH: What product are you showcasing at Expo West this year?

PB: We are introducing the Imbue Pain Relief Patch. It’s an all natural over-the-counter topical analgesic drug, featuring the active ingredients menthol (from peppermint oil) and methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil) in a sophisticated base of herbs and plant resins. NH: What kind of response have you had to this product so far?

PB: It has been phenomenal. The stories people have told us about how well it worked for their pain are way beyond our expectations. Many healthcare practitioners in our region

have begun using them on their patients, and it has been picked up by the clinics of both major colleges of alternative medicine here in Portland, which is really flattering. NH: How does the patch work?

PB: You simply peel off the backing and stick the patch wherever you have pain. The patch delivers the active ingredients directly to the site of your pain. It is clean and easy to use. The backing is made of an elastic fabric that is comfortable to wear under your clothes.

NH: : What inspired you to develop the Imbue Pain Relief Patch?

A: I have an extensive background in herbal medicine, and in my medical practice I have been experimenting with different topical

GO RAW: WHOLE, VEGAN, NUT-FREE CHOCOLATES AND GRANOLA BARS Naturally Healthy sat down with Robert Freeland, the CEO of Go Raw, to hear about his company’s healthy snacks. NH: Tell our readers how your company began.

RF: A decade ago, in 2002, I was engaged with the San Diego raw food community and saw a void for raw, whole foods that were available as a packaged snack. I decided to make those snacks myself and began selling them at local farmers’ markets. People’s

applications of herbs for years. They’re safe and effective, great for athletes and anyone averse to oral pain killers. I began using Chinese herbal patches over a decade ago, and found they worked very well, but needed some refinement. Eventually, I decided to develop my own. NH: How is the Imbue Patch different from a pain cream or balm?

PB: I love creams and balms, but most of what is applied evaporates or rubs off. With a patch, the medicine is sealed against the skin, which ensures better absorption for a much longer period of time. Exponentially greater relief. NH: What sets the Imbue Pain Relief Patch apart from other patches?

Co-op in Ocean Beach brought us in and it just took off. NH: What would you say make your products unique?

RF: All of our products are not only raw, organic, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher, but are also nut-free. Everything’s made in-house in our all-raw manufacturing facility. We have our own optical sorter (sophisticated

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PB: First, it’s all natural. Safe, natural ingredients are more important in a patch than in any other body care product, because the patch seals these substances against the skin for an extended period of time. Unlike other major brands, we don’t have any aluminum, acrylates, parabens, or other synthetic ingredients. Second, ours is the most effective non-prescription patch on the market. Just compare it side by side with another patch and you’ll see. Third, we’re the only company I know of that is run by clinicians. We have years of firsthand experience treating people in pain. We have seen the way pain can make even the good things in life hard for people to enjoy. We have also seen the transformation that can happen when people are liberated from their pain. They feel productive again, they play with their kids, they get back to doing what they love. This is what we want for all our clients. For more information, visit www.imbuebody.com, call 503-890-9516 or email orders@imbuebody.com. At Expo West, visit Imbue Body at booth #5717. equipment that separates the good seeds from everything else), industrial sprouters and state-of-the-art dehydrating systems that we designed ourselves. If you plant our products in the ground they will grow! Our food is actually alive and we take pride that our customers truly benefit from eating our products.

NH: Describe your current marketing strategy. RF: Up to this point we have not had a marketing team. We make the tastiest, most convenient, highest quality, nutritionally dense products at prices people can afford and that just seems to be working for us right now. Consumers are smart; they don’t need gimmicks or sales pitches to see value in our products. They do their own research and choose our products based on their findings. NH: Are you introducing any new products? RF: Yes, two new bars: the Chocolate Granola Bar and the Apple Cinnamon Granola Bar.

NH: What products do you see as being the hottest this year?

RF: Our Real Live Chocolates! We are introducing all-new packaging for these, and with that comes a major price reduction: $5.99 box, of six three-ounce, individually wrapped pieces of heaven. Our Real Live Chocolates are made with 100 percent raw cacao and come in three flavors: Original, Mint, and Orange. NH: How do you see this year for Go Raw?

RF: Go Raw is on the forefront of healthy snacking. Consumers are becoming more aware of the effects that foods have on their short and long term health and are looking for real options. With over 30 SKUs, Go Raw is providing those options. We see ourselves as ambassadors to raw food category, focusing on making Raw more available throughout the world. We want to see our Continued on Page 78

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CUSTOMERS WANT HEALTHIER CHOICES, GOLD MINE SEIZES THE OPPORTUNITY With more than one-third of children and more than two-thirds of adults in the U.S. overweight or obese, recent trends are pointing to an increased demand for healthy, organic foods. “With every challenge comes opportunity,” says Jean Richardson, founder and president of Gold Mine Natural Food Company (www.goldminenaturalfoods.com). “Since we began in 1985, we have been committed to biodiversity, sustainable organic agriculture, fair trade, and the promotion of healthy plant-based diets. Now, with the proliferation of unhealthy foods and the obesity epidemic, our efforts are more imHerbal Zap (Con’t. from p. 56)

validated and has sold for over 15 years in Sri Lanka and India, where current sales exceed seven million packets a month. Genevieve Gilbreath, the founder of Herbal Zap, lived in India for five years studying Yoga and Ayurveda and working in international education. During those years of extensive study and travel in South Asia, Genevieve experienced a myriad immune system stressors and tried many natural herbal remedies. The Herbal Zap formula provided the quickest and easiest way to boost her immune system and helped stave off a constant barrage of “germ challenges.” Whenever Genevieve felt a bug coming on, she would assist her system with a few cups of the Herbal Zap formula and nine times out of 10 she would avoid illness. On the rare occasions when Gen did come down with something, the Herbal Zap formula consistently provided respiratory system relief and delivered a noticeable boost to her immune system and overall feeling of well being. Genevieve is not alone in her appreciation of the effects of the Herbal Zap formula: the HZ formula sells over 80 million packets a Hillside Candy (Con’t. from p. 58)

brand enjoys widespread distribution throughout the United States and internationally. GoLightly is a sugar free product line, Splenda® being its sweetener base, offered in peg bags and bulk. Hillside Sweets is a sugar-based hard candy line, and GoNaturally is company’s USDA Certified Organic candy line. GoNaturally offers customers a range of eight refreshing flavors: Apple, Pomegranate, Honey, Honey Lemon, Ginger, Cherry, Iced Mint Mango and Blood Orange. They are available in consumer friendly 3.5ounce gusseted peg bags, family- and clubsize 30 ounce gusseted bags, and in bulk. Made with all-natural flavors and no added colors, GoNaturally tastes clean and crisp like the freshest picked fruit from the orchard. aturally sweetened with organic evaporated cane juice and organic brown rice syrup, GoNaturally a less processed and healthier composition form compared

portant than ever.” Gold Mine specializes in organic, macrobiotic, vegan, raw, kosher and gluten-free products. It imports and distributes authentic, traditional foods from Japan, including Ohsawa® brand products, internationally recognized as the standard of excellence in traditional macrobiotic foods. Miso and Seaweed to the Rescue! The Japanese have claimed for centuries that miso is a “gift of the gods.” Its fermentation process produces beneficial probiotic bacteria. Ohsawa Organic Miso is naturally Continued on Page 76

year, making it one of the most popular Ayurvedic formulas sold worldwide. In a time when many new, unproven natural health remedies are flooding the market, Genevieve and the rest of the Herbal Zap team are excited to bring a proven, all-natural Ayurvedic remedy to the United States. In addition to boosting your immune system and improving your general well being, purchasing Herbal Zap also supports the global community in two ways: 1) Buying Herbal Zap supports small Sri Lankan, family-run farms that are committed to all natural, sustainable, pesticide, and herbicide-free farming. 2) Herbal Zap donates 5 percent of proceeds to Guria, an Indian non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children ensnared by prostitution and human trafficking. www.guria.org For more information and to purchase Herbal Zap please visit www.herbalzap.com Come give Herbal Zap a try! They are at EXPO West in Hall E, booth #5859 Suggested retail price is just $9.99 for a box of 10 instantly dissolving packets. Follow Herbal Zap online (insert FB logo & twitter).

to the traditional use of corn syrup and sugar. These hand-made treats are gluten, cholesterol, trans fats and dairy-free, as well as non-GMO, kosher and QAI Organic certified. Continuing their commitment of offering confections for a healthier lifestyle, GoNaturally packages, both gusseted bags and twist film, are recyclable. This product range offers a good for you line of treats that are refreshing and overall clean. Their commitment to green business practices has led them to keep their products locally made, using local and sustainable sourcing efforts. Innovation is a key to the company’s success. This year GoNaturally expects to roll out a new product line that will not only complement the current range, but also offer customers an additional choice to their ageless treat. For more information, please stop by GoNaturally booth #2009, visit www.hillsidecandy.com, e-mail info@hillsidecandy.com or call 800-524-1304.

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JELLY BELLY INTRODUCES SNAPPLE MIX, A NATURAL COLLECTION OF FLAVORS

For consumers seeking products without artificial coloring and artificial flavors, Jelly Belly Candy Company offers innovative confections that appeal to a range of natural-seeking customers. The latest entry from the company known for flavor innovation is a new line delivering the “Best Stuff” to Snapple fans in of Jelly Belly® beans inspired by Snapple Juice Drinks. Free of artificial coloring, Jelly Belly Snapple™ Mix is made with 100-percent natural flavors to create five sweet and tangy flavors: Fruit Punch, Mango Madness™, Cranberry Raspberry, Pink Lemonade and Kiwi Strawberry. Bursting with familiar and refreshing Snapple flavor, Jelly Belly Snapple Mixwas developed with natural ingredients, including real fruit juice, Snapple juice drink concentrates and fruit purees. The color for these flavorful beans comes purely from natural fruits and vegetables, including grapes, black currant, carrot and apple. Jelly Belly Snapple Mix is available now in a handy 3.1-oz. bag, 6.5-oz. bag, 4.5-oz. box and a new 1.65-oz. Jelly Belly SnapJaali Bean (Con’t. from p. 64)

exciting twist to your lunch or dinner routine! NH: Why the focus on lentils, or should I say “dal?”

MJ: If you want to discover what Indian flavors really are, then lentils, or dals, are a great place to start. Lentils are a core source of protein and a staple of the Indian diet. In addition, since lentils are a natural “superfood”, our dals can be an excellent option for those looking for healthier food choices. Our recipes are also gluten free, vegetarian and some are even vegan, which makes our line appealing to a wide group of consumers––even if you’re not the traditional ethnic food buyer! NH: How are your products used?

MJ: Our lentils are fully cooked and ready to heat and eat. They can be served as a standalone meal with some rice and a dollop of Angelo Pietro (Con’t. from p. 66)

would eventually become an even bigger success than his original restaurant concept. From these modest beginnings, Pietro Dressings have now become the best -selling soy dressings in Japan with more than 17 million bottles sold each year. “And I give full credit to the children of Japan, who served as our inspiration,” says Kunihikosan. “I sincerely hope that American families have the same experience!” As it turns out, as of March, 2012, the American market can experience this amazing line of products. Both flavors of the Angelo Pietro Dressings, the Original (Shoyu) and the Sesame Miso, are now produced by

ple™ Bottle, shaped like a miniature replica of a Snapple bottle. In addition all Jelly Belly beans are fat free, peanut free, dairy free, vegetarian, free of gluten ingredients and OU Kosher certified. The Jelly Belly Snapple Mix joins other natural inspired confections including the Jelly Belly Superfruit Mix, Sport Beans® jelly beans, and Jelly Belly Fruit Snacks. They all feature natural flavors and offer colors derived from natural sources. Perfect for the Jelly Belly fan seeking a natural alternative, the Jelly Belly Superfruit Mix features flavors that include Acai Berry, Barbados Cherry, Cranberry, Blueberry and Pomegranate. Made with all natural flavors, the Superfruit Mix uses real juices and colors derived from natural sources like purple carrot juice, black currants, grape skins and hibiscus. In addition, the company developed a new jelly bean recipe for this collection of flavors, using tapioca syrup and evaporated cane juice, a less processed form of refined white sugar. The Superfruit Mix supplies 25 Continued on Page 76

yogurt, or as a great way to enhance the dishes you prepare everyday. For instance, our Hearty Red Lentils are tasty as a base for chili or stuffed into peppers, our Creamy Black Lentils are perfect in an Indian style quesadilla, and our Zesty Yellow Lentils are an excellent side for seafood or poultry. NH: Tell us, what are your goals for the trade show?

MJ: We’re using Expo West as an opportunity to debut our brand and take orders for placement later this year. We are also very excited to meet some other interesting companies and extend our network in the natural food space. NH: What’s the best way for our readers to find out more or get in touch with you?

MJ: For those at the show, please come by and see us at booth #5960. We’d love to talk with you! Otherwise, you can visit our website www.jaalibean.com or send an email to info@jaalibean.com. Angelo Pietro domestically, in California. Kunihiko-san wants to share his Angelo Pietro Dressings with us. He wants to show what wonderful things happen when you fuse Japanese and Italian flavors. But more importantly, Kunihiko-san wants to make sure that our children eat their salad and vegetables! Come visit Pietro at Booth 3988 at Expo West, or contact Lawrence Ames at Golden West Specialty Foods, to find out why Angelo Pietro All-Natural Dressings are so wonderful. For more information about Angelo Pietro, contact Golden West Specialty Foods, attn Lawrence Ames, 800-584-4481 or 415652-1547. Golden West Specialty Foods, 300 Industrial Way, Brisbane CA 94005. www.gwsfoods.com.

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ALL ICE CREAMS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL

HILARY’S EAT WELL MAKES FOOD THAT LOVES YOU BACK!

Exhibit A: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. To create the ice creams Time magazine calls “the best in America,” Jeni’s begins with one exquisite ingredient: naturally sweet cream from hormone-free, grass-grazed cows. To that luscious foundation, Jeni’s hands-on team adds fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as rare ingredients from around the world, including organic and fair trade-certified Ndali Estate Ugandan vanilla and single-farm, beanto-bar Askinosie chocolate. No artificial flavorings or shelf-life extending agents are added, and any eye-popping colorings are derived from beet and black carrot powders, turmeric, and other natural sources. Working with Ohio’s Snowville Creamery in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, refusing to compromise by using run-of-the-

Hilary Brown, CEO of Hilary’s Eat Well, shares with some insights on her company’s success.

Gold Mine Natural Food Co. (Con’t. from p. 72)

aged in cedar kegs and sold unpasteurized so consumers may reap its health benefits. Sea vegetables too, are finally getting the attention they deserve. Not only are they tasty and versatile, they offer essential fatty acids, easyto-digest plant protein, soluble fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. They are low-calorie and help burn fat. Gold Mine carries a wide variety of quality sea vegetables, including Ohsawa and Gold MineTM brands. Hot or cold, Gold Mine’s Gluten-Free and Authentic Japanese Noodles are good food, fast! Customers appreciate that Gold Mine’s Gluten-Free Kelp Noodles are ready to eat right out of the package. Noodle lovers can enjoy them guilt-free, because they have only six calories per serving; raw food afficionados adore their fresh, crunchy texture. Made with mineral-rich sea kelp and free of all common allergens, kelp noodles are lowcarb, low calorie, fat-free, and fabulous in stir fries, spring rolls, salads and sauce. Every day, it’s a challenge to put a good

mill ingredients, and making by scratch everything added to their ice creams are practices that inspire culinary authorities such as the Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern to proclaim, “(Jeni’s) produces some of the freshest, unfooled-aroundwith ice cream in the country.” At the heart of family-owned Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is Jeni Britton Bauer―author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-seller Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home. Jeni has made ice creams and frozen confections since 1996. Whole Living magazine says, “Jeni sparked the artisanal ice cream revolution,” while renowned chef David Tanis states, “Jeni brings an artist’s imagination and wit to the table, and astonishingly delicious flavors.” Continued on Page 78

meal on the table. Busy cooks don’t have time to do much more than boil water, and hungry eaters don’t have time to fuss with a complicated meal. That’s where wholesome, nutritious noodles come in. In the time it takes to pick up an order of fast food, noodles can be cooked and served with a variety of delicious toppings. Gold Mine’s “From Japan” Organic Noodles are traditionally made and air-dried for two days to achieve perfect texture. Udon, Somen and Soba are ready in minutes and can be served hot or cold. Also available is a Japanese specialty, gluten-free Organic 100 percent Buckwheat Soba. This delicious noodle is a possible pre-biotic (which prompts the growth of “friendly” bacteria in the digestive tract), is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and may also help diabetics lower blood glucose levels with weight loss. These are just a few examples of the many organic and natural foods that Gold Mine offers. For more information, call 800-475-3663 or visit NPEW booth #2711.

NH: What can people expect when they stop by your booth?

HB: We’ll be handing out samples of the World’s Best Veggie Burger and Adzuki Bean Burger. Because they’re beyond gluten-free and made with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients like millet and quinoa, we know that once you taste them, you’ll love them! NH: What’s the story behind Hilary’s Eat Well? How did you get started?

HB: I started Local Burger, a sustainable fast-food restaurant in Lawrence, KS in 2005. There, we focus on using local ingredients and educating for change. I created the veggie burgers for the restaurant, and demand was so high that I started Hilary’s Eat Well to sell the patties in the retail market. We focus on using systems that embrace transparency, sustainability, and health. NH: What separates you from the competition?

HB: Well, three things really: taste, taste, and taste! Seriously, we’re one of the only veggie Jelly Belly (Con’t. from p. 74)

percent of the daily value of vitamin C. Sport Beans jelly beans, introduced by Jelly Belly Candy Company as the world’s first sports performance jelly beans, are now also made with natural flavors from fruit juices. Sport Beans are made with tapioca syrup and evaporated cane juice replacing more traditional ingredients like corn syrup and sugar. The four refreshing flavors of Lemon Lime, Orange, Raspberry and Fruit Punch―formulated to energize the body

GOURMET NEWS

burgers on the market that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, yeast-free, soy-free, corn-free, sugar-free, and nut-free. Plus, we’re non-GMO verified! We make our real-food burgers from healthy ingredients like coconut oil, real salt, and organic grains and vegetables. Another thing that sets us apart is our commitment to the health of people and of the planet. Our burgers are packaged in minimal biodegradable and recyclable plastic. NH: Are your burgers really that good?

HB: Yes, they really are! We do demos all over the country, and my favorite thing is watching a picky kid try our burgers and light up! Customers everywhere love the convenience. The frozen burger can be put directly in a toaster, and they come out perfect and crispy every time. NH: Who would enjoy your products?

HB: Certainly people with food allergies or sensitivities, who often feel like they don’t have tasty options for prepared food. Our products are big with vegetarians and vegans for obvious reasons, but even my most Continued on Page 78

during exercise―are made with lemon, lime, orange, raspberry, apple and grape juices. Scientifically formulated for sports performance, Sport Beans jelly beans provide carbohydrates for energy, electrolytes to maintain fluid balance and vitamins to help burn carbs and fat and protect muscles against oxidative damage. For more information about Jelly Belly jelly beans and Confections by Jelly Belly, please visit www.jellybelly.com. Retailers may call customer service at 800-323-9380.

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JUST TOMATOES, ETC! NEW PACKAGING - A HIT! Just Tomatoes, Etc!, family-owned and operated since 1985 by fourth and fifth generation farmers, and the pioneer of 100 percent natural dried fruits and vegetables, is thrilled by the response to their new packaging and an updated new look. For over 25 years, Just Tomatoes, Etc! has offered their products in small clear plastic tubs, but with the new airtight, zip-lock, re-sealable pouches, retailers EcoTensil (Con’t. from p. 68)

an elegant design. This allows for a bigger bite than those tiny plastic tasters, forgoing the cracker for the pure taste of the product. Servers tell us they feel great about reducing “one-taste plastic waste,” and they pass that enthusiasm on to their customers. Everyone feels great about such an easy way to be part of the solution! NH: A lot of products claim to be green, what makes EcoTasters so eco-friendly?

PC: EcoTasters are recyclable and easily compost. They are made in the U.S. from renewable material (FSC certified, which is considered by most the gold standard of forest-care.) Even if they end up in landfill, at least they use HALF the material of a plastic taster. NH: What’s wrong with the biodegradable plastic spoon I’m using?

PC: A corn or potato utensil takes almost as much petroleum per spoon to produce as in a plastic utensil itself. Most are shipped Go Raw (Con’t. from p. 70)

products in schools, airports, convenience stores, gas stations—this year our Raw Foods will be available to serving in the military! We’re expanding into a beautiful new manufacturing facility this year that will acJeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (Con’t. from p. 76)

Jeni’s Columbus, Ohio-based cow-to-cone venture includes a brisk nationwide home shipping operation and 10 shops where customers flock to sample everything from flagship Signature Flavors to limited edition offerings. Every three months Jeni’s releases Hilary’s Eat Well (Con’t. from p. 76)

carnivorous friends love these burgers!

NH: Tell me about your tagline: Food That Loves You Back.

HB: Food now can be dangerous! You might think it tastes good, but it definitely isn’t good for your inner ecosystem or the outside world! We want to make food that supports the health of people eating it and supports healthy economic and cultural systems. It’s an exciting challenge to consider all aspects of producing food responsibly. Our website, www.hilaryseatwell.com goes over every ingredient we use. You can feel good about

get a longer shelf life and consumers have a better option for folks and kids on-the-go. The “fresh-from-the-fields” natural look has been given to the packaging, which retains the original playful and whimsical illustrated fruits and veggies that have become icons for the brand. The founding family are Continued on Page 80

from China and contain petroleum-based plastic. One popular potato-based utensil is actually made from 73 percent petroleum. Utensils marked “biodegradable” will NOT be accepted in compost facilities so they will live in our landfills for centuries. Only plastics marked “compostable” are accepted at compost facilities. NH: Do you have a utensil that lasts longer?

PC: We offer two ultra-green tasters: EcoTaster Mini, and the new EcoTaster Mid. EcoTaster is a tasting spoon perfect for a couple of bites at demos, delis, and events. EcoTaster Mid is slightly bigger so that samples can be “plated” right on the taster, eliminating the cup or cracker. We’re launching a newly improved long-lasting EcoSpoon at NPEW. EcoSpoon is larger, optimal for a full serving, such as a bowl of frozen yogurt or hot chili. For more information, visit www.ecotensil.com, call 415-924-0233 or email info@ecotensil.com. At Expo West, visit EcoTensil at booths #5231 and with Buyer’s Best Friend booth #3988. commodate the growth we are experiencing and will make it possible to add new products in the future. For more information please visit www.GoRaw.com, call (650) 962-9299 or email info@goraw.com and stop by booth # 2205 at Expo West. new flavors, and the news travels swiftly, with 35,000 Facebook friends sharing with the world the latest headlines and praise by the likes of The Washington Post (“Sublime”) and USA Today (“Deadly delicious”). To learn more about Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, please visit jenisicecreams.com, or call 614-488-3224. loving our products, because you know they love you and our world back! NH: What’s next for Hilary’s Eat Well?

HB: We’re growing fast! We have national retail distribution, and we’re available for schools, restaurants, stadiums, and hospitals. This coming year we have a lot of really delicious new products in the works--come by our booth and you can taste a couple of them before anyone else! Please visit www.hilaryseatwell.com to learn more, or call 785-856-3399 or email info@hilaryseatwell.com. Or visit booth #5561, Hall E at Natural Products Expo West.

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FALL IN LOVE WITH JAVA FROST’S NEW SPRING COLLECTION Want to usher in the spring season? Look no further than Java Frost’s seasonal gift tins filled with gourmet drink mixes. Three delicious flavors to choose from try one or try them all! Chocolate Truffle, double the chocolate taste, a decadent flavor right from childhood memories. Your customer will enjoy this rich and creamy cup. White Chocolate. Smooth and velvety, enjoy piping hot or frosty cold. Experience the delight and aroma with this rewarding cup. Caramel Crème delivers real mouth-

watering caramel candy in every sip. A delicious and rich caramel blend. This ultimate indulgence is sure to please. Each flavor is packaged in a case of six enchanting 14 oz. gift canisters, these flavors are designed to delight. Java Frost gift canisters are the perfect items to display or tuck in gift baskets. All Java Frost products are carefully crafted with quality and value in mind. Ask about our private label program. Call Java Frost today for samples 800-676-3661 or www.javafrost.com.

KIWAII TRUE SPRING WATER OFFERS THE SUSTAINABILITY AND NATURAL PURITY OF NEW ZEALAND Kiwaii’s beautiful, bright brand packaging and signature yellow lid really stand out on store shelves. But it’s the water’s refreshing, light, clean taste that has been winning new loyal customers every day around the country. Company founder Lou Savant says Kiwaii’s unmistakably smooth taste results from the unique mineral composition and natural lack of contaminants in the water’s source―the Blue Spring in Putaruru, New Zealand. The Blue Spring is an abundant natural spring on the North Island of New Zealand, a country well known for natural beauty, pristine ecosystems and strong protection of its natural resources. “Kiwaii True Spring Water embodies all that is great about New Zealand,” says Savant. “It is honest, authentic, naturally pure and tastes great just the way it is. Nothing is added, nothing is removed. This water does not need pH adjustments, purification, reverse osmosis processing, flavoring or any other enhancement. It is naturally perfect.” Every bottle of Kiwaii comes directly from one source―the Blue Spring―which gives Kiwaii consistent taste and purity in every bottle. The water emerges under its own artesian pressure and flows to the surface from a deep, enormous and protected aquifer at a rate of 9,240 gallons per minute (700 liters per second)―more than 13 Just Tomatoes (Con’t. from p. 78)

the backbone of the company, and will always maintain their commitment to the freshest and healthiest snacks that come “From The Heart of Nature.TM” Rebecca Nannie, Vice President of Operations, says, “Just Tomatoes, Etc! is thrilled with the response to its new packaging. We feel the fresh look represents our commitment to healthy eating, but now in an updated, more appetizing way. It also greatly improves shelf life, which is better for our retailers AND our customers. Our all-natural fruits and veggies have long been favorites for customers, but unlike the plastic tubs, the pouches are easier and more convenient for on-the-go.” Since 1985, Just Tomatoes, Etc! has offered dehydrated fruits and vegetables

million gallons every day, year round. The spring is so prolific that only a very small percentage of the spring’s daily output is actually used for bottling Kiwaii. “We have not drilled a borehole or altered the natural process or flow of water,” Savant says. “Our bottling operation has zero downstream impact on the local ecosystem, and our source is completely renewable and sustainable.” Savant says many people have told him they drink more water since they discovered Kiwaii. “We’ve received many emails from parents saying that Kiwaii is the first water their kids actually ask for by name,” says Savant. “Other people tell us that Kiwaii is the best water they ever had.” Savant, who has a degree in nutrition science, says water is the most important nutrient your body needs―and is the best beverage to drink for proper hydration and digestion. “I love the fact that people are drinking more water; a healthy natural beverage with zero calories and nothing artificial added,” says Savant. The increasing popularity of organically grown products shows that consumers are actively trying to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals, hormones and artificial Continued on Page 82

through health food and grocery outlets nationwide, and now online at www.justtomatoes.com. Through the years Just Tomatoes, Etc! has offered highest quality and largest selection of both conventional and organic varieties in its class. All products are Kosher Certified. Absolutely nothing is added―no additives, preservatives or sweeteners. These products are always naturally gluten, dairy, wheat and nut free. Just Tomatoes, Etc! will be displaying all of their products at the Natural Products Expo West, booth #3463. They will be sampling many of their top-selling products like: Just Pineapple, Just Corn and exciting combinations such as Just Fruit Salad. Just Tomatoes, Etc! will be pleased to discuss how they can help you expand your business. For more information, call 800-537-1985, or e-mail customerservice@justtomatoes.com.

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WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER PLEASES ECO-MINDED CONSUMERS Using a patented process that delivers outstanding odor control and quick clumping, World’s Best Cat LitterTM is the natural choice of Earth-conscious pet owners who demand exceptional performance. World’s Best Cat Litter is pet, people- and planet-friendly because it is the only litter that harnesses naturally super-absorbent whole-kernel corn to trap nasty odors. You won’t find another litter on the market like it. All three of our quick-clumping formulas – Clumping, Multiple Cat Clumping and Scented Multiple Cat Clumping – are milled from a renewable resource and contain no synthetic chemicals or additives. Our litters are all natural. Because our formulas aren’t derived from mined or drilled materials, World’s Best Cat Litter contains no silica dust and is safe for cats and owners. It’s an uncompromising solution for pet owners who demand a natural product that is tough on odor and easy on the environment. Because it is made from naturally absorbent corn, World’s Best Cat Litter offers outstanding performance in a product that Eco-minded consumers can feel good about. All of our formulas quickly trap liquid, thus limiting wetness from seeping to the

bottom of the litter box. Because World’s Best Cat Litter clumps on contact, pet owners deal with less mess and replace less litter after they scoop. Our natural solution is long-lasting, lightweight and easy to scoop! And cats love the soft texture of World’s Best Cat Litter formulas. World’s Best Cat Litter delivers three formulas to satisfy the individual needs of all earth-conscious pet owners. Our Clumping Formula is designed for single-cat households, while our Multiple Cat Clumping Formula offers a natural solution for homes with two or more felines. Made with 100 percent all-natural scented lavender oil, our Scented Multiple Cat Clumping Formula is ideal for cat owners who prefer a scented litter with no artificial ingredients or perfumes. World’s Best Cat Litter formulas are offered in an 8-pound bag. World’s Best Cat Litter is manufactured by Kent Nutrition Group Inc., headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa. Kent Nutrition Group is dedicated to delivering products that better the lives of both pets and their owners. For more information, please visit booth #4243 at Expo West 2012, go online to www.worldsbestcatlitter.com or call 877367-9225.

LORAND LABORATORIES: THE PERFECTION OF ALOE VERA PROCESSING Dr. Santiago Rodriguez, CEO and founder of Lorand Laboratories LLC talks with Naturally Healthy about his company’s development of BiAloe and what makes it the most effective than competing products. NH. Lorand Laboratories produces BiAloe® which you state is “the perfection of Aloe vera processing”. How did you accomplish this?

SR: As a Ph.D. in chemistry, I started doing research in natural products of the rain forest early in my career and was always fascinated by the power of nature and how it maintains and improves our lives. Continuing my interest in natural products I joined the research, development and manufacturing team at Carrington Laboratories Inc. and actively worked in the development of products from Aloe vera, such as Manapol®, a nutritional supplement ingredient and Acemannan ImmunostimulantTM Injectable, a USDA biologic for the management of fiKiwaii (Con’t. from p. 80)

ingredients found in processed foods and beverages. That’s just one of the many reasons Kiwaii True Spring Water is becoming increasingly popular. “When you drink Kiwaii, you taste authentic, unprocessed natural spring water the way it should taste,” says Savant.

brosarcoma in dogs and cats. Lorand Laboratories was created to pursue development of a superior Aloe that was fully water soluble. This endeavor lead me to the development of BiAloe which has the highest total and highest immunomodulatory Acemannan content of any commercial product on the market today. Most biological activity of Aloe occurs from the Immunomodulatory fraction of Acemannan which is equal to or smaller than 400KDa. BiAloe has the full molecular weight range and the highest total Immunomodulatory Acemannan of any commercially available Aloe.

NH: Why is the Acemannan content important? SR: Aloe vera has been used for centuries for a variety of applications. In the last century science has systematically studied Aloe vera to elucidate its biologically active structures, Continued on Page 86

Kiwaii has a naturally neutral pH (7.2), low dissolved solids (120), and is rich in silica (75mg/L). Kiwaii comes in one liter and 16.9ounces BPA-free and phthalate-free recyclable PET. Stop by booth #5515 at Expo West. For more information visit www.kiwaii.com or email info@kiwaii.com or call 877-4549244.

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LUNDBERG FAMILY FARMS CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN ORGANIC FARMING Lundberg Family Farms® the nation’s leading manufacturer of organic rice and rice products, marks its 75th anniversary. The occasion arrives three-quarters of a century after Albert and Frances Lundberg fled the ravages of the Dust Bowl for the fertile soil of the Sacramento Valley. Arriving in Richvale, CA in 1937, armed with lessons learned in their native Nebraska about poor soil management and short-sighted farming techniques, the Lundbergs resolved to undertake a different kind of farming. Albert impressed upon his four sons the need to treat the land, water, air, and community with respect―an ethos that guided Eldon, Wendell, Homer, and Harlan Lundberg as they established the brand and expanded the business that sustains America’s leading organic rice producer to this day. The second-generation Lundberg farmers earned a reputation for innovative farming techniques: the company utilized various types of farming equipment, such as the cage roller; pioneered agricultural methods, such as no burning of straw; and developed new, proprietary rice varieties. The third generation of Lundbergs that today operates the family-owned and operated business continues the family’s 75-year tradition of responsible environmental stewardship and ethical business practices. The family and the company that bears its name are widely recognized as pioneers of the organic farming movement, leaders in sustainable agriculture, and champions of the healthy workplace. Under the leadership of the third genera-

tion, Lundberg Family Farms is widely seen as a beacon of corporate responsibility, from its reliance on renewable energy to its advocacy of GMO-free farming (Lundberg Family Farms is a founding member of the Non-GMO Project and its products are nonGMO verified), to its commitment to being a healthy workplace (gym memberships, free fruits and vegetables program, open-door policy, employee-garden). Its new corporate office building is built to LEED standards and complies with the highest standards for sustainable design. These efforts have earned the company numerous industry and community awards, including California Leader in Agriculture Innovation, presented by Grow-California; California Clean Technology Game Changer, also presented by Grow-California 2011; Nutrition Business Journal’s 2012 Sustainability Award; and a Responsible Packaging Award by the Responsible Packaging Project. “For a company that’s very focused on the future, it’s important that we take opportunities like our 75th anniversary to celebrate our past,” said Grant Lundberg, CEO of the company. “As a family business, the history of Lundberg Family Farms is really the history of our family, so celebrations like this take on special significance.” Lundberg Family Farms will formally kick off its 75th Anniversary celebration at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA, March 8 – 11 at booth #2717. Please call 530-538-3500 or email info@ lundberg.com or www.lundberg.com.

ROHAN MARLEY ON MARLEY COFFEE, ITAL AND ORGANIC by Rohan Marley

My father always said he would return to farming one day. In the farmland of Nine Mile, Jamaica, he learned a deep respect for nature and humanity that helped guide his life…and mine. It was his dream to return to it one day. With Marley Coffee, I’m fulfilling that dream in honor of my father. We’ve established Marley Coffee as an international gourmet coffee company sourcing beans from around the world, including Ethiopia, Central America and Jamaica. The beans from Jamaica are from our 52-acre private estate that sits atop the Blue Mountains in Chepstowe, Portland, Jamaica, long revered as the region with the world’s most desirable coffee beans. From our farm in Jamaica, to partner farms in Africa, Central America and other coffee-growing regions worldwide, Marley Coffee strives to support communities and the environment through organic, sustainable and ethical practices. We monitor our sources using the highest ethical standard, “ITAL”. In this way, we promote the sustainable efforts of small farmers in the poorest rural communities. The ITAL seal is how we denote our commitment to these principles. In Rastafari

parlance, the initial syllable of a word is often replaced with the letter “I” as a way to express the self-determination of the human race. Thus, eternity becomes iternity, creation begets iration, and from vital comes ital. We developed the ITAL seal as our own promise and guarantee Marley Coffee will fight for what’s Pure, True, and Vital. From the biodiversity of our own farm to the ethical treatment of our farm’s workers, we pride ourselves on knowing where and whom our beans come from, and how they are grown, harvested, and roasted. We view the relationship between ITAL and “Organic” as complementary; our new line of Marley Coffee Organic Ground, for example, is certified USDA Organic while also meeting the high standards of ITAL. However, one thing many people do not take into consideration when buying products labeled Fair Trade Certified or Certified Organic is that the process of certification can be prohibitively expensive for smaller farmers. To be fair to farms of all sizes, Marley Coffee monitors its sources using ITAL as our primary benchmark. It is our hope that the Marley Coffee farm Continued on Page 86

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METABOLIC HEALTH LABS INTRODUCES ELITE KRILL, PROBIOTIC PRODUCTS Metabolic Health Labs is bringing new products to Natural Products Expo West this year. Naturally Healthy hears from Dr. John Konhilas, Chief Scientific Officer, about his company and its unique supplement. NH: Tell our readers about your company.

JK: We are a natural supplement company and formulation house based on research and cutting edge technology. We research nutrients and our own formulations so we can develop high quality and efficacious products for our customers.

NH: Where is your current product emphasis?

JK: We have a line of superior natural supMarley Coffee (Con’t. from p. 84)

in Jamaica will inspire other farmers to join the organic movement, by showing them that sustainable farming can be profitable. And in fact, be more affordable than conventional farming. Biodiversity and organic farming methods make for healthier soil, prevent water contamination, provide habitat for dozens of species of migratory birds, and form a critical component of Marley

plements that contain essential nutrients beneficial for metabolism, overall health, cardiovascular support, stress and anti-aging that can be used by adults of any age. We offer a unique, daily multivitamin/mineral that supports heart health, formulated antioxidants like enhanced krill oil, probiotics, weight loss and stress supplements that have been proven. Our weight loss product is actually being used in formal weight loss centers. We currently sell our products online and to a few wholesalers, but hope to get them into stores so that more people can take advantage of the health benefits. NH: What would you say makes your company unique? Continued on Page 92

Coffee’s exceptional flavor. Providing a living wage to farmers is not only the humane thing to do, it also is one of the critical factors for creating and continuing sustainable farming practices. By investing in our farmers’ continued well-being, we are also investing in the continued well-being of our precious planet. Learn more at www.MarleyCoffee.com. Email: sales@marleycoffee.com. Phone: 323-556-0746.

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MISHIMA FOODS USA INTRODUCES NEW SPICY FLAVORED SRIRACHA SOUP FROM EXOTIC THAILAND

“Only the best to make the best” is the statement behind Mishima Foods USA’s mission, which is to provide a means to minimize food preparation, while consistently using superior ingredients that meet the strict quality control standards. Lorand Labs (Con’t. from p. 82)

finding that most of the biological activities attributed to it point to the presence of an acetyl-mannose polymer, Acemannan (which is also known as “poly-acetyl mannose”). In fact, the International Aloe Science Council has determined the standard of 5 percent Acemannan in dry powder. The minimum standard for BiAloe is 15 percent Acemannan or three times the IASC standard. NH: Is BiAloe more expensive than other materials on the market?

SR: BiAloe is the most cost-effective Aloe vera raw material on the market today. When compared to the Immunomodulatory fraction of other Aloes, BiAloe contains more servings per kilogram than any competitor. This fact makes BiAloe three to 10 times more efficacious than competing products, so only onethird to one-tenth of the amount needs to be

Mishima Foods USA, the Californiabased company which has been offering healthy, simple, and easy to prepare Asian delights with authentic flavor, first introduced its instant miso soups almost 10 years Continued on Page 88

used to achieve better results in the formula of the finish product! This translates not only in obvious cost savings, but in ease of formulation, less interaction with other ingredients, and a broader range of applications which leads to customer satisfaction. NH: What about the perspectives for the market? SR: Our customers are very satisfied with our product having used it in a variety of applications ranging from nutriceutical products, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products and in beverages. We are seeing a true revolution in the Aloe vera market develop before our eyes. Contact us and have the BiAloe experience!

For more information please visit us at Natural Products Expo West 2012, Exhibit Hall A booth #834 and visit us online at info@ lorandlabs.com or www.lorandlabs.com. Call 281-4808811.

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AUTHENTIC ITALIAN PRODUCTS CREATING A BUZZ Michael Giaimo, VP of Sales and Marketing, Modena Fine Foods, Inc. takes time out of his busy schedule to talk about the company, their projects and new products.

pany unique?

MG: Our product offering truly has its own uniqueness and breaks away from other products intheir categories. For examplethe vinegar shelf, which for many years now has remained the same in many retail locations; frankly, not many retailers have moved away from a “standard” selection. offering provides a lot more opportunity for selection and differentiation on that shelf, including many higher quality level alsamic inegars, certified by a very recognized and professional product grading system “the leaf system”, alsamic lazes/eductions of many varieties, truly better and unique quality types of ine inegar, and more.

NH: Tell our readers about your company. What’s your main line of business?

MG: We are an importing and marketing company of innovative specialty food products including Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.G.I., specialty ine inegars, easonings, ams, auces, apenades, and more. We pride ourselves in not only importing and selling product but also in providing continuous sales and educational support to our distributor and retailer partners to offer truly authentic and fine specialty foods to consumers.

Q: What was the most significant event or series of events affecting your company in the past year?

NH: What would you say makes your com-

MADE IN MONTANA ‘EXPO’-SES ITSELF whole grain hot cereals and mixes, and 100 percent organic flours, seeds and grains. Wayfare Foods – dairy-free cheese, pudding, sour cream, and other dairy-free options, carefully crafted using 100 percent natural whole grain oats. Timeless Seeds – retail and bulk unique and highly nutritious heirloom specialty grains: Black Beluga® Lentils, Purple Prairie® Barley, and Black Kabuli® Chickpeas. Tipu’s Chai – chai tea: concentrate, microground instant, and slow brew varieties. Montana Gluten Free Processors - gluten free: oatmeal, oat bran, oat flour, oat bread mix, Timtana® flour and bread mix, and camelina oil. Montana Department of Agriculture – booth host. Montana Department of Commerce: Made/Grown in Montana program – booth host.

You’ll see a lot more Rocky Mountain flair at Natural Products Expo West this year. More than a dozen producers from Montana have banded together to show off their wares. “Montana offers many great products, and this is our chance to feature some of them,” says Lonie Stimac, Marketing Officer with the Made in Montana and Grown in Montana programs. “Not only are these products great for the domestic market, most are ‘export ready’ for international sale.” The natural and organic products featured in booth #1384 in Hall B are: The Healthy Pantry – delicious, healthy and affordable family meals, made in 10 minutes. King’s Cupboard – organic dessert sauces: cream caramel, bittersweet chocolate, three chilies. Amaltheia Organic Dairy – organic goat cheeses. Amalgamated Sope Company – organic handmade natural bar soap and herbal skin remedy salve. RoBarr – a delicious and healthy caffeinefree coffee substitute made from roasted Montana barley. Café Cebada – all-natural, roasted barley, a brewed coffee alternative. Cream of the West – 100 percent all-natural,

Stop by to experience the products yourself, and scan your badge for an entry to win a Made in Montana products gift basket. For more information on products you will find at Montana’s booth, contact Angelyn DeYoung, Montana Department of Agriculture, 406444-5424, adeyoung@mt.gov. For more Made in Montana products, visit www.madeinmontanausa.com. At Expo West, visit booth #1384.

NATURE’S ANSWER ....CELEBRATING FORTY YEARS OF INNOVATION! Nature’s Answer®, one of the country’s leading supplement and vitamin manufacturers is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Founded in 1972 by herbalist, chemist and author, Frank D’Amelio, Sr. and his wife Josephine, the company quickly broke industry barriers with the introduction of the first line of cold extracted low alcohol extracts containing less than 12-14 percent alcohol by volume. This was a first, at a time when industry standards were 70-80

percent alcohol by volume. Even today, most tinctures are between 70-80 percent. This process offers more value to the consumer. Today the average dropper of Natures Answer extract contains the equivalent of 1000 milligrams of whole herb, while the competition is approx 333 mg. Therefore, one bottle of Natures Answer is equivalent to three bottles of the competition. Since that time, this family owned and Continued on Page 96

A: We had a successful year at the close of 2011, with many products showing positive growth not only in our sales numbers but in retailer data as well. For example; “Blaze,” the first balsamic glaze product, showed positive growth in IRI data, once again proving to be a leading brand for this type of product. NH: Are you introducing any new products?

MG: The brands we offer have collectively come out with over 10 new products. Some expand on existing product lines, and some are completely new. This is really exciting, because the retailers who carry them are truly the first ever to show these in the North American market. are re-introducing and revitalizing certain products which have done well but with new packaging. that packaging, we look forward to an even better showing in 2012. NH: What products do you see as being hottest this year?

MG: “Blaze” Glazes, of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena P.G.I. (always a favorite), Seasonello (the unique romatic erbal ea alt from Bologna, Italy that EVERYONE has fallen in love with), and a new high quality selection of Italian ine inegars that we feel will really spark excitement in what can easily be considered a dull category. NH: What distinguishes your product(s) from the competition? MG: The key word is uniqueness, plus the Mishima (Con’t. from p. 86)

ago. Since then, the company has expanded its line of oriental soups with new flavors, such as Hot & Sour and Edamame & Potato. At Natural Products Expo West 2012, Mishima Foods USA is thrilled to present its new savory, spicy and original Sriracha Soup. Sriracha (pronounced: She-rawchaw), is a type of Asian hot sauce named after the coastal city of Si Racha, in the Chonburi Province of central Thailand. Sriracha sauce uses special chili peppers and they bring the distinctively unique flavor that makes it stand out. The new soup made with this unique flavored sauce is like Mishima USA’s other oriental soups: all natural and no MSG added. It has a nice spicy kick and its taste is simply irresistible. You can add hot water and enjoy it anywhere you go. This year Mishima is also proud to introduce Japanese-style whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs. Japanese-style Panko breadcrumbs have a crisper, airier texture than most types of breading found in Western cuisine. The whole-wheat Panko has the same great taste and deliciousness as regular Panko, but is a much healthier option with more than double the fiber. In addition, it has zero grams of trans fat since non-hydrogenated palm oil is used. It has no artificial

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way they are presented on the shelf. Take in example Mazzetti Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, ne of the original brands of alsamic inegar ever exported from Italy. Today it is one of several companies/brands that use the “Leaf System”, certifies the product based on lab and sensory analysis . misleading claims of age or technical aspects ( density alone)that arent prime factors of the quality. This system really sets Mazzetti Balsamic Vinegar apart from the rest (and also other companies that use the system) because at the end of the day it’s reliable, what we feel to be the most consistent in the industry, and most importantly provides consumers a guide to what balsamic vinegar is best for what they are cooking on any given day. NH: Compare the position of your products and their technology against the current market.

MG: Most of the producers we work with have state-of-the-art facilities with all the proper practices for a safe, efficient, quality oriented, ethical and environment friendly production process. They also have third party certifications to back that up. NH: Who are your target end-users?

MG: Primarily foodies. I feel this is a growing group, as TV and social media now opening people’s eyes to the world of gourmet food that had never had too much exposure to it previously. NH: How can our readers find out more about your company? MG: Our website (www.modenafinefoods .com) provides great education and introduction to what we offer. But we’re always available of course over the phone at 201-842-8900, by email at info@modenafinefoods.com. We invite people to visit our booth # 5167 at Expo West 2012. flavors, no artificial colors, and no preservatives. It is perfect for cutlets and to make a crunchy top for macaroni and cheese, casserole dishes and fish. It also helps to make hamburgers and meatballs tender and moist. Snacks made of sweet potatoes have been quite popular in Japan for many years. Grilled sweet potato “Yakiimo,” Julienne style cut sweet potato chips “Imo-Kenpi” and “Sweet Potato Cake” are three of the most known and enjoyed sweet potato snacks. In order to appreciate and preserve the simple and natural flavors of sweet potatoes, naturally sweet and flavorful sweet potatoes called “Kogane Sengan” are used in these snacks, which Mishima will be introducing this year at Expo West. Mishima also offers kosher certified brown rice crackers, crispy pasta snacks, green tea cakes, coconut water, and brown rice noodles along with other Japanese/Asian retail and foodservice products. At this year’s Natural Product Expo West Mishima will showcase Sriracha soup, whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs, sweet potato snacks, green tea cakes, and pasta snacks. They are also available to taste, so please visit them at booth # 4811 and enjoy these surprisingly delicious products. For more information, please contact Mishima Foods USA at 310-787-1533 or visit www.mishima.com.

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MOUNTAIN VALLEY SPRING WATER: THE #1 SELLING DOMESTIC BOTTLED WATER Naturally Healthy sits down with Taylor Cranor, Head of Retail Sales for Mountain Valley Spring Company. NH: What’s your main line of business?

TC: Mountain Valley Spring Water Company, America’s oldest continuously operating bottled water company, is the #1 selling domestic premium bottled water in the United States. We are acclaimed for bottling our natural spring and sparkling water in glass containers, but also packages some of our product in P.E.T. Plastic (BPA free!) with 50 percent recycled content. After one taste of Mountain Valley, whether Spring or Sparkling, consumers recognize the unique mix of vitamins and minerals. That quality begins with the natural spring source that we have carefully protected since 1871. NH: What was the most significant series of

events affecting your company in the past year?

TC: We continue to benefit from the shift to healthier beverage alternatives. According to SPINS natural scan data, Mountain Valley Spring Water was the #1 selling product in the natural food channel and Mountain Valley Sparkling was #2. Our 2.5 gallon glass returnable bottle is sold in hundreds of health food stores, including selected Whole Foods stores in Texas, Arizona and California. NH: What distinguishes your product(s) from the competition?

TC: Mountain Valley Spring Water has twice been named “Best Tasting Water in the World” by the prestigious Berkley Springs International Water Tasting Competition, and Mountain Valley’s Sparkling Water won the Silver Medal in 2011. We deliver consumers high

MY BODY SHOTS CREATES NEW CATEGORY OF VITAMIN-ENHANCED REHYDRATION SHOTS By Barrie Mann, President, My Body Shots, LLC

Absorbing your daily vitamins and electrolytes is now just a “shot” away thanks to MY BODY SHOTS®. The novel line of vitamin-enhanced re-hydration beverages help maintain a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. Highly effective and convenient, MY BODY SHOTS are the easy new way to keep adults and kids feeling good on the go. Consisting of seven caffeine and preservative-free beverages that cater to the body’s needs, MY BODY SHOTS replenish neces-

sary vitamins and electrolytes in one quick drink. Adults can start their day right by consuming an Electro Vitamin, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy an Electro Sport to quickly gain electrolytes lost during physical activity. Ideal for lunch boxes, Electro Kids Vitamin and Electro Kids Sport are fruit-flavored functional drinks that help children feel their best throughout the day. For those feeling under the weather, Electro Immunity delivers an extra dose of nutrients, electrolytes and herbs to revitalize your body, whereas Electro Travel gives travelers an added boost of nutrients to sustain long

ORIGINAL HIMALAYAN CRYSTAL SALT: THE PUREST SALT AVAILABLE James Frame is CEO of Natural Health International, one of the largest distributors of Himalayan Crystal Salt in the United States. He discusses the latest research on salt and health with Naturally Healthy. NH: Tell us why you think salt is naturally healthy?

JF: It isn’t that salt is bad, what we have found is it is the type of salt that is the culprit. Salt or saltiness is one of the basic human tastes, and salt is one of the oldest seasonings in the world, used by chefs, food manufacturers and households alike. Modern scientists have been recommending that we limit, if not exclude salt entirely from our diets due to health concerns, in spite of the fact that salt is essential to all animal life. However more recent research is actually showing how lack of salt minerals can also increase cardiovascular disease. NH: How is salt healthy?

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JF: Salt is essential to life. One of the first things many patients are administered when entering hospital is salt in the form of an IV (saline solution). Minerals are a vital part of all your cells, blood and lymphatic fluids. They are critical for all bodily functions, including muscular contraction, electrolyte balance, blood sugar regulation and pH balance. NH: What is the difference between table, sea and Original Himalayan Crystal Salt®?

JF: Table Salt is highly refined and contains only sodium and chloride. It is chemically cleaned at high temperatures, adversely affecting the structure and bioavailability, as well as, sometimes, containing anti-caking agents which result in a product that is extremely hard for the body to absorb and can increase blood pressure. Sea Salt contains slightly more minerals and has higher bio-availability than table

quality spring water products with the following attributes: -A domestically sourced product appealing to the “locavore” community -Naturally sodium free -Naturally high pH (7.8) spring water -Glass Bottles -Both glass and plastic bottles made only with recycled materials -A certified kosher beverage NH: What is the nature of your distribution?

TC: Mountain Valley has three different ways to get its products to retailers: national grocery wholesalers, such as United Natural Foods, Nature’s Best and Unified Grocers – Market Centre; hand office distributors that carry the large format, returnable bottles; and direct-store-delivery distributors, including beer, non-alcoholic and wine and spirit companies. This network provides strong product availability for retailers in all 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico.

flights and hotel stays. Unique to the line is Electro Nyte, the ultimate alcohol recovery and re-hydration drink. “We are very excited to introduce MY BODY SHOTS to the everyday, busy person who strives to stay healthy,” said MY BODY SHOTS co-founder and CEO Barrie Mann. “From working out at the gym to traveling excessively or even a fun night on the town, it is important to replenish the body with vitamins and maintain hydration in order to perform at your best. That’s where MY BODY SHOTS comes in. The compact, 2.5 ounce size makes the tasty shot the perfect on-the-go companion for the active salt, however we still see increases in blood pressure. Also, due to pollution in our oceans, sea salt has potential contaminates such as petro-chemicals and heavy metals, resulting in some companies using high temperature chemical stripping processes that again negatively impact the structure. Original Himalayan Crystal Salt is free of any pollutants and is the purest salt available. It offers 84 minerals, in ratios that are similar to those in your body and small enough for your cells to readily absorb. Original Himalayan Crystal Salt regulates hydration and electrolyte balance; supports healthy blood pressure and alkalizes. It is actually health promoting! NH: There are a lot of different Himalayan Crystal Salts out there, are they all the same?

JF: No. Unfortunately some salts labeled as Himalayan are from South America or Eastern Europe and just happen to be pink, but don’t possess all the minerals or ideal

NH: To what do you attribute your company’s success?

TC: It‘s really the quality. But we also have a storied history! Mountain Valley has been the water of choice for 13 Presidents, served in the U.S. Senate since the 1920s, kept Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll hydrated and was enjoyed by boxing greats Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson and Triple Crown winner Secretariat. We are also one of the few remaining American-based bottled water companies bottling in glass. We pride ourselves on not only providing a top notch product, but also in being mindful of the environment through recycled glass and reusable packaging materials. For more information on Mountain Valley Spring Water Company, including full quality test results and a description of their bottling practices, visit www.mountainvalleyspring.com, or find them on Facebook or Twitter. At Expo West, visit booth #2479.

lifestyle.” MY BODY SHOTS drinks use all natural flavors and sweeteners. The seven unique, shot-sized beverages come in tasty flavors such as orange-citrus, mango-passion fruit, citrus, lemon-lime, grape, and fruit punch. Established in 2009, MY BODY SHOTS, LLC created a line of vitamin-enhanced rehydration beverages geared to provide the necessary daily nutrients for adults and kids in an easy, convenient shot format. The formula for each 2.5 ounce drink was carefully developed by nutrition experts and combines the beneficial ingredients of the major vitamin groups, important body minerals with key electrolytes. Developed as an all- natural product, MY BODY SHOTS uses all natural flavorings, sweeteners and coloring. Whether at the gym, school or work, these Continued on Page 105

crystal structure. Customers should ask suppliers these questions: Does the Certificate of Origin list Pakistan or Tibet? Does the Certificate of Analysis include all the minerals? Do you have structure analysis? Do you have clinical research on your actual source of Himalayan Crystal Salt? We found that only Original Himalayan Crystal Salt meets all these criteria, and is the source that was clinically researched and referenced in the book, “Water & Salt: The Essence of Life.” NH:What companies use or sell Original Himalayan Crystal Salt?

JF: Guayaki Yerba Mate in their Pure Endurance drink and energy shots, and Mary’s Gone Crackers; as well as retailers such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, Pharmaca, Marlenes and Mother’s Markets, with some of their prepared foods departments looking to convert to Original Himalayan Crystal Salt usage. To learn more, please visit www .naturalhi.com, email james.frame@ naturalhi.com, or call 415-243-9991. At Expo West, drop by booth #687.

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NATURAL DYNAMIX’S GLUTEN-FREE GUMMIES MAKE NUTRITION FUN FOR KIDS AND ADULTS Natural Dynamix was founded in 2007 when a father realized that the supplement market lacked vitamins that his young children could enjoy taking. In response, he began a line of supplements that not only tasted great, but featured fun characters, bright colors and a kid-friendly gummy format. He called it Gummy Cuties. Ever tried to get kids to eat a balanced diet? It’s not an easy task. From fast food to lunchroom staples, kids are often faced with attractive, unhealthy choices. The Gummy Cuties line makes the healthy choice an easy choice. All natural and gluten-free, the line features a colorful cast of fun-filled characters to help kids of all ages understand nutrition

and the role of each formula. Meeka, appearing on the Gummy Cuties Calcium with Vitamin D formula, enjoys strawberries and loves to read and write— especially to her pen pal (her Californiabeach-dwelling grandma!). Peter and Jupiter, appearing on the Cuties Multi-Vitamin, are brothers who enjoy celery and carrots, respectively, but spend their time sharing, building paper airplanes and constructing toy bridges. Mr. Sparks, a quirky science teacher, wears mittens (just because!), loves oatmeal and enjoys walking around his neighborhood to watch the sunset. He appears on the Cuties Omega-3 EPA/DHA label, letting kids know that boosting omega-3s will help them focus and learn in the classroom.

MEET NEW NORDIC: A SCANDINAVIAN MANUFACTURER OF HIGHLY INNOVATIVE NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

You may know ZuccarinTM, Blue BerryTM or Hair VolumeTM. But who is behind these beautifully packaged, highly in-demand products and what is their mission and their next steps in the U.S.? The history of New Nordic dates to the early 1990’s in Copenhagen, Denmark. Two friends, Marinus Blaabjerg and Karl Kristian Jensen, shared a passion for healthy living. They decided to quit their jobs and create a company using a new technique to extract a naturally sourced antacid found in the fruit fibers of citrus fruits. For over 20 years now, New Nordic has been producing effective

natural supplements in Denmark and Sweden that sell all over the world. The company has built its own operations in more than 20 countries, from Canada and the U.S. in the west to China in the East. With its name, New Nordic expresses the way the company embodies the Nordic way of thinking: directness, honesty and fairness, as well as remaining innovative, dynamic and current. At New Nordic, everyone strives to develop well-composed food supplements that can contribute to the “Path of Vitality” – a long, healthy and active life. The products are man-

NH: Tell our readers about your company. What’s your main line of business?

TS: Freekeh Foods manufactures the ancient grain Freekeh through our partnerships with farmers and processors in the United States. Besides tasting great, Freekeh is a good source of protein and fiber. In addition to offering a retail product in three flavors, we supply Freekeh Flour, Whole Grain Freekeh, and Cracked Freekeh for industrial ingredient buyers.

NH: What distinguishes your product(s) from the competition? A: Our products are grown by Certified Organic farmers in the United States. Most of the Freekeh products currently available are not manufactured in the US. In addition to our Original flavor, we offer two great tasting seasoned Freekeh products: Rosemary

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With the help of our characters, kids can identify with a healthy, balanced lifestyle … and have fun while doing it! On the heels of this line’s success, Natural Dynamix rolled out a line of gluten-free gummy supplements for adults, in addition to soft gels, tablets and capsules. Carrying on the tradition of superior health and nutrition, and taking into account the challenges of today’s stressful lifestyle, Natural Dynamix’s easy-to-administer supplements for adults help them live their best lives. The line includes: Adult Gummy Fiber DX, a no-sugaradded formula that delivers 2 grams of fiber per gummy drop. Adult Gummy Calcium DX, an excellent source of calcium with vitamin D added to assist absorption, and in gummy drop format—a welcome alternative to large calcium pills.

Krill Oil DX, a sustainably harvested krill oil and superior source of omega-3. Joint DX, a comprehensive formula that combines glucosamine, chondroiton, MSM and Natur-ele for joint support. Essential Antioxidant DX, a blend of superfruits and aloe vera. At Natural Dynamix, we source only the highest quality raw ingredients. Searching North and South America, India and Europe, we identify botanicals and scientific discoveries that together achieve superior health for the entire family. Natural Dynamix achieves its goal of blending state-of-the-art science and manufacturing processes with the collective wisdom of health disciplines from around the world to bring shoppers the best supplements for optimal health. Learn more about their lines and meet the Natural Dynamix team at Natural Products Expo West, booth #287.

ufactured to work in harmony with the body. New Nordic has continued actively along this path, seeing the development of numerous vitamins, minerals, herbal and other food supplements that help to promote vitality, well-being and fight age-related degeneration. New Nordic believes in long-term commitments and is dedicated to establishing itself as a significant supplier to the health and beauty market. It is a company that takes the social and environmental implications of its activities seriously and respects the well-being of all of its employees, customers, and business partners. New Nordic believes in uncompromising quality in every product it delivers, and is concerned about product quality from field and forest to the package in the store. It also contributes to protecting the environment through its Jungle Farming reforestation project in China. New ideas mean less competition. Thanks to innovative products, New Nordic creates new markets. As part of its innovative

processes, it is constantly exploring new ingredients and finding new ways of using existing ones. Five New Nordic products are now available on the American market, with many more to come in the near future: • Mulberry Zuccarin, the natural carb blocker • Chili Burn, the natural fat burner • Blue Berry, the company’s international bestseller that helps protect and strengthen vision • Melissa, the natural supplement for stress and sleep disorders • Hair Volume, the company’s newest innovation, that reinvents hair, nails and skin through tablets promoting hair growth, nail and skin health. New Nordic U.S. Inc. Head office: 514-4195160. Toll free: 1-877-MY NORDIC. E-mail: info@newnordic.ca. Web: www.newnordicusa.com. Booth #1251 at Natural Products Expo West 2012

BRINGING THE PUBLIC TO PRIVATE LABELS

NATURE’S ORGANIC GRIST: FREEKEH FOODS We hear from Troy de Smet, President of Freekeh Foods, about his company and its parent group, Nature’s Organic Grist.

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Sage and Tamari flavors. Both flavors are wonderful tasting, very healthy, and can be used in many dishes. Visit our website, www.Freekeh-Foods.com to find recipes and to purchase our cookbook “30 Ways to Freekeh!” We will be offering new and exciting flavors and products in the coming years. NH: Who are your target end-users?

A: Our target end-users are people who are seeking greater variety in their diet, are health conscious, and active people that lead busy lives. Freekeh is gaining popularity with celebrity chefs and nutrition experts, which is increasing the awareness of Freekeh with our target consumers. As a good source of fiber and protein, our products can be used as a substitute for rice, NHuinoa and couscous and work great in soups, pilafs, one-pot dishes, and salads. Freekeh is easy to prepare, regardless of a person’s level of cooking expertise. Continued on Page 94

It’s no secret that the fastest growing segment of the pet industry is natural pet supplements. Pet supplements offer more profit per linear foot of shelf space than any other products in a pet store. So why not get a piece of the action? Private labels encourage retail brand loyalty with a higher margin of profit and lower prices to the customer. If any of the above benefits sound good, then private labeling might be your answer to increased profits and customer loyalty. Private label products are manufactured for sale under a specific retailer’s brand. They are often designed to compete against national branded products, offering consumers a less expensive alternative. Private labels were once seen as low-cost imitations of branded products, but have overcome this reputation to achieve significant growth in recent years. Private labels offer several benefits to both retailers and consumers. For retailers, margins on private label pet supplements can be

20-40 percent higher than those on similar branded products. Consumers benefit from private labels’ prices, which are often significantly lower than those of national brands. This combination of benefits can put considerable pressure on the manufacturers of branded goods, who now need to compete against their own customers (the retailers) for market share. The Garmon Corporation can manufacture any of its extensive products under any given retailer label, or help retailers produce their own custom formulas. Garmon Corp specializes in natural formulas with the ability to produce tablets, powders, liquids and gels. They also offer the lowest minimum orders in the industry and superior pricing combined with industry and marketing experience. Is private label right for you? -Large profit margins (20-40 percent Continued on Page 94

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THÉBÜ KOMBUCHA, THE WORLD’S BEST TASTING KOMBUCHA Ryan Mason, Vice President, Makana Beverages Inc takes a pause to discuss Makana Beverage’s line of teas. NH: Tell our readers about your company and your main line of business?

RM: At Makana Beverages our goal is simple––to make healthy taste good! We produce a line of kombucha tea called ThéBÜ that is as real, raw and natural as kombucha can be, and tastes amazing! This is the kombucha we believe the market has been waiting for, a kombucha that tastes as good as it makes you feel. NH: What are your flavors?

RM: Our current flavors are Lavender, Tropical and Melon. All three come in a custom 16-ounce glass bottle. We started in Hawaii and have recently expanded to Ventura, Ca.

where we are rapidly scaling up production and distribution. The response has been overwhelmingly positive from both new and existing kombucha drinkers. We intend to establish a national brand over the next 1218 months and have several exciting flavors in the pipeline for this year. We spend an enormous amount of time culturing each kombucha flavor to get a premium taste that can’t be compared to anything else on the shelf! NH: What sets you apart from your competition? RM: Great Taste! We’re not selling medicine; ThéBÜ is a healthy lifestyle beverage that can be enjoyed by anyone at anytime. The feeling you get from drinking this living tea speaks for itself. Please visit www.thebukombucha.com, call 805.981.8638 or email ryan@thebukombucha.com. Visit booth #5755 at Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim Ca.

PO VALLEY FOODS: ALL NATURAL, ALL ITALIAN by Carmen Bazzini, President

For centuries Italians have embraced “all natural” as a way of life; today some food producers are going to great lengths to Metabolic Health Labs (Con’t. from p. 86)

JK: I am a professor at the University of Arizona in the Department of Physiology, where I have an active research lab investigating the impact of nutrition, gender, and exercise on cardiovascular and general health. We put that knowledge to use in formulating and testing nutrients that benefit health, looking at it from the cellular level. Essentially we are looking at improving health and reducing aging from the inside out. NH: Are you introducing any new products?

JK: We are introducing our new Elite Krill supplement. Our Elite Krill is pure krill oil formulated with the maximum amount of astaxanthin allowed by the FDA to reduce cellular aging. It is enhanced to provide extra benefits like reducing inflammation; reducing fine lines and wrinkles; enhancing the weight loss process in improving fat metabolism thereby increasing lean muscle mass, improving cognitive ability, enhancing and balancing mood and energy. NH: What products do you see as being hottest this year?

JK We feel our Elite Krill and our Probiotic products will be very hot this year. With the Elite Krill, krill is becoming known as a superantioxidant that is much more efficient than fish oil, has greater stability, and has less side effects, including no fishy taste

ensure that culture endures. Here are three producers whose ethical practices are leading “all natural” into a Continued on Page 94

or burbiness. Furthermore, the astaxanthin gives it a great kick and is a very powerful compound that crosses the blood-brain barrier and has so many health benefits. We believe probiotics will be hot as well, because more and more research supports the health promise of probiotics. This ranges from the long-held acceptance of digestive health and immune function benefits, to the possibilities of health improvement in use of probiotics for skin, oral health, chronic disease and even obesity. NH: What distinguishes your products from the competition?

JK: The research behind our products separates us. We are not a me-too company; we strive to develop original products based upon customer needs for overall health and wellness. Our products are continually optimized, made with superior ingredients and manufactured by GMP certified companies. We also have a clinical nutritionist on staff who can help our customers, whether they are buyers, wholesalers or consumers, determine which products to choose. NH: How can our readers find out more about your company?

JK: They can visit us at booth #293, visit our website at www.metabolichealthlabs .com or email our nutritionist at linda@metabolichealthlabs.com.

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FINALLY A LOW SUGAR PROTEIN BAR WITHOUT MALITOL: NUGO SLIM, COATED IN LUSCIOUS REAL DARK CHOCOLATE NuGo Nutrition, the company that uses REAL dark chocolate to deliciously enrobe protein bars, has launched a landmark product. NuGO Slim is the first low sugar high protein bar made without maltitol or artificial sweeteners! Goodness comes naturally with only 2 grams of sugar from REAL dark chocolate, all-natural top quality ingredients, and three scrumptious flavors: Brownie Crunch, Roasted Peanut, and Raspberry Truffle. NuGO Slim is diabetic-friendly, certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), and OU Kosher Certified by the Orthodox Union. NuGO Slim contains 180 calories, 17 grams

of protein, and seven grams of soluble fiber from chicory root. Insoluble fiber moves through the digestive track quickly, acting as a natural laxative. However, the soluble (prebiotic) fiber in NuGO Slim slows digestion, making you feel full longer without adding calories. Research indicates that soluble fiber controls blood sugar levels in addition to helping lower bad cholesterol. Furthermore, eating a diet high in soluble fiber aids in weight loss and can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, like maltitol, typically found in low sugar and sugar-free bars, can taste awful and cause gastric distress such as bloating, stomach cramps,

Freekeh Foods (Con’t. from p. 90)

pany’s success?

NH: How do you handle sales? What is the nature of your distribution?

A: As a new company, we have engaged the services of experienced natural products brokers in the East (Epic Natural Sales) and are evaluating our opportunities in the West. The Epic Naturals trained sales reps have already begun to present our products to key retail accounts, and concurrently, we are working to partner with several regional and / or national distributors to facilitate sales to these accounts. We’re excited to be ‘launching our line at Expo West ‘12, and the exposure the show will provide.

NH: To what do you attribute your comPrivate Labels (Con’t. from p. 90)

higher than branded products). Low setup cost, efficient distribution model and extremely low minimum orders.”Power of Your Brand” customer brand loyalty. Retain customers and build a loyal base to increase repeat sales. -Additional impulse sales when the customer returns to buy retailer’s private label brand. -Control over product formulation and PO Valley Foods (Con’t. from p. 92)

new era. La Campofilone egg pasta (since 1912) uses only the finest non-GMO durum wheat grown exclusively in the Le Marche region. With a very high protein standard, the wheat is produced in a local mill, where each grain is extracted from the heart of wheat, using only the central part of the single grain. The eggs are from free-range hens fed exclusively with non-GMO cereals, resulting in an egg with a genuine scent and an authentic sunny color. No colorants or preservatives are added to the pasta, not even water. Delicious, light yet high in protein, La Campofilone rivals most fresh egg pasta. La Campofilone is certified by Det Norske Veritas for their superior food standards and received a prestigious award in 2009 for using only pastured eggs.

A: Nature’s Organic Grist (the parent company of Freekeh Foods) was born out of the experiences and lessons learned from our former employer, Ceres Organic Harvest. Without a doubt, our team’s commitment to excellence and attention to building successful partnerships are the reasons we have been successful. Strong relationships, work ethic, and integrity are the foundation of our business. We have a lot of fun while we work, and we care about the companies and farmers we work with.

For information, visit www.FreekehFoods.com, call 612-240-1408 or email info@Freekeh-Foods.com. At Expo West, visit booth #5255. price. -Control over where marketing dollars are spent. Benefits of Contract Manufacturing with Garmon Corp.: State-of-the-art facility with lab; fully compliant cGMP standards; NASC audited member; FDA registered and audited facility; complete product manufacturing; large selection of stock formulas; custom formulas with research and development staff; short lead times; excellent technical support and customer service. Carlo Moro’s Pastificio di Chiavenna (since 1868) produces nutritious indigenous “grano Saraceno” buckwheat flour. Moro’s buckwheat flour is produced exclusively in the Chiavenna and Valtellina Valleys for use in pasta products or in addition to corn flour to produce gluten-free Polenta for Taragna, a traditional recipe of the area. Low temperature drying of the pasta for long periods (5-24 hours) maintains the buckwheat’s original nutritional values. Buckwheat is rich in iron, vitamins B and E, and magnesium; high in fiber and amino acids and has protein values similar to that of meat and soy. Moro’s pasta made from buckwheat has less carbohydrates and more fiber than regular pasta. It was Carlo Moro who gave life to the pasta factory on the river Mera, where the waters powered the grinding machines. Today, the original location is an industrial

and other pain. While other sugar-free bars use fake chocolate flavored palm oil coatings sweetened with maltitol, NuGo Nutrition uses REAL dark chocolate as the coating on NuGO Slim to produce a truly delicious bar with no bad aftertaste. REAL dark chocolate has many health benefits, is an antioxidant-rich superfood, and lowers bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol. It tastes delicious because it’s made from only cocoa beans (cocoa butter and non-fat cocoa solids). The smooth, creamy texture of cocoa butter allows the rich natural chocolate flavor to melt in your mouth, exploding with flavor. Fake chocolate substitutes vegetable fats, usually palm oil, for cocoa butter, which raises the melting temperature, so it doesn’t melt in your mouth. This results in a waxy texture and overly sweet flavor that destroys the rich natural flavor. The vegetable fat in fake chocolate is an unhealthy saturated fat which raises bad cholesterol. Unlike other protein bar manufac-

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turers, NuGo never uses waxy vegetable fat compounds in place of REAL, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. NuGo bars are naturally low in fat because the principal ingredient is protein. They do not contain high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, or trans fats. NuGo Nutrition makes 28 bars to fit many lifestyles: vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, Kosher Pareve, organic, and low sugar. Whether consumers are craving chocolate covered pretzels, peanut butter cups, chocolate mint cookies, chocolate chips, brownies, or chocolate covered nuts or fruit, NuGo protein bars are a healthy indulgence for the entire family. Discover the delicious taste of REAL Dark Chocolate protein bars by visiting booth #3979, purchasing NuGo at retail stores nationwide, or ordering sample packs from www.nugo nutrition.com.

FORESTER FARMER’S MARKET LOOKS TO THE PAST TO INSPIRE THE FUTURE Dr. Edward Fryar observed the evolution of chicken production for decades. When determining his company’s niche, traditional farming practices served as inspiration for future growth. As consumers become more conscious of food cultivation, it’s clear why Forester Farmer’s Market’s strategy resonates with customers. “I want my grandchildren to have the same quality food my parents and I had growing up,” explains Dr. Fryar, founder of Forester Farmer’s MarketTM. That basic

statement serves as inspiration for the Forester brand. Simply put, Forester Farmer’s MarketTM takes consumers back to a time “When Chicken Was Chicken,” the brand tagline. “Consumers are more aware of not only food quality but also farming practices,” according to Dr. Fryar. Forester Farmer’s MarketTM core values center around just that, no antibiotics, never feeding animal byproducts, no Continued on Page 96

Why choose the Garmon Corporation? Thirty years of experience in the pet supplement industry; facilities are monitored by three government agencies that oversee the pet industry: AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), FDA-CVM (Center for Veterinary Medicine) and NASC (National Animal Supplement Council). These agencies control the ingredient and labeling guidelines to ensure responsible manufacturing practices; Garmon Corp. owns its own manufacturing facility in the United

States; Garmon Corp. will go through every step of the process with you: Product development Formulation Consultation with veterinarian advisors Labeling/packaging Marketing/distribution

museum and their new, state-of-the-art factory, using 100 percent green energy, resides at the main gates of Chiavenna, 10 km from Switzerland, on the road towards St. Moritz. Antica Riseria Tarantola della Bruciata (since 1910): Located in the Po Valley plains of Lombardia, the historic rice mill Tarantola della Bruciata is internationally acknowledged as one of the first Italian rice factories to receive the Demeter control and quality mark for their biodynamic farming. According to Demeter International, the world’s only certifier of Biodynamic farms and products, Biodynamic agriculture goes beyond organic. It envisions the farm as a self-contained, self-sustaining organism. Farmers avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers, utilize compost and cover crops, and set aside a minimum of 10 percent of their total acreage for biodiversity. The entire farm, versus a particular crop, must be certified, and

farms are inspected annually. In order for a product to bear the Demeter logo it must be made with certified Biodynamic® ingredients and meet strict processing standards. Tarantola della Bruciata’s premium rice; Carnaroli, Arborio and Bio, contains the right proportion of proteins, vitamins and essential elements such as potassium, calcium and phosphorus, as well as 18 amino acids on which human metabolism is based. Po Valley Foods’ natural gourmet selections include Alica Artisan Pasta and Pastificio Giuseppe Afeltra, both bronze died durum semolina pasta; Ranise Dolcedolio® biscotti handmade with the finest whole wheat flour, sugar, lemon juice and delicate Taggiasca DOP extra virgin olive oil from Liguria; and I Veroni extra virgin olive oil from the Chianti Rufina area in Tuscany. For more information, visit www .povalleyfoods.com.

For product assortment information and a price quote, please contact the Garmon Corporation at 888-628-8783 or stop by Expo West booth #4246.

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NIBMOR DELIVERS CHOCOLATE WITHOUT REFINED SUGAR Yes you read right. NibMor, created in 2009 by Heather K. Terry and Jennifer Love, is a delicious and healthier alternative to your favorite childhood treats. The two women met at a nutrition certification program and quickly became friends. Jennifer invited Heather to a party hosted by the school’s graduates, where they spent an evening enjoying naturally sweetened confections. The next day, Heather entered a health food store seeking some of the products they had sampled the night before. To her shock and dismay, she discovered the price tag for these items were way too high. Organics should come at a premium, but these items were ridicu-

lously over-priced. She took matters into her own hands and developed a recipe that received glowing reviews from her family and friends. Having no idea what to do with this new chocolate recipe, but knowing that Jennifer had a business background, Heather asked Jennifer to try a sample and consider the possibility that there could be a business opportunity. Jennifer tried the chocolate, was immediately impressed with both the taste and the healthy ingredients, and began researching the organic chocolate industry. Together, they decided to create chocolate that did not compromise on taste, ethics or affordability.

NEW ZEALAND MANUKA HONEY LOLLIPOPS OFFER A SWEET ALTERNATIVE TO KIDS A sweet treat for children of all ages, for everyday wellness and dry scratchy throats. New Zealand Manuka honey is known to help aid the immune system and help with digestive conditions. A sweet way to good health and refreshing energy that can be used every day. Manuka honey has been used by the native Maori people for generations as an internal health builder and externally as a wound and burn ointment. Pacific Resources is the original importer

of Manuka honey into the US, and specializes in exclusive New Zealand products that include both Bio Active and UMF Manuka honey in activity from 5+ to 20+. Also a supplement range of Manuka honey and bee Propolis that includes organic soothing lozenges, throat spray, adult and children cough elixirs, Bio UMF 15+ wound care, cleansing Manuka honey and Propolis soap, fluoride free Propolis and T-tree toothpaste. New to the lineup are three new Phyto

PAIN RELIEF FOUND NATURALLY WITH THERMAL-AID PRODUCTS Physical therapists are experts at using hot and cold therapy for sprains, strains and chronic pain. For most, timing is everything when it comes to treating these conditions. Chronic pain can be far more troubling and more difficult to treat. Most chronic pain sufferers reach for ibuprofen or acetaminophen, sometimes daily, to treat wide variety of ailments including back and neck pain. This can lead to much bigger problems, like liver failure. Now chronic pain sufferers are learning about a new tool being used by physical therapists, doctors and even veterinarians. It’s called Thermal-Aid. In March of 2011, Thermal-Aid made its debut at the Expo West Natural products show in Anaheim, Calif., where it was cho-

sen as one of the “Best of Show” products by “Lifescript.” Lifescript noted, “This slice of heated heaven wrapped around your poor, aching neck (or other crampy body parts) is easy to love. No fancy velvet to clean. No lavenderscented filling to whip up your allergies. Just nice, comfy cotton stuffed with—get this— corn kernels. (You’d never know—it’s not hard and lumpy.) It’s washable and biodegradable too. You heat the wrap and place it on your aching joints, back, muscles, neck, abdomen, head––you name it.” Since then, the Thermal-Aid line of products has been popping up in retail, all over the nation. What makes the 100 percent natural line unique, is that “it was specifically

NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS: ORGANIC BLUE STAR FARMS CRACKERS Every day, more of us are paying close attention to the type of food we choose to eat. Many of us want all natural, organic foods that taste great, and we are actively seeking them out. PARTNERS, A Tasteful Choice Company, has provided products in line with this philosophy since the business started in 1992. In 2002, PARTNERS introduced their Organic Blue Star Farms crackers to the

public, and in 2004, Blue Star Farms were officially Certified Organic when the process became available. These organic crackers quickly became one of PARTNERS top selling brands for good reason: they are wholesome, healthy, and hearty, and taste great alone or complement everything from traditional cheeses and soups to the most exotic dips and spreads.

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The two refined the recipe, initiated the business, and landed the first of their accounts, all within three months. NibMor was born! All of NibMor’s product lines are organic, contain no refined sugar, are vegan, gluten-free, dairy free nonGMO, kosher and coldprocessed to preserve valuable nutrients and antioxidants, and are ethically sourced. The sourcing of their ingredients is paramount to NibMor, and Heather and Jennifer have traveled the globe to procure the finest ingredients. They spread the message of health and wellness through philanthropy with various organizations, such as Health Corps, that are concerned with preventing childhood obesity. NibMor’s product lines include four

agave-sweetened chocolate bars: Original 65 percent, Almond 65 percent, Crispy 65 percent, Extreme 80 percent; three drinking chocolates sweetened with coconut palm sugar: Traditional, Mint and 6Spice; and two flavors of its latest creation: Daily Dose of Dark (Original Daily Dose of Dark and Mint+Nibs). The original Daily Dose of Dark flavor took home the Best of Press Award at Natural Products Expo East 2011. To learn more about NibMor, visit NibMor at booth No. 1919 or go to the website, www.nibmor.com. LiveMor. GiveMor. NibMor. For wholesale information visit info@nibmor.com or call 718-374-5091.

Shield toothpastes, incorporating the anti-oxidant Totarol from the New Zealand Totara tree that promotes cleansing and protection, fluoride free. Brand new, the New Bio Active 5+ Manuka Honey Organic Nuggets in three flavors: natural, lemon and honey, and ginger. A perfect reward to boost the energy level and support a healthy immune system. Manuka nuggets are great straight out of the bag or can be used to sweeten your favorite hot drink—a sweet solution for winter wellness. Pacific Resources also imports the healthy Pacific sea salt that is harvested from the clean southern seas around New Zealand, and dried by wind and sun for13-22 months without additives and still contains all the

natural trace elements. A true sea salt that helps lower blood pressure and promotes sleep by giving the body a perfect balance of trace minerals. Also a range of organic sea salts that include a gourmet flaky sea salt for that fresh burst of flavor for your favorite meal. A new taste extravaganza, secret Louisiana family recipe, Mesquite Smoked Pacific Sea Salt. Perfect for scrambled eggs, fresh salads, BBQ pork, chickenor beef, tofu, pizza and smoked garlic bread. Use it as a special rub for any meat or fish for that down-home country smoked flavor. See all these great New Zealand products every day online at www.shoppri.com or in person at Expo West booth #2590.Call 805684-0624or email info@pri-nz.com.

designed and engineered for the medical and veterinarian field,” according to Matthew Mills, founder of Pacific-Shore Holdings, Inc., the creator of Thermal–Aid. “Our doctors, veterinarians and researchers worked closely with milling engineers from the largest agribusiness companies in the world to create a line of products, using a unique process, which allows a specialized corn to hold temperatures for long periods of time. This process removes the germ from the kernel, thus removing virtually all the moisture and preventing mold or fungi from forming. The entire process hardens the corn segments, causing an even temperature in each segment, and creating extended temperature retainment.” Thermal-Aid has been university tested and clinically proven on patients and animals with many different pain ailments, including: arthritis, fibromyalgia, broken bones, multi-

ple sclerosis, migraines, back pain, and various muscle aches. “The results have been incredible, sparking major interest among healthcare professionals and major retailers around the country,” states Mills. The Thermal-Aid product line is touring the United States and will be featured at the Natural Product Expo West 2012 in Anaheim, Cailf., and at NACDS (National Association of Chain Drug Stores) from June 23rd to 26th in Denver, Colo. You can find Thermal-Aid, including the Thermal-Aid Bear, a product developed for children, at multiple retail establishments across the U.S. and online at Costco.com and Walgreens.com. Thermal-Aid can also be purchased from the company’s web site, www.thermal-aid.com For additional information, email contact info@pac-sh.com, call 818-885-9870 or visit Expo West booth #5611.

Blue Star Farms crackers are available in three nutritious and delicious flavors: Stone Ground Wheat, Stone Ground Rye & Flax, and Stone Ground Multigrain. All three flavors are made with whole grains, yet they have their own unique attributes. Stone Ground Wheat contains 13 grams or more of whole grain, Stone Ground Rye & Flax provides 590 mg of Omega-3s per serving, and Stone Ground Multigrain is made with flax, quinoa and amaranth. As with all PARTNERS products, Blue Star Farms crackers contain no hydrogenated oils or preservatives. Consumers rave about the crunchy texture and flavor consistency

compared to other organic crackers. They also prefer Blue Star Farms for the lower calorie count and sodium content. In addition to being mindful of what goes into their all-natural products, PARTNERS, A Tasteful Choice Company, takes pride in its reputation as an environmentally friendly and responsible company. 100 percent of the company’s purchased energy comes from green power sources and is safe, clean, and renewable. Product cartons are made using sustainable paperboard materials that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, all food waste Continued on Page 97

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ALL-NATURAL VIRGINIA PEANUTS FROM THE PEANUT SHOP OF WILLIAMSBURG Natural goodness from the very beginning... It all began in the back of a tiny shop in Colonial Williamsburg, carefully selecting and hand roasting the finest Virginia Peanuts available – plump, golden, and gently blistered from a unique cooking process. For nearly 40 years, The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg has continued to do business this same way. The Peanuts - Virginia Peanuts are one of four types of U.S. grown peanuts–– although grown primarily in Virginia and the Carolinas. And they represent only 15 percent of the total U.S. peanut production. While these peanuts are already considered the largest kernel size of all four types, The Peanut Shop only sources the “cream of the Nature’s Answer (Con’t. from p. 88)

operated enterprise has innovated some of the most important processes within the supplement industry, namely the first true alcohol free extracts and a proprietary cold extraction process. Unlike conventional glycerites (which utilize only glycerin to extract the herb and therefore only offer a narrow spectrum of the actives). Frank D’Amelio developed a proprietary cold extraction process which captures the water and alcohol soluble ingredients naturally found in the herb. This was an industry breakthrough. Even today, many major extract suppliers are still offering glycerites. Today, the company manufactures and markets one of the broadest lines of supplements in the industry with five “Best of” Supplement and beauty awards in the last few years. These are but a few of the over 700 items sold domestically and throughout the world. Nature’s Answer’s almost 200,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is FDAregistered and Board of pharmacy licensed. Adhering to cGMP’s and SOP’s since 1980, the facilities are also NSF and Kosher cerForester Farmer’s Market (Con’t. from p. 94)

added hormones or chemical additives for all natural feed ingredients, and never confining birds to cages. It seems logical that consumers embrace these principles, we’ve all heard the saying we are what we eat. If the outpouring of praise for Chipotle’s “cultivate a better world” commercial aired during the Grammys is any indication, consumers across multiple markets are paying closer attention to food origin. Forester can certainly count Chipotle among their motivators; it was the restaurant chain that first directly introduced them to the practical application of these principles on a large scale. “A lot of people think changing industrial farming practices is not practical with today’s market demands, but we’ve proven it is. Sure, it isn’t as easy to grow chickens while complying with our core principles, but it can be done in an affordable manner with a little hard work and creativity,” explains Dr. Fryar. While the scientific debate about the benefits of more natural, sustainable farm application rages on, for Forester Farmer’s MarketTM the answer is simple. Dr. Fryar states, “It’s the right thing to do, not only for

crop” for their hand-cooked Virginia Peanuts, which is the highest market grade available – Super Extra Large. The Process - Their “All Natural” Virginia Peanuts are prepared by a dedicated roastmaster in small batches, using the same timehonored recipe as their original nuts, but these are hand-cooked in expeller-pressed peanut oil and seasoned with natural sea salt. No additives or preservatives alter their natural goodness. Continued on Page 97

tified and houses the largest private Herbarium in the health food industry with plants authenticated from around the globe. Nature’s Answer® partners with some of the leading organic farmers and wildcrafters throughout the world to consistently deliver the highest quality herbal supplements. We believe that herbs grown in their natural environment are much better than those farmed where the environment is forced on the plant. Here you will find full, in-house Quality Control and research and development labs. Cutting edge instrumentation and technology is the standard for our Analytical and Microbiological Laboratories. Instruments such as HPLC (High Pressure Gas Chromatography, LC (liquid chromatography),TLC ( thin layer chromatography), IR, NIR and FTIR (infrared spectrometry), ICPMS and organic carbon analyzers are utilized on a daily basis to ensure the finest quality and safest products possible. Products are sold globally in leading health food stores and through the Internet. For more information, visit www.natures answer.com or stop by booth #1604. consumers but farmers and the environment alike. All farmers have a legacy of sustainability–– to only put back what nature created. But that doesn’t mean you shun technological progress. With critical thinking, you can find where traditional methods and modern practices intersect and capitalize on the best quality, price and taste.” The growing market share of natural food products indicates consumers agree. Today, the natural and organic food market exceeds $30 billion annually and continues to grow as demand and availability increase. That’s good news for companies like Forester Farmer’s MarketTM. Dr. Fryar summarizes, “Just like any mother wants to buy the best food she can for her family, Forester Farmer’s MarketTM aims to bring premium chicken to the average American. From quality to price to production, we have a responsibility to do the right thing for everyone without exploiting the customer, farmer, land or animal. When you take care of your customer, your product and your people, the business will take care of itself. We believe and live that every day.” For more information, visit www.foresterfarmersmarket.com, call 479-633-8700 or email ceverett@foresterfarmersmarket.com. At Expo West, visit booth #5299.

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SEA VEGGIES: A HIGH PROTEIN SNACK WITH A SALTY CRUNCH For many Westerners, their only encounter with edible seaweed is as the wrapper in their sushi. But with natural health going mainstream, this Asian staple has arrived in a convenient new form for American shores—and American stores. Made of 100 percent natural ingredients, Sea Veggies are available in classic Sea Salt, Hot Chili and Black Pepper flavors. With no

preservatives, artificial colors or flavors or MSG, the flavor variety comes only from natural oils, preserving seaweed’s qualities of no cholesterol, no saturated fats or trans fats. Sea Veggies are also superior within the category: made from best quality Korean seaweed, grown in clean oceans and harvested during the prime season of December

RABBIT CREEK PRODUCTS EXPANDS GLUTEN-FREE LINE Rabbit Creek Products, out of Louisburg, Kan., offers a wide variety of mixes, many of which are all-natural: dips, brownies, soups and more. Rabbit Creek is also expanding their gluten-free line to include their soups and dips as well as adding more to the rest of the gluten-free line. All of the glutenfree items are made in a dedicated kitchen

separate from the rest of the production line to keep products free of cross-contamination. In addition to the gluten-free line, a sugarfree line is also offered, containing several cheesecakes, dips, a cookie and a cake. Still based in the countryside and entirely made by hand since opening in 1984, Rabbit Creek makes the product on an as-ordered

A NATURAL EVOLUTION: RICK’S PICKS MAKES EXPO WEST DEBUT WITH RELISH Rick Field left a career in television eight years ago to start Rick’s Picks, a pickle company that makes all natural pickles with locally sourced produce in season. Today, his unique, award-winning pickles can be found in stores nationwide, online at rickspicksnyc.com and at farmer’s markets in New York City. Field is frequently cited as a Partners (Con’t. from p. 95)

is sent to a local chicken feed producer, and nearly all material waste is recycled. 2012 is an exciting year for PARTNERS, a tasteful choice company. Not only does it mark the 20th anniversary for PARTNERS, it also marks the launch year of PARTNERS Gourmet Artisan Deli Crackers and a new deli rack program. All of PARTNERS existing products conveniently fit within the disThe Peanut Shop (Con’t. from p. 96)

The Promise - The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg offers: The highest quality, stringent consistency, and worldwide brand recognition. Promises Pete Booker, Vice President and General Manager, “Our peanuts will always be distinctive, unique, different, and unbelievably crisp!” And this is the reason their iconic brand has become the standard by which all fine peanuts are judged. It’s comforting to know that for nearly four decades, the simple goodness of this homestyle hand-cooked peanut has changed very little. And not only are they simply good, they are simply healthful––something peanut lovers have suspected for years. Did you know that Virginia Peanuts…are equal to olive oil in heart healthfulness? Contain the same beneficial ingredients as

leader of the artisan pickling movement that is sweeping the country. “It’s a nice compliment,” he smiles. “But I think from the start I just wanted to make some interesting and tasty pickles”. In his Brooklyn apartment back in the mid1990s, Field rekindled a tradition of summerplay rack. Choose from over 40 items within five different brands: PARTNERS, Wisecrackers, Blue Star Farms Organic, Mia Dolci, and Get Movin’. For more information about PARTNERS, A Tasteful Choice Company, please visit booth #4378 at Natural Products Expo West, call (800) 632-7477, or e-mail service@partnerscrackers.com. You may also find PARTNERS at www.partnerscrackers.com, or on facebook at facebook.com/partnerscrackers. red wine? Are naturally cholesterol-free? Are a protein powerhouse? Satisfy hunger without adding extra calories? Are rich in Vitamin E? “All Natural” products from The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg include their signature hand-cooked Virginia Peanuts and Cashews, Honey Roasted Peanuts, Banana Nut and Simply Cinnamon Fruit & Nut Mixes with Virginia Peanuts, and 100 percent Natural Peanut Butters. The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg, Paula Deen Collection, and Southern Shores Specialties products are available at select specialty food stores nationwide or direct from our retail stores in Williamsburg VA, Smithfield VA, Savannah GA, and Charleston SC (opening February 2012); and from The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg mail order catalog via 800-637-3268, or online at www.thepeanutshop.com.

through February. While most seafood snacks are roasted only once, Sea Veggies are twiceroasted at high temperatures for extra crispness and flavor. With Sea Veggies, U.S. consumers may benefit from the Asian tradition, where there is little or no barrier between food and medicine. With more protein than meat and more calcium than milk, rich in stress-fighting vitamins B and K, and minerals like magnesium and manganese, seaweed is a good addition to today’s healthful diets, meatless or not. Its

high iodine content helps balance the thyroid; significant anti-inflammatory properties help reduce painful swollen joints. It is also anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and high in antioxidants, with antiseptic properties. Consumers have many fun ways to enjoy all this nutrition: as a healthy snack for kids or a bar snack with beer; as protein in a macrobiotic diet; in a California roll with favorite

basis. There are no shelves of product sitting around for months until someone orders, and customers get the product as soon as it is made and shipped to them. Rabbit Creek offers free namedrop private labeling for any of its products; their policy of only one case, 12 items minimum order, and a $20 one-time fee for the customer’s own logo is a bargain.

Rabbit Creek’s recessionbuster special allows customers to choose three per flavor to make up a case of like packages, i.e. breads, brownies, muffins, glutenfree, scones and soups are a like category. So if a customer only needs three or six of a flavor, that’s all that is needed as long as a total of 12 are ordered. With 25 new

time pickle making born at his family home in Vermont. He decided to try the pickle business after winning Best in Show for his Windy City Wasabeans two years in a row at the Rosendale Pickle Festival. “My career has been shaped by a grandmother in her 60s, a skinny pre-teen, and the town florist,” he says, referring to the panel of judges who rated his

Wasabeans tops. Shortly afterwards, his signature Phat Beets took home NASFT Sofi Gold in 2007 for Outstanding Appetizer, followed by two Sofi Silvers – Smokra (Outstanding Appetizer) and Handy Corn (Outstanding Condiment) – in 2009.

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if the rest weren’t already enough! The Manual Healthy Juicer is king on wheatgrass and leafy greens. Small, compact and portable, this little guy makes juicing fun. The price is right at $49.99. Clean-up on this unit is a cinch as well. Even if you aren’t looking for a juicer, you should stop by for a shot of wheatgrass! For more information about Healthy Juicer and other Lexen Products please stop by Expo West booth #5450 or call 877-5393611. Please visit info@lexenproducts.com orwww.healthyjuicer.com.

and Half Moons. Customers throughout North America have come to recognize items such as Heini’s Lacey Baby Swiss, creamy Raw Milk Cheddar and Lactose Free Heini’s Yogurt Cultured ® Cheese for their consistently high quality, 100 percent natural ingredients and exceptional flavor. In addition, as of January 1999, Bunker Hill Cheese has been certified to produce organic cheese. The Dauwalder family is grateful for the relationship they have shared with the local Amish community over the past 75 years. They look forward to providing

customers from all over North America for many years to come, with Heini’s Cheese. Heini’s offers a wide variety of all natural, hand crafted cheeses. Their plant in the scenic hills of Ohio’s Amish Country is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in the state. More about Heini’s Yogurt Cultured® Cheese: Created in 1971, Heini’s Yogurt Cultured® Cheese is a probiotic cheese containing live yogurt cultures. Fortified with Acidophilus and

etary artisanal process gives it a unique fresh taste. The name invokes Queen Califia, a mythical warrior queen, and is the origin of the state’s name, a reference to the company’s agenda of focusing on products grown in California. “I built a plant since we talked,” Greg grinned at us when he spotted him. Clearly this entrepreneur, the son of a German engineer and a French Canadian chef, doesn’t lack energy.

In an absorbing onstage interview at the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, Greg offered observations on Odwalla’s dealing with the E coli crisis, tradeoffs of accepting institutional capital and where he sees future opportunities. As a Stanford Environmental Sciences graduate who started Odwalla at age 26, Greg has concluded that “entrepreneurs are mainly born, not trained.” Asked about the best advice he ever received, he cited wisdom he didn’t get: “I wish somebody had said, ‘protect this against all comers.’” He feels he “consistently underestimated my own uniqueness,” and thereby lacked confidence to stick up for

his vision in the face of experts, venture capitalists, etc. “My failure to recognize and trust the vision I was midwifing was a big mistake.” Though entrepreneurs will make their share of mistakes, don’t be afraid of doing so, he said--you learn the most from mistakes because they hurt so much. ‘Earned grace’ allowed Odwalla to weather an E Coli Crisis. Though the E coli outbreak was much covered when it happened in 1996, Greg offered intriguing takes on several aspects. The crisis hit when publicly traded Odwalla was growing at an 80 percent rate

in season from a trusted New York State grower, with a recipe that has a perfect balance of savory and sweet. By day, With Relish adds distinction to hot dogs and burgers; at night, it makes a deliciously tangy complement to cheese and charcuterie platters. A newly revamped label highlights health benefits prominently. With Relish is gluten-free, has no fat, no cholesterol and most notably for the relish category, is low sodium. “Life is salty enough,” quips Field. “There are lots of more interesting ways to brighten flavor.”

Rick’s Picks will also be previewing a line extension of value-priced items in traditional flavor profiles: Garlic Dill, Spicy and Sweet. The goal is to take the founding principles of the Company to an exponentially larger audience. “The pickle sections of most grocery chains are dominated by products filled with artificial colors and preservatives, notes Field. “What we want to do in this space is the natural evolution of what we’ve been doing from the beginning.” Accolades aside, Rick is most proud of build-

ing a company based on honest values while rekindling a national interest in pickling. “Whether you are from Japan, Poland or Louisiana, pickling is engrained in your culture, and Rick’s Picks draws inspiration from all the corners of the world to create a diverse product line of mouth-watering pickles,” said Field. Visit Rick’s Picks at Expo West booth 5059 and for more information, please contact Rick Field at 212-358-0428, by email at rick@rickspicksnyc.com, or visit www.rickspicksnyc.com.

cannot be done on any normal juicer on the market) using a masticating process, and they preserve the nutrients by using a low rotation speed with no heat-build up. With one manual hand-crank version and one electric (full multi-purpose unit), there is something for everyone. Everyone in the company is fit and into

Amish Farms and transports it directly to their artisan processing plant in picturesque Holmes Country, Ohio, the heart of the world’s largest Amish community. These are small, family farms with an average herd size of 8-10 cows. Using this all natural, artificial-hormone-free milk, Heini’s Master Cheesemakers produce a complete menu of all natural cheeses. Styles range from deli wheels and slicing loaves, to Longhorn Style, Cracker Cuts

BACK IN JUICE BIZ AT CALIFIA FARMS, STELTENPOHL REFLECTS ON ODWALLA LESSONS As his appearance at the Fancy Food Show made clear, Odwalla founder Greg Steltenpohl has quietly re-entered the juice business, taking the reins of Califia Farms, a worker-owned company with a new state-ofthe-art juice plant in Bakersfield and offices in Los Angeles. Califia Farms produces juices and smoothies under the Cuties brand, as well as cold-fill coconut water called CaliCoco and Pure Almondmilk, whose propriRick’s Picks (Con’t. from p. 97)

2012 marks Rick’s Picks’ debut at Natural Products Expo West. “Our pickles have been all-natural from day one, so to bring them to this community is frankly overdue,” says Field. The Company is bringing some exciting new products to the market: With Relish, a zesty relish brings savory flavor to a condiment that is most often excessively sweet. Staying true to the company’s local mission, With Relish is made with cucumbers sourced

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the lifestyle, which promises that the product is actually of high quality. The fact that they all use the product themselves might also speak to the fact that these juicers are the easiest to clean. It literally can take you five minutes from setup, juicing to cleaning to get a wonderful shot of wheatgrass! The Electric Healthy Juicer doesn’t just juice everything under the sun––it also makes frozen fruit sorbets, soy milk, baby food AND three types of pasta! Oh, and it has a 50-year warranty on the motor––as

tified gluten-free as well, without compromising any flavor or texture profile. Each of their Flax4Life muffins contains more than 4300 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, 10 grams of fiber for digestive health and 210 mg of lignans for breast and prostate health. They now have five flavors: Wild , Carrot Raisin, Cranberry & Orange, Chunky Chocolate Chip and their newest flavor,

HEINI’S CHEESE: MADE THE OLD FASHIONED WAY BY BUNKER HILL CHEESE COMPANY Located in the heart of the world’s largest Amish community in Holmes County, Ohio, the Dauwalder family has been producing Heini’s Brand artisan cheese with 100 percent Amish Farm Milk since 1935. Since 1935, in Holmes County, Ohio, the Dauwalder family has been producing Heini’s Brand artisan cheese, made with 100 percent Amish Farm Milk. At Bunker Hill Cheese, the Dauwalder family purchases milk from over 200 local

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addition to yogurt. Each serving of granola contains more than 2300 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, 5 grams of fiber for digestive health and 210 mg of lignans for breast and prostate health. It currently comes in five flavors: Cranberry & Orange, Hawaiian Pineapple with Coconut & Mango, Chunky Chocolate Chip, Banana Coconut and Apple Cinnamon. For more information, visit www.Flax4Life.net or Expo West booth #2559. There will be products to try for yourself―and a show special to get them on your shelves.

LEXEN’S HEALTHY JUICER, A GREAT FIT FOR A FIT LIFESTYLE Looking to add some juicy profits this year? Well, don’t pass by the Healthy Juicer (booth #5450 at Natural Products Expo West)! Healthy Juicer produces two of the world’s best juicers. They aren’t your regular type of juicers though: they stand out because of the way they juice. They are able to juice wheatgrass (which

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Apple Cinnamon. All are moist, all-natural, gluten-free and best of all, taste amazing. Flax4Life’s granola has been on the market for two years now, and is much different from any other granola out there. The first thing you notice about the product is that it comes in a 100 percent biodegradable bag with a PLA liner, so it’s an earth-friendly package that stands out on your shelves. The other thing that you’ll notice is that the granola is denser than most gluten-free granolas on the market; it is also a little softer and loaded with flavor, making it a great snack food or

HEALTHY GLUTEN-FREE MUFFINS, GRANOLA FROM FLAX4LIFE Flax4Life is a small family-owned business located in Bellingham, Wash. They make the most nutritious and delicious flax-based, certified gluten-free products on the market, in a certified gluten-free and nut-free facility. Their muffins have been on the market for six years now, originally coming out as a flax-based product that was simply better for you. Three years ago, the muffins were cer-

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GOOD FOOD MADE SIMPLE: REAL FOOD MADE WITH INGREDIENTS YOU CAN TRUST Good Food Made Simple’s brand promise is in its name: to make good food, simple. Simple to make. Simple to trust. Simple to enjoy. Good Food Made Simple (GFMS) is a brand committed to sourcing only the finest, cleanest ingredients available. By formulating without trans-fats, inexpensive filler ingredients or unhealthy preservatives, GFMS takes the time to strike the perfect balance between taste, texture, nutrition and presentation. It’s just real food, made with all-natural ingredients packed into quick, delicious meals. In its first year, GFMS hits the frozen food

aisle with convenient, great tasting, nutritious meal options that take the time and hassle out of consumers’ hands and invites them to connect with what they eat, feeling good about the food they serve their kids and families. The first wave of products include: Breakfast Burritos: We start with unbleached wheat flour and avoid hydrogenated oils to press a tortilla that’s as good for you as it can be. We add diced whole eggs, the very same ones we offer as egg patties, and roasted russet potatoes to create the taste profile that we all recognize as “breakfast.” From there,

CONVERTING “LIKE” TO LOYALTY THROUGH CHRISTIE COMMUNICATIONS’ UNIQUE CONVERSION MARKET RESEARCH By Gillian Christie, Founder and CEO

At a time when you are inundated with demands to join the newest social network to increase your brand’s community, how do you transform your customer interactions into long-term brand loyalty? The answer is to know your target audiences. Who are they? Where do they shop? What are their current buying habits? What would have to happen for them to consider shifting? How do they want to be communicated to? To whom do they turn for advice? You must delve into your target audience’s potential buying motivators in a comfortable, one-on-one manner (not focus group) to ef-

fectively identify the emotional as well as logical buying motivations for your product or service. Since 85 percent of all purchases are based on emotion, you must uncover the emotional reasons why your prospective customers buy what they buy. Based on over two decades of research, development, implementation, and tangible results, I developed our Conversion Market Research™ Technology with our expert market research team to precisely identify your target audiences’ preferences, priorities, motivators, and through careful, thorough analysis, determine their Mental Matrix™. Conversion Market Research provides

JUST BARE BARES IT ALL TO BECOME HUMANE CERTIFIED By Julie Berling, Director of Brand Strategy & Advocacy for Just BARE®

This month, consumers will start seeing the American Humane Certified® seal on packages of Just BARE Chicken. The seal signifies that an independent, third-party audit verified the brand’s animal welfare, handling and processing practices met or exceeded the program’s 200-plus rigorous standards. The reason for becoming certified: more of today’s consumers (me included) are looking for brands and products willing to prove Califa Farms (Con’t. from p. 98)

and approaching $100 million in sales, and it was immediately dropped by half of its retailers. At the time the company was deep in discussions with Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz about investment, Greg revealed, which evaporated. (Starbucks of course has just purchased Evolution Juice, so that move was at least 15 years in gestation).

their claims and to open up their operations to third-party audit and review. Animal care, in particular, is of keen interest. Besides answering a direct consumer desire, becoming certified was important for a more personal reason as well. As a former farm girl who grew up caring for animals, knowing what we do has been verified humane under a reputable program frees my spirit. owe our chickens our livelihoods, so the added assurance of certification isn’t just right, it’s our rightful obligation. The American Humane Certified Farm Steltenpohl strove to meet personally with sickened consumers, and grappled with the moral dilemma of taking two to three weeks to verify that Odwalla products were the cause, since it seemed acidity levels of juice drinks would repel E coli bacteria. To do so, though, would have created risk that others might get sick in the meantime. So the company opted to pull the product immediately from the shelves, keeping it out of market

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we add the finest and cleanest combination of farm fresh cheeses, fresh veggies and nitratefree meats (Canadian bacon or turkey sausage). Ready in under two minutes and available in three different varieties, these burritos make breakfast an all day occasion. MSRP: $1.99 - $2.79. Oatmeal: Available with 100 percent steel cut oats or 100 percent organic rolled oats, all oatmeal products are slowly simmered and flash frozen to preserve the whole grain nutrients. Both steel cut and organic rolled oats are full of the same fiber and complex carbohydrates that will help keep you full for hours. The difference is in the texture: steel cut oatmeal is made from the inner part of an oat kernel (the groat) that has been cut into pieces…the texture is nutty and granular. Organic rolled oatmeal is made from a

groat that has been rolled and lightly roasted, resulting in that familiar, fluffy texture. Microwave and ready in three minutes. MSRP: $2.50 - $2.99. Egg Patties: Available with just egg whites or whole eggs (lightly scrambled), GFMS all-natural egg patties take the hassle out of making breakfast sandwiches at home. Both are packed with protein, nutrients and allow endless breakfast possibilities. At two ounces, each patty is roughly equivalent to one large egg and is big enough to cover your toast, bagel or English muffin. Microwave and ready in 80 seconds. MSRP: $2.49 - $2.99. To learn more about Good Food Made Simple please call Rob Simmons at 617-3233712 or visit www.goodfoodmade simple.com. At Expo West, check out Good Food Made Simple at booth #5083.

you with the knowledge and understanding of your potential customers’ perspectives and what would motivate them to purchase your products over other competitors’ products. This information is then applied to developing the growth strategy, branding, packaging, communications strategies and campaigns most effectively, including market targeting, channel prioritization, and penetration down key market segments. Through uncovering the true motivations of your target audiences and what it would take to convert them to your product or service, we create marketing and public relations campaigns that really speak the language of your potential customers and get sales results. Our market research methodologies are amazingly powerful tools that help you capture more market share and sales. So remember, “like” does not always equate to “buy.” Know your audience. Identify what will motivate them to buy

your product and effectively build your brand based in precise research that gets results. Do not waste your time on ‘hit-or-miss’ approaches. We are here to help you expand your impact through innovative, strategic campaigns, leveraging our precise methodologies, industry experience, broad networks, and resources to bring your Dream to Mainstream. When we target a goal, we get results. Some of the additional market research services provided by Christie Communications include: Conversion Market Research, Customer Satisfaction Surveys, Qualified Lead Generation, Competitor Analysis, Crisis Handling Surveys, Needs And Wants Research, Internal Corporate Employee Research, Situation Analysis Research, Government Relation Surveys, Community Surveys and more. For more information call Christie Communications at 805-969-3744, or visit www.christiecomm.com.

Program was the nation’s first third-party audit program for farm animal welfare, and is presently one of the fastest-growing. It is backed by the American Humane Association™ which since 1877 has been at the forefront of nearly every major advance in the care and protection of animals.

Five fresh items sold in transparent, leakproof packaging for the fresh meat case; Four fresh products for the full-service meat counter; Five new premium frozen products (pieces are vacuum-sealed in individual pouches and packed into easy-storing cartons) for the frozen meat case; and Two new marinated deli items, including an eigtht-piece cut-up and whole rotisserie chicken. Non-marinated products are 100% natural with nothing added. Marinated products offer an all natural marinade of chicken broth and sea salt—with NO PHOSPHATES!

The mission of simplicity expands The mission of Just BARE is to make fresh chicken simpler. Chickens are never given hormones, antibiotics or animal by-products (vegetable and grain fed). Raised cage-free by independent, family farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin, product packages and cases are traceable to the family farm where raised (using a Family Farm Code printed on packages and cases). The brand’s mission is expanding with the addition of new products. The line now includes: for three weeks while it was reformulated as a flash-pasteurized line. Fortunately, the brand had accumulated enough goodwill that retailers reserved its shelf space for its return. ‘Earned grace,’ Greg calls it. In later years, doing due diligence on proposed purchase of the company, Coca-Cola found that Odwalla’s brand-strength index scored the highest it had ever seen in Northern California among all categories of brands, Greg

A little bare goes a long way The brand’s less-is-more approach applies to the recipes you’ll find at JustBareChicken.com, Continued on Page 101

said. Bottom line: walking the walk makes good biz sense. (Note: no evidence of E Coli contamination was ever uncovered at Odwalla’s facility, which underwent a thorough investigation by FDA). To learn more about Califia Farms and to talk further with Greg, visit booth #5759 at Expo West. Please visit www.califiafarms.com or www.cutiesjuice.com or call 626-2040830.

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BEANO’S DELI BISTRO SAUCES DUPLICATE FAVORITE RESTAURANT DISHES AT HOME

Beano’s Deli Bistro- “Live, Love, Get Sauced”

Conroy Foods is the producer of Beano’s Deli Bistro Sauces. Born in 1986, Beano’s Submarine Dressing was the first condiment created specifically for sale through grocers’

deli departments. Over the years, Beano’s has introduced many new flavors that exceed their customers’ expectations for fantastic sauces that enhance the flavors of food. Beano’s has created a line of gourmet sauces under the Beano’s Deli Bistro label. These ethnic inspired sauces are

RIGONI DI ASIAGO NOCCIOLATA BECOMES NATIONAL BRAND AFTER FIRST YEAR IN US MARKET Rigoni di Asiago announced that it has entered into agreements with leading U.S. national retail distributors to represent its popular Nocciolata organic hazelnut spreads. The significant milestone positions Nocciolata, the only 100 percent organic hazelnut spread in the U.S., as a national brand only one year after being introduced to the U.S. market. Located in Italy, just 90 miles from Venice, Rigoni di Asiago began producing organically-farmed spreads in 1922 with its organic honey, followed in the late 1980’s by the Fiordifrutta line of organic jams, and then Nocciolata in the late 1990’s. Fiordifrutta spread has been a leading brand in Italy since 2000. Fiordifrutta is a line of 100 percent organic fruit spreads produced exclusively from selected organic

fruit––over 3 pounds of organic fruit is used to produce each 8.82 ounce jar. Rigoni di Asiago spreads are made using a patented low temperature cooking process that conserves the vitamin and mineral and nutritional content of the natural fruit. In addition Fiordifrutta spread, unlike most others on the market, contain no added sugar and are sweetened with organic apple juice. This exclusive recipe avoids altering the nutritional value of the fresh fruit while significantly reducing the sugar substance content and contains 30 percent fewer calories than others in the category. Fiordifrutta organic fruit spreads are now available in the U.S. in 17 popular flavors. Rigoni di Asiago’s Nocciolata organic hazelnut spread continues to grow in popu-

INTRODUCING RUBSCHLAGER RYE-OLA FLAX BREAD

available in Roasted Chipotle, Sweet Chili Pepper, Mesquite Smoked, and Cilantro & Lime. Beano’s studied the menus at both national and regional Hispanic and Asian restaurants to find the newest and trendiest flavors. When Beano’s created the Deli Bistro sauces so that the consumer can now duplicate the dishes they enjoyed at their favorite restaurants at home. Made from egg yolks, soybean oil and natural spices, these versatile sauces can be used on a variety of sandwiches, wraps, paninis, or as an ingredient in cooking.

Whether you are a specialty food retailer, grocery deli, gift basket producer, or restaurant, Beano’s Deli Bistro Sauces will capture the attention of your customer. Beano’s website, www.conroyfoods.com, provides a quick and easy reference point to see all of the varieties of Beano’s Deli Bistro Sauces. There is a recipe center where you can find some really great ideas for using Beano’s. There is also a link so you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, contact Conroy Foods at 800-317-8316. Remember, Beano’s Makes It Better!

larity in the U.S. as more people try this rich-tasting creamy treat and find new and creative ways to enjoy it. Made with the organically produced ingredients hazelnut, cocoa and milk, which are carefully selected and measured, and skillfully combined to create the perfect, creamy consistency, Nocciolata can be enjoyed as a spread on bread or toast, an accompaniment to cakes, a filling for cookies and crepes, or a topping for ice cream. Nocciolata is 100 percent natural and made only of organic raw materials and without the use of chemical processes. It contains no artificial flavors or palm oil. Soft and scented with the flavor of Italian hazelnuts, Nocciolata is smoother and has more hazelnut flavor than any other spread in its category. Nocciolata also won a prestigious U.S. award when it was selected as a 2010 sofiTM Awards Silver Finalist in the “Outstanding

Jam, Preserve, Honey or Nut Butter” category by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFT). The sofi Awards recognize excellence in specialty foods and honor the best of the best in specialty foods and beverages. Rigoni di Asiago USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rigoni di Asiago SPA. It is responsible for all sales and marketing in the U.S., while its parent company exports to more than 20 countries. Rigoni di Asiago is pleased to be able to share its great tastes and products with the American public. We are proud to say that Nocciolata and Fiordifrutta are now in thousands of stores across the country. For more information about Rigoni di Asiago and its products please visit www.rigonidiasiago.com. Also please follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Photos, nutritional information and wonderful recipes for all product families are available upon request. Drop by booth #2109 at Expo West 2012.

founded in 1913. Rubschlager is a family-owned business located in Chicago, with distribution throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico for its bread products. Best-known for their famous cocktail breads, available in four varieties, Rubschlager also produces a quality line of European-style breads in shapes known as “Squares” and “Rye-Olas.” The Squares, dense and fairly smooth in texture, are available in seven varieties. The Rye-Olas are a group of four breads (including the new Flax Bread) made with 100 percent chopped, whole rye, in a style usually produced only in Northern Europe. Additionally, the company produces an all-natural line called Nat-

Rubschlager Baking has added Flax Bread as a new flavor to its Rye-Ola® bread line. RyeOla breads have the true taste of Northern European breads, baked in Chicago for a fresher flavor than imports. The product is made of 100 percent whole rye and is also 100 percent whole grain. Flax seed is the richest source of Omega 3s in the plant kingdom. Flax is high in Omega 3s and delivers powerful antioxidants found to reduce or prevent symptoms of cancer, arthritis, colitis, heart disease, eczema and acne. Flax is high in fiber which helps lower cholesterol, control blood sugars, normalize bowels, and

aids in weight loss. It also is high in lignans which helps the body’s ability to fight bacteria and viruses. The product is 100 percent whole rye and is wheat-free, making it acceptable to many with wheat gluten intolerance. Because RyeOla Flax bread is rich in whole grains and low in total fat and cholesterol, it may reduce the risk of heart disease. Serving suggestions for Rye-Ola flax bread include open-faced as a sandwich, or cut in half and served with salmon and cream cheese as an appetizer, or toasted and served with butter or jam. Rubschlager Baking Corporation was

Just BARE (Con’t. from p. 100)

SIERRA SOUPS: A HEARTY, HEALTHY TASTE OF HOME

too—all fabulously delicious yet deliciously simple. Because we believe good food doesn’t have to be complicated. In our hyper-busy world, we owe it to ourselves to simplify our lives by using wholesome, basic ingredients in what we eat. Just BARE also believes in giving back while going minimal–-seeking out big ideas that make even bigger differences. Consumers can go online to see what “good deeds” we’ve done so far, or share a cause that inspires them, and might inspire us. While there, they can learn where to find Just BARE. Simplicity is calling. Don’t be too busy to answer. Stop by booth #4056 at the Natural Products Expo West.

Customers want to eat healthy, but they also have budgets to watch. As a retailer, how can you keep your customers coming back? One way is with Sierra Soups: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free mixes, complete with vegetables and spices in every package. These treasured family recipes are hearty and large enough to serve the whole family as a complete meal, and even have leftovers. (Trust an Italian mama

101

to feed a big family right!) Sierra Soups offers eight different mixes, all delicious, inexpensive and easy to prepare. The most difficult step is to sauté an onion, and sometimes not even that. With the current bestseller, Fresno Fog Split Pea, customers need only add boiling water and cook for one hour. French Style Five-Bean Soup is great with chicken added, while Mama Sorrenti’s Minestrone is good with Italian

ural Preference, that contains Cocktail breads, Square breads, Rye-Ola breads and Toasted Mini Chips. Rounding out the Rubschlager line are dinner and sandwich rolls, giant (ten-pound) loaves, sandwich breads, and a group of half-loaf cocktail breads in controlled atmosphere packaging for use in the gift basket trade. Rubschlager breads are usually sold in the deli section of supermarkets and specialty stores. Distribution is generally by deli and specialty distributors. For further product information contact Sales@RubschlagerBaking.com or visit www.RubschlagerBaking.com or contact them by phone at 773-826-1245. sausage. Directions for all these alternative serving methods are on the label, making them ideal in gift baskets or to cross-merchandise near meat and deli counters. All eight flavors are equally delicious cooked vegetarian, as the spice packet included is already complex enough to provide excellent flavor. Fast gaining popularity is Italian Lentil Soup, made with the small Pardina lentils. It cooks quickly and tastes fabulous. Sierra’s Country Vegetable mix was created without dehydrated vegetables to include fresh greens from the refrigerator. It also makes a perfect turkey carcass soup mix. From the Sorrenti family to you, “Buon Appetito!” Contact Sierra Soups at 800-3976887, or visit www.sierrasoups.com.

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Dube Group (Con’t. from p. 1)

in biology I rose through the ranks with pharmaceutical giant Beckton Dickenson. Later I parlayed my education and training to the position of President with a small chapter 7 OEM company, taking it to a mid-sized branded CPG company with 20 percent market share in just 18 months. NH: What changes in the retail channel do you see in the last one to two years?

SD: The retail channels are quickly evolving. Bricks and mortar chains continue to consolidate and have greater demands on suppliers. Web strategies are in the forefront of retailers’ marketing strategies and top line results. Chains are redefining themselves to remain competitive and carve out niches among their competitors.

NH: How have these changes impacted your business? SD: Our business continues to grow. Many American Palm Oil (Con’t. from p. 1)

fats are able to effectively incorporate air when mixed with dry ingredients, achieving the desirable texture and flavor in finished products. Over the last several years however, increasing attention has been focused upon the negative health effects of trans fat. Intake of trans fat—which can be found in foods such as packaged foods, fried foods and certain vegetable shortenings or margarines—have been shown to lead to increased cardiovascular disease risk. As the global movement among food manufacturers to remove unhealthy trans fat from foods continues, many food products require an alternative solid fat Brad’s Raw Foods (Con’t. from p. 1)

BG: Five years ago, I was a typical American guy. I was overweight, had high cholesterol and trouble sleeping―especially after the collapse of my telecommunications business. Then something remarkable happened. I went on a raw foods diet. In less than three months, I lost 40 pounds and my energy was practically boundless. I became so passionate about sharing the benefits of eating this way, that I decided to launch Brad’s Raw Foods. NH: What do your chips taste like?

BG: Our chips are made from a combination of fresh vegetables and sprouted nuts and seeds. They are so unique because we do not bake them or fry them. Instead, the chips are dehydrated at a temperature under 115 degrees to preserve the live enzymes. The result is a crunchy snack that is healthy and delicious. Don’t take my word for it―just stop by our booth to Balance Bar (Con’t. from p. 4)

more about exciting opportunities to develop customer partnerships and customized promotional programs. Please contact Jon Ryckman, VP of Sales at Jryckman@Balance.com and

www.gourmetnews.com

companies outsource their sales and marketing services because they either don’t want to carry the fixed cost of permanent staff, or they need to supplement the changing landscape with new, fresh ideas. Retail buyers do not want to train new suppliers about their requirements and promotional expectations. Many retailers will refer suppliers with unique and interesting products to us. This way the retailers get new products without having to endure the often painful inexperience and risks with new suppliers.

The most successful suppliers contract with us to maintain a tight rein over “head count” costs and benefit from our professional marketing and sales expertise. They integrate us into their company, keeping us involved in decision making, planning, and execution. This approach allows us to better represent the client and navigate around potential problems, while assuring success with retailers.

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nologies, rapid changes in mobile and digital capabilities, the growing volume of customer data, and the short shelf life of social media technologies, the success of the marketing, merchandising has become much more intertwined with online and information technology department strategies.

NH: What do you expect from the retail industry over the next one to three years?

The basics will continue to apply. Consumers and retailers will straddle multiple providers in a constant search for the best value, and to play one against the other. Retailers cannot be left flatfooted in today’s hypercompetitive market. As such suppliers must keep in mind their replacement is always waiting in the wings. Gaining distribution is only the first step. After celebrating the initial pipeline order, suppliers have to avoid the usual pitfalls such as backorders, consumer returns, poor shelf movement and competitive threats. The bar keeps rising and we all have to do more with less!

as a replacement in order to get the same desirable functional and textural qualities. Increasingly, most manufacturers are turning to palm oil as a healthier natural alternative to trans fat. “The greatest benefit of palm oil is that it has the same functional properties as trans fat so it may be effectively substituted without the health problems associated with trans,” says Stacey Day, MS, RD. Extracted from the oil palm fruit, palm oil consists of a balanced natural fatty acid composition along with a bolus of antioxidant vitamin E tocotrienols and can be produced in various textures needed in many food applications, most commonly bakery and snack food. Through the process of fractionation—

a method using cold temperature crystallization to separate oils into different components—palm oil offers an almost unlimited variety of different fractions and functionalities. It is semi-solid at room temperature, processed with no chemicals, and is a balanced blend of saturated and unsaturated fat. “Many scientists now believe that the saturated fat in palm oil is ‘neutral,’ neither increasing nor decreasing the risk of heart disease,” said Dr. Gerald McNeill, VP of Research and Development at Loders Croklaan. “In fact, recent government research shows that a balanced intake of fats like the variety found in palm oil actually supports cardiovascular health.” According to the Dietary Guidelines for

Americans, the recommended alternative to trans fat has been mono - or polyunsaturated fat, which are known to reduce overall cholesterol levels. However, some experts question what impact an increased intake of these unsaturated fats will have on the overall health of Americans. Data has shown that increased consumption of polyunsaturated fat may, in fact, negatively impact health, leading to weight gain and coronary heart disease. Palm oil as a substitute to trans fat offers an alternative with a more natural balance of nutrients for consumers looking to improve their diet, while still being able to enjoy the tastes and texture they prefer. More information can be found at www.americanpalmoil.com.

sample our raw chips and leafy kale!

BG: Brad’s Raw Foods is the leading brand of natural, raw chips in the marketplace today. We were the first raw foods company to successfully penetrate mainstream grocery stores and we remain at the forefront of a growing movement. We use locally grown organic produce whenever possible and our green manufacturing process uses every part of the vegetable. All residual wastes are composted and returned to local fields. Our strong values―and the great taste of our chips―make us such an innovative new brand.

Tropical Kale, which is entirely nut-free, round out the expanded product line. We are excited to launch a line of raw granola as well.

NH: How do you deal with suppliers that are new to mainstream retailers?

SD: We always start by educating them about the requirements and epectations of retailers. Many suppliers think it is easy and we should just “sell it and then they will pay us later.” These suppliers are not serious about gaining distribution with sustained success, because they have no “skin in the game.” A lot can go wrong and we cannot assume all the risk.

NH: Can raw foods help people lose weight and feel great?

BG: More and more nutritionists and medical experts are recognizing that a predominantly raw food diet can lead to weight loss, higher energy levels, improved digestion, more radiant skin, increased nutrient absorption, greater resistance to chronic diseases and better overall health. NH: Has it been a challenge to sell your products in this economy?

BG: The response to our chips has been incredible! Two years ago, we were making them in a single-car garage and selling them at farmer’s markets. Today, we are operating at maximum capacity and will soon be moving into a larger facility to help us keep up with demand. We are thrilled by the rapid growth that we have experienced.

Flexibility and a significant degree of discipline is crucial to smaller companies. Survival of the fittest does not always mean the “biggest.” It means the “smartest” and most “focused.” It also means the most organized. Without an organized focus on customers and customer needs, failure is almost guaranteed. In today’s market, it takes a whole lot more than just a great product.

SD: I’ve seen a lot more collaboration among across functional areas within retail chains. With the rise of agile marketing tech-

NH: Are you launching any new products at the Expo?

NH: What makes your company unique?

BG: We want to revolutionize the snack food industry by offering the healthiest and most nutritious products. Brad’s Raw Foods is constantly experimenting with new flavor combinations and will be introducing four new leafy kale chips. Cocoa Loco, our favorite, is seasoned with raw cacao powder and agave. Nacho Kale, Ranch Kale and

www.ShopBalance.com or visit booth #2780. About Balance Bar – Where Delicious Meets Nutritious: Founded in 1992, the Balance Bar Company inspires consumers to lead active, well-rounded and balanced lives by providing great-tasting, healthy and conven-

ient nutrition for lasting energy. Balance Bars are available in six unique product lines (Original, Gold, Bare, Café, CarbWell, Nimble) with a wide range of textures and flavors so everyone can find their favorite. All 23 flavors are based on the 40/30/30 nutrition

Contact the Dube Group at 727-559-1785, email information@dubegroup.com or visit www.dubegroup.com.

NH: What is the key to your company’s success?

BG: Chips are such a familiar snack food that appeals to a broad range of consumers. People who care deeply about improving their own health and the well-being of the planet buy them. Our chips also sell to customers who simply want a satisfying snack. This diversity is reflected in the team of amazingly talented people behind our brand who share a common goal of making the world a little healthier every day. The bottom line is that no one will ever have to feel guilty about indulging their cravings with Brad’s Raw Foods. For more information, visit www.bradsrawchips.com, email brad@bradsrawchips.com, or call 215-766-3739. At Expo West, visit booth #5285.

model that supports a low glycemic index. For more information, visit www.Balance.com. Follow Balance Bar for tips and nutritional information on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Balancebar) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/Balancebar).

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NEW SAHALE CRUNCHERS– DELICIOUSLY ADDICTIVE, DELIGHTFULLY ADVENTUROUS Sahale CrunchersTM Almond Snacks are a new line of intensely flavorful and versatile all-natural snacks from the culinary adventurers who founded Sahale Snacks. Perfectly blended crispy bites, Sahale Crunchers are easy to enjoy straight from the bag, yet light enough to be ideal toppers for salads, pasta, rice, oatmeal, yogurt, sliced fruit and more. Sahale Snacks’ legendary “culinary magic” is at work in three innovative new Sahale Crunchers blends. Lightly roasted, sliced almonds are combined with fruits and flavorful spices to create perfectly balanced

and satisfying flavors in every bite. Two delicately fruity varieties lead the line: Almonds with Cherries, Apples plus Maple is a combination of roasted sliced almonds with naturally dried cherries and apples lightly glazed with maple and finished with a touch of cinnamon. Almonds with Cranberries, Sesame Seeds plus Honey brings together almonds, naturally dried cranberries and sesame seeds with a touch of orange blossom honey glaze and pure ground Madagascar vanilla bean. The savory member of the new snack family is Almonds with Parmesan Cheese plus

SAN FRANCISCO HERB & NATURAL FOOD COMPANY The ultimate source for Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth and Conventionally grown bulk herbs, gourmet spices, teas including full line of black, green and herbal teas in both loose leaf and tag less teabags, Private label tea bagging and packing with string, tag and envelope teas, potpourris, single herb and herbal combination encapsulated

in bulk and retail size, liquid extracts, essential oils, and tea and spice accessories. Top quality, widest selection, and lowest prices since 1969. Call San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Company at 800-227-2830, or online at www.herbspicetea.com. At Expo West, visit booth #2902.

Shaman Chocolates (Con’t. from p. 20)

indigenous people of the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico, and to keep their culture and ancient shamanic traditions alive. The Huichols are considered the last tribe in North America to have retained their preColumbian traditions intact. Every bar sold helps them preserve their ancient ceremonial and healing traditions, rich cosmology, and incredible visionary artwork. Stop by SHAMAN Chocolates booth #2107 to see a museum-quality exhibit of sacred Huichol art on display. Chocolate is sacred to the Huichols who use it in ceremonies and as offerings to show their love for Mother Earth. The Huichols

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SACRED GEOMETRY GLASSWARE FROM TC ENERGY DESIGN Halsey W. Snow, Ph.D., TC Energy Design USA

This glassware is different, in an amazing way. TC Energy Design has created glassware which revitalizes water. What does that mean? Concerns about water today

go far beyond the issues of purity and source. Ever since the early 20th century, and continuing to the present, science has shown that the state of water, as it comes naturally from the Continued on Page 104

Maury Island Farm, Biringer’s Farm Fresh and Quinn’s Salsa. SGF is also a very large manufacturer of private label products, offering a wide range of flexibility and expertise to its customers through the development and manufacturing process. For more information, call 800-800-9490 x 100, email sales@seattlegourmetfoods.com or visit www.seattlegourmetfoods.com.

East 2011. ALOtones, music for your mind, mixed for each flavor, can be easily unlocked from any bottle (via QR-code or TXT) in over 30 countries, and can be easily shared on Facebook and Twitter.

“At the end of the day, everyone comes back to our drinks because of the positive experience they take away. They know ALO tastes great and it’s a healthier alternative to soft drinks. What we’re doing is adding value and building relationships with consumers through an enhanced drinking experience for the body and mind.” says Henry Chen, Founder, ALO Drink. ALO customers are also incentivized to enter in their bottle’s UPC code to unlock more tracks―allowing them to ‘musically sample’ and download another flavor’s ALOtone track. “Adding music as a key ingredient is unlike

anything we’ve seen in the beverage industry, and we think it’s right on par with our mission. It takes our leader-brand into the mainstream, right where we want it to be.” For a preview of all the new ALOtones tracks visit Facebook.com/ ALOdrink where they’ll be streaming this week for free, before their official launch at Expo West 2012. For wholesale information, visit alodrink.com or contact Brian Choi at 800-223-4438 x231. To try these great drinks and experience ALOtones for yourself, find us at booth # 5423 at Expo West 2012.

have always known what science has now verified, that gifts of chocolate engender feelings of love, helping people to develop and strengthen mutual love with the Earth and with each other. Brant Secunda was trained as a Shaman, Healer and Ceremonial leader in the Huichol Indian tradition after a 12-year apprenticeship with renowned Huichol Shaman Don Jose Matsuwa, who died in 1990 at the age of 110. In 1979, they founded the Dance of the Deer Foundation, Center for Shamanic Studies. Don Jose announced he was leaving Brant in his place to help carry on Huichol traditions; Brant now travels worldwide, teaching the healing practices of Huichol Shamanism and bringing the power

and joy of this ancient wisdom to our modern world. For information on his retreats, seminars and pilgrimages to spectacular places of power, visit www.DanceoftheDeer.com. The Huichol Indians, living as they have for thousands of years, are a precious resource, living in harmony with the Earth and all their relations. By providing an outlet for their artwork, giving back a portion of tuition from each program Brant leads, as well as thesales of SHAMAN Chocolates, Brant Secunda provides continuing economic support that enables the Huichols to live in their traditional ways. Three villages and approximately 500 people are helped through these efforts. Donations to the newly established

non-profit “The Huichol Foundation” will be used to establish a cultural heritage school, among other projects. Brant Secunda and six-time Ironman Triathlon Champion Mark Allen will be signing the book they co-authored, “Fit Soul, Fit Body – 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You,” at the SHAMAN Chocolates booth. Mark attributes his legendary success to his ongoing studies with Brant, who showed him how to find fitness not only in physical strength but also in the power of personal spirit and balanced living. www.FitSoul-FitBody.com. For more information, visit www.shamanchocolates.com or stop by booth #2107 at Expo West.

kitchen in 1993.Since then the company has grown significantly through acquisitions and

ALO DRINK LAUNCHES ALOTONE: ALO VERA LEADER ADDS MUSIC INSIDE EVERY BOTTLE – REPACKAGES FULL DRINK LINE-UP ALO Drink―the number one aloe vera drink in the natural category―has recently repackaged all eight of its original aloe vera juice and pulp drinks, complementing their recent repackaging of their ALO COCO Exposed, aloe vera and coconut drinks revealed at Expo

the company’s snacks, Sahale Crunchers are all-natural, cholesterol free, certified gluten-free and kosher. In addition, the products are made in a 100 percent windpowered facility. Sahale Snacks started with a climb up Mt. Rainier in Washington state. “We had beautiful views but nothing delicious to eat,” according to founders Josh Schroeter and Edmond Sanctis. “Inspired by our experience, we created Sahale Snacks—extraordinary flavors that are good for you and easy to take anywhere.” The founders named the company after Sahale Peak in the North Cascades National Park. Pronounced “sah-HA-lee,” it’s a beautiful peak with a cool glacier and great views.

organic growth, entering many different categories across the Gourmet Food landscape including confections, breath mints, jams and jellies, honey, dry mixes and bakery. Today, Seattle Gourmet Foods or “SGF,” is the proud owner and manufacturer of the following brands: Dilettante, Coffaro’s, Merlino, Myntz, Oral Fixation, Anna’s Honey, Coy’s Country, Buckeye Beans & Herbs,

SEATTLE GOURMET FOODS: FROM A DEPARTMENT STORE KITCHEN TO BRANDS AND PRIVATE LABEL Seattle Gourmet Foods was born out of a downtown Seattle department store candy

Herbs, which marries the crunch of almonds with a satisfying, Italian-inspired blend of tangy grated parmesan cheese, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano, thyme and basil. With less than 140 calories per serving, Sahale Crunchers are a zingy, healthful way to snack on one of nature’s most nutritious foods: the amazing almond. Scientific evidence suggests that 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the FDA’s updated food pyramid highlights the importance of tree nuts, which provide beneficial poly-and mono-unsaturated fats. Sahale Crunchers join three existing lines of snacks from Sahale Snacks: Nut Blends, Glazed Nuts, and Seasoned Nuts. Like all of

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THE SPICE LAB OFFERS OVER 180 GOURMET SEA SALTS, PEPPERS, PEPPERCORNS AND MORE The ‘World of Salt’ keeps expanding at The Spice Lab. The company now offers over 180 different salts from around the globe, the largest selection of gourmet sea salts from a single source. Pepper, peppercorns and pepper spice blends also have been added to the product line. From Indian Malabar Highlands White Pepper and Chinese Szechuan Pepper (red and green) to King Pepper, a seven peppercorn mix and Green Mamba, a spicy blend from Germany – new tastes, flavors and aromas abound. Some of the rare new sea salt

additions include Kalahari Desert Salt from South Africa, Red Sea Salt from Eritrea, Indian Black Pharaoh Salt Flakes and Sierra Nevada Spring Salt from Spain. All of the salts and peppers are available in 4 ounce and 8 ounce jars, 12 per case. The Spice Lab’s 34 different Gourmet Seas Salt Collections were a huge holiday hit and an ideal year-round gift item. These salt sampler sets include five, six or 11 test tubes, each filled with a different exotic salt and attractively displayed in a handcrafted wooden base made in the USA from recycled lumber.

HYDRO FLASK’S PATENTED INSULATED BOTTLE CATCHING UP WITH RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS ACROSS THE BOARD Hydro Flask Founder and CEO Travis Rosbach talks with Naturally Healthy about his company’s astonishing growth and its newly released product to meet customer demand. NH: Tell our readers a little about your company and how you got started.

TR: Hydro Flask® grew out of a challenge to create an insulated water bottle that did what no other product on the market was doing: keep hot liquids hot, cold liquids cold, be BPA free, sweat-proof, freeze-proof, lightweight, durable and come with a lifetime warranty. After years of exhaustive research,

Sahale Snacks (Con’t. from p. 103)

The Seattle-based company follows a simple philosophy: start with natural whole TC Energy Design (Con’t. from p. 103)

earth, is very different than anything we have available to us today. Why? Believe it or not, the very technologies we use to make clean, clear, “healthy” water available to us also rob the water of the natural energy and life-force that it has from its own sojourn in the earth. From straight pipes, pressurized tanks, stagnation, plastic and metal containers, to filtering and reverse osmosis, our water technologies designed to make water safe have also made it energetically dead. (See “Dancing With Water,” by MJ Pangman and Melanie Evans, 2011 Uplifting Press)

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The Pyrex test tubes with all-natural cork stopper each contain from six to 1.3 ounces. of salt, depending on its density, with most having over one ounce of sea salt. A reference card offers suggestions on which salts go with which dishes and a bamboo salt spoon also is included. The sampling selections retail from $24.95 to $59.95. Other offerings include salt plates, stones and lamps, salt cellars, spoons, jars and bath salts. The company’s extensive line of sea salts and peppers is sold in a growing number of gourmet and specialty gift shops, museums and other retail locations. “Using gourmet sea salts and peppercorns to finish a dish adds new tastes and textures. You can cut down or eliminate table salt

while preparing a meal, eat healthier and discover exotic flavors from around the world.” says company president Brett Cramer. Cramer founded The Spice Lab in 2010 when his passion for food and cooking led to a fascination with sea salts and turned a hand-made holiday gift idea into a thriving new business. “Since creating the first Sea Salt Collections for family and friends, our business keeps expanding and we now offer a wider selection of salts – and peppers – than any other single source.” The Spice Lab is a family owned business based in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Visit www.thespicelab.com for wholesale information.

I created the world’s first and only insulated product addressing all of these product points.

retail world. Although we did well, we realized that a lot of our fans were coming from the natural food and other industries so we began attending a wider variety of trade shows and events. This proved beneficial in expanding our reach; we now have plans to attend a greater number of events in the next year.

NH: Who is your target end user?

TR: Our target user is anyone and everyone out there. There’s not a single person who doesn’t need to drink water. NH: What was your marketing strategy in the past and how has it changed? TR: We started with a focus in the outdoor

NH: How has the positioning of your product Continued on Page 107

Sausage, Egg & Cheese on Whole Grain English Muffin and Turkey Bacon, Egg & Cheese on Whole Grain English Muffin. To complement the heart healthy contributions of lean turkey proteins, our eggs are cholesterol free and our cheese is reduced fat. The finale comes in the form of high fiber grain carriers that are full of flavor, unlike many whole grain products that are on the market today. The delicious combination of reduced fat, cholesterol free and high fiber ingredients result in about 200 calories with 5-7 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber per serving. Today’s on-the-go consumer demands healthier food alternatives that are easy to

prepare for busy families to enjoy. Start Healthy sandwiches can be heated in a microwave, allowing quick preparation and nutritional goodness in minutes from the freezer and just 45 seconds from the refrigerator. Start Healthy is a brand of Grand Prairie Foods, a familyowned food company located in the South Dakota prairie. “Our philosophy of producing simple, healthy foods come from our strong Midwest values that demand quality and rich, hearty flavor. We won’t cut corners on our products just to make a dollar and we build our entire food offerings utilizing outstanding individuals who genuinely care about our customers,” says Kurt Loudenback, Grand Prairie’s President and CEO. The Start Healthy brand has great success

in growing its retail presence since its introduction in 2010. Nearly 1000 retail stores now carry Start Healthy sandwiches, and the individual store volume has been growing as the marketing and promotion efforts have been increasing. Great success has led Start Healthy to be shelved at many major retail locations including Krogers, Whole Foods and many more. We are currently embarking on an aggressive social media marketing campaign, with contests being held within college campuses across the US that appeal to the younger consumers. Start Healthy is not only reinventing the breakfast sandwich but also the way it is marketed. For more information, call 800-456-0532 or visit www.starthealthyfoods.com, or booth #5190 at Expo West.

ingredients, add a dash of culinary magic and offer busy consumers convenient, delightful, healthy snacks. Sahale Snacks is dedicated to helping people “Snack Better.”

Find Sahale Crunchers and Sahale Snacks at supermarkets, natural and specialty grocers, as well as Starbucks, Whole Foods, Costco, Publix, Safeway, Ralph’s, and REI.

A store locator and more information about the company is available on www.sahalesnacks.com. At Expo West, add some zing to your show at booth #2285.

Late 20th century: enter new technologies for “water revitalization,” the process of reenergizing water and moving it back into a state close to nature. There are many different ways of accomplishing this, but none as simple, practical, beautiful and easy as TC Energy Design glassware. Hard as it is to believe, the shape of the glass, designed with Sacred Geometry (the Fibonacci Sequence, the same mathematical basis found throughout nature) actually moves the water––on a molecular level––back into the same state it was in when it first came out of the earth. The glassware design seems to communicate to what is in it, “back to nature now.”

This is confirmed by laboratory analysis with microscopic pictures of water crystals. Your own mouth can tell the same story. Nine out of 10 people who taste-test water utilizing this glassware notice a significant difference in the “feel”of the water simply from its being held in this glassware. TC glassware energetically vibrates water molecules (H2O) into the geometrical form found in nature. Not all water is utilized by the body in the same way, depending on its source, purity, how it has been treated, and the environment it is in before it is consumed. Bring yourself the best water possible, in a state as close to the spring as water can be.

TC Energy Design glassware is unleaded, standard quartz and borosilicate glass. Some models are emblazoned with the universal “Flower-of-Life” design on the bottom, in 24 carat gold, another energizing marvel. Once you start using this, you will not want to use anything else for your water and other potables. Try it and see for yourself. TC Energy Design USA is the exclusive distributor for this glassware in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. To learn more please visit the company online at tcenergydesignusa@gmail.com or www.tcenergydesignusa.com, or call 207-523-9169. Drop by booth #5659 at Expo West 2012.

START HEALTHY: BREAKFAST SANDWICHES DONE RIGHT Start Healthy brings the best of all natural ingredients from the farm to families so they can enjoy the wholesome and quality flavors of home! Start Healthy is dedicated to developing healthy alternatives to the standard breakfast fare that saturates the fast food industry today by using all natural ingredients to keep Americans healthy! Their all natural sandwiches contain only the highest quality and freshest ingredients without included additives and unnecessary fillers. New at this year’s Expo is the Start Healthy Turkey Sausage & Provolone Cheese on Whole Grain Bagel sandwich. Start Healthy additionally delivers two outstanding breakfast sandwiches, our Turkey

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STONE-BUHR FLOUR COMPANY ANNOUNCES NEW WHEAT FLOUR PRODUCED BY CALIFORNIA FAMILY FARMERS Northwest Pioneers of “Find the Farmer” Expand Program to Track California Farmers

Recognizing that farmers are the most important stewards of the land, Stone-Buhr, the Northwest-based producer of certified sustainable flour grown by regional family wheat farmers, launched FindtheFarmer.com. The website, which gives shoppers the unique opportunity to connect with the people who grow their food, now offers a chance to learn about Stone-Buhr’s newest family members, California wheat farmers,

and their growing practices. Stone-Buhr will announce the new program, which is tied to its traditional whole wheat and all-purpose flour products, at the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim, California, on March 9, 2012. At the same time that the more than 100 year-old company is adding to its family of farmers, Stone-Buhr is forming and strengthening relationships with new and current customers. “Our mission is clear,” says Stone-Buhr CEO Josh Dorf. “We want to support regional family farmers who grow

VANNS DELIVERS CONSISTENTLY GREAT FLAVORS WITH ALL-NATURAL AND ORGANIC SPICES Recognizing that demand for healthier and more flavorful foods continues to be on the rise, Vanns Spices goes out of its way to provide consistent flavor, performance and product integrity. Vanns has an encyclopedic inventory of all natural spices and blends, as well as an ever-expanding range of organic spices. From basil, cumin and ginger to nutmeg, peppercorns and saffron, all of Vanns’ spices and blends consistently meet or exceed expectations. Since 1981, grocery stores, specialty food retailers, professional chefs and food manufacturers have relied upon Vanns. That being

said, and with flavor trends and preferences constantly changing, Vanns knows that its stellar reputation will only endure with meticulous attention to detail across every facet of production coupled with a continuously evolving product list. Considering that warmer weather is just around the corner and cooking activities are moving from the kitchen to outdoor grill, Vanns has created a selection of rubs for every grilling occasion. Whether dry-rubbed, combined with olive oil for a wet rub, or mixed with citrus juice for marinades, there is something for everyone.

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nutritious crops in a sustainable way.” Stone-Buhr is proud to be able to pay its family farmers for the true cost of growing sustainably and using methods that preserve the health and prosperity of fields and family farms. But, in 2011, he saw that he could extend his philosophy of social equity to nurturing people too, and the “All Purpose with a Purpose” campaign was launched. Stone-Buhr donated over 40,000 pounds of flour to a regional network of food banks in Oregon, Washington and California in 2011, demonstrating a dedication not only to responsible agricultural practices that nurture our soil, air and water, but also to helping feed the region’s hungry families. Available in major retail grocery stores throughout the Western United States, StoneBuhr All-Purpose Washington White is the

first wheat flour product to be certified sustainable by Food Alliance, the nation’s leading third-party certifier of agricultural producers and processors. It also participates in the NonGMO movement and each bag of StoneBuhr All-Purpose Washington White carries the Non-GMO Project verified seal. Other products sold under the Stone-Buhr label include the leading consumer brand, 100 percent Whole Wheat Flour milled from the whole spring wheat berry, and Unbleached White Bread Flour from 100 percent hard red winter wheat. Ideal for bread baking, the bread flour is packed with protein and flavor. Find Stone-Buhr Flour at Natural Products Expo booth #3987. Visit Stone-Buhr online at www.stone-buhr.com or call 415-999-0322.

Some of Vanns’ more popular rubs include a sultry Chipotle Barbeque Rub, a hot and sweet Island Jerk and a traditional Texasstyle Mesquite Barbeque Spice. Recognizing a demand for more distinctive flavor experiences, Vanns has also produced a few exotic rubs including a ginger and garlic based Thai Rub, a citrus infused Mediterranean rub as well as an Espresso Rub that exploits the complex flavor of roasted espresso beans. According to Mick Whitlock, President for Vanns “The customers we work with are a very demanding group. While confidence in consistency, flavor and performance is what they’ve come to expect, they also rely on Vanns to deliver purity and unwavering product integrity time and time again.” Vanns continues to build upon its broad range of products to better satisfy their health conscious customers.

In this regard, Vanns is scouring the world for growers who share their belief that spices should be as pure and wholesome as possible. For any organic products, Vanns then acquires certification by Oregon Tilth, considered to be one of the best certifiers for organic products today. When speaking with food producers, chefs, retailers and restaurateurs, there is never a question about the integrity of products that Vanns has to offer. Whether traditional or organic, single spice or custom blends, it is clear that quality and service are inseparable and a big part of what makes Vanns so attractive. For more information regarding Vanns’ extensive line of rubs, spices, spice blends, flavors and extracts, visitors are welcome to visit the Natural Products Expo West booth #5263. Alternatively, you can visit www.vannsspices.com or call 800-583-1693.

VAPORBROTHERS: A HEALTHY, EFFECTIVE ZANNI FOODS: PREMIUM GELATO ALTERNATIVE TO SMOKING AND SPREADS Vaporbrothers continues into its 13th year of offering the healthiest and most effective smoking alternative to the natural products market. The benefits of using a vaporizer are now widely known, in that certain medicinal herbs such as dalmation sage, damiana, and passion flower are best inhaled as a fine vapor mist rather than being taken any other way. Inhalation from a vaporizer allows for faster absorption of the medicinal qualities; and in the case of smoking, avoids the harmful drawbacks altogether. Vaporbrothers’ line of herbal vaporizing blends take advantage of nine key organic herbs that have been known to treat such things as insomnia, congestion, anxiety, and asthma. The company’s main product line, the “Vaporbrothers Vaporizer,” is a combination aromatherapy oil diffuser and herbal vapor My Body Shots (Con’t. from p. 98)

great tasting drinks will help keep you hydrated and healthy. For more information, please visit

inhaler. Vaporbrothers’ patented inhalation method employs heated air to gently warm and activate the herbal material, creating a clean, smoke-free, and satisfying vapor mist the user can breathe immediately and enjoy. This process negates the need for noisy fan-driven models or bulky bags to store the vapor. Despite a severalfold increase in the cost of high quality components, Vaporbrothers is geared to maintain its excellence and progress with two new models and a range of accessories to improve the user experience. Although the current economic climate has pushed all of its competitors overseas, Vaporbrothers has been able to keep a close eye on production by building all of its products in Southern California. “It’s puzzling how so many high tech Continued on Page 107

www.mybodyshots.com. Stay True to Your Body!, or visit the Website www.mybodyshots.com. Please call 866-935-4230 or email: info@mybodyshots.com. Booth #5867 at Natural Products Expo West.

In four short years Gelato di Babbo™ has become one of the Pennsylvania’s largest producers of artisan gelato and sorbetto. Initially Kim Zanni sold her made-thatmorning product from a custom trike in Lititz, Lancaster County. Taste after taste, word spread about Zanni’s amazingly intense flavors – from traditional Pistachio, Hazelnut, Chocolate and Coffee to the more adventurous Honey Lemon Lavender, Chocolate Guinness, even Shoo-Fly Pie. It didn’t take long before her pint-size packages to hit local then regional grocery shelves. “The desire for ‘natural’ and ‘farm fresh’ motivated major food chains and gourmet stores to place orders. “Gelato di Babbo will always be made from the finest ingredients,” Zanni said. “People find me – by word of mouth – because they want something natural that doesn’t come from a powdered mix. Happily once people have a taste the product sells itself!” Every time a new store or flavor is added, Zanni announces it on Facebook where she maintains a daily dialog with fans who provide instant product reviews, even keep tabs on store inventories. Plus it’s constantly

updated with photos of her products, of the farm, and trips to Italy. It was her search for the “best pistachio in the world” that led Zanni to Bronte, Sicily last Summer. “I walked the magma rock in Mount Etna to see the pistachio growing––and watched a harvest that only takes place every other year. I have found my liquid green gold, my oro verde, and brought it home for my products.” The resulting Pure Pistacchio di Bronte™ was an instant hit. The 100 percent Bronte DOP certified pistachio (a proprietary roast) is naturally a verdant green color, has a high concentration of vitamins and protein, a lower fat content, and best of all a rich, nutty flavor and aroma thanks to the mineral-rich volcanic soil and Sicilian sun and air. On that same trip, Zanni discovered two local pistachio products––a spread and a pesto––so delicious she was amazed they were not readily available at home. She set up Zanni Foods and gained exclusive U.S. distribution rights. Continued on Page 107

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VIKING MASEK: STATE OF THE ART MACHINERY FOR THE FLEXIBLE PACKAGING INDUSTRY Viking Masek Global Packaging Technologies manufactures, sells, and services stateof-the-art machinery for the flexible packaging industry. Delivering “Total Packaging Solutions—From Tote to Pallet™,” Viking Masek offers premier high-speed vertical form/fill/seal baggers; high speed combination scales, linear weighers, augers and volumetric filling systems; carton forming/loading/closing systems; and

control automation that power some of the best in the business. Headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Viking Masek serves customers throughout North and South America, including Fortune 500 firms, and in a host of industries requiring innovative and efficient state-of-the-art packaging line solutions for products in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, hardware, and household among others.

MIELI THUN HONEY FROM VIOLA IMPORTS: EXQUISITE FLAVORS, ALL ENTIRELY NATURAL Madeline Fiore, Viola Imports

Mieli Thun Monofloral Honeys bring you exotic colors, textures, aromas and flavors. Experience vanilla pods, toffee, citrus oil, plum jam, vanilla, candied quince, liquorice, balsamic, lime tree, wild carrot, mint, fresh sage, rosemary and eucalyptus. Mieli Thun is just one of the unique products that we have the pleasure of importing. The art of nomadic beekeeping, as practiced by Mieli Thun’s Andrea Paternoster, provides a variety of honeys from flowers throughout Italy. Please enjoy the excerpts below taken from the “Dictionary of Honey from Nomadic

Bees,” written in part by Paternoster. HONEY: Honey is joy, simplicity and complexity; together with its incredible colors and range of aromas is there to remind us daily of the incredible complexity of Nature. Unlike many other foods, “None of its characteristics are transformed by man.” AMBASSADOR: AMI (Ambassador of Italian Honey) was started to support and spread the tradition of honey as one of the world’s agricultural products and the identity card of its area of origin. NOMADISM: In apiculture, this refers to the practice of moving the hive to follow flowering plants and seasonal and climatic

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU ADD SPROUTED INGREDIENTS TO A TORTILLA CHIP? A WAY BETTER SNACK!

The Way Better Snacks® product line incorporates sprouted – or germinated grains, seeds and beans to deliver a more nutritious snack food alternative. Bursting with goodness, Way Better Snacks has unlocked the powerful nutrients found in sprouting seeds, grains and beans and maintains only the highest sprouting standards. Its products contain ingredients such

as organics sprouted flaxseeds, organic sprouted daikon radish seeds, organic sprouted broccoli seeds, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic sprouted quinoa and sprouted black beans. The company believes that sprouted ingredients are the next important health trend in the food industry. Grain, vegetable and bean seeds are packed with nutrition but in

XO BAKING BEGS THE QUESTION: ‘MAY WE HAVE SOME MORE?’ With gluten allergies and intolerance on the rise, consumers are demanding delicious gluten-free products more and more. Consumers are no longer settling for just a “gluten-free brownie”—they want a brownie that tastes just like it contains gluten. XO Baking Company was created in response to the lack of great-tasting gluten-free products on the market. Not only is excellent taste a priority factor, the use of quality ingredients is just as important. XO Baking Co. prides itself in its use of various flours not commonly found in gluten-free products, such as Premium Cassava Flour and Organic Coconut Flour.

XO Baking Co. introduced its line of baking mixes at the Expo West 2010. The company started with seven fantastic mixes, which has now expanded to 12. Five items will be introduced at Expo West 2012. Their original line included: All-Purpose Flour, Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, Gingerbread Cookie Mix, Banana Bread Mix, Corn Bread Mix and Fudge Brownie Mix. The five new items include:Chocolate and Vanilla Cake Mixes, Chocolate and Vanilla Frosting Mixes and a Pancake/Waffle Mix. XO Baking Company is excited to, once again, exhibit at Natural Products Expo

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The company was founded in the mid1990s as a packaging machinery sales organization. Continued growth and success led to the creation of Viking Packaging Technologies; including sales, manufacturing and service. Subsequently in 2005, an exclusive partnership was formed with Masek of the Czech Republic, a dominant European provider of packaging machinery. Viking Masek Global Packaging Technologies is pleased to announce that the company will continue its progressive momentum by opening a new facility in Oostburg, WI in

mid-2012. The new 35,000 sq. ft. facility will serve as the US headquarters, allowing Viking to prosper in the current economy and expand into new markets. The new facility will include office space, a showroom, large production floor, parts storage, and confidential clean room/demo area. RC Huhn, CFO, states, “This new facility demonstrates our commitment to progress in the industry, job growth in the area and providing excellent service to our new and existing customers. We are looking forward to the future!” Learn more at www.VikingMasek.com or call Viking Masek Global Packaging Technologies at 920-467-1400. Visit us in booth #204 at the Engredea/Natural Products Expo West.

changes. It is the beekeeper’s life and it represents a way of living in close contact with nature. NUANCE: The aromatic nuances of the different honeys are countless because there are so many plants from which single-origin honeys can be collected. QUALITY: At the basis of the Noble Art of beekeeping: A constant and dogmatic respect for honey is fundamental. It means offering the freshness of the nectar contained in the calyx of a flower. TASTING: Honey can be tasted similarly to wine. When tasting honey, consider color, fragrance, aroma and texture. There can be considerable differences! Just a few of the honeys available from Mieli Thun: Acacia honey: A sign of its complete pureness, the color is an almost crystal clear

transparency. Smells of sugared almonds and vanilla pods with a mild and appealing flavor. Chestnut honey: A reddish color with lingering aromas of plants, slightly tangy and a characteristic bittersweet taste with overtones of cocoa beans. Honeydew: Deep, dark amber. Fragrance is strong with scents of spices; black pepper, juniper berries and cloves. The flavor is of carob, rhubarb and liquorice stick. Sunflower: Distinguishable for its bright yellow color. The extreme freshness brought about by its acidity allows the distinct sensations of sage, green tomato and apricot jam to come through. To order your favorite Mieli Thun Monofloral Honey, contact Viola Imports at www.violaimports.com, call 847-690-0790 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

order to fully take advantage of those nutrients they have to be germinating first which removes the protective layer of phytic acid a substance present in the bran of all grains and seeds that can inhibit some absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc - and enzyme inhibitors. Way Better Snacks offers six varieties: Simply Sunny Multi-Grain, Unbeatable West. President, CEO and Product Developer of the company, Lindsey Deitsch will be there for all the action. She loves interacting with people as they walk by her booth. Lindsey’s favorite part about exhibiting at shows is meeting such wonderful people, watching the reaction they have after taking a bite of one of her treats. “People walk up to me, take a sample that’s on the table, walk off, stop, turn back around, and tell me how it was the best tasting gluten-free baked good they’ve ever eaten. Those reactions and the smile on their face, is what keeps me on my toes! As someone with celiac disease, I know first hand how wonderful it is to finally find a product that tastes undeniably delicious.” Lindsey always had dreams and ambitions

Blues, Sweet Potato, Black Bean, Sweet Chili and No Salt. Still good and crunchy. Still great with salsa. Just better for you. Once you try them we think you’ll agree…they’re just Way Better! Certified gluten-free, non-GMO vegan, certified Kosher, excellent source of certified whole grains, low sodium, no trans fat, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Way Better Snacks are currently available at Whole Foods, Wegmans, Lund’s/Byerly’s, as well as many fine retailers across the US. Learn more about Way Better Snacks by visiting them at www.gowaybetter.com or at Expo West 2012 booth# 5573. of becoming a professional baker. However, following in her sister’s scholastic footsteps, she went off to study Public Health at Berkeley, and then worked in nutritional research at UCLA for almost five years. Now, following in her father’s footsteps, she has ventured out into the business world in hopes of growing her gluten-free business into a gluten-free enterprise! Take part in a dessert experience you’ll never forget. Stop by XO Baking Co., booth #5228 (Hall E, downstairs) and taste XO Baking’s wonderful products: cupcakes, cornbread and more! For more information about XO Baking Co., and to learn more about their exciting products, please visit www.xobakingco.com.

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NATURAL CONTOURS BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN SEXUAL HEALTH AND INTIMATE FULFILLMENT It wasn’t long ago that sexual intimacy products were relegated to back-alley shops with blacked-out windows, delivered in plain brown packages with nary a hint of what was inside. These days one need only turn to their PC, or find one of a growing number of “female-friendly” erotic boutiques for a wide array of options, from playfully colored vibrators to the more elegant “personal massagers”. This has all to do with the realization that these products were being marketed to the wrong gender: why weren’t we designing and marketing them to women? Clearly women were ready. What was needed was someone with vision to come up with products that appealed to them. In 1996, Dutch Industrial designer, Groet Design, joined forces with a team of U.S. based sexuality professionals and manufacHydro Flask (Con’t. from p. 104)

changed in the marketplace over the years?

TR: 2010 was the height of single walled water bottles. Each year since, there have been less and less. The reason is because stores are able to replace these bottles with our double wall vacuum-insulated bottles. Our patented technology gives us a competitive advantage over other products and makes Hydro Flask the only bottle you’ll ever need. NH: How has the economy affected your business?

TR: We’ve been fortunate enough to not be affected by the economy. We started Hydro Flask selling products out of the back of a pick-up in 2009 and the following year we had over 600 percent growth in the company. After that, we had another 600 percent growth in the next six months. Now, we’re selling in over 4,000 retail stores around the country and have our bottles in international markets all around the world. Vaporbrothers (Con’t. from p. 105)

vaporizers simply don’t work well, despite costing hundreds more,” says Jacob Parker, an industry analyst. “For people who need to keep up a high level of activity throughout their day, there’s probably no better way to avoid the harmful effects of smoking.” Zanni Foods (Con’t. from p. 105)

Pistuccia, a spreadable pistachio cream Italians enjoy on a slice of bread or crackers, is subtle in flavor and a good source of protein, Vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and zinc. (also Kosher) Pestuccio is 80% pure Bronte pistachio with a hint of sunflower seeds oil, salt and black pepper – creating an extraordinary pesto with all flavor of the Mediterranean tradition. (also Kosher) Since Zanni had also been getting her

turers and established Natural Contours®. Together they created a line of intimate products that would appeal to the tastes of the long-neglected female market, launching the first three models to rave reviews in 1999. Breaking in to the vast mainstream market of wholesomely decorated boutiques and big-box stores (along with woman-friendly web sites and health catalogues), it was clear this was a notion whose time had come. To quote an executive from the gift market industry, the Natural Contours® line is “a clever solution for a ‘must have’ in elegant packaging that retailers can sell.” Being “first kid on the block”, Natural Contours® had to learn how to navigate through generations of taboos in order to reach their targeted demographic. It also had Continued on Page 109

NH: What are some of the greatest challenges associated with Hydro Flask?

TR: Our greatest challenge is letting the world know about our product. We primarily use word of mouth marketing, which works well because people only need to try our product once and then they are recommending it to all their friends. Our fans and customers are still our largest asset today. NH: Tell us about some new products coming down the pipeline.

TR: We just released an 18-ounce widemouth Hydro Flask a few months ago and we’re going to be releasing a coffee lid for it in April. There’s been a huge demand for this from our customers so we’re excited for it to be released. For more information about Hydro Flask, stop by the booth #5856, give us a call (88858-HYDRO) or visit us online at http://www.hydroflask.com.

Vaporbrothers’ newest models with Natural Mineral Easy Change Whip® Handpiece are available nationwide. Their products have been tested free of Pb (lead), Hg (mercury), Cr6+, and many more. For more information, visit them at Expo West 2012 booth #3710 or online at www.vaporbrothers.com. chocolate from Italy, she worked with producers in Bronte to create Baci d’Amore, a white chocolate hazelnut crunch spread based on her gelato recipe. “It’s so rich and creamy it melts in your mouth,” she says. Zanni Foods products are distributed by UNFI, C&S and AWI. For information, call 717-626-8878, email gelatodibabbo@aol.com or visit www.zannifoods.com. Meet Kim at Expo West booth #5123, where’s she’s featuring her main Gelato di Babbo flavors plus the new pesto and spreads.

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PRIVATE LABEL: WHY IT WORKS, AND HOW WOODSTOCK FARMS CREATES IT FOR YOU National brands are well known, respected, and heavily purchased; however, at what price is it still valuable to keep them on the shelf? Buying product at a higher price imposes limitations to create the best value for loyal customers. Furthermore, profit margin decreases because the retailer is limited as to how much they can charge to stay in competition with other stores. The connection from consumer to vendor is lost, leading the brand connection to remain with the national brand. With a recession-based economy, consumers are looking for better deals, and private label brands are seeing a rise in popularity. A store can stock its shelves with product that features the company’s own logo on the label and carry quality products that create repeat sales. Utilizing private label packaging is a retailer’s ideal situation. Personalized, costfree advertising yielding greater profits; it’s a “win-win-win” solution for businesses. For stores that carry nuts, seeds, dried fruit, confections, and trail mixes, there’s no better private label manufacturer than Woodstock Farms Manufacturing, a division of United Natural Foods, Inc. Woodstock Farms even features the “No Minimums!” Private Label program, featuring the 20 most popular SKUs. The retailer provides Woodstock Farms with their logo artwork; Woodstock fashions the label, packages the product, and ships cases with product ready for sale.

Unlike national brands, Woodstock is not subject to advertising and promotional costs, which keeps buying prices low. The vendor, in turn, is able to pass along these savings to the consumer and increase profit margin at a greater rate than with a national brand. Offering private label products also helps retailers establish brand loyalty at a deeper level. From a marketing perspective, there is no better way to accomplish this than having the customer associate their favorite product with the logo on the front of the package. A consumer associates the item with the store as the only available outlet and will surely make repeat purchases. Highlighting the retailer’s logo on the label, Woodstock Farms’ marketing and sales departments craft attractive, innovative and flavorful front covers to showcase product. Marketing campaigns become focused, targeted and successful, with the capability to design a label featuring a particular promotion or advertisement. Woodstock prints labels as needed, giving stores the ability to pin-point strengths as well as areas of improvement within their label design and recreate a new design. Seasonal promotions, as well as social media links, can also be shared on these labels, along with various other marketing techniques to help build sales and keep loyal customers. Natural and organic food stores benefit every day from carrying private label products manufactured by Woodstock Farms Manufacturing. Visit www.woodstockfarms.com to find out more.

LILY OF THE DESERT: ALOE’S PROVEN BENEFITS AND AN ATTRACTIVE PRICE Natural food retailers don’t shortchange their customers on purpose, but may be doing so inadvertently if they don’t ask their Aloe Vera vendors the right questions. Aloe Vera has been treasured for millennia because it delivers dramatic benefits for so many health and beauty issues. Aloe’s magic is not in the liquid. Its efficacy is in its solids—especially the polysaccharides. When I researched my book, “Aloe Vera, Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy,” I was shocked to review independent university tests showing that most brands contain only a tiny fraction of the polysaccharides they should have if properly processed. As hard as it is to believe, some have none at all! I also learned that specific molecular weights of polysaccharides are needed to achieve specific benefits. The lower (10,000 – 100,000 Daltons) are most effective for inflammatory supportregeneration. The (100,000 – 7 Million Daltons) support function, nutrient absorption, anti-oxidants, blood sugar. To protect those polysaccharides, each step in the process must be done properly. Leaves must be harvested at the right time; refrigerated immediately; and prepped quickly. Processing systems that use excessive heat, enzymes, pressure and certain

types of filtration should be avoided to preserve polysaccharides. The prized higher molecular weights are especially vulnerable to being broken into simple sugars. Most brands contain only the lighter weights. Distilling removes all, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The result seems to be expensive drinking water. My investigation revealed that the brand that protects the polysaccharides most effectively is family-owned Lily of the Desert. Lily even enhances functional benefits of Aloe with Aloesorb™, their patented concentrate of aloe high molecular weight polysaccharides. Today all aloe brands contain safe levels of the naturally-occurring bitter laxative compound, aloin, but Lily has achieved a level near zero. It is critical that brands back up their claims. e.g., if they say their aloe is raw, do they have the government-required label raw warning? Do they have proprietary studies substantiating their promised benefits? Unless their product contains the full range of polysaccharide molecular weights in appropriate quantity, they cannoclaim the benefits shown in a borrowed study. Lily funds gold Continued on Page 109

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CLEAR PRODUCTS RAISES THE BAR FOR SOPHISTICATED HOMEOPATHIC AND TRADITIONAL ORIENTAL REMEDIES

Clear Products, Inc.TM, the premier formulator of innovative homeopathic/herbal solutions, was established in 1998, in San Diego, California, with the goal of making a difference in peoples’ health and lives. Clear Products combines homeopathic remedies and traditional Oriental medicine to create unique condition-specific products that address health issues safely and naturally. Clear Products’ line is formulated by co-founder Staś Ozog, Ph.D., a nationally licensed herbalist and acupuncturist. Dr. Ozog’s formal training and practical experience have prepared him for the task of creating formulas that are very safe, balanced and effective. Each product is manufactured to GMP standards and is gluten,

lactose and sugar-free. Clear Products’ condition-specific formulas and product names are valuable to both the retailer and consumer. The product names provide immediate recognition of use and purpose. The consumer will be able to identify the product application with a minimal amount of explanation or assistance from the retailer. When a new product is created, Dr. Ozog carefully selects the appropriate homeopathic remedy, as prescribed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopia of the United States, that will best assist the body in the healing process. The inclusion of active homeopathic remedies into the formulas provide an added dimension of support.

ANCIENT ESSENCE: OILS FOR MODERN HEALTH By Michele Hammerton, Owner of Ancient Essence, Inc.

Ancient Essence specializes in frankincense and myrrh, two precious commodities that were the preferred treatment for all of mankind’s woes for thousands of years. I started this company 12 years ago because I experienced first-hand a remarkable effect of healing with my five year old daughter. Ten minutes after applying the oil to her swollen glands, her fever and swelling were gone. That started my research on frankincense and myrrh, where I learned

they were the top traded commodities of the ancient world. Regarded as miraculously helpful with so many applications, they were traded weight for weight with gold because of their multiple uses and preserving qualities. Our ancestors used them for medicine, perfume, pest control and anti-aging. In recent years, it has been noted that frankincense has no known adverse side effects. The only contraindication ‘they’ can come up with for myrrh, is that it promotes peristalsis action, so should be avoided by pregnant women. (However, in some countries it is used in pregnancy to help with

ALL NATURAL GOURMET CHOICES FROM ROBERT ROTHSCHILD Robert Rothschild Farm creates gourmet products with their consumer’s dietary needs in mind. During the product development process they explore ways that will allow the new products to be all natural, gluten free and kosher. Currently over 70 percent of their products are all natural and approximately 85 percent are gluten free, along with an estimated 90 percent being kosher. To reinforce this development process, their recent Dessert Topping Collection that launched at the 2012 Winter Fancy Food Show contained all three elements––all natural, gluten free and kosher. Having dessert toppings that are all natural is truly unique. These sweet indulgences include Dark Chocolate Sauce, Caramel Sauce, Chocolate Caramel & Sea Salt Sauce and Raspberry Chocolate Sauce. Their all natural dessert sauces are prepared in small kettle batches and are simply delicious, with a variety of sweet applications that will delight the palate. The five new gourmet sauces that were in-

troduced at the 2011 Summer Fancy Food Show are also all natural. These savory and distinct sauces include Harvest Apple & Maple Sauce, Mushroom Marsala Sauce, Korean Barbecue Sauce & Marinade, Cranberry Merlot Sauce and Sweet Pepper & Fennel Sauce. These new sauces are full of flavor, with a variety of applications that will make any entertaining occasion special. Robert Rothschild Farm offers complete categories of products that are all natural, which include preserves, rubs, pasta sauces, salsas, dessert toppings and hummus. The majority of their gourmet sauces, mustards, spreads and snack foods are also all natural. Whether you merchandise them with the complete line of Robert Rothschild Farm products or you segregate them in a special “All Natural” section, consumers will enjoy these delicious all natural products. For more information, call 800-356-8933, e-mail info@robertrothschild.com or visit the website at www.robertrothschild.com.

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Homeopathy, used safely and successfully for over 200 years, recognizes the body’s innate ability to heal itself and provides natural remedies which support the body’s own healing capacity. Dr.Ozog then constructs an herbal combination from an extensive list of studied and proven ingredients used for centuries by ancient healers. The composition of an effective formula involves more than putting together ingredients to obtain a certain effect. A specific hierarchy needs to be followed to deal with the chief complaint as well as secondary issues. Herbs are included to harmonize the other ingredients, others are included to focus the action of the formula to the afflicted areas of the body. Herbal combinations target the root cause of the illness and can reduce the severity and frequency of occurrence. The end result is a product that safely

and effectively combines homeopathic remedies and traditional Oriental medicine. Clear Products more simply defines this as Clearopathy®. Clear Products’ line currently consists of eleven unique all-natural products that help with ailments including tinnitus, sinus and ear issues, cold and flu, airborne allergies, migraine headaches, lack of energy, motion sickness, restless leg, weakened immune system, body toxicity, cold sores, shingles and urinary tract infections (UTI). The top selling products include the original Clear Tinnitus®, Clear Sinus & Ear ®, Clear Cold Sores, Shingles & UTI TM, and Clear Migraine ®. Newly introduced products include Clear Immune Support TM, Clear Cold & Flu TM, Clear NRG plusTM, and Clear Restless Leg ReliefTM. Look for Clear Products, Inc. at Expo West 2012, booth #1580. Contact Clear Products, Inc in San Diego, California toll free at 888-257-2532.

contractions.) Our oils smell heavenly! They are immediately calming to the mood and mind on the very first whiff. No carrier oils are added, so they can be worn directly on the skin, will not go rancid, and are highly effective. Most people prefer Ancient Essence Frankincense and Myrrh proprietary blend, using ancient wisdom to formulate just the right amounts of each. Ancient Essence oils are also sold separately, in a convenient onethird ounce, purse size roll-on, sold from a small counter display. Larger one-ounce rollon and non roll-on bottles are also popular with repeat customers. Please come by for a free sample while supplies last. I run a small company. My raw materials are grown in Somalia and Ethiopia, where they of the countries’ top export items. The

resins are bartered before export and carbon distilled in the US. This distillation process requires a lower temperature yielding a higher therapeutic value, retains the natural color and heavenly aromas of the plants. This is my first year at Expo West, and I look forward to building more lasting relationships with health-conscious retailers who care about helping others with simple, basic, and ancient remedies. Ancient Essence and I can be found in Hall E on the far right aisle in booth #5811. We have generous opening order specials, so please stop by. Have a great show! For more information on Ancient Essence please visit us online at www.Ancient Essence.com, call 800-627-9813 or email info@ancientessence.com. Drop by our booth #5811 at Expo West.

SNACK TRENDS FOR 2012: HEALTHIER, ALL NATURAL AND MADE IN THE USA As grocers and supermarket buyers peruse this year’s Natural Products Expo West exhibit floor, new market research from Leatherhead Food Research has identified some Top 2012 Trends for them to look for: - The Demand for Natural: unpronounceable ingredients are highly suspect - Budget-Conscious Want Affordable Luxuries: easy on the wallet is easier to swallow - Quality Linked to Location: consumers looking for ‘Made in the USA’ - Small, Indulgent Treats: goodness grazing beats binging - The Appeal of Americana: old-fashioned nostalgia for familiar foods

One booth they’ll want to visit is the American Licorice Company (booth 5538 at the 2012 Natural Products Expo West), where Rabbit Creek (Con’t. from p. 97)

items offered this year including a gooey butter cake that came out the first of the year, Rabbit Creek Products is your source for gourmet mixes.

they’ll find Natural Vines® Premium Licorice. This all-natural gourmet licorice was recently introduced by the 98 year-old, family owned confectioner (one of the country’s oldest) that has poured five generations of candy making tradition into the creation of Natural Vines. Made for consumers and candy lovers who are looking for healthier alternatives, Natural Vines contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. They’re made with wholesome ingredients and sweetened only with pure cane syrup and molasses. Plus they contain no high fructose corn syrup, no trans fats, no cholesterol, and are very low in fat and sodium. Each soft, chewy bite-sized twist has less than 17 calories, making Natural Vines a Continued on Page 110

For additional information call 800-837-3073, e-mail rcreek@mokancomm.net, and visit www.rabbitcreekgourmet.com. Or if in the neighborhood, the folks at Rabbit Creek would love to have you stop by, 903 N. Broadway, Louisburg, KS 66053.

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CONIFER SPECIALTIES MAKES HOME COOKING EASIER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE DELICIOUS Harry Forsberg, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Conifer Specialties, told Gourmet News about the strategies and challenges of selling quality foods in today’s marketplace. NH: Tell us a little about Conifer Specialties.

HF: We manufacture Canterbury Naturals artisan soup mixes and hand-crafted baking mixes for grocery and retail. Our most popular mixes include Roasted Garlic Potato Corn Chowder, Northwest Apple Cake, Coconut Macaroons, and Classic Crepe. The products are all-natural and free of trans-fat, hydrogenated oils, and artificial ingredients. We also offer the Fisher line of baking mixes including famous Fisher Fair Scones. NH: Consumers continue to move toward natural foods and home cooking. How do Canterbury Naturals products fit into today’s marketplace?

HF: We’ve seen tremendous success over the last decade as more consumers turn to the types of all-natural, artisan products that Canterbury Naturals offers. Consumers are looking for healthy, natural ingredients in flavorful products that are simple to prepare at home. They are also looking for a good value. Canterbury Naturals soup, bread, breakfast, and dessert mixes deliver. They are tasty and economical, and they balance home cooking with the daily time crunch. The natural products just have a few ingredients and are easy to make with one or two added items from your pantry. NH: And that has translated into sales, even in the down economy?

HF: Absolutely. Canterbury Naturals is a brand consumers have grown to trust, and it’s shown in our sales. Last year, some re-

A NEW CONVENIENCE PACK CONCEPT FROM NATIONAL ENZYME COMPANY What’s new in nutritional enzymes? Naturally Healthy hears from Tony Collier, CEO and President of the National Enzyme Company (NEC). NH: Tell us a bit about NEC.

TC: NEC is celebrating 80 years this March. Since 1932, National Enzyme Company has been the leader in nutritional enzyme supplements. We provide manufacturers and distributors worldwide with comprehensive enzyme-based dietary supplement services Bunker Hill Cheese (Con’t. from p. 98)

Bifidus, these smooth and creamy cheeses are also lactose-free. An innovation in manufacturing, Peter H.C. Dauwalder developed the first probiotic yogurt-cultured cheese on the continent. It is a signature Natural Contours (Con’t. from p. 107)

to assist its wholesale and retail clients looking to enter this growing market without any previous experience. Here’s where the concept of sexual health played a role. Along with products meant to enhance the erotic experience, the Natural Contours® team felt it was important to create tools that would enhance sexual health. Based on the work of Dr. Arnold Kegel, the German Lily of the Desert (Con’t. from p. 107)

standard clinical research on own products. Their studies confirm that Vitamin C taken with Lily Aloe Vera is 20 times better absorbed than if taken with water. (Should we take all our supplements with Lily Aloe?)

while adhering to strict NSF and TGA certified GMPs.* Our vision and mission is to bring digestive and therapeutic enzymes to the world.)

NH: What is your main line of business?

TC: Product development, precision blending, encapsulation, tableting (chewable and hard), bottling, in house graphics and convenience packaging. Our distribution is B2B. NH: Why are taking enzymes important?

item for the Dauwalder family. Its pleasant, rich flavor offers the consumer a delicious and nutritious way to add probiotic health benefits to a balanced diet. Visit http://heinis.com/ to learn more. Try Heini’s Yogurt Cultured ® Cheese at Expo West booth #3479.

tailers saw sales increases of more than 125% on our artisan soup mixes, and we’ve added more than 2,000 new points of distribution in approximately 700 stores.

We’re supporting that sales growth with excellent fulfillment, customer service, national marketing representation for retailers, and national distribution through premier channel distributors.

NH: Is Conifer making changes to capture even more of this market? How do you respond to an increasingly crowded sector, like natural food, in a down economy?

HF: We’ve been making natural specialty foods for more than 30 years, so we haven’t made an enormous shift, but we are constantly looking for ways to make our products both more appealing and more sustainable. Last year we introduced Fisher All-Purpose Flour, which features wheat grown using sustainable agricultural practices through a partnership with Shepherd’s Grain (a co-op of wheat farmers using sustainable farming

TC: Natural enzymes live in all raw/uncooked foods. When foods are cooked, the enzymes are killed making it harder for the body to digest the food properly. If a digestive enzyme supplement is consumed with cooked food, the digestive stress is reduced. NH: What would you say makes your company unique?

TC: Since 1932, Dr. Howell focused NEC on the nutritional aspect of enzymes.

NH: What was the most significant series of events affecting your company in the past year?

TC: We now provide convenience packaging and in-house graphics. We can design and print labels, literature and customized merchandising. This extended capability has already gained us new clients. NHC: Describe your marketing strategy.

TC: We are developing alliances with our domestic customers to expand enzyme knowledge to the end consumer. We are also focusing on custom formulating. Our biggest

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practices). Our soups, like On the Bayou Jambalaya, are now GMO-free, and we reduced the packaging by 60 percent. NH: Are you adding any additional product lines?

HF: Yes! Through a licensing agreement with the maker of Crock-Pot®, the original slow-cooker, we are introducing Crock-Pot® Delicious Dinners in May 2012. These all-natural mixes are easy to prepare with just a few fresh ingredients and are easy to cook using a six or seven quart Crock-Pot® Slow-Cooker. This new line includes six great-tasting flavors: Beef Burgundy, Beef Chili, Jambalaya, Chicken Marsala, Chicken Cacciatore, and Chicken & Dumplings. Each mix makes approximately eight servings. We will continue to add options for the home cook interested in great-tasting, time-saving, natural cuisine.

For more information on Conifer Specialties products, call 800-588-9160, email pgimness@conifer-inc.com, visit www.coniferinc.com, or stop by booth 4679. challenge is educating the general public on enzyme health. There are so many end consumers who are still not aware of the true benefits of enzyme supplements. NH: What about new products?

TC: Our current product emphasis is digestive enzymes and probiotics, which will be hot this year; we also have new products ready to launch in the next 3 years. NH: What distinguishes your product(s) from the competition?

TC: Our knowledge on how to formulate enzymes and other nutrients provides the most effective custom formulations for our customers. We focus on the nutritional aspect of enzymes, making our products extremely effective for their intended use.

NH: What can our readers expect from you here at Expo West? TC: We are giving away $1000 cash prizes Continued on Page 110

physician who, back in the 1940s, worked with women suffering from incontinence, Natural Contours designed the ÉNERGIE™ Kegel exerciser, a weighted barbell that, used regularly, will help women regain vaginal muscle-tone after childbirth, and prevent post-menopausal urinary incontinence. In addition, Natural Contours created the IDÉAL™ full-body massager. Cordless and rechargeable, the IDÉAL™ features two

powerful vibrations and an ergonomic handle that enables both left and right-handed users to reach all areas of the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back. It’s perfect for sore muscles, and can be used alone or as a great way to give someone a massage. So if you’re considering adding a selection of intimate products but are not sure how to introduce them, perhaps you might start with a couple of sexual health products. And if you’re ready to add products

designed with the happy couple in mind, Natural Contours has plenty to choose from. As the innovator of woman-friendly tasteful and discreet intimate products, Natural Contours has created a full range of offerings that will satisfy the needs of the most discerning and sophisticated buyers. Call 888-736-2247, sales@natural contours.com or www.naturalcontours.com. At Expo West, visit booth #3312.

Other research demonstrates support for the immune system (white blood cells increased by over 16 percent) boost to blood antioxidants (percent increase). An 11 percent reduction in blood levels of toxic impressive. Consumers don’want cheap. They want value,fair price. Lily of the Desert saves ex-

pense, assures purity, protects quality and efficacy because they grow their own organic leaves and complete every step in-house. Lily delivers most proven benefits and an attractive price. Learn more at www.lilyofthedesert.com and EXPO booth #1632. Martie Whittekin is a Certified Clinical

Nutritionist, nationally-syndicated radio host, lecturer, media personality and author of “Natural Alternatives to Nexium…and Other Acid-Blockers” as well as “Aloe Vera, Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy.” Show and health information at www.RadioMartie.com.

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MCCONNELL’S ICE CREAM: ORIGINAL, HANDCRAFTED, ULTRA-PREMIUM Written by McConnell’s

McConnell’s Ice Cream first opened its legendary doors in Santa Barbara, CA in 1949, hinged on good ol’ Mac McConnell’s dream of “making the very best ice cream in the world.” Nearly seven decades (and numerous ice cream headaches) later McConnell’s is still a family run business, one of the oldest and finest heritage brands in the industry. These days, it’s run by a small band of ridiculously dedicated ice cream “cone-issuers” who continue to churn out the best, all natural, wickedly indulgent, ultra-premium ice creams--many of which remain identical

to Mac’s original recipes from 1947—in the most sustainable way we know. Loyal McConnell’s super fans would tell you that it’s the experience of devouring our Ultra Premium ice cream that keeps ‘em coming back – from the first delectably rich taste, to the creamy roundness of the mouthfeel, and the sinfully sweet finish. These ice cream fanatics would also tell you that it’s our ingredients that make the difference. We keep it real with the finest sources and producers, who hook us up with the very best ingredients the industry has to offer. We’re talkin’ California’s own, hormone-free dairy, egg yolks and sugar, along

Launched in 2009, Búcha Live Kombucha American Licorice Co. (Con’t. from p. 108)

sweet indulgence that consumers can feel good about enjoying. For easier portion control, the two flavors, Strawberry and Traditional Black, both come in resealable bags that keep in freshness and flavor. Each 8 National Enzyme Company (Con’t. from p. 109)

throughout the show duration and we’re featuring a new convenience pack concept!

GOURMET NEWS

Coast, we take pride in our unique, natural surroundings and are passionate about protecting the environment. We aim to not only leave behind a rich legacy of the most fabulous ice cream known to man, but to do it the right way – with locallysourced ingredients, sustainable methods, and going organic whenever possible – generally leaving this world a little “sweeter” than we found it. Because what does making great ice cream matter if you can’t leave it to future generations? That, after all, is what it’s all about. McConnell’s. The original, handcrafted, Ultra Premium, ice-cream. For more information, call 805-963-8813 for wholesale, or visit www.mcconnell’s.com or Expo West booth #5770.

remains on a mission to deliver a wholesome, live and delicious suite of unique flavors without the biting, vinegar taste the category is often faulted for. Sporting a stylish package, búcha’s great taste is changing the category as it brings new users in and current consumers

back for more. Fans will be pleased to find an exciting new flavor that’s hitting store shelves now. Led by CEO Ronald Lloyd, the company is quickly becoming a leading brand in all of its markets. A veteran natural foods and beverage executive, Lloyd joined early last year and has successfully expanded the brand’s footprint with a very focused marketing strat-

egy. “Our goodness, taste and style messaging is working. Retailers are supporting us because búcha has become the onramp for new users to enter and help grow the kombucha category. Consumers like us, too, because we look better, taste better and have all of the goodness they want from a live

ounce bag retails for just $3.49. The brand has been the most successful new product launch in the company’s history, and as a result, Natural Vines is now the #1 selling brand of all-natural gourmet licorice made in America. It was named Top New Product for 2011 (Non-Chocolate) by the

National Confectionery Sales Association. According to Mercedes Davidson, Associate Brand Manager for the American Licorice Company, “Our customers told us what they were looking for. The success of Natural Vines is a great example of the healthier, all-natural, and made-in-the-USA

snack trends.” Natural Vines are made in La Porte, Indiana, and shipped to supermarkets, national chains, specialty grocers, and natural food stores across the country. More information is available at www.naturalvineslicorice.com. Visit us at Expo West booth #5538!

Customers will have chances to unlock the prize. Be sure to stop by booth #638. Contact the National Enzyme Company at 800-825-8545 and at www.national

enzyme.com. * Editor’s note: NSF is the National Sanitation Foundation, a U.S. body regulating supplements; TGA is Australia’s Therapeu-

tic Goods Administration. Good Manufacturing Practices are safety standards for dietary supplements issued by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

salad and other unique items. To savor our products is to transport your senses to a new world of flavors. It is a testament to 2000 years of history, reflecting the Mediterranean’s rich diverse agriculture and the integrity of the people who harvest and produce these unique flavors using farming practices passed down through generations. It is this rich heritage that allows us to, in

These anytime cookies are prepared using simple, fresh and natural ingredients, and are bursting with mouth-watering flavor. All of the delectable cookies are Kosher, Pareve (non-dairy), and compliment any sweet tooth no matter what the dietary restrictions may be. Papa Ben learned the art of baking as a young boy while helping his father in their family kitchen in Eastern Europe. Using the ancient stone oven in their cottage, they

FINALLY, THE WHOLE KOMBUCHA PACKAGE...GOODNESS, TASTE AND STYLE! Búcha Live Kombucha enjoys rapid distribution growth and sell through while launching unique new flavor pairing, Raspberry Pomegranate.

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exchange for introducing these natural flavors to your environment. Most of the producers we work with have at least 50 years of experience in their business. We believe in finding unique tastes from different areas around the Mediterranean region and making them available to the U.S market along with a few selected areas around the world. At Mediterranean Gourmet we stay true to our goals and values: to give the consumer authentic tastes, priced right. To learn more, please visit www.mediterraneangourmet.net or booth #5532 at Expo West.

ALL-NATURAL MANDELBROYT, FROM PAPA BEN’S KITCHEN Papa Ben’s sweet, crispy twice-baked Mandelbread or Mandelbroyt, as it is traditionally called, is an Eastern European delight is headed to fine retailers near you. Ben Lesser, enriches the family tradition with five unique flavors to tantalize every palate. The new recipes include: Original Family Recipe, Lemon Blueberry with Poppy Seeds, Minty Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Espresso Bean and Spicy Chipotle with Ginger and Dark Chocolate.

MARCH 2012

turn, bring you a variety of products cultivated with the greatest care, with a great sense of humility and gratitude. As demand grows for our products, we bring value to our customers by providing access to sought-after specialty foods that took us several years to identify. Our products are known to have the best flavors in the market, unique in their taste and richness. Our organic products include saffron and argan oil. The line is exclusively produced by a local Berber women’s cooperative in rural Morocco. We wish to continue supporting their community and livelihood, in

MEDITERRANEAN GOURMET BRINGS FLAVORS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN TO YOUR PLATE

In 2008, Mediterranean Gourmet was formed as a distributor and producer of high-end gourmet products at reasonable prices. In the year 2012, we expanded our services with a variety of oils and spices, new organic products and delivery services, with the personal choice to support small farming communities. Our line includes gourmet olive oils, seafood, spices, traditional grilled peppers

with our 100 percent all-natural, artisan-produced flavorings. Many of these companies, like McConnell’s, are decades-old, family-run businesses, whose standards for their products are as demandingly high as our own. Oh, and let’s not forget about our unique, handcrafted, small-batch process. Our proprietary hybrid, French Pot process, the one “Mac” McConnell dreamed-up waaaay back in 1947, the brainchild of a method he’d witnessed when stationed in Europe as a pilot during World War II. This fancy schmancy process is responsible for churning out the most gloriously decadent, mindblowing ice cream you could imagine. There.We said it. With deep roots in California’s Central

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worked together to prepare the finest baked goods for family, friends and their surrounding village. At the age of 80, Ben rediscovered his passion for baking and hopes to share his precious family recipe with families all over the country. “Baking is an emotional connection to our heritage and the glue that holds families together. My kids and I grew up baking with my dad and sharing some of the stories of his past”, says Gail Lesser, Ben’s daughter and President of Papa Ben’s Kitchen. “My kids remember the smells in the house when my dad was baking. It is our hope that we will

create those great memories with your families with our Original Family Recipe as well as our new exciting flavors of Mandelbroyt”, she adds. Papa Ben’s Kitchen is committed to supporting the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, an organization that supports Holocaust education, remembrance and tolerance of and for all people. As part of that commitment, a percentage of the profits from Papa Ben’s Kitchen will be donated to the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation. For more information, contact 888-2331072 or www.papabenskitchen.com.

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PINKHEALTH: COMBINING AYURVEDA WITH MODERN MEDICINE

AN EXCITING NEW SOURCE OF OMEGA-3 EPA AND DHA: ANTARCTIC KRILL

by Priyanka Kotadia, Director of Customer Relations, Pinkhealth

SuperbaTM Krill Oil provides the body’s best source of long-chain Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), known specifically as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA support cardiovascular health as well as cognitive, visual, immune, and reproductive system functions. There are also indications that they provide health benefits supporting healthy triglyceride and cholesterol blood levels, healthy arteries and mental acuity. Krill oil is rich in phospholipid EPA and DHA, providing clinically proven superior bio-efficiency. When compared with triglyceride Omega-3s found in typical marine oils, we see that less phospholipid Omega-3s are required to reach equal bioavailability in the body’s cells and organs. Phospholipid-bound Omega-3 fatty acids are water dispersible, making them gentle on the stomach and more readily absorbed by the body. Smaller dosing requirements lead to smaller capsules which are easy to swallow, easy to digest (no more fishy burps!), and easily used by the body. Superba Krill Oil is extracted exclusively from Euphausia superba, an Antarctic krill species rich with the natural antioxidant astaxanthin, which results in krill oil’s deep red color. Recognized for the health-promoting suppression of free radicals, astaxanthin keeps Superba Krill Oil fresh, protecting the Omega3 fatty acids. No additives are necessary to maintain Superba Krill’s long-term stability. The human body is limited in its ability to produce EPA and DHA, and these fatty acids therefore must be augmented through the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained through the consumption of seafood, but dietary supplements are a reliable alternative. The phospholipid form of Omega-3s is better utilized by the body to promote cellular

Pinkhealth (a brand of Sahajanand Life Sciences, Inc.) was established in 2001 with one mission: to discover natural solutions for unmet health needs. Our company has dedicated the past decade to research and examination of herbal formulations that would allow people to maintain a healthy, affordable lifestyle. We have been inspired from over 4000-year-old tradition of Ayurveda; combined with modern medical expertise, this has allowed our scientists to generate formulations that are safe and effective by the most stringent standards. Today, our body endures and adapts to consistent changes and challenges of modern day demands forcing us to be ever so cautious of what we intake. Therefore, we have spent nearly a decade formulating herbal supplements made of just the right herbs. Ten years of research, innovative formulations, and clinical trials allow us to keep our products safe and without any binders, disintegrants or preservatives. Some of the most prominent doctors in India continu-

ously conduct clinical trials on our supplements to prove to their benefits. Our supplements provide solutions for health issues related to bone, joint, heart, and immunity health among many others. Currently, the Pinkhealth brand has established a significant presence in international markets, specifically in India and China. As the company grows internationally, we put greater emphasis on having each of our products undergo intensive research and clinical trials by both in-house experts and practicing doctors. As we set our sights on the U.S. nutritional market now, we look forward to work with interested distributors and retailers. We also welcome retailers wishing to have private labeled products. For more information, contact health-conscious Pinkhealth personnel today at 240483-4514 or online at www.pinkhealth.com. At Expo West, visit them at booth #397.

SOHGAVE!, THE LOW-GLYCEMIC BLUE WEBER AGAVE Agave nectar is the hottest product in the sweetener category. Sohgave is different and better. There are over 168 varieties of agave in the world, but only one Blue Weber agave, and only one is Sohgave. Blue Weber agave is grown almost exclusively in Guadalajara, Mexico. Sohgave is a pure, unrefined, low glycemic sweetener––lower on the glycemic scale than sugar, honey, maple syrup and other sweeteners. Still, it is approximately 30 percent sweeter than sugar, so you’ll use less! For this reason, it is an appealing sweetener for people who monitor their glucose intake. Sohgave! Nectar is nature’s subtle concentrated sweetener, and remarkably, its flavor is neutral and adaptable for baking, cooking and grilling. It will not crystallize like honey and it dissolves quickly in hot or cold. Even better, this allpurpose sweetener is a good economical al-

ternative to sweeteners.

Why Sohgave? Tested to be the Low-Glycemic Agave, at 17 GI (glycemic index) labs in Toronto. Half the reported GI of most brands. Independent tests at Micro Bac Labs in Boulder, Co. showed to have lower glucose levels then other brands. Trustworthy, USDA organic Certified and Kosher. Sohgave is pure premium Blue Weber agave. Nothing else but “The Best of the Best. Trendy brand, with a BPA free re-useable/recyclable bottle. Easy-pour no-mess cap. Table-friendly culinary bottle that communicates product benefits. Tasted and Trusted, endorsed by chef and author Ania Catalano who wrote “Baking with Agave Nectar.” Come see us at booth # 5540 or see our web site at: www.sohgave.com.

DOUBLE RAINBOW’S GREAT ICE CREAM BEGINS ON THE FARM The most delicious, wholesome ice cream comes from the most delicious, wholesome milk and cream. The most delicious, wholesome milk and cream comes from cows treated with love and respect. That’s why Double Rainbow is so particular about the farmers who supply the milk and cream at the heart of their ice creams. They only partner with dairy farmers who have as much pride in their cows as they have in their ice creams. Their farmers have pledged not to treat their cows with the hormone rBST. And they

wouldn’t dare mess with the purity of their milk and cream, so Double Rainbow only adds natural ingredients. Double Rainbow has been producing award winning super premium, all-natural Continued on Page 112

structure and function than triglyceride Omega-3s, which are primarily used for energy consumption. The physical characteristics of triglycerides differ from phospholipids and this affects how they are tolerated by the body. One clear difference is that triglycerides don’t disperse in fluids and have a tendency to float on top of stomach fluids, which can result in the fishy burps often associated with fish oil supplements. In contrast, phospholipid Omega-3s do disperse in water and are easily blended in the stomach fluids, so with krill oil there is no fishy aftertaste. Aker BioMarine Antarctic is the only krill fishery to date to earn Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. Adhering to the highest environmental standards in all aspects of operations, Aker BioMarine Antarctic’s corporate philosophy and policy is to operate in a manner which emphasizes sustainable harvesting practices and minimizes environmental impact. The aim is to responsibly utilize the valuable marine resources harvested to their fullest potential. Aker BioMarine Antarctic’s proprietary Eco-HarvestingTM system allows krill to be captured beneath the surface in a submerged net and remain in the sea until they are gently siphoned onboard. Eco-Harvesting’s trawl module effectively prevents accidental bycatch of fish, birds, and marine mammals, causing minimal environmental impact. Numerous clinical studies have shown that EPA and DHA are essential for maintaining a healthy body, but what the typical western diet provides is far short of what the body needs. Let Superba Krill Oil supplements bridge the gap for you. To learn more about Aker BioMarine, visit booth #708 at Expo West 2012.

QTRADE LEADS SPECIALTY TEA’S GROWTH INTO THE MAINSTREAM QTrade Teas and Herbs, a pioneering supplier to the specialty tea industry, continues to facilitate the growth of its clients. From Teavana’s impressive IPO to McDonald’s successful national sweet tea campaign, North America is embracing tea, especially organic teas, at a rapid pace. It is clear that the specialty tea experience is spreading from the connoisseur to the mainstream. QTrade recently relocated to a state of the art blending, packaging, and warehousing facility in Los Angeles to support its clients’ expanding needs. The expanded infrastructure continues the core values of the company’s founder and CEO Manik Jayakumar, who brings 48 years of experience to the industry. Manik insists that the North American experience of tea is dynamic and creative, and to his surprise, is the center of innovation in the global tea industry. Tea, he says, is now a classically American product, as people create unexpected drinks that would not occur to anyone in more traditional tea-drinking countries.

To help meet the market’s demand for creativity, QTrade provides its clients with a dedicated product development team which focuses on creating innovative, colorful and healthy beverage blends. Last year the company’s product development team won awards for its organic foodservice iced tea among other products. Uniquely, a number of the awards were for organic and a Fair Trade drinks. This does not surprise Manik, who has always thought that drinks should be healthy, socially-conscious, and taste great at the same time. Innovation in the world of organics is nothing new for QTrade, however. Manik served as the agricultural advisor for the very first organic-certified tea garden in the world in 1985. The benefits of organic farming were readily apparent to Manik and everyone else who worked on the project. As the harmful chemicals were flushed from the tea garden, nature corrected itself. Birds and Continued on Page 117

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NATIVE TOUCH: ALL-NATURAL SOAPS AND SALVES WITH A DIFFERENCE Laralyn RiverWind, Founder & CEO of skincare company Native Touch, tells Naturally Healthy what sets her natural skin care company apart. NH: What’s new with Native Touch?

LR: A lot… Don’t blink! Our company is growing by leaps and bounds (even before the recent release of twelve new products and fifteen new giftsets). We have been researching, developing and formulating for the past decade, but have really started growing during the last few years, even during the recession.

NH: There are so many skin care lines out there. What makes you different?

LR: All of our products are unique, proprietary blends formulated and manufac-

tured in-house. We are not rebottlers. They are original, effective products that people fall in love with. As an herbal biologist getting my doctorate in naturopathy, and because of the herbal medicine my father taught me growing up, we only produce 100% natural skincare. We are also committed to truth in labeling and are certified vegan-friendly and cruelty free by PETA. NH: So your products are made in the USA, correct?

LR: Yes, our factory is in Cherokee County, North Carolina. We are a U.S. Veteran and Caribbean Native American owned and operated company. People initially like buying from our company because of these reasons. Subsequent purchases are because they fall in love with the wide range of uses

Búcha (Con’t. from p. 110)

kombucha, “ commented Lloyd. “But even with all the customer and consumer wins, our company remains focused on ensuring consistent product quality and continued quality service to our existing retail partners. We have never been exposed to any recall nor have we had to reformulate to stay within legal alcohol limits,” Lloyd stated. With these assurances made, the total “búcha package” of consistently safe and attractive offerings is steadily moving the line into the position of a major player in this important natural foods category. Double Rainbow (Con’t. from p. 111)

ice creams since 1976. They have owned and operated their own ice cream parlors in the United States and Asia over their 36 years. They sell their products to ice cream dipping stores, restaurants and hotels. Packaging sizes for these customers are available

NH: So, I hear there’s a great story behind one of your products. Share with our readers the story behind Warrior Bear Rub. LR: My parents are missionaries that help the indigenous people of Peru: medicine/nursing, feeding centers, education, orphanages. After they were kidnapped, beaten and thankfully released, three months later my father still had numerous leg wounds that had not healed. Because of my roots in herbal medicine, I formulated a concentrated salve for him that closed every one of his non-healing wounds in three days. Did you know that medical studies show that 5 percent concentration of tea tree oil kills the resistant staph bacteria known as MRSA? Since he is both my teddy bear, my grizzly bear, AND because he fought back against his assailants, I named the salve Warrior Bear Rub.

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tial for retailers?

LR: Having once been retailers ourselves, we view our products a lot like stocks and bonds. It’s good to have a diverse portfolio, with some fast growers and some steady climbers. The products that are the hot new stocks, ready for a two-for-one split are our soaps. They are different from every other all-natural soap, in that not only do they give amazing results to the skin, but they are packaged in seeded boxes that grow daisies. That’s better than recyclable. Not only are we sustaining our precious environment, we’re beautifying it. Our blue chip investments are the all-natural moisturizing salves we call “rubs.” On average, every rub customer will buy and/or refer 5.5 other customers to the product. Eighty-five percent of retail customers say they will purchase our rubs for the rest of their lives. That’s brand loyalty to bank on.

NH: Which product shows the most poten-

of L-Glutamine, L-Arginine, L-Theanine and D-Ribose and many other nutraceutical materials. Its core technologies include natural microbial fermentation, botanical extraction, and bio-chemical pre-mix and processing technology. Affiliated with China’s highest-ranking educational and R&D institution, Tsinghua University, Chengzhi Life Sciences Company Ltd. is heavily involved in research and development, particularly in the area of food nutrition and nutritional application. The partnership is expected to cement Bioenergy Life Science’s position as the leading ribose company in the United States and the world, with a lasting global reach and perspective. In line with this partnership, Bioenergy Life Science is aggressively positioning its clinically-proven and patented Bioenergy

Ribose ingredient in food applications. As an all-natural, energy-boosting ingredient already found in popular beverages and supplements, Bioenergy Ribose has quickly gained the attention of food manufacturers for its unique energy functions, negative glycemic index, and ability to improve health and support a healthy and active lifestyle. Designated by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe), Bioenergy Ribose is the only patented brand of ribose––a simple sugar that facilitates the natural process of energy production. Ribose stimulates the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the essential energy compound found in every cell in the body, improving energy levels, fighting fatigue and boosting cardiovascular functioning. While the body naturally produces ribose, physical stress can deplete the body’s natural stores, and the body’s process for replenishing ribose produces undesirable consequences, including the production of

lactic acid. Using a supplement that contains Bioenergy Ribose can help prevent the aches and soreness associated with elevated levels of lactic acid, allowing athletes to train harder for longer. To underscore these qualities, the company assembled top US Olympic decathlete Bryan Clay, triathletes Greg and Laura Bennett, and rower Susan Francia as its team of brand ambassadors. “We will continue to provide superior products and customer service and remain as a true American life science company,” assures VonderBrink. “With Chengzhi (Life Sciences Company Ltd), Bioenergy Ribose® is primed to become a major player in the international nutritional products industry.” For more information about Bioenergy Ribose, visit the Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. at booth #421. You may also call (877) 4RIBOSE or visit www.bioenergyribose.com. For media related inquiries, you may contact Rajan De Los Santos at 805969-3744 or rajan@christiecomm.com.

Enticing popular/unique flavor pairings are the anchor of the brand––and búcha’s Grapefruit Sage, Lemongrass Ginger, Guava Mango, Verbena Rose, Masala Chai and Blood Orange have just been joined by the newest búcha flavor––Raspberry Pomegranate. Brewmaster Frank Commanday added, “to blend these delicious flavors into a drink that also offers the healthier beverage option of kombucha, makes for a nolose proposition––except you might lose a little weight since our ingredients are naturally low in calories.” To reinforce this position in a country strug-

gling to fight obesity, búcha recently completed a month-long social media initiative, joining other kombucha brands nationally to encourage people to take the 30-Day Kombucha Challenge, encouraging the switch from sugary, empty calorie drinks to kombucha. Búcha is a product of B&R Liquid Adventure, LLC, founded in 2009 by Bern Galvin, an avid kombucha drinker and business consultant with 30 years of corporate turnaround and management experience. Galvin––a former competitive athlete––was looking for a healthy beverage to help him shake a history of chronic respiratory prob-

lems. After years of experimenting with flavor combinations and refining the brewing process, búcha was born and unrivaled taste and flavor was delivered to the category. All things considered, it is the opinion of many industry observers that búcha may be heading to national brand status fairly soon. With continued hard work, the búcha team expects to continue to let the good taste, the good looks and the good times roll. For more information and to indulge your taste buds, stop by booth #5852 while at EXPO West. Contact them at info@ mybucha.com or www.mybucha.com.

in 2.5 gallon, 1.5 gallon, and 5-liter containers. Their retail line includes pints, quarts and 5-ounce containers sold in supermarkets and grocery stores. They have been fortunate to win many awards in their 36 year history, including being “Awarded the Best Ice Cream in America”, in the World Series of Ice Cream.

All of their products are certified kosher, their soy creams and sorbets are certified kosher, parve, and their organic ice creams are certified as such. Double Rainbow ice creams are produced using a low overrun (very little air) yielding a dense and rich tasting final product. The use of egg yolks adds to the richness and

smoothness of their ice creams. Double Rainbow is committed to producing the highest quality products, and doing so day after day after day. For more information visit www .doublerainbow.com or call them directly at 800-489-3580. At Expo West, they are at booth #3683.

TOP RIBOSE COMPANY BIOENERGY LIFE SCIENCE PARTNERS WITH CHENGZHI, PENETRATES FOOD INDUSTRY Leading biotechnology company Bioenergy Life Science, Inc., known for its patented Bioenergy Ribose® active energy ingredient, joined forces with China’s top biotechnology company, Chengzhi Life Sciences Company Ltd., further strengthening its industry position to provide quality ribose-based nutraceutical products. “We are energized to be working with Chengzhi Life Sciences,” says Tom VonderBrink, President of Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. “Chengzhi brings in significant resources to the company and its resolve to undertake innovative steps in developing and expanding the impact of our ribose line and other patents.” Based in Beijing, China, Chengzhi Life Sciences Company Ltd. is one of the world’s major manufacturers and suppliers

and the long-lasting effectiveness of our natural products.

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SOLANA GOLD: ORGANIC FRUIT FRESHNESS IDEAL FOR PRIVATE LABEL By Naomi Richards, Solana Gold Organics

Here at Solana Gold we are dedicated to providing our customers with organic applesauce, apple juice, apple cider vinegar and our new organic pears that are exceptionally fresh and healthy, yet still maintain the integrity of our environment. Try our apple sauce – reformulated to remove added sugars, for a product that is healthier yet still has superior quality and

only the purest apple taste. We have created a bright new look for our organic applesauces (Gravenstein, organic blend, apricot and raspberry), and added organic pears (in 15 ounce cans for halves and slices, and 29 ounce cans for halves). In a time when it is important to know where our food comes from, all of our apples and pears are grown right here on the America’s west coast. Our Gravenstein apple is a rare variety that is part of Slow

SPRINGFIELD CREAMERY—THE FOLKS THAT MAKE NANCY’S YOGURT Celebrating over 50 years!

Fresh out of college and newly married, Chuck and Sue Kesey opened the doors to Springfield Creamery in 1960, in their hometown of Springfield, Ore. A small, humble creamery that began by bottling and delivering milk in glass jugs, it soon became clear that a niche product was needed to ensure that the creamery would survive. At this time Nancy Hamren came to work for the creamery with yogurt-making experience from her grandmother. Her experience, paired with Chuck Kesey’s expertise with cultures and probiotics, seemed to be the perfect match. In 1970 Nancy’s Yogurt was born, becoming the

first probiotic-cultured yogurt in the U.S. That first Nancy’s Yogurt, with the probiotic acidophilus culture, came to local customers in the early 1970s in glass canning jars. Nancy’s fan base soon grew and it was those loyal customers who not only grew the business in those early years, but also saved it. By 1972, the creamery was facing hard financial times and in a creative move, the Grateful Dead was called upon to perform a benefit concert. With nearly 20,000 people attending the historic event and tickets printed on Nancy’s Yogurt labels, the concert gave the creamery the financial boost they needed to survive. From there Springfield Creamery continued to grow and thrive, with support from

STASH TEA Naturally Healthy chats with Dorothy Arnold, Vice President of Marketing at Stash Tea. NH: What’s your main line of business? What makes your company unique?

DA: Stash Tea, located in Portland, OR, is one of the largest specialty tea companies in the United States. Stash has been committed to providing premium quality teas and an unsurpassed tea drinking experience since 1972. We pride ourself on our tea blending and flavor innovation, offering more than 200 blends and varieties in different package forms and sizes to meet customer needs. NH: What distinguishes your product from the competition? DA: Stash has always been very picky about the quality of the ingredients used in our teas.

Stash begins with some of the best quality tea leaves from the world’s premier tea gardens, and herbs and spices from the best sources. Our master blenders combine these ingredients to create teas of exceptional quality and flavor. Plus, only pure 100 percent natural ingredients are used in Stash Teas. Some tea brands use artificial flavors and ingredients. All of our teas are kosher certified, further assurance of their purity and quality. NH: Are you introducing any new products?

DA: Stash Tea recently redesigned its line of Organic teas. The new design has a clean, refreshing look, plus the cello overwrap has also been eliminated, which makes the packaging more earth friendly. Stash Organic Teas are available in 12 flavors: Chai, Earl Grey, Breakfast Blend, Cascade Mint, Lavender Tulsi, Vanilla Honeybush, White Tea with Mint, Chamomile, a Green and a

PURE LEAF ICED TEAS AND DISTINCTIVE HERBS FROM TAO OF TEA The Tao of Tea® is one of the nation’s true pure-leaf specialty tea companies, has launched 11 flavors of ready-to-drink iced teas and herbs. The bottled drinks, a line of iced tea and a line of Tulsi, are organic and unsweetened, freshly and carefully brewed in craftstyle batches at The Tao of Tea’s own tea brewery in Portland, Oregon, without any

added juices, powders, extracts or flavorings. The iced tea line includes eight refreshing varieties: Darjeeling, Osmanthus Oolong, Lapsang Souchong (Pine Smoked Black), Tippy Assam, Gunpowder Mint, Oregon Berry Black, Lemon Myrtle (caffeine free) and Cape Town Rooibos (caffeine free). The Tulsi line offers Tulsi Pure, Tulsi

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Food’s Ark of Taste. Our customers can trust that we grow, harvest and process our products in a USDA certified processing facility, that does not include any tree nuts, grain or dairy. Our products contain no GMO’s, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. We are allergy friendly and Made in the USA every step of the way––an advantage appreciated by the several countries we export to. Not only do we provide healthy organic products to the public, we also provide re-

tailers a great private label program.We make it easy for retailers to design a label that truly reflects their store, to expand inventory and generate customer loyalty. Solana Gold apple sauces, juice, cider vinegar and organic pears will soon be available online, at www.solanagold.com. For more information, call 800-459-1121 or email solanag@pacbell.net. At Expo West, visit us at booth 4570 to sample apple products and pears with the natural sweetness and flavor that only organic can bring.

loyal customers and longtime employees. That support was never more evident than in 1994, when a devastating electrical fire destroyed much of the business the Keseys had built up over the years. But with that employee and community support, the creamery was back to making their flagship Nancy’s Yogurt in just four short weeks. Although the fire was a significant setback, the Keseys slowly rebuilt the business, returning to what they do best— making healthy food for folks. It is rare that a family can tell the story of their business, spanning over half a century. One would agree that Springfield Creamery’s story follows a more colorful path than most. Today, Springfield Creamery offers more than 75 items in the Nancy’s Natural and Organic Cultured Dairy and Soy line of

products. Springfield Creamery uses local, rBGH-free milk, real fruits, no cane sugars and of course, live, beneficial probiotics in each and every Nancy’s product. With the help of a second generation and with a third generation in the wings, the Kesey family still owns and operates Springfield Creamery today, just as they have for more than 50 years. In fact, in an industry where automation is the standard, Chuck still checks each batch of yogurt to determine when it’s fully cultured—using nothing more than a spoon! Amazing what can be achieved when one stays true to the principles of natural living, healthful foods and their community. Learn more about Springfield Creamery’s cultured history at www.nancysyogurt.com or at booth #2486.

Green decaf, Darjeeling green, and Lemon Ginger Green. Each package contains 18 individually wrapped tea bags. Suggested retail is $3.99.

six unique Guayusa blends: chocolate, mint, lemon, yerba mate and ginseng, and chai. They are delcious, organic, and naturally energizing. Each package contains 18 individually wrapped tea bags. Suggested retail is $4.99.

We are also introducing a new line of Guayusa (gwhy-you-suh) teas. Guayusa is a rare, naturally caffeinated herbal tea native to the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. It’s naturally smooth, with a rich earthy aroma and slightly sweet finish. Guayusa has an energizing effect similar to coffee and tea. Unlike coffee or energy drinks, Guayusa provides balanced energy without the jitters or sudden crash commonly associated with caffeinated drinks. Guayusa provides a slow release of caffeine for alertness and sustainable energy. It is also treasured for its unique balance of antioxidants, vitamin and amino acids.

Guayusa is grown and hand-picked by local farmers from the rich soil under the canopy of the Amazon Rainforest. Stash has created

Lavender and Tulsi Ginger. Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a caffeine-free Ayurvedic herb from India that has been gaining popularity in the United States. The Tao of Tea grows Tulsi in parts of India by supporting small farmers and promoting organic cultivation. Most varieties are currently available at select Whole Foods Market stores, Zupan’s Market, New Seasons, independent co-ops and other natural foods stores in the Pacific Northwest and California, and soon nationwide. Bottles are 11.5 fluid ounces and shelf-stable. SRP $2.99. All drinks have zero sugar

NH: What is the nature of your distribution? DA: Stash Tea products are available through foodservice, grocery stores, tea and coffee shops, club stores, mass merchandisers, natural foods stores, a consumer print catalog, and online at www.stashtea.com Stash Tea is also available in Canada and in many other countries. NH: How can our readers find out more about your company? DA: For general company information, www.stashtea.com. For wholesale orders, www.stashteabusiness.com, or call 800-5471514. Or, stop by booth #2585 at Expo West.

and zero calories. The Tao of Tea won the Best Packaging award at the 2011 North American Bottled Tea Championship. The Osmanthus Oolong and Darjeeling varieties were amongst the top three winners in the Ready-to-Drink category. The Tao of Tea, founded by Veerindeer Chawla in 1997, is one of the leading tea purveyors in the country promoting organic loose leaf teas, handcrafted tea ware and organic, pure leaf bottled teas. For more information please call 503736-0198 or visit www.taooftea.com.

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WHITE COFFEE ADDS FIRST COLONY, ENTENMANN’S, MOON PIE AND JUNIORS COFFEES White Coffee, a third-generation familyowned coffee roaster, has added several new licensed offerings to its expanding gourmet collection. These new lines include: First Colony: the complete line of dozens of First Colony, Discoveries and Bakers Treat coffees. Many organic coffees are also available. Distinctive packaging and superior quality coffees continue in the longstanding tradition of the First Colony name. Entenmann’s: For over 100 years, the name has stood for the finest quality in baked

goods. That same commitment now extends to the Entenmann’s coffee selections: Chocolate Donut, Cinnamon Crumb Cake, Vanilla and Hazelnut. Juniors: from the store that offers the world famous cheesecake, enjoy the same coffee and colorful packaging served in the four retail Juniors’ locations. Moon Pie: the original marshmallow sandwich! Enjoy chocolate, vanilla, banana and mint flavors with colorful packaging that’s out of this world.

DEWPUFF: FACIAL SKIN CARE, NEW TO THE AMERICAN MARKET At Expo West, Boulder Trading Company is proud to launch DewPuff, a facial sponge new to the American market and made from pure vegetable fiber. Natural and bio-degradable, DewPuff provides a gentle facial skin care experience unlike any other. Boulder Trading Company is an import/export company dedicated to trading natural consumer products internationally. In 2011, Boulder Trading kicked off its import division by introducing Fair Trade natural bar soaps under the native brand IndoChine Natural, and is now moving on to broaden its product line. IndoChine Natural soaps are made in the historical spice trade center of Penang Island, Malaysia, under Fair Trade principles. Inspired by the location and the history of

Penang Island, IndoChine Natural uses local spices for its soap making which infuses products with very unique, spicy and exotic aromas. Additionally, during the cold process of hand crafting, IndoChine Natural cures soaps for more than 30 days, resulting in soaps that are very mild, moisturizing and long-lasting. To build on the momentum of the introduction of IndoChine Natural soaps, Boulder Trading is poised to launch its second major brand, DewPuff. DewPuff is made from fiber of an Asian root vegetable called “konjac,” and water. The beautiful simplicity of this facial sponge is that it contains only two ingredients. For thousands of years, Japanese people have been eating “Kon-nyaku,” a jelly-like food made from konjac fiber. The dietary fiber

ROCK BODY SPRAY: A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO AXE AND OLD SPICE ROCK BODY SPRAY & DEODORANT™, created by the makers of award winning Crystal, is designed for men who place a high value on authentic, natural ingredients as well as a product that works without all the unwanted chemicals. “ROCK is the natural alternative to Axe, Old Spice and other commercial deodorants which use propylene glycol and synthetic fragrances,” says Jerry Rosenblatt, founder and president of ROCK’s creator, French Transit, Ltd. based in Burlingame, CA. ROCK is made with all natural mineral salts which prevent body odor naturally. The mineral salts create an invisible barrier that

inhibits the growth of odor causing bacteria. ROCK Body Sprays are available in three bold, all natural scents: Onyx Storm uses hints of bourbon, sandalwood and cedar wood, Cobalt Sky is infused with West Indian Sandalwood, citrus and vanilla and Granite Rain has hints of bergamot, citrus and sage. For men who prefer a fragrance free option, ROCK Deodorant is available in body spray, stick and 5-ounce deodorant stone. “Men are increasingly concerned about what they’re putting into and onto their bodies,” continues Rosenblatt. “Commercial deodorants and body sprays often contain aluminum zirconium or aluminum chlorohy-

HEALTHFORCE INTRODUCES A NEW LINE OF ENHANCED BOTANICAL VITAMINS AND POWER SHAKES FOR THE DEDICATED ATHLETE by Dr. Jameth Sheridan, D.H.M.

New Friendly Force Ultimate Probiotic is a natural synergy of acid-resistant, ultra-stable,

ultra-high potency (ranging from 25 to 150 billion/serving), implantable species, PLUS whole food prebiotics. Available in powder and VeganCaps.

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“We are absolutely delighted that we have been able to partner with these superb brands, industry leaders and famous for their unique, outstanding products,” says Carole White, President of White Coffee. “White Coffee has been importing and roasting the finest quality coffee for more than 70 years, and we helped pioneer the development of specialty coffee over 35 years ago. We look forward to introducing these new lines of well-balanced, delicious coffees to more and more coffee lovers across the nation.” These new brands are an ideal complement to the White Coffee Kahlua and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory coffees that have enjoyed remarkable success during the past year. Kahlua Coffees include Original (delicate notes of rum, vanilla and caramel, wrapped in coffee flavor), Hazelnut, French

Vanilla, and Mocha. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory coffees include Dark Chocolate Truffle, English Toffee, Hazelnut Truffle and Vanilla Caramel. Products for all coffee lines are available in a variety of retail, value and gift-sized packages. In recent months, White Coffee has secured significant placements and substantial sales throughout the United States with multiple prominent specialty and gourmet markets (both directly and through specialty distributors). In addition, there have been sales with nationally known higher-end mass merchants, upscale supermarkets and gourmet food websites. For more information, call White Coffee at 718-204-7900 or 800-221-0140, contact Jeannette Levy at jlevy@whitecoffee.com or visit www.whitecoffee.com.

made from konjac (the main ingredient of kon-nyaku) has an amazing ability to retain water. This makes konjac fiber an ideal ingredient for moisturizing facial sponges. DewPuff, armed with konjac dietary fiber, is very moisturizing when soaked in water. Gently massaging skin with a moist DewPuff is refreshing and provides a unique exfoliation effect. Also of note is that the konjac sponge itself is weak in alkaline. When soaked with water and softly applied to the face, the konjac sponge forms a weak alkaline layer of water between the sponge and skin. This layer of weak alkaline water naturalizes acidic substances on the skin, so that they wash away harmlessly for a soapless cleansing benefit. DewPuff is perfect for cleansing infants, for teenagers suffering from acne, and for people of all ages who value an all-

natural scrub for the face and other sensitive body parts. Boulder Trading offers DewPuff in three different colors: white, black and Asian Clay. The white puff is the original pure sponge, made only from konjac fiber and water. The black puff includes a natural bamboo charcoal powder ingredient which provides extra bacteria fighting power. Lastly, the orange-hued “Asian Clay” puff offers natural Asian yellow soil powder known for boosting the puff’s absorptive power. DewPuff, the vegetable facial sponge, together with IndoChine Natural fair trade soaps, is available for retail at www.EnVerdeNaturals.com. For wholesale inquiry, please contact Boulder Trading Company at info@bouldertradingcompany.com or 303530-3473. At ExpoWest, visit us at booth #5710.

drate which are pore-cloggers or they contain musk which is synthetic. ROCK BODY SPRAY & DEODORANT contains only natural ingredients.” The men’s deodorant and anti-perspirant category grew at over five percent in total retail dollars last year, outpacing the women’s category which grew at around three percent, according to Chicago based MPG Group which tracks IRI data. Meanwhile, the mineral salt deodorant category, founded by Crystal in 1984, grew at seven percent, outpacing the deodorant category as a whole which grew just over three percent. According to Rosenblatt, the time is perfect for a men’s natural body spray and deodorant. We’ve dedicated the last five years

to perfecting this product line and I’m as excited about this as I was when we first launched mineral salt deodorant category 28 years ago.” Rosenblatt confirms that the company plans to make its largest marketing investment ever in the ROCK launch which will include radio and television advertising as well as event sponsorship, sampling and word of mouth efforts. He enthuses, “We going to put ROCK on the map in a big way!” For more information on ROCK, retailers and distributors are invited to visit booth #3918 at the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim March 9 – 11, 2012 or visit them online www.rockdeo.com or www.facebook.com /RockDeo, or call 800-829-ROCK(7625).

Vitamineral Green 5.1is the latest evolution of the legendary alkaline, cleansing, whole food, bio-nutritive superfood complex for the entire body. Provides full-on refinement in every area. An even stronger formula, yet better taste. Stronger probiotics and 200 percent more sea vegetables equal minerals, vitamins, thyroid, and essential sugars (fucose/mannose). The new Acai Resveratrol Antioxidant Extremeversion 8.0, from 500,000 - 1.5 million/

bottle, is a leading antioxidant that provides a comprehensive formula with potencies, bio-availability, value and Oxygen Radical Absorbence Capacity. Contains botanical extracts and synergistic whole foods. Our most comprehensive antioxidant product ever, this includes herbal absorption enhancers. Free radicals have met their match. Bring it! Vitamineral Earthversion 3.1. is the Continued on Page 115

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CARIBBEAN FLAVORS FROM GOURMET DU VILLAGE Gourmet du Village makes it easy to bring the distinctive taste of beach barbeque into your kitchen. Caribbean Curry is a flavorful, sweet-spiced, aromatic all natural blend of herbs and spices. Jamaican Jerk Spice Blend has allspice, thyme and citrus as keynote flavors. Jambalaya is spicy, tasty, straight from the south.

See the new line, along with Gourmet du Village’s entire new collection of gourmet gifts, at the company’s showrooms in Dallas and Atlanta. The line debuted at this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. Cthem at 800-668-2314, e-mail lindaz@gourmetduvillage.com, or visit www.gourmetduvillage.com.

FAIR HARVEST FOODS: ALL NATURAL SAUCES BASED ON TROPICAL FRUITS Fruit-based sauces are a great way to add a unique sweetness to all types of warmweather recipes. Our Pink Guava Drizzle is sweet and with a wonderful flowery aroma, that works well as a base for a shrimp glaze, or for a light vinaigrette. The Banana Acai Spread can enhance smoothies or be used to make delicious cakes or cupcakes, while the Pineapple-Papaya topping is just the right

touch for any grilling sauce. All of our products are free of any preservatives and offer a very clean label.All ingredients are gluten-free and allergen-free (no soy, dairy or nuts). If you are interested in our wholesale pricing and terms, and how to obtain a sample, please contact info@fairharvestfoods.com or visit www.fairharvestfoods.com.

TILLEN FARMS NATURAL CHERRIES: MAKING THEM THE MOST NATURAL PART OF YOUR COCKTAILS AND DESSERTS! In July 2011, Tillen Farms introduced its newest family member, Bada Bing Cherries™, to complement its popular Merry Maraschino cherry. The Bing cherry, the most popular fresh cherry sold in the U.S, was available only seasonally. Working with the leading Northwest Cherry Cooperative, representing 125 growers, Tillen Farms now proudly offers freshly packed, extra large, delicious tasting Bing Cherries year-round in retail and food HealthForce (Con’t. from p. 114)

perfect companion to green foods. Foundational, rejuvenating, hard-core, primal, whole food, herbal superfood complex, deep nourishment and balance. Combination of roots, barks, seeds, and spices make Vitamineral Earth great in smoothies, juices, and healing broth, tea, or soup. Our Warrior Force sports nutrition line breaks new ground with actual sports nutrition, not toxic chemicals/compounds for short-term performance at the expense of your health. Comprehensive, uncompromising, battle ready, nutritionally therapeutic, vegan, raw, whole food products that we like to call “TruGanic”™: with warrior food proteins including Elite Green Protein, Warrior Greens, Warrior Core, Warrior’s Defense, Warrior Endure, and more. This is the ultimate line for true warriors with true honor. How did these products come about? As a Doctor of Holistic Medicine (D.H.M.) and proud true warrior, I have been into athletics all of my life. Not just “sports,” but hard-hitting, muscle-pumping, heart-pounding, mentally-grueling, endurance-testing sports––warrior sports. I would rather die

service sized packaging! These jumbo Bada Bings, like the Merry Maraschinos, are pitted, with stem-on and are made from only natural ingredients! They are gluten-free, kosher certified (KOF-K) and contain no preservatives or artificial flavors, no red dye No.40 and no corn syrup. Tillen Farms’ owner, Tim Metzger says, “When we repositioned our speContinued on Page 116

than be denied my warrior spirit––that is just who I am! I am also hard-core into health. Unfortunately, sports “nutrition” products usually have nothing to do with actual health. They are notoriously unhealthy, many of them downright toxic – ultimately contributing to a warrior’s demise. As a naturopath and herbal medicine researcher, I have embraced a hard-core healing lifestyle for 26 years. In that time I have seen people who had healthy-looking physiques degenerate and die much too soon (or die suddenly) due to their toxic diet, lifestyle and supplements. Not anymore. Warrior food helps you look and perform better without sacrificing your health––or your ethics. 100 percent high performance complete protein/amino acid profile! Regardless of your diet, lifestyle and ethics, whether you are a professional athlete or a “weekend warrior”, Warrior Force offers the best performing protein and sports nutrition supplements you can buy (with phytonutrient benefits way beyond isolated proteins/ compounds). For more information please visit www.HealthForce.com 800-357-2717. Also visit booth #1584 at Expo West 2012.

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THE DAILY CRAVE APPOINTS GLOBAL SALES AND MARKETING AS NATIONAL MASTER BROKER The Daily Crave, a new line of delicious and healthy vegetable chips, is ready to expand with a new national master broker. “It is an exciting product line with a lot of potential for growth” said Hassan Alireza, president of Global Sales and Marketing. “This is exactly the type of snacks that we love to sell: 100 percent natural and 100 percent vegan, non-GMO, non-dairy and much more. Consumers are looking for better ingredients and so are we; The Daily Crave hits the mark.” Daily Crave chips are delicious by them-

selves, and also are perfectly large-sized for dipping. “We are happy to announce that our first distributor has placed their full truck load order, and it should be hitting the retail markets shortly,” Alireza continues. “In order to expand The Daily Crave nationally, we are interviewing perspective brokers with the same level of enthusiasm as GSM.” Prospective brokers and anyone who loves healthy snacks should call 877-331-3877, email hass@globalsalesmktg.com or visit www.globalsalesmktg.com. At Expo West, visit booth #5037 for more information and tasting.

THE INVISIBLE CHEF: MIXES WITH A CHEF’S PROMISE IN EVERY BOX The Invisible Chef (800-456-7115 or www.theinvisiblechef.com) has a chef’s promise in every box! The company prides itself on using only the finest all natural ingredients in every mix it makes, so that customers know they are serving the very best to family and friends. Their flavor combinations include classic standbys everyone loves, as well as unique offerings for the sophisticated inner chef in all of us. The Coffee & Tea Cake Collection includes Almond Crème, Apple Spice, Cherry Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Truffle, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chipotle Brownie, Hazelnut Chocolate, Lemon Poppy Seed, Maple Oat Walnut, Mocha Latte, Peaches & Crème, and Vanilla Fig. The mixes are easy to make, requiring just a few staple ingredients. From the box, to the oven, to the table in minutes. The Invisible Chef also offers an array of other delectable categories. The Bake-ItQuick Breads include their Brewer’s Choice

Beer Bread, which is a top seller for the company. Close behind is their newest category, Savory Muffin Cakes. The Rosemary Raisin Pecan and the Bacon Cheddar Onion are quickly gaining popularity. The aroma alone of the Chef’s Savory Muffins is enough to dazzle family and friends. The Bed & Breakfast Favorites collection of Pancake and Waffle mixes is inspired by some of the finest inns across the county. Flavors include Blueberry, Buttermilk, Chocolate Chip, and Maple Oat. While the coffee is brewing and the bacon is sizzling, just add a few ingredients and breakfast is ready to serve. Rounding out The Invisible Chef’s line up are Sweet Muffin Cakes and Cookie Jar Classics. With so many categories and flavors to choose from, your customers are sure to find a favorite. To learn more about setting up a wholesale account, email contactus@theinvisiblechef.com or call 800-456-7115.

FROM STICKY FINGERS BAKERIES: IRISH SODA BREAD, ENGLISH SCONES, DECADENT BROWNIES AND MORE With Sticky Fingers Bakeries you can indulge in delicious baked goods without any of the hassle of making them from scratch. Enjoy the same great taste of homemade treats like lemon scones or wild blueberry muffins with Sticky Fingers’ premium bakery mixes—ready to eat with only a few minutes of preparation! It can be hard to find the time to bake from scratch during a hectic schedule. Sticky Fingers Bakeries makes it easy for even the busiest customer to experience the great tastes and aromas of homemade baking without requiring a major time investment. It provides buyers with bakery mixes that are carefully crafted in small batches by cooking experts, a process that results in your

enjoyment of exceptional, handmade taste in a quick and easy fashion. Sticky Fingers uses only the highest-quality ingredients in its product selections and more, creating mixes with natural fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and canola oil. This leads to the healthiest products, free of trans-fats, high fructose corn syrups, saturated fats or any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Sticky Fingers wants to delight its customers with food that is not only true to the homemade taste but also is just as natural and healthy as anything homemade. A wide range of items makes Sticky Fingers Bakeries a great choice for the tastes of Continued on Page 116

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NH: How did you get into the food business?

CS: When I was eight, my mom, who often dreamed of marketing her pancake recipe, filled a bunch of brown paper lunch sacks with whole wheat flour and other pancake ingredients, hand-wrote on the bags how to make them, and sent me around the neighborhood for a little summer fun selling pancake mix. I sold them all and even got some reorders. In 1995 my brother took Mom’s recipe and created Kodiak Cakes. I took over in 1997 at age 23 when gross revenue was $29,000. NH: Why the name Kodiak Cakes?

Ladies and Gentlemen, In selecting the foods we offer and eat, we do so out of need to nourish and a love of life Sticky Fingers Bakeries (Con’t. from p. 115)

any customer. The company’s expert bakers work hard to bring great new recipes to its catalog, accompanying traditional favorites with fresh new flavors. Its English scone mixes are just one tasty example. Sticky Tillen Farms (Con’t. from p. 115)

cialty NW grown vegetables as drink mix amenities, we were searching for suitable line extensions. As the Pacific NW grows more than 75 percent of the young and dark sweet cherries in the U.S., we were thrilled to collaborate with a leading supplier to begin marketing two products of exceptional quality and taste.” The story behind the Bada Bing trade mark occurred almost by accident. When presented with the dark Bing cherries, Metzger loved the idea and thought he

GOURMET NEWS

levels of calcium and magnesium that occur naturally inblueberries. We use the citrate forms of the minerals, which are the most absorbable and bio-available. For example, Calcium Citrate is the organic form of the mineral and is better absorbed than inorganic sources like Calcium Carbonate. Calcium Carbonate is ground limestone. It’s found in most mass market and “natural” acid indigestion products. Calcium Carbonate has low absorption qualities and leaves deposits in the body. These deposits contribute to the formation of both kidney and urinary tract stones. Other products contain chenmicals like magnesium oxide, sodium bicarbonate and aluminum hydroxide. Some

products contain licorice, which may reduce potassium levels and exhibits estrogenic activity in women, while others contain marshmallow which can interfere with the absorption of drugs used as diabetic medications or other means of blood sugar control. Brainard’s Natural Remedies uses all natural ingredients, high antiopxidant fibers and absorbable minerals in a greattasting chewable tablet. Try this unique product which is unlike any other product on the market today. Relieve occasional indigestion naturally and enjoy a healthy lifestyle! Find out more aobut us at www.Brainard’s NaturalRemedies.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and on our blog, Life’sHunger.com. At Expo West, we are at booth #692.

and everything in this magnificently ordered universe. We make loving decisions in choosing food, how it’s acquired, its handling and distribution, by always referring back to the question, “What will best encourage life?” We focus on the primary sources of contamination or degradation of food in protecting it. As the oldest natural and organic food

company in the United States and Canada we have ocnsiderable experience, practice and knowledge in this. Focused will and firm persistence is demanded. Opposition to pursuit of purity shadows us and creatively works to wear down our resolve. Vigorous faith in the correctness and necessity of this goal keeps us going. Nature is the great provider. We simply

have to keep man’s meddling and tampering with it to a minimum. Shortsightedness and laziness are always involved in adulteration and imitation of food, almost as common is greed. Flimsy arguments are used in trying to hide this. Eden Foods encourages everyone to be knowledgeable, questioning, actively

Fingers Bakeries spices up the classic treat with a variety of exciting flavors: apple cinnamon, pumpkin spice, cocoa-chocolate chip, wild blueberry, lemon scones (such as lemon ginger and lemon poppy seed) and much, much more. These twists on standard recipes are also accompanied by premium

bakery mixes for decadent brownies, a wide range of muffins, Irish Soda bread and special holiday items. You can buy great sides for your baked goods at Sticky Fingers as well! The company’s range of English curds, Fruit Butters, Pepper Jellies and Northwest Jams make a

delicious accompaniment for its English Scones and premium Irish Soda Bread. They are all prepared with the same dedication to quality as found in Sticky Fingers’ bakery mixes. For more information, call 800-458-5826, visit www.stickyfingersbakeries.com or see our ad on page 19.

could create a “one-two punch” with the Merry Maraschinos. Soon thereafter, he watched a Sopranos episode and saw Tony Soprano sitting in his famous Bada Bing club. Metzger wondered if the Bada Bing name might be available. After doing an on-line search and working with a trademark attorney, he realized the combination of words was free and clear. Tillen Farms Bada Bing Cherries™ was initially registered in early 2011 and just received its official trade mark designation from the U.S. Patent Trade Mark Office. Metzger says, “What’s in a name?

Everything! It’s given our Bing cherry a distinct and unique personality and has allowed us to cut through the clutter and quickly establish a presence with our valued trading partners. Customers initially responded as a novelty but they’re repurchasing because the product has a remarkably robust and clean taste, flavor and bite feel.” Both Tillen Farms cherries have gained acceptance with specialty retail, health food, select supermarket chains and liquor and wine shops, including many Whole Foods divisions, Beverages & More, Raley’s and

other select chains and independent retailers. Now offered in larger one-half gallon food service sizes, both cherries are gaining rapid acceptance with white table cloth restaurants, bakeries and chocolatiers! Tillen Farms’ Merry Maraschinos and Bada Bing Cherries are available through leading specialty food distributors nationwide, packed in retail friendly 6’s and carry a $6.99 SRP. For more information, please contact Tim Metzger at 212-957-0055 or F: 212-9570918, via Tim@tillenfarms.com and www.tillenfarms.com. Tillen Farms will be featured in booth #2382 at NPE West.

CS: People often ask us that, and point out the obvious fact that we aren’t based in Alaska. When my brother Jon (company founder) was naming the family pancake recipe, he wanted a brand that was wholesome, yet rugged, authentic and powerful. In his book, “The Story of Kodiak Cakes,” Jon mentions that he named it Kodiak Cakes because he always wanted to go on a fishing trip to Kodiak Island, and still has yet to make the trip. Same goes for me. NH: Describe some company milestones.

CS: First newspaper article: I was still working a day-job the day our first newspaper article hit in Salt Lake. I knew the article was coming out but had no idea what it would

different. Learn how it can benefit you. Brainard’s Natural Remedies is based on the benefits of blueberries and three other natural extracts that have been used for longtime folk remedies. These ingredients are high in antioxidants, tannis and soluble fibers. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals. These compounds help prevent bile acid builduop, help reduce inflammation and increase production of food metabolizing enzymes. Additionally, we’ve added to the high

EDEN FOODS: REJUVENATE! Michael E. Potter, President of organic producer Eden Foods, shares with Naturally Healthy’s readers a letter that represents his company and what it stands for.

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NH: Who is your favorite buyer?

BRAINARD’S NATURAL REMEDIES: ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY HELPS RELIEVE OCCASIONAL INDIGESTION Brainard’s Natural Remedies’ natural antacid was formulated after the accidental discovery that eating fresh blueberries helped relieve occasional indigestion. A lot of research and experimentation followed, to find out which ingredients vcould be combined to produce effective results without using vcalcium carbonate or other traditional substances. Ee use the ingredients that have all natural fibers, extracxts and absorbably minerals to help provide relief. Educate yourtself and understand why this product is

MARCH 2012

do. At about 10:00 I got a call from one of the few stores carrying our product at the time. The manager said the shelves had been cleared out and that she needed product fast, and ordered 10 cases. Before that I was barely delivering a case every other week to that store. First Real Office: The day we moved out of my parent’s basement, where we had free rent for many years, and into a dingy office with no windows, was a landmark day. We ran this business out of various basements for 14 years until we got a “real” office. First Paycheck: I will never forget that day––I’d already been running the company for a couple of years for nothing, and finally got to pay myself something! I think the amount after tax was about $800. I was afraid to cash the check, knowing how little money there was in the bank.

KODIAK CAKES: MOM’S PANCAKES BUILD A BUSINESS Naturally Healthy sits down with Cameron Smith, CEO of Kodiak Cakes.

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CS: Two people that gave us a couple of early lucky breaks are Stan Ross at Smith’s, and Donna Sulivan at Safeway, both of whom took a chance on Kodiak Cakes in the beginning. NH: What do you enjoy most about your work?

CS: Last week we received an email: “I will never ever eat any other pancake, flapjack, or waffle again…please please please please please keep selling your cakes.” Letters like this kept me going when the pains of building a small business from the ground up made me want to quit. Selling a tangible product that benefits people is rewarding. Contact Kodiak Cakes at 801-328-4067 or www.kodiakcakes.com. At Expo West, visit booth #5102.

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PURELY AMERICAN: BEANS ARE BACK! Ever since they began scooping beans in 1988, the foodcrafters at Purely American have been creating an increasing variety of ways for their expanding customer base to enjoy dried beans. Now based in Athens, OH, they now offer five unique brands, including: Purely American -- more than 80 storytelling mixes. Each mix tells a story about America. Slow Cooker Gourmet -- dinner kits that are salt-free, kosher-certified and gluten free (9 out of 10). Urban Pantry Essentials -- 100 percent organic pantry blends which are gluten-free and kosher.

Farmstand Soup Co. - organicbased dinner kits. Salt-free, kosher-certified and gluten free. Pioneer Harvest - salt-free, kosher-certified and gluten free mixes for high volume retailers. Not Just Bean Soup Anymore! By that, Purely American means that theiur unique products serve the following consumer segments: organic, kosher, healthy life style, value-conscious and gluten0free. Additional services include private labelling, high-volume contract packing, licensing, farm market branding and creative product design. For information on all that they offer, please contact Ray Leard at 740-592-3800 or via rayleard@purelyamerican.com.

AMERICAN VINTAGE: WINE & BEER IN A CRACKER By Mary-Lynn Mondich, chefowner of American Vintage Wine Biscuits

American Vintage is the only cracker company with a “Liquor License”! Our crackers have no preservatives, no cholesterol and no trans fats. Only a few ingredients and you can pronounce them all. Every cracker is still sliced by hand in small batches, and wine or beer is the main ingredient in the dough, giving the finished cracker a very home style texture and taste. When I developed these crackers, my goal was to offer a different flavor experience for consumer who entertain. Customers tell us the combination of flavors gives these handmade morsels an Sea Veggies (Con’t. from p. 97)

ingredients; or to add flavor and texture to cooked rice or cold salads. QTrade Teas (Con’t. from p. 111)

other creatures soon returned to the surrounding forests, and the flavor of the tea was impeccable. Looking forward, Manik is excited by recent American interest in herbal and organic tea blends and expects these to be areas of Eden Foods (Con’t. from p. 116)

involved food buyers, as we are. There is a great need for civil society to become caring about and involved in the kind of food that industry feeds us. The social, political, medical, mental and spiritual damages of big agribusiness should not be allowed to continue, but they do. The criminal destruction of water, air, and food quality is only possible while society remains apathetic. Ignorance is bliss. Knowledge is responsibility. Genetically engineered flora designed to encourage or make toxins that kill life and poison the environment is insane. Disinformation, societally pervasive and perpetrated with enormous funding, is only continued because we accept it. Truth in

addictive quality, and guests start talking about the crackers as soon as they taste them. Consumers taste the difference and have said that we’re “Cheese’s Perfect Partner.” Entertaining is easy when you start with American Vintage Wine or Beer Crackers. The six flavors are: Red Wine and Black Pepper; White Wine, Shallot and Cayenne; Chianti, Oregano and Crushed Red Pepper; Pizza and Beer; Smoky Chipotle, Lime and Beer (Mild) and Smoky Chipotle, Lime and Beer (Hot). We are a small artisan company, and appreciate your interest in our crackers. Contact us at 718.361.1003, or at info@americanvintage.com. To try Sea Veggies for yourself and for details of their comprehensive retail support, visit them at Expo West booth 4811. For info and recipes, visit www.sea-veggies.com. continual growth as the large players in the foodservice industry upgrade the quality of their tea menus, much as they did with coffee a few years ago. Contact QTrade Teas at 949-766-0070, info@qtradeteas.com or www.qtradeteas.com. Visit booth #2825 at Natural Products Expo West. advertising is long gone. Government agencies meant to look after the peoples’ wellbeing are being diverted from this with disinformation and very big money to serve the misguided corporate interests of the funders, socially subjugating us in monoculture. Help us encourage cultural diversity and purity in food, agriculture, air, water, and land use. Wisdom is love in discerning. Please beome involved with us in discerning and determning what is appropriate food for humanity. Michael J. Potter, President, Eden Foods

For more information, visit www .edenfoods.com. At Expo West, visit Eden at booth #2636.

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PRIVATE SPRING WATER: PREMIUM PRIVATE LABELED BOTTLED WATER Private Spring Water is the leading national supplier of premium quality custom private labeled bottled water in the United States. Our vertically integrated services include a in-house label design team, advanced 9 color label printing press, bottling and distribution with our network of delivery trucks and freight partners with whom we have negotiated outstanding shipping rates. Private Spring Water offers the highest quality bottled water, guaranteed, and with your custom private label is why Private Spring Water has the best package available. Private Spring Water has collaborated with the leading national suppliers of bottled water and beverages to create promotional products for some of North America’s largest

retail outlets. Having such relationships allows Private Spring Water to offer customers comprehensive design services, a national distribution range, industry leading quality assurance, national customer service and support, and the ability to pass along extremely competitive pricing points. Private Spring Water is the perfect choice for organizations looking for effective and affordable promotion with unmatched service. Our national customer service offers support for all of our products. A single toll-free phone number ensures a Private Spring Water representative is ready to provide every customer prompt service solutions at every step of the way. For more information call 877-664-1500 or visit www.privatespringwater.com.

WIDMER’S CHEESE: ALL-NATURAL AGED BRICK CHEESE Joe Widmer still makes Brick Cheese using his grandfather’s techniques: bucketing curd to fill the cheese molds, turning each cheese the first day three times by hand, even pressing the individual blocks of cheese with the same masonry bricks that his Grandfather used in 1922. Award-winning Widmer’s Aged Brick Cheese is cured for seven to 10 days in the curing room, increasing to a pungent flavor with time. Here is Joe Widmer on real Brick Cheese, which is made only by his cellar: “As Mr. Jossi created it, Brick cheese is firmly in the tradition of the great washed rind cheeses of Europe. Its flavor is enhanced during ripping of the bacterium linens, the same

pleasantly pungent bacterial action that contributes to the flavor of the classic French cheeses like Pont I’Eveque, St. Nectaire, Reblochon and Livarot. Real Brick has a heady aroma and modestly full flavor that will almost assuredly keep Brick from ever being the most popular cheese in town. cheese aficionados swoon over the washed rind offering from Europe should most defiantly be buying some of this all American original. So buy Brick, I tell you–it’s our heritage, it’s endangered and above and beyond all else, it’s good.” Widmer’s Cheese Cellars are located in Theresa, Wis. Contact Joe Widmer at joew@widmerscheese.com or toll-free at 888-878-1107.

ALMOND GOODNESS FROM NUNES FARMS Nunes Farms, a familyowned and operated farm at the base of the coastal range in California’s fertile Central Valley, is still going strong after more than 25 years of selling direct to retailers. Its philosophy is that almonds are really good the way they are, so you don’t need to do much to improve on Mother Nature’s creation. This is why Nunes’ classic Roasted Almonds are always a top seller at the Winter Fancy Food Show. Oven roasting brings out a pleasant crunch, light salting enhances flavor, and you taste the superior quality of the almonds in every bite. Nunes Farms offers a unique variety of packaged as well as bulk almonds, pistachios, mixed nuts and almond candies. The seasoned varieties are lightly coated. Premium chocolate, farm-fresh cream and butter and pure cane sugar are used for Almond Caramel Chews, Chocolate Dipped Almond Chews and Chocolate Truffle Almonds, to name a few. Packages starts with singleserving snack sizes, working up to gift

boxes and tins. Almonds are harvested in late summer and early fall. Almonds contain a high percentage of delicate oils (the good alphatochopherol, vitamin E type) which must be treated properly or its shelf life deteriorates quickly. Since freshness is a high priority, Nunes Farms roasts its nuts only as needed, storing the raw nuts in cold storage with low humidity, the optimal situation. This company takes charge of its product from the ground to the customer. It farms, roasts, seasons, packages and ships, proudly offering the best with every order. The company has maintained its place among customers by offering consistently fresh, high quality products and friendly, professional yet personal service. Nunes Farms maintains a distinctive quality all its own. Whether choosing almonds for snacking, cooking or gift giving, with Nunes you are getting the best, fresh from the source. For information, call 800-255-1641 or visit www.nunesfarms.com.