Gourmet News • March 2024

FEATURED PRODUCT

FEATURED PRODUCT

FEATURED PRODUCT

OMG! Pretzels

Tonnino

ChickP Protein

SEE PAGE 20

SEE PAGE 20

SEE PAGE 21

GOURMET NEWS www.gourmetnews.com

®

T H E

B U S I N E S S

N E W S P A P E R

F O R

T H E

G O U R M E T

I N D U S T R Y

VOLUME 89 • NUMBER 3 MARCH 2024 • $7.00

Café Grumpy Brings Popular NYC Coffee Home

• Southeastern Grocers

BY A.J. FLICK

Celebrates Busy Year PAGE 3

• Whole Foods Initiates Pollinator Policy for Produce, Plants PAGE 4

Brooklyn-based Café Grumpy prides itself on offering “the most non-pretentious coffee experience” using a vintage roaster to process the beans in small batches.

“The name Café Grumpy is de-

• Delilah Miami, ‘20s-Inspired Supper Club, Embodies Sophistication of the Jazz Age PAGE 6

• Blue Apron Launches Prepared & Ready Meal Kits for Weekly Shipment PAGE 10

• Taco Bell at Home Offers Crunchwrap, Chicken Quesadilla ‘Cravings Kits’ PAGE 11

• MyPlate Partners Introduce Resource Showing How to ‘Build a Better Sandwich’ PAGE 11

• Featured Products PAGE 19

• Advertiser Index PAGE 22

ceiving,” the pop culture/financial website Wealth of Geeks wrote in its “15 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in New York City” blog.

“The baristas are friendly and helpful. The logo in the city is iconic.”

“Known for its excellent coffee, this local chain’s motto is ‘if you come in grumpy, you leave happy,’” Vera Sweeney wrote in her lifestyle blog “Lady and the blog.” “It’s a great spot to start your day, especially for families needing a caffeine boost.”

The frowny face that carries the com-

pany name – often set on a cheery orange background – preexists the coffee shops, now numbering 12, which started cropping up around New York City in 2005, as well as the subsequent CPG line in national specialty grocery stores and e-commerce.

“I came up with the logo before the café,” said founder and owner Caroline Bell. “I made holiday gifts of a grumpy coffee bean. It was a joke in the family.”

Bell is anything but grumpy as she discusses her independently owned, Certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise and the “café culture” it embraces.

all three companies will create a connected commerce ecosystem with robust shopper engagement, personalization and loyalty solutions scaled for retailers of all sizes in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

This merger comes at a time when regional grocers and independents face stiff headwinds from larger national chains and mass retailers, such as Walmart.

Thirty-five states, all five U.S. territories and four tribes will be the first to launch the permanent summer grocery benefits program for children – known as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer – this summer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that, in total, the states, U.S. territories and tribes that have committed to launching the Summer EBT program in summer 2024 will serve close to 21 million children, providing a total of nearly $2.5 billion in grocery benefits. This is around 70 percent of the total population of children eligible for Summer EBT. USDA expects additional states and Tribes will provide Summer EBT in 2025.

Through this new program, states will provide families with $120 per eligible child for the summer to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets or other authorized retailers – similar to how SNAP benefits are used. Participating tribes will provide a benefit of the same amount that can be used to buy food at WICauthorized retailers.

“Summer grocery benefits are becoming a reality for many

Continued on PAGE 18

Continued on PAGE 18

Continued on PAGE 12

Mercatus Connects Commerce Ecosystem For Regional, Indie Grocery Retailers Relationshop, a provider of digital engagement solutions for supermarkets and other retail chains, has finalized a merger between two leading providers of ecommerce solutions for regional grocers and independents: Mercatus Technologies, based in Toronto, and Stor.ai, operating out of Tel Aviv.

The newly merged company will be called Mercatus, a testament to the equity the e-commerce brand has achieved in the

grocery sector, and will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Relationshop Inc. The strategic merger combines Mercatus’ enterprise eCommerce platform with Relationshop’s expertise in unifying first-party data and powering personalized digital engagement. This transaction comes on the heels of Relationshop acquiring Stor.ai, an e-commerce solution for independent grocers, in January 2023.

The combined capabilities of

Summer Grocery Program to Help Nearly 21M Kids

14-Karat Gold Drip Lip Cuff Shows Off ‘La Dolce Velveeta’ For more than a century, Velveeta has made its mark on fans’ lips thanks to the iconic drip that satisfies cravings with its rich, cheesy goodness.

Velveeta is inviting fans to own the drip like never before by wearing it proudly. Introducing: the 14 Karat Gold Velveeta Drip Lip Cuff, crafted in partnership with cult-favorite celebrity designer, George The Jeweler.

“No one knows the ‘drip’ like Velveeta – from the physical drip of our supremely creamy cheese to the confident and unapologetic drip that embodies living

‘La Dolce Velveeta,’” said Stephanie Vance, brand manager for Velveeta. “As a brand that’s all about making outrageous pleasure a way of life, our new lip cuff empowers people to boldly step out with an unapologetic confidence that encourages you to live life by your own rules.”

In fashion, “drip” is often used to describe someone who oozes style, swagger and cool. With 2024 jewelry trend reports predicting liquified shapes and face jewelry will be all the rage this year, the “drip” has never been more literal.

The limited-edition 14 Karat Gold Velveeta Drip Lip Cuff will be available for $77 exclusively at georgethejeweler.com, while supplies last.

“I’ve been a fan of Velveeta’s unexpected collaborations over the last few years, which is why I was thrilled to partner with the brand to create a statement piece that allowed fans to wear the drip for the first time,” said George Khalife, founder and CEO of George The Jeweler.

“Working closely with the Velveeta team to create the unique design, we really wanted

to capture the iconicity of the drip, fusing it with my own personal style and this year’s jewelry trends. The 14-Karat gold cuff ultimately embodies the accessible and confident luxury of both George The Jeweler and ‘La Dolce Velveeta.’”

Those living “La Dolce Velveeta” are encouraged to flaunt, post and share how they’re dripping in swag with the new lip cuff by tagging @Velveeta and @GeorgeTheJeweler on Instagram and @Cheesy_Velveeta on TikTok using hashtag #LaDolceVelveeta. Own your drip.GN

2

GOURMET NEWS

FROM THE EDITOR

//

MARCH 2024

GOURMET NEWS

®

WWW.GOURMETNEWS.COM

I grew up in an iced-tea family. My parents drank coffee all day – strong coffee that we called “nuclear coffee” that seemed so thick the spoon could stand up in it. But we kids drank iced tea and we always served iced tea with dinner. We had a ceramic teapot – white dots on a green background – that we used to boil water for the tea and a yellowish Tupperware pitcher into which we poured sugar, steeped tea and plenty of ice. It was a task that we three kids gladly performed because the fresh iced tea tasted so good.

As I said, my parents drank coffee non-stop. In fact, if my mom didn’t get her daily quotient, she couldn’t sleep! But we kids didn’t adopt the coffee habit. I learned to drink coffee when I was attending the University of Arizona, during finals to stay awake.

And it was awful coffee. I worked at a TV station in the evenings and there was usually one of those tall coffee makers churning out cheap coffee. I learned to dump a lot of sugar and creamer to make it somewhat better.

When I started working in newspaper newsrooms, there was always coffee in the break room. I usually got a cup in the morning, just because it was there and that’s what you do, right? It was usually decent coffee, but nothing great. And I kept on using creamer and sweetener, because that’s the way I take my coffee, right? Although some of my friends teased me that it was hardly coffee because I used so much creamer.

The first revelation that coffee could be better (remember, there were no Starbucks on every corner in those days) was when I was introduced to half and half instead of powdered creamer. What a difference that made! Around that time, my parents got a coffee subscription from my dad’s sister and they started learning about arabica and other coffee that didn’t come from a big, red tin.

Still, I didn’t drink coffee too often. Just a few times a week, one

cup in the morning at the office. If I met up with friends at a coffee shop, I usually ordered tea. I didn’t care too much for all the fancy drinks with tens of thousands of calories (at least they seem so).

My parents gave me a cute four-cup Poly Perk electric coffee pot when I was living in the dorms, so I could make my own coffee. I had that little percolator for years. I wonder what happened to it? And I had a drip coffee maker for a few years. I wonder what happened to that? But I went years without making coffee at home. Now, I barely have the counter space for a coffee maker.

Recently, I was given an AeroPress coffee press at a trade show.

And I keep getting specialty coffee (perk of the job – see what I did there?) in the mail. The coffee always smells so good. It was summer in the desert at that time and I didn’t want a hot cup of coffee. Plus, I don’t keep creamer or half and half on hand.

By the time a bag of Cafè Grumpy arrived at my door, it smelled so good I couldn’t wait to taste it. I certainly didn’t want to give it away. I decided to throw caution to the wind and make a cup of cold-brewed coffee, confident the coffee would be so good, I wouldn’t miss the creamer.

Turns out, I like cold-brewed specialty coffee! Without creamer!

OK, I did use sweetener, having graduated from those pink packets to SweetLeaf Sweet Drops.

I love surprising myself. In the last few years, I’ve learned to like foods and drinks I didn’t think I liked. A friend took me to a modern speakeasy that only served gin cocktails and it turns out I do like gin in certain cocktails. Also that the first caviar I tasted wasn’t to my liking, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like caviar (because I do … now). But no, I still don’t like Brussels sprouts or kale, no matter how many times you get me to like them. Maybe.

Now, canned sardines? Hm, that’s a story for another day.

Until then, take care and stay safe! GN

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Oser PRESIDENT

Tara Neal VICE PRESIDENT

Abeer Abiaad PRESIDENT OF SALES

Anthony Socci anthony_s@oser.com PRODUCTION MANAGER/ART DIRECTOR

Yasmine Brown SENIOR EDITOR

AJ Flick EDITOR

JoEllen Lowry CUSTOMER SERVICE

customerservice@oser.com CIRCULATION MANAGER

Jamie Green jamie_g@oser.com EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Heather Albrecht heather_a@oser.com

— AJ Flick • Senior Editor aj_f@oser.com

PUBLISHING OFFICE

1877 N. Kolb Road P.O. Box 1056 Tucson, AZ 85715 520.721.1300 Fax 520.721.6300 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

Gourmet News P.O. Box 30520 Tucson, AZ 85751 520.721.1300 MEMBER OF:

OSER COMMUNICATIONS GROUP FOUNDER

Lee M. Oser

Periodicals postage paid at Tucson, AZ, and additional mailing office. Gourmet News (ISSN 1052-4630) 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. ©2024 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. 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.

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

3

Southeastern Grocers Celebrates Busy Year Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, concluded 2023 by celebrating a “WINNing” year for the customers and communities it serves.

Throughout this year, the grocer introduced new products and provided more value through online and in-store programs to help customers save time and money. Additionally, SEG has continued to be a steadfast community partner by donating more than $3,727,000 back into the community to support neighbors in need.

faction in mind, SEG also expanded its online shopping service for Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers with the launch of curbside pickup in February to provide busy customers with additional convenience and value. When shopping online at participating stores, customers can enjoy easy delivery or curbside pickup in as little as two hours while receiving the same great benefit of in-store prices, savings and promotions.

SEG’s commitment to serving customers also extends to the grocer’s line of Own Brand products, which offers customers an average savings of more than 20 percent

“Reflecting on the remarkable journey we’ve taken over the past year, we are immensely grateful for the incredible dedication of our associates and the unwavering support of our loyal customers,” said Raymond Rhee, chief people officer.

“Throughout 2023, we celebrated many WINNs as we worked together to improve our stores, support our neighbors and lend a helping hand to community members in need.

“As we turn the page on a new chapter in 2024, we look forward to another year of nourishing communities and fostering genuine connections – both inside and outside of our neighborhood stores.”

2023 was a year of growth and renewal for the grocer, with 17 store remodels providing customers with improved, localized shopping experiences and enhanced offerings, along with the opening of two Winn-Dixie stores in its home state of Florida.

In August, SEG unveiled a ground-up store in the recently developed Apopka City Center in Orange County and a second store opening in September in the new College Park development in its hometown of Jacksonville to support the Arlington community’s revitalization efforts.

With customer satis-

compared to national brands on nearly 8,000 items. In 2023, SEG won more than 150 awards for its Own Brand products and market exclusive lines, including top recognition from grocery industry outlets, Store Brands and Progressive Grocer, in addition to World Dairy Expo and USA Wine, Beer and Spirits Ratings.

SEG also announced a new exclusive product line – Know & Love – designed to provide a range of products made with ingredients customers “know” to create the everyday products they’ll “love.” The curated line prioritizes ingredients, quality and value that customers can trust.

Ingredients are selected for quality and every product is free from nearly 100 un-

desirable ingredients such as certified color additives, partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup and sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin and sucralose. The products are rigorously taste-tested and budget friendly.

With many products already available, the SEG Know & Love product line will continue to roll out gradually through 2024 – ultimately offering more than 1,000 clean label products including dairy, produce, ready-made foods, beverages and household items.

The grocer continues to offer customers significant savings through the rewards program, which was included in Newsweek’s America’s Best Loyalty Programs list for the third consecutive year.

To further help customers save time and money, SEG launched its seasonal discount program to hold down the prices of mostshopped grocery essentials.

The “Price Hold” program lowers prices on more than 1,000 popular items to help customers stretch their grocery budget when shopping items marked in blue Price Hold signage throughout Winn-Dixie stores.

As a grocer deeply rooted in the communities it serves, SEG remains unwavering in its support of causes customers and associates care about the most. In 2023, SEG and the SEG Gives Foundation donated more than $3.7 million to more than 1,300 community partners throughout the Southeast.

This includes $560,000 and more than 13 million pounds of food to fight food insecurity throughout the Southeast in partnership with Feeding America and its food bank partners; $460,000 to support emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts; and $750,000 to Folds of Honor to provide 150 educational scholarships to the legacies of fallen and disabled service members.

SEG also supported various community initiatives in 2023, including a donation of $350,000 to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a donation of $225,000 to support nine pediatric care facilities in the Southeast, sup-

ported more than 420 local schools ahead of the academic school year and much more.

In its fourth year, SEG’s Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant program provided 40 nonprofit organizations with a total of $400,000 to help address racial disparities in education, health care and food insecurity.

In recognition of the company’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility, the grocer was included on Forbes’ list of Best Brands for Social Impact in May and honored with a Progressive Grocer Impact Award in November.

SEG’s people-first culture has also earned the grocer recognition from national outlets throughout the year, including: certification as a Great Place to Work

for the fourth consecutive year; Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces list with a five-star rating for its dedication to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in addition to prioritizing professional development; Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Retail list, which uses employee feedback to highlight the top 20 companies with workplace cultures that reflect a genuine commitment to meet associates’ needs; Newsweek’s America’s Most Trustworthy Companies list as one of only 700 U.S. companies recognized for customer and employee trust; Forbes’ America’s Best In-State Employers list as a top employer in Georgia; and Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women in recognition of the grocer’s efforts to provide superior worklife balance and develop female leaders in the workforce.

In 2024, SEG plans to continue serving neighbors in need while investing in the communities it serves throughout its fivestate footprint. GN

4

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

Whole Foods Initiates Pollinator Policy for Produce, Plants Whole Foods Market announced a new pollinator policy for its Fresh Produce and Floral purchasing to support pollinators in recognition of the critical role they play in the food system and the environment. The company has long championed pollinator health through its commitment to organic agriculture, which prohibits toxic persistent pesticides.

As part of the new pollinator policy, by 2025, the company will: • Require all fresh produce and floral growers to implement an Integrated Pest Management system, which prioritizes preventative and biological pest control measures and reduces the need for chemical pesticides.

• Prohibit the use of nitroguanidine neonicotinoids (clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) in all potted plants it sells.

• Encourage all fresh produce and floral

suppliers to phase out the use of nitroguanidine neonicotinoids.

In addition to honeybees, Whole Foods Market recognizes native pollinators, such as bumble bees, wasps and butterflies, are critical to the food system and an important indicator of biodiversity.

“We understand the important role pollinators play in our food system and, through this policy, will build on our long legacy of supporting biodiversity and pollinator health,” said Karen Christensen, senior vice president, Perishables & Quality Standards. “This is another critical step forward in our journey of climate-smart agriculture as part of our purpose to nourish people and the planet.”

The company engages its foundations and internationally recognized third parties to create campaigns that raise awareness of pollinators and their impact.

In addition, its Whole Kids Bee Grant

Program helps schools and nonprofit organizations receive support for educational beehives and bee programming so students can observe bees up close and learn more about the vital role of pollinators. Since 2014, the Whole Kids Bee Grant program has awarded more than 850 educational beehives to schools and nonprofits with support from The Bee Cause Project.

Whole Foods Market continues to work across the industry to encourage all fresh produce and floral suppliers to phase out the use of nitroguanidine neonicotinoids, which are particularly harmful to pollinators, and pave the way for other solutions.

Whole Foods Market suppliers including Rainier Fruit continue to demonstrate their commitment to advancing pollinator health by maintaining 150 acres of dedi-

cated pollinator habitat, in addition to 325 acres of Bee Better Certified orchard in partnership with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

“Every single piece of fruit we grow requires pollination. We wouldn’t have a crop without honeybees, so pollinator health is of utmost importance for us as farmers,” said Mark Zirkle, president of Rainier Fruit. “We’re appreciative of Whole Foods’ advocacy and look forward to continued efforts towards more sustainable agriculture.” GN

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Scoops Up Accolades, Opens Franchises Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, selling handcrafted ice cream since 1945, scooped up some top accolades and dozens of new franchise partners in 2023. The year was marked with significant growth for the beloved brand, which opened 30 new stores across the country.

The company ranked on Franchise Times’ “Fast & Serious,” a list of the smartest-growing franchises for the year and was recognized by TasteAtlas as one of the top 100 Most Iconic Ice Creams of the World for Butter Pecan.

“This was such an exciting year for Handel’s,” said Andrew Brennan, Interim CEO. “We are delighted to share our wins with

our franchise partners, who play a vital role in our growth.

“We have incredibly passionate partners who love our ice cream as much as we do and are driven to help bring our freshly made products and exceptional hospitality to communities across the U.S.” In 2023, the brand expanded in key markets including Arizona, California, Indiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and its home state of Ohio. Handel’s celebrated its 100th store milestone in Rocky River, Ohio in April.

In addition to growing its presence, the brand also continued its history of bringing great new flavors to the market. Han-

del’s teamed up with family-operated Dimitria Delights to feature a new Hot Apple Dumpling sundae. The company also collaborated with The Dairy Alliance to launch its new Horchata ice cream.

“We’re looking forward to 2024 as we continue to introduce more people in more communities to the ice cream Alice Handel pioneered, the Best Ice Cream on the Planet,” Brennan said.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has been in the business of making and selling fresh ice cream since 1945. Founded in Youngstown, Ohio, by Alice Handel, the company continues the sweet legacy she established from her backyard garden,

using fresh ingredients and upholding a commitment to quality.

Each batch of Handel’s ice cream is made fresh daily, using Alice’s original methods and recipes. There are 48 flavors available daily and more than 140 flavors that rotate seasonally.

Handel’s has been named #1 Ice Cream on the Planet by National Geographic, one of the Top 10 Best Ice Cream Businesses by USA Today, one of the Top 500 Restaurants in America by Nation’s Restaurant News and Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine.

Handel’s has more than 120 locations across 11 states and is growing. GN

McCormick’s 2050 Net-Zero Target Approved The Science Based Targets initiative has approved McCormick & Company, Inc.’s net-zero science-based target by 2050.

“We are proud to have SBTi approve our 2050 net-zero target, but we also realize this is only the first step in a long journey,” said Michael Okoroafor, chief sustainability officer for McCormick & Company.

“We have always operated with the mindset that creating a sustainable future is paramount to our continuing work to deliver industry-leading financial performance while doing what’s right for people, communities, and the planet we share.

“Through Purpose-led Performance, our work to increase energy efficiency, create opportunities for regenerative agriculture in global farming communities, and strengthen engagement within our value chain will help us all achieve this collective

global goal.”

In 2022, the company also had its nearterm emission reduction targets approved

by SBTi, a 42 percent absolute reduction across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2030. To address Scope 3 emissions, which make up the largest proportion of the Company’s carbon footprint, McCormick is a cofounding member of the Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition, a collaboration of more than 20 brands to support suppliers in reducing emissions.

McCormick will deliver across the following areas to achieve full decarbonization: • Driving energy efficiencies through investment in green buildings, upgrading to high-efficiency equipment and electrifying operations, among others.

• Transitioning to renewable energy in global operations.

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste through waste recovery and recycling.

• Strengthening value chain engagement through industry-wide collaborations to support suppliers and customers in reducing their emissions.

• Implementing regenerative agriculture initiatives which train smallholder farmers on soil health and climate-smart agriculture techniques.

• Reducing its carbon footprint from packaging by supporting a circular plastics economy and reducing our use of virgin plastic.

• Utilizing nature-based solutions for the small percentage of emissions which it is unable to eliminate, in line with SBTi guidelines.

While McCormick has set an ambitious

net-zero agenda, the company continues to actively explore partnerships within its supply chain to scale solutions and has called upon other organizations to join them. “”Because over 95 percent of McCormick’s carbon footprint is from Scope 3 emissions, we realize that collaborating across the industry to share best practices and inviting other partners to join in on the journey to net-zero will help us achieve much more than we ever could alone,” Okoroafor said. “If we accomplish our goals alone, we’ve failed, because this journey isn’t just about us – it’s about the global community. Through upstream value chain initiatives and purposeful engagement, we are working with our partners to support the industry’s decarbonization.” GN

6

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

Delilah Miami, ‘20s-Inspired Supper Club, Embodies Sophistication of the Jazz Age Delilah Miami, the latest outpost of Los Angeles-based The h.wood Group’s beloved Delilah restaurant concept, opened its doors in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. Marking the first East Coast opening in The h.wood Group’s portfolio of more than 15 hospitality concepts in North America and the Middle East, Delilah Miami brings its modern-day supper club concept to the Magic City – set to redefine Miami’s luxury dining and entertainment scene.

“Delilah Miami embodies the decadence, glamor and sophistication of the Jazz Age to create a dining and entertainment experience unlike any other in the city today,” said John Terzian, co-founder of The h.wood Group. “While the original vision and unparalleled standards of service can be found at every Delilah, our long-awaited East Coast debut will have its own unmistakable Miami vibe.

“Magic happens every night at Delilah in Los Angeles and Las Vegas…and we can’t wait to see what’s in store at Delilah Miami.”

Fashioned to be a portal to the past with the modern design sophistication of today, Delilah Miami is Terzian’s vision brought to life by Built Design. Awash in a palette of light pink, teal and gold, Delilah Miami blends the signature style of the Los Angeles and Las Vegas outposts while adding classic Miami flair including intricate ceiling soffits with bright wallpapers; a rich, Turkish burl wood lobby; a grand stairwell entrance and luxury marble and stone throughout.

Signature Delilah caricatures by artist Blue Logan adorn the walls, menus and lamps also includes local Miami legends.

Lastly, unique to Delilah Miami is a custom stage that will become the focal point of the room each evening as the vibe seamlessly

transitions into a lounge for bottle service, signature cocktails and live entertainment.

Led by Executive Chef Daniel Roy, Delilah Miami serves technique-driven food with new world flavors and signature Delilah dishes including its world-famous Chicken Tenders and Kendall’s Slutty Brownie (named for Kendall Jenner).

Chef Roy and team will be infusing the menu with Latin-inspired flavors and ingredients such as coconut and lychee, paying homage to the city’s cultural heritage.

Other menu highlights include Stone Crab Salad, Cubano Fritters, Crispy Confit and Suckling Pig. Delilah Miami sits waterfront at 301 Brickell Bay Drive at the newly developed Brickell Bay Boardwalk, with an outdoor terrace and 180-degree view along Bis-

cayne Bay. As the only Brickell restaurant with its own boat slips, Delilah Miami welcomes guests to moor on site, an accommodation catering to the comforts of the restaurant’s discerning – and often private – clientele, who appreciate Delilah’s “No Photos” policy as well.

“The strategic expansion of The h.wood Group has always included the incredible city of Miami,” said Brian Toll, co-founder of The h.wood Group. “It was only a matter of time before we found the perfect location and Brickell is exactly that as it is internationally recognized for its worldclass culinary and nightlife scene. Many of our most loyal guests own second homes in Miami and vacation here frequently and have been pushing for us to open a Delilah here.

“We’re excited to serve those fans and reach new ones in a market that is just perfect for our portfolio and brand of luxury hospitality.”

Swing and jive through this homage to the roaring ‘20s. With its lavish chandeliers and plush interiors, Delilah is a modern-day supper club with a vintage aesthetic. Nostalgic touches like a crackling fireplace offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere as guests dine on refined American fare.

Dining turns to dancing as a troupe of female entertainers move to the sounds of a live jazz band. Eating, drinking and dancing converge in this luxury space as guests enjoy lounge style bottle service as the evening unfolds. Elegant yet alluring, the charm and vivacious energy of Delilah

is like stepping back in time.

The h.wood Group is a Los Angelesbased hospitality and lifestyle marketing company with an iconic portfolio of luxury nightlife and restaurant venues. The vision of longtime friends Terzian and Toll, The h.wood Group was founded in 2008 as a way for the consummate hosts and entrepreneurs to bring their high-end, thoughtful concepts and passion for service to life.

From Delilah and The Nice Guy, to Bootsy Bellows and Harriet’s, The h.wood Group is responsible for some of the most iconic brands in the world. With 11 venues in Los Angeles, three across the country and six new ones on the horizon, The h.wood Group is rapidly expanding thanks to its multi-concept portfolio uniquely positioned to cater to different markets.

This growth is guided by the brand’s

core values – distinct design, exceptional service and palpable atmosphere – which combine to create extraordinary moments for every guest. The h.wood Group experience is known well beyond the walls of their brick-and-mortar locations, through its work as one of the most reputable event producers in the world. With passions for art, fashion, sports and entertainment, The h.wood Group’s signature approach to service and storytelling unites brands, consumers and talent at some of the world’s most iconic cultural events including Coachella, F1, Cannes, Art Basel and more. The h.wood Group offers corporate branding, catering, event production and marketing services at both private events and international pop-ups, reflecting and shaping popular culture on both local and global scales. GN

8

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

‘The Noom Kitchen’ Features Twists on User Favorites Noom has released its first official cookbook, “The Noom Kitchen.” All recipes were developed by Adeena Sussman, renowned author, food writer and recipe developer, to feature healthy twists on Noom users’ most-logged foods and ingredients.

The cookbook, published by Simon Element, a lifestyle imprint at Simon & Schuster, is available wherever books are sold.

Since its founding in 2008, Noom has established itself as the leading digital health platform, harnessing behavior change and technology to create long-term positive health outcomes. Its psychologybased and science-backed approach has helped millions of people live better, healthier lives. With this in mind, Sussman has developed 100 recipes that make serving health-forward foods easy for cooks of all levels.

“I am thrilled to have worked with Noom on ‘The Noom Kitchen,’” Sussman said. “Not just a collection of recipes, this cookbook helps Noom empower home

cooks to make positive choices in their lives and kitchens.

“The flavorful and nutritious dishes we created aim to inspire a renewed relationship with food, supporting Noom’s mission to create a world where wellness is both attainable and delicious.”

Keeping the core of Noom’s healthy eating principles in mind, the recipes center around the use of nutritionally rich ingredients, while offering tips and techniques for using ingredients that fill you up without weighing you down. “The Noom Kitchen” includes details such as how much actual preparation time is required and specific nutritional analyses, so readers know exactly what they’ll be getting out of each bite. It provides options for portable snacks and lunches, streamlining the planning process for making healthy choices on the go.

For Noom users, each recipe is colorcoded to correspond with Noom’s unique system for tracking the nutrient density of each food and meal.

“The Noom Kitchen” is the perfect re-

source for individuals striving to attain their health and wellness goals through the power of nutrition.

Sussman is the New York Times best-selling author of “Shabbat” and co-author with Chrissy Teigen of “Cravings.”

Noom is the digital healthcare company empowering people to live better, longer lives. Noom connects people to content, coaching, community and clinicians to improve whole-person health.

Noom also works with leading health plans and employers offering Noom Med COE, Noom GLP-1 Companion, Noom Healthy Weight and Noom Diabetes Prevention to millions of covered lives.

The company has been awarded multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health and was the first mobile application to be

recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a certified diabetes prevention program. Headquartered in New York City, Noom has been named one of Inc.’s Best Places to Work, Quartz’s Best Workplaces for Remote Workers and Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Technology. GN

Blanket Pancakes & Syrups Aiming To Build on Impressive Growth The purest ingredients for the best-tasting, easiest pancakes and syrups – that’s what Blanket is all about. On the heels of its widely successful launch, the Black-owned and family-first brand welcomes investors to join in the journey to better breakfast any time of day.

Priding itself on clean, natural ingredients, Blanket Pancakes & Syrup stands out in a market of mixes packed with preservatives, artificial sweeteners and other risky additives. The brand achieved over $1 million in sales in 2023 alone and secured distribution in major retailers including Walmart, Costco, Food Lion, Giant Foods, Hannaford and more.

“Our family created Blanket to meet the eating habits necessary to lead a full, health-conscious lifestyle,” said Marquita Carter, creator and founder. “We make it easy to mix up fluffy, flavorful pancakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert without any high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, eggs, bleached flour, preservatives or GMOs. “We’re on a mission to make mixes with ingredients you can pronounce and trust available for all to enjoy of Blanket Pancakes & Syrup.”

From a humble passion project to a seven-figure success story, Blanket Pancakes & Syrup has already transformed the breakfast landscape with its all-natural, irresistible flavors, including buttermilk, honey butter, chocolate chip, sweet potato, vegan and an upcoming gluten-free buttermilk.

In just two years, Blanket expanded its reach to thousands of stores nationwide, capitalizing on the fast-growing breakfast industry.

With a global breakfast food market valued at $398.1 billion in 2020 and projected to reach a staggering $729.5 billion by 2030, the opportunities for growth are immense. The pancake mix segment, a subset of this broader market, is also expected to experience significant growth, with the market size projected to reach $712 million by 2028.

Now, the company is seeking investors who share its vision and are ready to help take Blanket Pancakes & Syrup to the next level.

With investor support, Blanket plans to further invest in infrastructure, expand its team and distribution channels, enhance marketing efforts and continue to develop innovative products to continue pushing forward its position as a favorite household breakfast brand.

Blanket Pancakes’ investment opportu-

nity is available on StartEngine’s website.

Blanket Pancakes stands out with its announcement of a new investment opportunity signaling a significant moment for

Investors looking to be part of an innovative and scalable enterprise will find Blanket Pancakes an ideal match.

This venture promises not only growth

both the brand and potential investors.

This investment opportunity extends beyond mere portfolio diversification; it represents a strategic venture into a business adept at navigating and shaping market trends and consumer preferences.

but also involvement in reshaping the landscape of breakfast cuisine, offering a stake in an enterprising and burgeoning brand.

Blanket is available online at Amazon and grocery stores nationwide. GN

10

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

Select Walmarts to Carry Cape Cod Café Pizza Cape Cod Café Pizza has expanded the width and breath of its frozen availability to select Walmart Grocery Centers and its many dedicated customers, as well as new pizza enthusiasts.

“Our delicious frozen pizza products now available at Walmart Grocery Centers is very exciting for us,” said Jonathan Jamoulis, CEO of Cape Cod Café Pizza, and grandson of the founder (credited with creating the wildly popular “bar” pizza).

Brother Jeremy Jamoulis, COO of Cape Cod Café Pizza, added, “This is fantastic first quarter news and proof that the hard work of so many dedicated people pay off. We are very proud of our pizza and our new offerings within Walmart Grocery Centers.”

“It is an incredible honor and validation

to make such a big commitment and have that work come to fruition in such a great way,” said Jeremy Jamoulis. “Our grandfa-

the best.” Jonathan Jamoulis said. “Our pizzas are unique in the frozen pizza arena.

We prepare our pizza with freshly grated

ther and parents taught us the value of hard work and we could not be prouder to see his dream expanded to such a wide audience.”

“People like this pizza for a reason: it’s

Wisconsin Cheddar cheese, premium spices, and it is pan-baked, then sealed to capture all the flavors.

“More than 40 percent of our customers cook Cape Cod Café Frozen Pizza on their

grills, which truly sets us apart.”

“Walmart Grocery Centers has announced they will offer our frozen pizzas at more than 200 locations including New England, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia,” said James Messer, senior vice president. “Cape Cod Café Frozen Pizza is currently available in more than 1,000 grocery and convenience stores, entertainment venues, restaurants and other locations throughout New England and New York.”

In addition to expanding the family legacy, “This is significant news, and we anticipate up to a 40% surge in overall company sales due to the boosted retail sales locations at Walmart Grocery Centers,” Messer said. GN

LonoLife Debuts Updated Branding, Packaging LonoLife, an Ohio-based brand focused on bringing consumers nutritionally rich and convenient products including bone broth, collagen and more, has launched a new brand and image, carefully crafted to reflect who the brand is today.

More importantly, this rebrand showcases what today’s forward-thinking bone broth consumer wants, needs and expects from its favorite brands, in the bone broth category and beyond.

The new packaging and communication launched on shelves at retailers across the country in the fall, ideally placed to reach consumers just as the category enters its peak season. Consumers can look for new packaging, a stronger call out of key points of differentiation and a story, overall – telling the authentic story of the passion

behind two millennial entrepreneurs, committed to helping to make better-for-you eating more flavorful and enjoyable.

Consumer studies show that shoppers have made their need for industry-leading flavor, great taste and nutrition known. So, when they’re looking for a quick and easy, deliciously flavorful solution to get them on their way, LonoLife is there.

LonoLife came from two friends who wanted to approach life with energy, health and holistic nutrition front of mind. Along the way, collagen-packed bone broth has become a staple in kitchens across the world and across generations.

Today, LonoLife understands that collagen not only helps consumers age gracefully, but it promotes healthy organs and blood. In fact, collagen has even been stud-

ied to ease joint pain and improve overall bone health.

LonoLife offers not only bone broth with that collagen-packed goodness, but also collagen peptides in craveable flavors that enhance fans’ coffee indulgences or serve as a delectable functional beverage.

“Joining the LonoLife community brings our fans the opportunity to sip their way to a great, big, full life,” said Brian Hoppe, co-partner. “As the bone broth market continues to evolve and improve, our consumers’ needs have also evolved.

“That means the best, most beloved brands must evolve right along with their consumers. We believe this giant step forward into better sharing our story, and a renewed packaging that consumers will

love is demonstration to our fans that we intend to think forward always right along with them.”

LonoLife strives to deliver bone broth that is nutritionally dense and delicious in an easy-to-consume format. Every product from LonoLife totes a strict guideline of no artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives or flavors, bringing health-conscious shoppers a convenient, shelf-stable and nutritious solution.

Products are also made with clean ingredients in mind, with no added sugar, fish or shellfish, and are even soy-free, gluten-free, wheat-free and contain no MSG. For health-conscious consumers of all degrees, LonoLife is sure to have the nutritious and delicious products they demand. GN

Blue Apron Launches Prepared & Ready Meal Kits for Weekly Shipment Blue Apron has expanded its ready-to-eat category with the launch of Prepared & Ready meals, available to order for weekly shipment. Customers can enjoy increased flexibility, from meal kits to single-serving prepared meals, for ultimate convenience and variety. The Prepared & Ready menu will continue to expand in 2024.

Prepared & Ready chef-crafted meals are delivered fresh and ready to reheat in a microwave within minutes. Each meal is nutritionist-approved, pre-made and non-frozen, and brings quality ingredients with decadent flavors to mealtime without the prep.

At launch, customers can choose from over 16 Prepared & Ready options with additional new recipes and meal categories to be released throughout the year.

“Our new category of Prepared & Ready meals opens up the opportunity for Blue Apron to become a one-stop shop for its customers,” said John Adler, senior vice president of physical product. “Now, we’re able to provide customers with multiple convenient meal solutions for a variety of occasions. From when they’re tight on time, but are seeking a freshly prepared meal, to cooking dinner for the family with our traditional meal kits, or looking for a convenient, seasonal offering for the holidays.”

Blue Apron’s Prepared & Ready meals let customers jumpstart their wellness goals for the new year, with a variety of well-balanced options to choose from each week, such as Carb Conscious, 30g or more of Protein and 600 Calories or Less. The

recipes feature signature Blue Apron sauces, seasonal produce, vegetarian options and meats prepared sous vide, a French technique that locks in flavor and freshness for a tender and juicy result.

“We saw a significant opportunity within the ready-to-eat category – 62 percent of customers were interested in subscribing to a service with more than one meal solution – and most importantly, customers expected quality to remain consistent across all Blue Apron products, which we are delivering on,” Adler said.

Prepared & Ready meals include staple Blue Apron pantry ingredients and a variety of new items, including southwesternstyle turkey carnitas, riced cauliflower and broccoli and quinoa. Menu options include:

• Salmon & Riced Broccoli with Pesto & Feta Cheese • Southwestern-Style Turkey with Brown Rice & Monterey Jack Cheese • Buffalo-Style Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Vegetables • Chicken & Quinoa Grain Bowl with Feta & Vegetables • Italian-Style Grilled Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, Pesto & Almonds • Korean-Style Kimchi Rice with Scrambled Eggs & Veggies Blue Apron’s Prepared & Ready meals will be available to order now as part of a subscription through the website and mobile app, or without a subscription through Blue Apron’s Market. Prepared & Ready will also be available to purchase at Wonder stores in New York and New Jersey. GN

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

11

Taco Bell at Home Offers Crunchwrap, Chicken Quesadilla ‘Cravings Kits’ Taco Bell fans have long taken to social media to recreate their favorite menu items at home, but their creations never taste quite the same without the brand’s ingredients. Taco Bell at Home has introduced the first Crunchwrap Supreme and Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla “Cravings Kits,” featuring proprietary Taco Bell restaurant ingredients, seasonings and sauces essential to making these fan-favorites at home.

The Craving Kits are the latest offerings from Kraft Heinz’s Taco Bell at Home line designed to make it easier than ever for fans to recreate and personalize their takes on beloved menu items.

“A partnership founded on a mutual obsession with their consumers, Kraft Heinz and Taco Bell created the Taco Bell at Home line to bring signature and crave worthy Taco Bell offerings and flavors straight to the grocery aisle and allow fans to make Taco Bell their way,” said Danielle Coopersmith, associate director of marketing for Taco Bell at Home. “Grounded in this core mission, our innovation strategy

focuses on creating new products inspired by beloved Taco Bell classics that encourage fans to customize their at-home creations and take them to new heights.”

Perhaps the most iconic menu item in Taco Bell’s history, the Crunchwrap Supreme has taken the internet by storm with product videos – especially fans creating their own versions – garnering more than 50 million views on TikTok as of December. The quesadilla was one of Taco Bell’s best-selling menu items in 2023, and the chipotle sauce adds a kick to the comforting and consistent classic.

Now, whether cooking solo for the first time, entertaining a crowd or just in need of crunchy, cheesy goodness after a long day, fans can treat themselves to Taco Bell-

approved versions of both.

“Our release of the Cravings Kits – the first of several Taco Bell at Home innova-

tions planned for this year – is a great example of how Kraft Heinz is delivering against its goal to lead the future of food,” said Alan Kleinerman, vice president of

disruptive innovation at The Kraft Heinz Company. “As we kick off 2024, we’re focused on finding the white spaces at retail where we can make an impact for fans and develop products we know they will be excited to try. Our partnership with Taco Bell is a great example of this.”

Now rolling out exclusively in Walmart stores and online nationwide, each Cravings Kit includes four servings of essential ingredients – just add a protein, any personalized additions to customize the creation, and enjoy from the comfort of your home.

The Cravings Kits join a growing portfolio of products that make it possible to experience Taco Bell anywhere, anytime. GN

Frontline System Handles FOG Created by Grills Fats, oils and greases can come from many places in a foodservice kitchen, not just the fryer vat. One source of grease that sometimes gets overlooked is the grill.

No matter the origin, all FOG needs to be handled safely, efficiently and sustainably. Frontline International designs, engineers and manufactures total cooking oil management solutions, including options specifically for collecting grill grease and depositing it directly in a used cooking oil tank with other FOG. There’s no need for a sepa-

rate grease bin or dumpster.

The Heated Grill Grease System allows operators to collect grill grease throughout the day, then pump it into any of Frontline International’s UCO tanks. Solids are filtered via the extralarge sediment basket, preserving the high quality of your oil while protecting the integrity of the equipment’s pump and motor.

Operation is easy: simply drain used grease into the

caddy, close it and secure the lid with the safety latch. When the caddy is plugged into a live outlet, the heating element keeps the grease in its liquid state, preventing coagulation.

When the caddy is near full – or at scheduled intervals when the grill is less busy – carefully pull the caddy to the Frontline International UCO tank (or pumping station) and easily pump the waste grease into the tank.

There’s never any manual handling of grill grease, helping to improve employee safety. Less employee downtime means labor savings as well as savings on insurance and workers comp claims.

The simple system fits under grill drains and collects throughout the day. With easy

collection and no separate bin or dumpster, the kitchen and grounds stay cleaner, helping to reduce health, safety and pollution violations and fines.

Frontline International, Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes commercial foodservice equipment for the storage, handling and disposal of cooking oil.

Customers own their own equipment, negotiate their own oil rebates and have the freedom to choose their own oil vendors.

The company also offers turnkey oil management under its OilCare bundled services program. Frontline International and its Smart Oil Management systems offer users freedom and control over their processes and their profits. GN

MyPlate Partners Introduce Resource Showing How to ‘Build a Better Sandwich’ As MyPlate National Strategic Partners, the Grain Foods Foundation, Hass Avocado Board, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation and National Wheat Foundation have introduced a resource aimed at helping individuals build healthier and more nutritious sandwiches.

Every day, nearly half of all Americans enjoy a sandwich – and most people are not meeting recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The new “Build a Better Sandwich” resource features practical tips to help bridge this gap, with realistic and inspiring ideas for enjoy-

ing a variety of grains, lean proteins and fiber-filled fruits and vegetables and lowfat dairy in better-built sandwiches.

“Consumers need convenient, affordable, nutrient-rich solutions for feeding themselves and their families,” said Grain Foods Foundation Executive Director Erin Ball. “Most people love sandwiches, and there are unlimited combinations based on personal preferences.

“Better-built options are an ideal way to meet nutrition recommendations, particularly early in the new year, when people are making choices to reverse some of the excesses of the holiday season. A better-

built sandwich is, not only delicious, but a logical vehicle for much needed nutrients (e.g., vitamins, minerals and fiber) without too much sodium and saturated fats.”

“Sandwiches can be a healthy and delicious part of a balanced diet, bringing together all food groups in an easy and affordable package,” said NASDA Foundation Senior Director Chris Jones. “We know many Americans enjoy sandwiches every day – making them one way to help empower people to make healthy choices that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).”MyPlate was devel-

oped by the United States Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion as a visual reminder to encourage people to make healthy choices within and among all five food groups.”

The MyPlate National Strategic Partner Program was created to engage national organizations such as healthcare corporations, media outlets, grocery retailers, health professional associations, restaurant chains and food manufacturers, who can help disseminate DGA recommendations and MyPlate resources, to ultimately reach more people with messages to encourage healthy eating. GN

12

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

Instacart’s Caper Carts Expands Ad Solutions Instacart is expanding its advertising solutions to Caper Carts, the company’s AIpowered smart carts. Instacart will begin piloting ads on Caper Carts at Good Food Holdings banner stores, bringing personalized and dynamic recommendations into the physical aisles of the grocery store.

Ads on Caper Carts will soon give customers more customized recommendations and introduce experiences to help them discover new brands and products.

This first-of-its-kind advertising opportunity connects brands and retailers with customers directly in the aisles – who, on average, spend more than 30 minutes shopping in-store with a Caper Cart.

For the first time, ads on Caper Carts will bring an entirely new personalized ads experience from Instacart’s CPG brand partners to the smart cart screens, with launch partners including Del Monte Foods, Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream and General Mills. Customers using Caper Carts at participating retailers will soon experience two new features: New products and brands, deals and seasonal promotions to surprise and delight customers at the start of the shopping journey on the Caper Cart home screen. For example, a customer might see a creative banner highlighting limited-edition Chocolate Strawberry Cheerios from General Mills for Valentine’s Day. Personalized product recommendations based on their real-time shopping behaviors or cart contents. For example, if a customer adds ice cream cones, they might see a complementary item recommendation, like Dreyer’s ice cream.

The new ads on Caper Carts offering are launching soon at Good Food Holdings’ Bristol Farms stores in Southern California, with additional retail partners rolling out in the months ahead. Instacart expects to have thousands of Caper Carts deployed by the end of 2024.

“Our acquisition of Caper has been a core part of our strategic evolution to support retailers and brands not just online but also in-store,’ said Fidji Simo, CEO and chair of Instacart. “It was one of the first major decisions I made as CEO of the

company as we launched our Connected Stores technologies, and today we’re excited to introduce the next phase of this work with a new advertising solution that will further enable thousands of CPG brands to connect with high-intent customers with measurable results — in all the ways people choose to shop.

The announcement “expands on the success of our advertising solutions and smart carts to power a more inspirational, connected in-store shopping experience for customers,” Simo said. “We’re proud to bring these solutions in-store for the first time for our CPG brand partners, while simultaneously offering new revenue opportunities for our retail partners.”

“Since deploying Caper Carts last year, we’ve been incredibly excited to provide our customers with a greater personalized experience while driving value as they shop,” said Neil Stern, chief executive officer of Good Food Holdings. “With the introduction of ads on Caper Carts, we’ll soon be able to unlock a new, incremental revenue stream while offering customers valuable suggestions and promotions from our brand partners.”

Ads on Caper Carts are a new in-store retail media offering building on Instacart’s performant, online advertising solution.

The new ad capabilities enable CPG brands to engage with customers in-store in a more personalized way based on past purchase behavior or real-time shopping behavior.

Instacart’s deep online grocery expertise and insights allow the company to help customers discover their favorite products with its advertising solutions as they shop online and now, in-store.

Retailers that offer ads on Caper Carts will have the ability to grow their revenue through a revenue share model, in addition to driving increased consumer engagement in-store.

The announcement builds on Instacart’s Carrot Ads technology, which enables retailers including Schnucks, Sprouts, Price Chopper NY and Tops Markets to establish and grow retail media networks on their owned and operated websites and apps –

powered by Instacart Ads technology. With Carrot Ads, retail partners are leveraging the best of Instacart Ads, including the company’s industry-leading technology, products, engineering, sales talent and data insights.

The in-store advertising announcement also marks Instacart’s continued, off-platform ad capabilities expansion. Over the last year, Instacart has extended its offplatform advertising capabilities to Roku and The Trade Desk, which are all rooted in enhancing CPG brands’ advertising with Instacart’s retail media data.

With more than 5,500 brand partners – from category leaders to emerging brands – Instacart continues to help brands drive growth, prove ROI and move products off shelves.

Caper Carts are part of Instacart’s Connected Stores suite of technologies, built to help grocers bridge the online and instore shopping experience. By using computer vision and AI, the cart can automatically identify items as they are placed in the basket, allowing customers to bag as they shop and checkout directly from the cart.

Customer reception to Caper Carts has been strong with users offering a net promoter score of more than 70. In addition to the new ad capabilities, customers appreciate the ability to link their loyalty accounts to the carts, giving them access to personalized promotions and savings while shopping in-store.

Caper Carts appeal to grocers of all sizes. Retailers using or soon deploying carts include Bristol Farms, Fairway Market, Geissler’s, ShopRite and Sobeys.

“Today’s omnichannel shopper expects frictionless experiences whether they’re shopping online or in-store,” said Jen Reiner, vice president, Omnichannel Marketing, Del Monte Foods, Inc. “In addition to customized Instacart ad experiences on app, we can now utilize another touchpoint on the shopper journey through instore Caper Carts ads.

“The Caper Carts provide an opportunity for us to provide meal inspiration, introduce new products or simply remind

the shopper to stock-up on pantry staples, while continuing to deliver a personalized, relevant experience based on past shopping behaviors,” he said.

“Instacart and Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream have formed a partnership built on the foundation of being consumer and shopper progressive,” said Andy Hill, head of sales at Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream. “Our collaborative efforts strive to deepen our understanding of the ever-changing consumer shopping experience, specifically emphasizing the digitally-forward customer.

“The Caper Cart initiative is a great example of an initiative that seeks to fuse the digital and physical shopping experience into one seamless journey. Having the unique opportunity to feature our ads on the Caper Carts will allow us to engage and inspire customers on the interactive home screen during their shopping trips.

The future of our consumer connections will continue to be reshaped by innovative partnerships such as this,” he said.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Instacart by being one of the first brands to showcase our products on Instacart’s AI-powered smart carts,” said Raquel Navarrksi, customer vice president, General Mills. “We’re committed to showing up where our consumers are, no matter how they choose to shop. We’re excited to innovate alongside Instacart to help consumers discover and rediscover all their favorite General Mills products as they browse the grocery aisles and shop instore.”

“Late last year, we unveiled our plans to update most of our traditional shopping carts with Instacart’s smart carts, aiming to make shopping easier, more personalized and efficient for customers,” said Bob Rybick, president and CEO of Geissler’s Supermarkets. “Now, with the introduction of ads on Caper Carts, we’ll be able to take that goal a step further – not only enhancing the in-store experience by helping customers discover new products, brands and promotions, but also unlocking a new revenue stream and opportunities to strengthen customer loyalty.” GN

Café Grumpy

baristas to customers.

“For many folks out there, enjoying coffee instantly from a pre-portioned packet with the same exceptional taste as they’d get fresh from the café is a convenient time-saver.”

At the same time, Café Grumpy launched subscription sales.

Café Grumpy’s Small Batch Roasted Instant Coffee comes in three popular flavors, each in a box of six packets for $18.

Heartbreaker Blend has notes of blackberry, amaretto and dark chocolate. Las Flores, Honduras has notes of apricot, mango, brown sugar and nutmeg. Decaf Costa Rica (Swiss Water Processed) has notes of blackberry jam, hazelnut and dark chocolate.

As you would expect, the coffee is made by stirring a packet in 10 ounces of hot or cold water until it’s fully dissolved. The Small Batch Roasted Instant Coffee packets

can be mixed into a water bottle for on-thego coffee. Use less or more water to taste.

Not only are the packets great over ice or with milk, but they can be added to a cocktail, smoothie or any recipe.

Roasted in small batches, Café Grumpy makes sure every bean becomes a cup of happiness, just as its customers have loved and enjoyed them at their favorite Grumpy location. Happiness begins with the sourcing of the beans, mostly from Central America. Most of the Café Grumpy coffee is single origin.

“That’s my favorite part of my job, choosing the beans,” Bell said. “I think about a lot of things, mostly what customers like to drink, what coffee is most popular, what origins they want to try and from there, work with the coffee producers.”

Bell knows specialty coffee drinkers care about sourcing and she’s careful about the coffee producers she chooses.

“How they care about their workers, things like that,” she said. “It’s all caring about the process and the products I like to bring into stores and that translates to the customers.”

Café Grumpy uses a 1956 cast iron drum roaster for its beans.

“Coffee nerds like the flavor profile,” Bell said cheerily. “It has some zest to it.”

Café Grumpy keeps samples of each roast, with each batch given its own number.

While emphasizing the care and quality of Café Grumpy products, Bell also prioritizes having expert baristas in the coffee shops and offers customers a discount for bringing their own cup.

“Coffee should be more of an experience,” Bell said. “By the time you drink it, so much care has gone into that specialty coffee, from growing it to the skills of the barista – so much goes into that one cup.” GN

Continued from PAGE 1 “Every day is coffee day,” she said. “I’ll take any holiday, any reason to talk about coffee and it’s a good day.”

It may seem paradoxical that the company that promotes savoring coffee has branched out into the instant coffee market, but that’s what Bell and Café Grumpy have done.

“Instant coffee had been in the works for a while,” Bell said. “While I do like to grind coffee, I also don’t have the time sometimes.

“After months of tasting, we chose three of our well-loved selections for our initial instant coffee line,” she said. “We’ve always made it our mission to create a supportive, positive experience for everyone, from the coffee producers we work with to

MARCH 2024 • SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE

NATURALLY HEALTHY A S P E C I A L S H O W I S S U E O F G O U R M E T N E W S T H E B U S I N E S S N E W S PA P E R F O R T H E G O U R M E T I N D U S T R Y

Sweet Heat That’ll Make You Beg for More

Tofutti’s Rebrand Wins Awards

Paesana – An Organic Sauce Like No Other

Nuts Meet Superfoods: Elan Specialty Snacks

Move over, sriracha, there’s a new condiment queen in town and her name is Bone Suckin’ Hot Honey. This fiery nectar, crafted by

It’s no small feat for a 40-year-old company to undergo a major rebrand, but that’s exactly what Tofutti Brands, Inc., a producer of dairyfree, plant-based

Paesana’s premium organic pasta sauces have all the delicious sautéed-to-per fection flavor that’s been in the Scaramelli family

Introducing innovative nuts and dried fruits to the snacking industry, Elan offers a diverse range of organic, gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO and

Continued on Page 44

Continued on Page 36

BOOTH #5285

BOOTH #1417

Franklin Baker ‘A Cut Above the Rest’

Evolving a Family Business for the Future

Continued on Page 44

Cobram Estate Artisan Collection – New This Year

Continued on Page 44

Reimagine Craft Coffee

BOOTH #5211

BOOTH #1483

BOOTH #1595

BOOTH #323

Franklin Baker, Inc. is the premier Philippine supplier of coconut ingredients to the global food and beverage marketplace for more than

By Michael May, Chief Executive Officer, Wisdom Natural Brands®

This year, Cobram Estate is introducing the Artisan Collection. Its flavored extra virgin olive oils use only the finest natural ingredients, tried and

Today, coffee isn’t just caffeine in a cup, it’s an experience that is defined by where the coffee beans are sourced from, how they are prepared, the technique used to brew the coffee, and what is added to

A family company often takes on the character of the family who owns

Continued on Page 44

CII Foods’ New Facility

Continued on Page 42

Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free Is Soaring

Continued on Page 46

You Couldn’t Make a Vinaigrette Better Than This

Continued on Page 46

Planet Superfood: PlantBased Protein Revolution

BOOTH #122

BOOTH #3523

BOOTH #5578

BOOTH #8918

CII specializes in custom inclusions, texturized plant proteins and protein crisps. Recently, CII opened a brand new multi-million-dollar manufacturing

After spending two years perfecting the formula, Liquid I.V. launched its Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free product in June 2023.

Sugar-Free quickly became a fan favorite,

It’s not just about flavor; it’s about the wholesome ingredients that set Bella Sun Luci’s products apart.

Bella Sun Luci takes no shortcuts in creating the perfect fusion of flavor

By Šarūnė Narbutaitė, Project Manager, Allive Marketing

Continued on Page 46

Continued on Page 42

Continued on Page 42

Zany Bites: The Official Snack of Fun

Our outlook is as simple as it gets – we create products that we love to consume ourselves and Continued on Page 36

Darigold Launches Belle Coffee Creamer

Fiscalini Farmstead Creates Handcrafted Cheese

Seattle-based Darigold, Inc., one of the nation’s largest dairy producers, has launched its new Belle™ brand of dairybased coffee

Fiscalini Farmstead started as a dairy farm over 100 years ago. Today the fourth generation owns and operates the business,

Step into the magical world of Zany Bites, where a story blossoms into a magical tale of family, rice and tradition.

Zany Bites’ journey

Boarderie, a premium direct-to-cons u m e r cheese and charcuterie b r a n d , achieved the feat of

Continued on Page 42

Continued on Page 46

Continued on Page 36

Continued on Page 34

Boarderie Sets Title for Largest Charcuterie Board

NH 4 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024

Introducing Ariston’s Perfect Pair Ariston is a family owned and operated company, producing some of the finest and authentic olive oil and bringing some of the world’s greatest balsamic vinegars from Italy since 1997. These two are the base for its infused olive oils and infused balsamic vinegars.

Ariston’s infused olive oils come in several flavors and its line of balsamic vinegars are made to complement them.

One pairing that stands out amongst customers is Ariston’s garlic infused olive oil paired with Ariston’s fig balsamic vinegar. The well-balanced umami flavor of Ariston’s garlic infused olive oil compliments the natural sweet and tangy fig taste of Ariston’s fig infused balsamic vinegar.

These two products make an excellent salad dressing, marinade for a roast or for a barbecue. For marinating, you can use equal

A SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE OF GOURMET NEWS

Publisher Kimberly Oser President Tara Neal

parts of Ariston’s garlic oil and fig balsamic vinegar and add two tablespoons of Dijon mustard, two shallots and a pinch of oregano and thyme, and a pinch of Ariston’s salt and Ariston’s black pepper to taste. For a salad dressing that will have your guests guessing the secret ingredient, you can do two parts Ariston garlic infused olive oil and one part Ariston fig infused balsamic vinegar.

Ariston is curating gift boxes that will feature this pairing and several other Ariston pairings. The other pairings include the following: • Ariston Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Ariston Traditional Balsamic • Ariston Basil Infused Olive Oil & Ariston Raspberry Condiment Vinegar • Ariston Lemon Infused Olive Oil & Ariston Pomegranate Infused Balsamic Vinegar • Ariston Chili Infused Olive Oil & Ariston Mango Infused White Balsamic • Ariston Smoked Infused Olive Oil (the newest flavor) & Ariston Maple Syrup Infused Balsamic Vinegar Just imagine the phenomenal taste with just two simple, clean ingredients to make it.

For more information, go to www.ariston specialties.com or stop by booth #N1609.

Vice President Abeer Abiaad President of Sales Anthony Socci Art Director Yasmine Brown Senior Editor AJ Flick

Tofutti Makes Hooligans and Hippies Happy Tofutti Brands, Inc. has been making dairy-free, vegan products since 1981, most of which you can find on supermarket shelves. But did you know Tofutti is in the foodservice business, too? Well, how else do so many outstanding vegan restaurants get their hands on enough Tofutti to satisfy their hungry customers?

Especially when Tofutti is a favorite among hooligans and hippies alike.

The Hearty Hooligan in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is a vegan restaurant committed to locally sourced, plantbased food. They call themselves “the Continued on Page 46

Editor JoEllen Lowry Customer Service Heather Albrecht Senior Account Manager Marcos Morhaim Show Logistics & Distribution Alejandro Andrade European Sales Enrico Cecchi 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 Naturally Healthy is published by Oser Communications Group ©2024 All rights reserved.

Founder Lee M. Oser www.gourmetnews.com

NH 12 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024

‘Curiously Good’ Cold-Pressed Wonder Juice Line Makes Its Debut at Show

Divine Chocolate USA Introduces Crispy Thins in Refreshed Packaging Divine Chocolate – the world’s first and only farmer-owned, Fairtrade, B Corp certified premium chocolate brand, has announced the return of its signature Crispy Thins snackable chocolate.

“We are delighted to reintroduce our Crispy Thins in its refreshed packaging,” said Troy Pearley, Executive Vice President and General Manager, North America of Divine Chocolate. “These addictive treats were worth the wait, as our new look beautifully reflects both our brand and how delicious these Thins taste.”

All four flavors of Crispy Thins – Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate with Mint, Milk Chocolate and Milk Chocolate with Caramel and Sea Salt – feature a delicious blend of Divine’s Fairtrade chocolate and puffed rice. Both Dark Chocolate flavors are vegan. All are available in select stores, on Amazon or at the company’s online store. Each 2.8ounce box retails for $4.79.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, Divine Chocolate pioneered the

mission-driven ethical chocolate movement and today is the highest-rated B Corp food brand in its U.K. homebase.

For a quarter century, Divine Chocolate has been actively working to fight exploitation within the cocoa industry, promote women’s empowerment, drive adult education and advance a variety of sustainability initiatives.

All Divine Chocolate is made with Fairtrade sugar and single-origin Fairtrade cocoa beans grown by family farmers in Ghana. Its chocolate bars contain 100% pure cocoa butter, only natural flavors and ingredients and no palm oil, no soy and no GMOs. All products are vegetarian, and vegan-suitable options are available. A B Corporation certified company, packaging of the bars is plastic free and features recyclable foil and paper.

For more information, go to www.divine chocolate.com, call 202.332.8913 or email sales@divinechocolateusa.com.

The New Way to Enjoy Kombucha, One Bite at a Time Biora is your gateway to a world where health meets taste in every bottle. Imagine garnishing your salads or enhancing your meals with vinegars and dressings that do more than just tantalize your taste buds. Biora’s unique range of kombucha-based organic dressings and vinegars are designed with your health and palate in mind, offering a delicious blend of natural flavors and the goodness of fermentation.

With Biora, you’re not just choosing a

product; you’re choosing a lifestyle – a commitment to your well-being without compromising on taste. Each product in the lineup is carefully crafted to ensure that you enjoy the benefits of prebiotics, postbiotics and antioxidants, all known to support gut health and boost your overall wellness. Biora’s selection promises low-calorie options, all free from any added sugars, gluten, dairy, preservatives, canola, soy or artificial flavors – making them perfect

At this year’s show, Wonder Juice™, an esteemed beverage collection made up of 100% all-natural cold-press juices, announces updates to its lineup and a new www.drinkwonderjuices website, .com, designed to reinvigorate its three fan-favorite, 100% organic cold-pressed juice brands.

The refreshed line houses three extraordinary juice brands: Wonder Melon™, Wonder Lemon™ and the newly re-branded Wonder Beet™, formerly Beetology™. These brands are a testament to what happens when you

blend 100% cold-pressed juice with 100% natural ingredients – a drink that’s as delicious as it is wholesome.

Using the cold-pressed method, Wonder Juice ensures maximum nutrient retention and a fuller, more vibrant flavor profile compared to traditionally extracted juices. Cold-pressed juices are not only better for your health, but they also taste better, too! All Wonder Juice varieties are made up of only real ingredients, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and that’s it. No artificial additives, no added sugars – just pure, unadulterated 100% organic ingredients, ensuring every sip is delicious, satisfying and “Curiously Good™.” for anyone looking to maintain a clean and conscious diet.

The kombucha-based vinegars and dressings are more than just condiments; they’re a testament to the power of fermentation, a process proven for centuries and revered for its health benefits and ability to enhance flavors naturally. Whether you’re dressing a fresh salad, marinating your favorite proteins or seeking an innovative way to add zest to your dishes, Biora provides the versatility and health benefits you desire. Its healthy salad dressings are presented in tantalizing flavors including Kombucha Ranch, Kombucha Caesar, Kombucha Balsamic or Kombucha Green Goddess. Get ready, as Biora also

“We know trends are leaning to more people drinking cold-pressed juices for the health benefits and flavor,” says Laura Morris, Marketing Director, Kayco Beyond Division. “The Wonder Juice line not only meets that need, but they are more accessible and cost-effective than pressing your own juice or purchasing a fresh pressed juice at a health food store,” adds Morris.

The flavors under the newly announced Wonder Juice include: Wonder Melon: Beyond its hydrating qualities, this juice, offered in Watermelon Cucumber Basil, Watermelon Lemon Cayenne and classic watermelon variants, boasts an abundance of antioxidants that promote cardiovascular wellness and enhance digestive well-being.

Wonder Lemon: Lemon Basil Jalapeño, Lemon Ginger and Lemon Mint, is more than just a guilt-free tangy treat. Packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants, it’s a boost of vitality and immune support in a bottle.

New Wonder Beet, formerly Beetology: Champions the power of beets in four exceptional mixes: Beet + Lemon + Ginger, Beet + Veggie, Beet + Berry and Beet + Cherry. Known as a high-nutrition, low-calorie superfood, beets are perfect for those seeking an all-natural boost of vitality for long-lasting, clean energy.

Wonder Juice invites Expo West attendees to sample the juices in the booth’s charming juice bar setting. Wonder Juice is being showcased at booth #N2221 in the North Hall.

For more information, go to www.drinkwonderjuices.com or stop by booth #N2221. brings your way three functional vinegars: Kombucha Apple Cider, Kombucha Balsamic and Kombucha Authentic vinegar.

Embrace the fusion of tradition and innovation in your kitchen with Biora.

Biora’s products are not just food items; they’re a celebration of culture, health and the art of fermentation, crafted specially for you and brought directly to your table. Let Biora be the companion that elevates your meals from ordinary to extraordinary, all while nurturing your body and life one bite at a time.

For more information, go to www .kefiplant.com or stop by booth #5055.

NH 14 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024

La Preferida Celebrates 75 Years with Flavors that Defy Time This year marks a significant milestone for the iconic Mexican food brand that has been delighting taste buds for 75 years. Since its inception in 1949, La Preferida (meaning “the preferred’) has not only become a household name in the Midwest, but has also carved a spe-

cial place in the hearts of food enthusiasts nationwide.

Even from its humble beginnings as a small storefront, La Preferida has always maintained its passion for bringing the vibrant flavors of Mexico and Latin America to American kitchens. This landmark celebration stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of evolution, flavor adventure and trust the brand has built with its committed followers.

Being “The Preferred” choice is more than just branding; it’s about being a cultural bridge that connects generations through the joy of shared meals.

“We are thrilled to mark this incredible milestone and reflect on the journey that has brought La Preferida to where it is today,” said David Steinbarth, Presi-

dent of Branded and grandson of the brand’s founder. “Our commitment to delivering the most authentic Mexican flavors remains unwavering, and we are grateful for the loyal customers who have made La Preferida a beloved part of their family traditions.”

The 75th-anniversary celebration will feature a series of events and promotions throughout the year, allowing La Preferida to express gratitude to its customers while also introducing its rich history to new audiences. The brand’s commitment to quality and authenticity has made it a go-to choice for both home cooks and professional chefs. It looks forward to continuing to inspire culinary creativity for years to come.

In addition to the anniversary festivities, La Preferida plans to release new items throughout the year. Paying homage to their roots in the Hispanic community with products like chorizo seasoning, chipotle seasoning, carne asada seasoning and mole.

As La Preferida looks back on 75 years of success, it also looks forward to a future filled with innovation, growth and, most importantly, the continued joy of sharing authentic Mexican flavors with families across the Midwest and beyond.

For more information about La Preferida and its 75th-anniversary celebration, visit www.lapreferida.com or stop by booth #1110.

Savor the Sweet Surprise: Simply Delish Unveils Divine New Pudding Flavors Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Simply Delish’s newest flavors: Lemon and Salted Caramel. Dive into a world of indulgence redefined, where

every bite of these delectable desserts is a guilt-free delight. Meticulously crafted with care and precision, these treats boast an impressive lineup of attributes that cater to your cravings without compromising on your health goals. Say goodbye to sugars, artificial flavors and preservatives, as these desserts deliver pure flavor while staying true to a commitment to health-conscious ingredients. With just 4g of net carbs and a mere 20 calories per serving, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without any remorse lingering afterward.

But the goodness doesn’t end there – Simply Delish’s Lemon and Salted Caramel flavors

BrightFresh Microgreens Introduces Game-Changing Packaging Automation, Enhanced Branding for Retail Produce BrightFresh® Microgreens, a leading provider of retail microgreens, is introducing a packaging innovation tailored specifically for retail produce buyers.

The company is poised to launch an automated packaging line that not only revolutionizes quality, sustainability and shelf life but also showcases new and improved branding for enhanced consumer appeal.

This state-of-the-art packaging automation offers numerous advantages for retail produce buyers: 1. Enhanced Quality and Consistency: BrightFresh Microgreens’ new packaging automation ensures the highest level of quality and consistency in processing, packaging and labeling, meeting the discerning standards of major retailers.

2. Sustainable Innovation: Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to sustainability, BrightFresh Microgreens introduces packaging with a peel and reseal top layer, significantly reducing plastic waste by 25% to 30% per clam, aligning seamlessly with retailers’ sustainability goals.

3. Extended Shelf Life: BrightFresh Microgreens’ dedication to freshness extends the shelf life of its products by two to three days, providing retail buyers with longer-lasting, high-quality produce items that align with consumer expectations.

4. New, Improved Branding: BrightFresh Microgreens will also unveil new, improved branding that enhances product visibility on the shelf and better showcases the items to customers, facilcater to a range of dietary needs.

Gluten-free, allergen-free and bursting with flavor, they’re the perfect choice for those seeking both indulgence and wellness. Whether you’re on a health journey or simply enjoy treating yourself to the finer things in life, these new flavors promise to delight your senses. Indulge in the irre-

itating easier product identification.

5. Non-GMO and Gluten Free Certification: Many of BrightFresh’s items are now also Non-GMO and Gluten Free certified, catering to the growing demand for dietary-conscious choices among consumers.

6. Retail Rollout: The packaging automation program is scheduled to launch in early 2024 and will be available in major retail chains, including Sprouts Farmers Market, Albertsons, Safeway, Walmart, Stater Bros. Markets, Whole Foods Market and Raley’s Supermarkets, ensuring that retail produce buyers can soon provide their customers with these remarkable improvements.

“We’re thrilled to bring this packaging automation, along with our refreshed branding, to our retail partners nationwide,” states Helena Beckett, Director of Sales at BrightFresh Microgreens. “We’re excited about the sustainable packaging, extended shelf life and the overall superior experience it offers our customers.” Samples of new packaging, and samples of the extensive product line can be found at booth #N514.

Retail produce buyers interested in carrying BrightFresh Microgreens’ innovative products can inquire about becoming a partner through Helena Beckett, Director of Sales, at helena.beckett@freshorigins.com or by calling 831.601.9941.

For more information, visit www.bright fresh.com or stop by booth #N514. sistible flavors of Lemon and Salted Caramel, guilt-free, and embark on a journey of delicious satisfaction with Simply Delish.

Free samples are available at booth #570.

For more information, got to www.simply delish.net or stop by booth #570.

NH 16 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024

Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes from WooBambo

Trace Minerals Here to Remineralize the World

WooBamboo has created an entire line of oral care products to reduce the amount of plastic waste on the planet.

This classic bamboo toothbrush now

Trace Minerals, America’s No. 1 selling trace mineral and liquid magnesium according to SPINS®, as well as the leading provider of trace mineral-based supplements for over 50 years, is proud to announce the addition of seven new products to its already extensive list of branded product offerings. All products are manufactured in a GMP facility, which guarantees each product is thirdparty tested for quality, potency and purity. Trace Minerals also offers a 100% Feel the Difference or Your Money Back no-risk satisfaction guarantee on every product.

comes in zero-waste packaging and in various brush strengths and shapes.

WooBamboo’s latest product is the bamboo replacement heads for electric toothbrushes. The electronic toothbrush heads are made from sustainably harvested bamboo and coated in vegan soy wax to ensure longevity and keep the heads smooth.

They also feature dental-grade, tapered-tip bristles that are soft but still strong enough to produce a powerful clean. Whereas a traditional blunttipped bristle struggles to clean between the teeth, the tapered-tip bristles perform similarly to a floss.

Furthermore, because WooBamboo’s replacement heads use 86% less plas-

tic than the other leading brands’ offerings and pair with over 90% of Philips® Sonicare® models, consumers can feel good about keeping their smiles and their planet clean.

Ear Pro is the ultimate defense – easy and quick to use, no impact on hearing, equalization or balance.

Formulated with all-natural ingredients that repel water and protect the ear from exposure to waterborne diseases, it’s the no-brainer prevention aid for all those who participate in water activities. Just use it before going into the water! It lasts two hours and contains no harsh alcohol or silicone. It’s safe for kids and adults of any age and has no effect on hearing. Ear Pro uses a harmonious blend of two powerpacked ingredients: medical grade mineral oil and premium organic oregano oil. This fusion not only combats common water related ear problems but also serves as a natural preventative measure. Not to mention, Ear Pro is proud to be a 1% for the planet company supporting the Surfrider Foundation, focused on plastic pollution, ocean protection, beach access, coastal preservation and clean water for all to enjoy. Ear Pro also supports water initiatives in Ethiopia through Climate Partner as part of its commitment to balance carbon emissions.

For more information, go to www .woobamboo.com or stop by booth #2505.

Sustainable Packaging Made for Your Sustainability Goals For over 30 years, Flair Flexible Packaging has partnered with brands to understand their sustainability goals and design solutions to align with visions for achieving them. From custom film extrusions and

laminations to 10-color printing with full graphics support, Flair is fully integrated to deliver on unique specifications and sustainable ambitions.

Flair is showcasing its range of sustain-

able solutions at the show this year, which includes: • Mono material – Flair’s ENVi brand of mono-PE solutions are pre-qualified by How2Recycle® as store drop-off recyclable. Available in various formats with zippers and other features to boost brand value.

• Tactile paper – A lightweight alternative to conventional kraft, Flair’s Real Touch innovation adds the look and feel of paper, without the material and costs of paper laminations. Available in an extensive range of styles including kraft, rice paper and more.

• Dual barrier films – A metal-free alternative to foil or VMPET and more durable than ALOX and other coatings,

With the addition of these products, all of which contain a nutritional foundation of full spectrum ionic trace minerals from ConcenTrace®, Trace Minerals is further supporting people so they can function at their best.

“We are excited to be back at Natural Products Expo West alongside other inspiring leaders in the space,” said Matt Kilts, Chief Executive Officer of Trace Minerals. “With a commitment to continued improvement and innovation, we are proud to debut our new products here and eager to get them into the hands of our customers and new users so they can experience the health benefits firsthand.”

Gummy Multis Available for men, women and children – are packed full of 20 essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B, C, D, E, folate, biotin, iodine, zinc, selenium, chromium, choline and more, plus a full spectrum of ionic trace minerals from ConcenTrace. They are sugar free, gluten free, gelatin free, plant based, vegetarFlair’s DTR films deliver complete performance with less source material and waste. Dual performance barriers block oxygen and maintain product moisture content to extend marketable characteristics like texture and color.

• Retortable films – Lightweight, compact alternatives to cans, Flair’s specialized films can take the heat of retort processing to maintain freshness and stability across a longer shelf life. From premade pouches to roll stock for FFS, lidding and more, Flair’s retort portfolio includes foil laminations and metal-free coex films for microwavable convenience.

• Films for HPP – Designed to perform under pressure, Flair’s HPP films offer re-

ian and are naturally flavored, with the children’s coming in a kid-friendly orange flavor, orange mango coconut flavor for the men’s and berry lemonade flavor for the women’s. Each comes in a 60-count bottle for an MSRP of $22.99 for the men’s and women’s and $20.99 for the children’s.

New & Improved Liquid Multi Vitamin Mineral Trace Minerals’ new and improved liquid multi, which includes over 90 essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, Bcomplex vitamins, antioxidants and more, helps support bones, energy and vitality and was one of the first liquid multivitamins when it was launched over 15 years ago. It offers an enhanced orange mango flavor and texture and heightened bioavailability.

It’s gluten free, certified vegetarian, and comes in a 30-ounce bottle that sells for an MSRP of $50.49.

Magnesium Glycinate Trace Minerals is debuting three new forms of magnesium glycinate – an easy-to-mix powder, easy-to-swallow capsules and liquid. Each form offers 120 milligrams of magnesium glycinate per serving plus a full spectrum of ionic trace minerals from ConcenTrace. The powder comes with a smooth berry lemonade natural flavor while the liquid features natural lemon lime flavor. Each is gluten free and certified vegan. 90count capsules, $24.99; 180-count capsules, $39.99; 60-serving powder, $20.99; 8-ounce liquid, $21.99.

Trace Minerals’ mission is to help people remineralize their bodies and achieve and maintain an ideal level of trace minerals to feel better and live better.

For more information, go to www.trace minerals.com or stop by booth #3605. liable package integrity to extend freshness and keep your labels clean. From premade pouches with spouts and caps to easy peel lidding films, Flair has your products, processes and end-users covered.

Complete with GFSI recognized FSSC 22000 certification at each of its major manufacturing facilities across the globe, Flair’s products are FDA, USDA and CFIA compliant for safe solutions that you can rely on.

For more information, go to www.flair packaging.com, call 403.207.3226 or stop by booth #N1818.

NH 18 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024

California Fresh Flavor Redefined: Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette with Basil and Wildflower Honey Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette with Basil and Wildflower Honey is a testament to the coastal California charm, boasting a bright and vibrant flavor that stands unmatched in the market. Sourced from Meyer lemons picked at their peak, this vinaigrette captures the essence of citrusy harmodelight, niously blended with the aromatic notes of basil and the subtle sweetness of pure honey.

A zesty symphony that delights your senses and transforms your salads, bowls and marinades into works of art.

This Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette is not just a vinaigrette, it’s a revelation of West Coast freshness and a craft of culinary wonder.

Bella Sun Luci is the go-to vinaigrette brand because it keeps it simple and genuine. Bella Sun Luci uses only olive oil in its

recipes, saying no to seed oils and preservatives. Its commitment to pure, quality ingredients makes its vinaigrettes stand out, ensuring a flavorful and healthy choice for your salads. Trust Bella Sun Luci for straightforward, delicious dressings.

Preorder Now – Show Special for May 1st Launch!

Visit Bella Sun Luci at booth #5578 to learn more and taste the flavors of the new Italian Kitchen line.

About Mooney Farms & Bella Sun Luci Founded in 1986, Mooney Farms is a third-generation, certified womanowned, family-owned company rooted in quality, integrity and family values that has grown to be the premier producer of Bella Sun Luci products in the United States. The full line includes new 100% olive oil salad vinaigrettes, sauce starters, plant-based tomato jerky, pasta sauces, bruschetta spreads, bottled extra virgin olive oil, risotto and marinades.

For more information, visit www.bella sunluci.com or connect on Instagram and Facebook @bellasunluci, email sales@mooneyfarms.com or stop by booth #5578.

Save Time & Money with New Bone Suckin’ All Purpose! Seasoning & Rub Bone Suckin’® All Purpose! Seasoning & Rub comes in 5.8 ounces and is zero calorie, sugar free, gluten free, non GMO and contains no MSG. It is Kosher and includes garlic, salt, pepper and onion. It’s great for pork, beef, chicken, seafood, pasta and veggies!

This is a great all-purpose seasoning for meats, plant proteins and vegetables. The Bone Suckin’ All Purpose Rub is perfect for chicken, steaks, pork, ribs, burgers, meatloaf, hamburgers, tri-tips, vegetables, soups, salads, sandwiches, omelets and more! Most foods taste better with salt, pepper, garlic and onion, so let your imagination take over and enjoy Bone Suckin’ All Purpose Seasoning on everything!

Trusted Brand – Bone Suckin’ Sauce Enjoy the excellence of Bone Suckin’ Seasoning & Rub, proudly brought to you by the trusted family owned brand. Bone Suckin’ Seasoning & Rub is the small batch craft seasoning and

rub that is third-party tested and verified, beloved by the entire family for its delicious taste and unmatched versatility.

American-Made Excellence Trust in the quality of the Bone Suckin’ Sauce line as its seasoning and rub is proudly Made in the USA with flavor crafted with your well-being in mind. Elevate your cooking game with these versatile sauces and seasonings.

From grilling to baking, enjoy meats and veggies bursting with flavor. Let Bone Suckin’ Sauce products do the heavy lifting, so you can enjoy more time with your guests.

Try It On Everything Bone Suckin’ All Purpose Seasoning & Rub is not only for grilling, smoking, marinading, slow cooking, barbecuing, air frying, microwaving or in the oven, but is also great to sprinkle on your salad or on your sandwiches for an exciting treat! The unique blend will make the most savory steaks you’ve ever had!

Unlock Your Bread with Sprouted Grains Food For Life Baking Co., makers of incredibly delicious and nutritious Sprouted Grain Baked Good, remains fiercely committed to the health of its customers since its inception over 50 years ago.

Among the natural sprouted specialty breads are its widely popular Ezekiel 4:9 and Genesis 1:29 Breads, also available in English muffins, tortillas, pitas, bagels, burger buns, rolls, crunchy and flake cereals, made from only the best natural ingredients possible.

Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Breads are a 2,500-year-old prodigy of the ancient bread found in the pages of the Old Testament verse: “Take also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans and lentils, and millet and spelt and put them into one vessel and make bread of it.” Ezekiel 4:9.

Ezekiel 4:9 breads include a blend of grains, legumes and seeds, which when combined create an abundant harvest of nutrition including nine essential amino acids.

Genesis 1:29 combines 16 select grains and seeds, originating from various continents around the globe to create a world of nutrition in every bite.

These inspired ancient recipes are made exceptionally, with sprouted grains, germinated in Food For Life’s exclusive process for days with pure filtered water, and oxygenated to develop The Live Grain Difference.

Sprouting maximizes the nutrient content over dry grains ground into flour through enzymatic activity to promote digestibility by unlocking all the natural goodness found in whole grains.

Food For Life Flourless Ezekiel 4:9 and Genesis 1:29 Sprouted Grain breads are made without any added sugar, creat-

ing low glycemic options to help reduce sugar spikes, and many are certified diabetic friendly.

Clean, simple, organic ingredients that are easy to identify are the foundation for its Sprouted Grain breads. You won’t find additives artificial colors or preservatives like cultured wheat starch or vinegar in favor of a more balanced pH. Food For Life breads are sold mostly in the frozen section as freezing is nature’s best preservation method, helping to preserve natural freshness until it gets to you.

Much more than just carbs! Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 breads are a natural source of low glycemic complex carbs.

Food For Life believes complex carbs are vital to human health as the body’s preferred fuel source helping to regulate many biological functions in the body, including hormones like melatonin and important mood regulating serotonin.

Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain, legume and seed breads have another uncommon feature with both soluble and insoluble fiber. With a pleasing nutty flavor and texture, both types of fiber are important to help detoxify the body. Soluble fiber does its work at the cellular level, while insoluble fiber primarily stays in the gastrointestinal tract and helps provide the bulk keeping you feeling full, while increasing the transit speed of food through the body. Food For Life believes both are important for optimum dietary health and wellness for vitality and longevity.

With just one bite, you’ll know it’s a Food For Life!

Premium Quality, Healthy Indulgence Savor guilt-free with this seasoning and rub that is gluten free, non GMO and fat free. Crafted with care, this seasoning and rub brings a burst of flavor without compromising on health. Perfect for those seeking delicious and easy meals.

Kosher, pareve, dairy free with no anticaking agent and no MSG.

reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature and juices run clear.

• Let rest for 10 minutes.

2 Quick & Easy Bone Suckin’ Recipes Bone Suckin’ Chicken Recipe • Sprinkle Bone Suckin’ All Purpose! generously on chicken breast.

• Bake or grill 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until chicken

For more information, go to www.foodfor life.com or stop by booth #417.

Bone Suckin’ Hamburgers Recipe • Mix hamburger and Bone Suckin’ All Purpose! into patties.

• Bake on a baking sheet or grill 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or until the burgers reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature.

For more information, go to www .bonesuckin.com, call 800.446.0947, email sales@bonesuckin.com or stop by booth #5285.

NH 24 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024

Dorot Gardens Showcases Culinary Convenience at Show

Divine Chocolate Celebrates 25th Anniversary with signed for the busy lifestyle of today’s At this year’s Natural Products Expo Limited-Edition Birthday Bar consumers who seek quality without West, the buzz is all about Dorot Gardens® and its revolutionary approach to home cooking. Renowned for its flashfrozen herbs and garlic, Dorot Gardens is showcasing its already popular products at booth #N2218 in the North Hall, demonstrating the art of convenience and quality in modern cuisine.

With a range of products that includes Crushed Garlic, Chopped Basil, Crushed Ginger and Chopped Parsley, Dorot Gardens is revolutionizing the way you cook.

These flash-frozen herbs capture the essence of freshness, providing the taste of freshly picked herbs all year round, without the hassle of peeling and chopping. The pre-portioned trays are not only a nod to convenience, but also ensure consistency in flavor and quantity, making every meal preparation a breeze.

At Expo West, attendees have the unique opportunity to witness live cooking demonstrations that reveal the versatility and robustness of Dorot Gardens’ product line. These demonstrations are expected to illustrate the significant time saved in the kitchen, allowing for more moments to be shared at the table with loved ones.

Dorot Gardens stands out in the marketplace not just for the ease of use but for its stringent quality standards. Every herb cube is a frozen treasure of purity, adhering to vegan, OU Kosher and Halal certifications, while also being nonGMO verified. The absence of artificial preservatives speaks volumes about its commitment to natural, wholesome cooking.

As the year progresses and culinary trends evolve, Dorot Gardens’ offerings remain timeless. Its products are de-

compromise. The brand has found a harmonious balance between the con-

venience of pre-prepped ingredients and the uncompromised freshness that every discerning cook demands.

Expo West is an exciting platform for Dorot Gardens, as it invites attendees to experience the magic of its herbs firsthand. The booth is a sensory delight, with an array of flavors that inspire and elevate home cooking. Dorot Gardens is not just about providing a product, but about transforming the culinary experience, making every meal an effortless masterpiece.

The brand’s presence at Expo West is poised to reinforce its position as a leader in the kitchen essentials category, demonstrating that quality, convenience and great taste can coexist beautifully. Dorot Gardens’ flash-frozen herbs are changing the landscape of home cooking, one flavorful “pop” at a time.

For more information, go to www.dorot gardens.com or stop by booth #N2218.

Exciting Varieties of Flavorful Recipe-Ready Shredded Cheese Sincerely, Brigitte is the brainchild of Brigitte Mizrahi. She shared her passion for gourmet cheeses and a vision to transform a staid segment in the food industry into one of boldness, innovative flavor and adventure.

The prod-

ucts begin with premium rBST-free milk, sourced from small Wisconsin dairy farms using vegetarian rennet and only fresh ingredients.

All cheeses are certified Kosher by the OK and Halal by ETIMAD supervision.

The company prides itself on bringing you the freshest and most distinctive flavor.

Sincerely, Brigitte

To celebrate its 25th Anniversary, Divine Chocolate – the world’s first and only farmer-owned, Fairtrade, B-Corp certified premium chocolate brand – has launched a limited edition Birthday Bar with packaging that showcases the names and stories of 25 cocoa farmers. This special Birthday Bar features buttery biscuit pieces covered in Divine’s signature smooth milk chocolate.

As well as delighting chocolate lovers around the world, the Birthday Bar is an important reminder of Divine’s commitment to doing things differently in the chocolate industry. Twentyfive years ago, Divine Chocolate pioneered the mission-driven, ethical chocolate movement and today is the highest-rated mission-based food brand in its U.K. homebase. For a quarter century, Divine Chocolate has been actively working to fight exploitation within the cocoa industry, promote women’s empowerment, drive adult education and advance a variety of sustainability initiatives.

The Birthday Bar’s striking blue wrapper features the names of 25 Kuapa Kokoo co-operative farmers and an onpack QR code links to stories they share about their experiences in cocoa farming, as well as their worries and hopes for the future. Farmer Comfort Opoku discusses how she has benefited from the literacy programs that Divine has created to upskill women. And Mercy Zaah details how being part of the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative has allowed her to educate her five children to the university level. Others describe the continues her legacy with new flavor combinations that bring together sweet, spicy and savory elements for the most exciting cheeses.

Welcome the newest innovation into your home kitchen with exciting varieties of flavorful, recipe-ready shredded cheese. Each distinctive blend starts with creamy, all-natural prairie jack and a specially crafted selection of fresh herbs and aromatics: • Inspire your cooking with a timeless flavor combination the whole family will love. The balance of sweet, savory basil and garlic blended into creamy prairie jack will turn your recipes into an experience.

• Level up your culinary creations with

small businesses they have set up alongside their cocoa farms using skills learned through their involvement in Kuapa Kokoo, allowing them to provide more for themselves and their families.

With the launch of its Birthday Bar, Divine encourages chocolate lovers worldwide to join the Divine Chocolate Revolution.

With Divine’s co-operative of 100,000 members receiving a share of distributable profits, each bar purchased contributes to improving the lives of cocoa farmers and their families, maintaining community initiatives that upskill women and improving labor rights and sustainability issues within the industry.

Sophie Loveday-Davies, Group Marketing Director at Divine said, “We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating 25 years of doing things differently in the cocoa industry. In launching our Birthday Bar, we hope not only to delight our Divine fans with this limited-edition release, but also invite them to celebrate the producers and their families who are behind their favorite bar of chocolate. The Kuapa Kokoo co-operative of over 100,000 farmers really is the heart of our brand, so our 25th anniversary celebrations are a key milestone for reflecting on their stories and the unique contributions they make in creating our award-winning chocolate.”

Divine’s Birthday Bar is available at select retailers, Amazon and Divine’s online store.

For more information, go to www.divine chocolate.com, call 202.332.8913 or email sales@divinechocolateusa.com. luxurious Black Truffle. Flecks of authentic Italian truffles and smooth prairie jack bring the rich, mysterious flavor of this high-end ingredient to your kitchen.

• Spark your imagination with a little heat from fresh jalapeño peppers and cilantro. Create bold tacos, nachos, enchiladas and more with a burst of bright, authentic flavor.

• Create new traditions with the rich aromas of fresh herbs, bold tomatoes and olives. This hearty combination of sundrenched flavors will make your cooking shine.

For more information, go to www .sincerelybrigitte.com.

NH 26 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024

Rediscover Rice in a Whole New Way with Fall River Wild Rice Interest in plants and grains is soaring, as shoppers look for new ways to eat healthy. High in protein and fiber, nutty and with a striking visual appeal, wild rice is one of the healthiest grains available. It was a staple food of several Native American tribes, who called it “manoomin,” or “precious grain.”

Fall River Wild Rice brings this culinary gem to your store shelf. This naturally cultivated wild rice is great in salads, soups and stir fries. However, it also works well in mixes for pancakes and muffins and even in chocolate and desserts. Fall River’s Fully Cooked Wild Rice is high-

protein goodness in seconds.

The only cereal grain native to North America, wild rice is not even a rice at all.

It is the seed of Zizania palustris, a tall, blooming water grass that prospers in the Great Lakes region, as well as in the fruitful valley in the shadows of the Sierra Nevadas. Fall River Wild Rice is a small grower-owned cooperative in the Fall River Valley, a rural mountain valley nestled between the Cascade and Sierra Nevada ranges.

For more information, go to www.fallriver wildrice.com or call 800.626.4366.

Breaking Boundaries: Fabrique Délices Launches Plant-Based Pâtés in Collaboration with Prime Roots Fabrique Délices recently announced a collaboration with Prime Roots to introduce a trio of innovative and delectable new products that are set to redefine the boundaries of gourmet plant-based cuisine. The new offerings include KojiFoie Gras, a luxurious Black Truffle KojiPâté and an exquisite Harvest Apple Koji-Pâté, all of which showcase the remarkable synergy of traditional culinary craftsmanship and modern plant-based innovation.

Building on its commitment to deliver the finest charcuterie creations, Fabrique Délices has seamlessly integrated Prime Roots’ cutting-edge koji technology, known for its ability to produce rich umami flavors and exquisite textures, into its latest product line. With an unwavering dedication to quality and flavor, Fabrique Délices has masterfully crafted these plantbased delicacies to cater to discern-

ing palates while ensuring a sustainable and ethical approach to gastronomy. President of Fabrique Délices, Sébastien Espinasse, expressed his enthusiasm, “We’re excited to introduce traditional French delicacies like pâté and foie gras to plant-based consumers. Partnering with the pioneer of koji-based products, Prime Roots, allows us to take an innovative and sustainable approach to developing plant-based products.”

The first star of the collection, KojiFoie Gras, presents a plant-based alternative to the classic delicacy, boasting a luxurious velvety texture and a rich, buttery flavor profile that closely mimics the traditional experience. Accompanying Koji-Foie Gras are two equally compelling offerings: the Black Truffle Koji-Pâté and the Harvest Apple Koji-Pâté. The Black Truffle Koji-Pâté embodies an opulent blend

CII Foods – Your Solution Provider

By Chris Foster, Regional Sales Manager, Cereal Ingredients, Inc. At CII, we recognize that our customers want quality products from a company who cares. We are proud to create food ingredients that not only look great, but have a delicious and wholesome taste.

Our food particulates add flavor, color and character to numerous food applications such as baked goods, cereal, confectionery and ice cream. Unlike most fat-based or sugar-based particles, our Flav-R-Bites® and Flav-R-Swirl® stand up to heat and moisture, are shelf stable and they make your products look and taste better.

Flav-R-Bites don’t have to be sweet!

They can also add savory flavor and color to chips, pizza, frozen dinners and even dog treats. Create flavor and swirl effects in bread products by adding Flav-R-Swirl, our pre-blended mixes. Our products are fully customizable regarding flavor, color, size and texture.

Plant-based proteins are increasingly important to consumers. CII manufactures a full line of custom plant-based protein crisps and Texturized Plant Proteins (TPP) under our Nutri-Crisp® line for the health and wellness and plantbased meal markets. Some of the sources that we utilize are pea, chickpea, fava, wheat, rice and other specialty plant-proteins.

In the Fall of 2022 CII opened a stateof-the-art facility offering clusters, granola and panned items in St. Joseph, of earthy truffle notes and savory umami undertones, elevating the dining experience with its decadent yet plant-based composition. On the other hand, the Harvest Apple KojiPâté offers a harmonious fusion of sweet and savory, featuring the delightful essence of fresh apples combined with the depth of koji, creating a nicely nuanced flavor.

This new line of plant-based products is a testament to Fabrique Délices’ relentless pursuit of culinary excellence and solidification of the brand’s position as pioneer in the realm of gourmet cuisine, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable

Missouri. By combining whole-grain goodness with health and wellness components, such as protein crisps, oats and probiotics, our cluster production will add new product offerings with limitless possibilities. These products will fit well into the cereal and snack markets to add value to your items.

In our new St. Joseph facility, we also have the capability to run your raw flours and ingredients through our Heat Treatment Processing equipment to significantly reduce pathogens to an acceptable level in your ingredients. Flour products can be wheat, pea, soy, rice, corn and many others.

CII is unique in its ability to innovate beyond standardized food products. We are driven to craft unique solutions for each of our customers and have designed our innovation processes to adapt to their needs. All of CII’s product lines can also be customized to meet any ingredient restrictions that your project might have like natural, glutenfree, non-GMO, organic or no sugar added.

Even as we expand our operations, we maintain an agile, entrepreneurial mindset that sets us apart from larger producers who do not share our passion to create. Our patented manufacturing processes allow for greater efficiency and returns on every dollar our customers invest.

For more information, go to www .ciifoods.com or stop by booth #122. gastronomy that harmoniously merges tradition with innovation.

With over 38 years of expertise and recognized for its excellence, Fabrique Délices combines time-honored classics and innovative creations among its exceptional range. Handcrafted in small batches using authentic French recipes, Fabrique Délices has been committed to producing high-quality charcuterie with traditional savoir-faire and a spirit of conviviality, from its home in the San Francisco Bay Area.

For more information, go to www .fabriquedelices.com.

NH 30 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024

The Spice Lab Offers Spice Blends for Any Diet

Liquid I.V. Unveils Brand Refresh, Bold New Look

By Gary Oliver, National Sales Manager, The Spice Lab

Liquid I.V., the No. 1 powdered hydration company in the United States, is rolling out a comprehensive brand refresh to help usher in the next high-octane chapter for the hypergrowth company, soon to be a billion-dollar brand.

The top-to-bottom refresh touches nearly every aspect of Liquid I.V.’s look, from packaging and color palette to the logo, how the company defines flavor and the LIV Hydrascience™ behind its products.

Higher impact packaging and colors will further enhance the brand’s reputation as an industry innovator, and leader in trends and culture.

Flavor is being moved more convincingly to the forefront, offering consumers a sense of the thoughtfulness that goes into designing Liquid I.V.’s signature flavors. The refresh also will help consumers better understand the wide range of product benefits the company now offers beyond just hydration, including immune support, gut health and energy. Meanwhile, new packaging dials up the sci-

At the beginning of every year, it is a fairly common practice for people to take stock of their health and start thinking about the different changes that they might make to their lifestyle to be healthier. Every January, The Spice Lab starts hearing customers ask for spice blends that adhere to their particular diets – whether it’s paleo, keto, Kosher, low-salt, no-sugar, gluten free or organic. “Our focus is to provide a wide range of spices and seasonings, made using high-quality ingredients with no fillers or additives, that can fit seamlessly into any diet,” says Brett Cramer, one of the founders of the company.

The company is continuing to add new items since the successful roll out of their organic line, as well as conducting research and development in creating spice blends that use nutritional yeast or MSG to create lower-sodium blends.

A woman-owned and family-run business, The Spice Lab specializes in creating exclusive custom seasoning blends

and packaging organic spices. Its extensive product line includes the Spice Labbranded award-winning seasonings and rubs, artisan salts, premium spices, dried herbs and natural sugars. The Creative Mixology line includes flavored salt and sugar cocktail rimmers and Hi-

malayan shot glasses. Custom blends for private label customers and a wide array of corporate gifts are also available.

The Spice Lab’s carefully curated line of sea salts, spices, seasonings and related products are sold by gourmet and specialty shops, major retailers, grocery chains and online through Amazon.com and at spices.com.

For more information, go to www.spices .com or email sales@thespicelab.com.

Alternative Sweeteners from Suzanne’s Specialties Suzanne’s Specialties has been supplying alternative sweeteners to the health food and industrial food markets since 1984. Its offerings include brown rice syrup, clarified rice syrup, rice maltodextrin syrup and solids, tapioca syrup, tapioca maltodextrin and solids, agave syrup, inulin, cane sugar, invert syrups, molasses, honey, rice milk powder and coconut sugar.

The company also has the ability to make custom blends and sweetener systems.

All of Suzanne’s Specialties industrial products have been verified by the NonGMO Project.

Suzanne’s Specialties offers an InfantSafe® version of all of its rice syrups. This unique product contains less than 10 ppb for arsenic and lead, meeting the FDA standard for drinking water. It is available in all DE levels. Suzanne’s R&D has also developed new low-sugar rice and tapioca syrups to meet its customers’ demands. OryzaLow and TapiLow are available in all pack sizes and have no minimum order quantity.

The company packs its industrial products in pails, drums, totes and tank wagons. All products are available in or-

ganic with most available in a conventional version as well. Suzanne’s promises that all of its products are made with only the highest quality organic and all-natural ingredients.

Each one is sure to give your formulas and applications “Sweetness the Way Mother Nature Intended™.”

Suzanne’s Specialties also provides a line of retail products. These include traditional offerings such as organic wildflower honey and rice syrup. It also has maple and Just Like Honey flavor options. Pack sizes on its retail line range from jars to gallons to tubs to pails.

Suzanne’s can service the needs of a household, restaurant, small bakery or robust manufacturing facility.

Visit www.suzannes-specialties.com for more information on these products or to shop in its easy-to-use online store.

With distribution facilities on both the East and West coasts and a diverse product line, Suzanne’s Specialties has the ability to service your company’s specific needs.

For more information, go to www .suzannes-specialties.com or stop by booth #1042.

ence behind the product, right on the front of the pack.

Liquid I.V.’s new logo retains the company’s iconic two-toned, water-themed hexagon, but shifts to a bolder font for better visibility from a distance.

The refresh went through exhaustive research and testing, which showed that consumers are more drawn to the new packaging, more likely to see and remember the Liquid I.V. name, and more likely to purchase the product as well. The new look scores a high association among consumers with a brand that is premium, fun, healthy, hydrating, trustworthy and unique.

Liquid I.V.’s revamped descriptions of the science behind its products have resonated well with consumers during testing.

Typical comments included “explains the process better,” “easier to understand” and “more complete and expressive.”

Liquid I.V. is available online and in-store at retailers across the United States.

For more information, go to visit www .liquid-iv.com, follow @liquidiv on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X or stop by booth #3523.

Salute Santé! Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary “After 30 years of pioneering the grapeseed oil industry, it is an honor to have won the 2023 Gold sofi for our cold, pressed grapeseed oil and it’s wonderful to be recognized by the Specialty Food Association for our quality” says Valentin Humer, Founder and oil maker of Salute Santé![R]. That was featured on HBO MAX in the show “What Am I Eating” with Zooey Deschanel, episode 1 “Big Fat Lies.”

“We are passionate about making good-for-you food and keeping our carbon footprint low. That might sound trendy today, but it didn’t when we started making grapeseed oil 30 years ago,” says Nanette Humer, Co-Founder of Food & Vine Inc. “All of our plantbased grapeseed oils are delicious, healthy and good for you and the Earth.

Our process completes the cycle of the grape, making us a zero-waste food.”

Salute Santé! is 100% cold-pressed grapeseed oil and nothing else. It starts with upcycled, non-GMO grapeseeds from wineries in Napa, Italy and Portugal, so there is no need for hybrid or genetically modified crops. Nor does it need new farmland, fertilizer or water.

Most importantly, it is a fruit oil from the

mighty grape – its botanical source, which is the single determining factor that separates its oil from seed oil.

Loved by the best chefs, from JeanGeorges Vongerichten to Thomas Keller, Salute Santé! is their choice for delicious, healthy cooking – from salad dressings, aioli and marinades to hot preparations including searing, sautéing, grilling, barbecue and baking. Salute Santé! Is the go-to oil for the best chefs, commissary kitchens and home kitchens.

Compared to other fruit oils such as olive oil and avocado oil, this fruit oil is the lowest in saturated fat, the highest in essential linoleic acid and is naturally high in vitamin E and valuable antioxidants.

Studies have shown that grapeseed oil may significantly raise HDL (the good) cholesterol and lower both LDL (the bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, which may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and impotence.

Available in foodservice packaging, bulk for manufacturers and in retail size packaging for the home chef.

For more information, go to www .grapeseedoil.com.

NH 32 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024

WOWBUTTER The Ultimate Spread High-Quality Nutrition to Better Fuel Your Body WOWBUTTER is an all-natural complete plant protein spread, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary to build and maintain muscle and crucial for many other important body functions.

More importantly, WOWBUTTER has significantly better quality protein than sunflower, peanut or almond butter, giving WOWBUTTER a protein digestibility and bioavailability score comparable to meat or dairy protein. It’s a perfect plantbased protein option to fuel your body more with every bite.

The lower protein efficiency score of other nut and seed butters means the body does not utilize the protein as efficiently, and thus the full benefits of the protein are not realized. WOWBUTTER has 1000mg Omega-3 and 7g complete protein per serving and is made with only five simple all-natural Non-GMO clean and sustainable ingredients (whole toasted soybeans, expeller pressed soy oil, cane sugar, sustainable palm oil and sea salt) with no added colors, flavors or preservatives.

The Perfect Marriage of Nutrition and Great Taste The innovative WOWBUTTER spread was designed for all families and developed to help protect the millions of kids and adults who suffer from life-threatening peanut and nut allergies. It was also developed to better nourish the tens of millions of non-allergic consumers and school kids who need healthy breakfast, lunch and snack solutions. Nutrition is the foundation for good health and WOWBUTTER is a shining example of the perfect marriage of nutrition and great

taste. WOWBUTTER provides exceptional highly efficient nutrition not found in other spreads, combined with a taste that has consumers saying “WOW” when they try it! Included on every jar are innovative “peel off” Safe-for-School lunch labels that can be placed on sandwiches and snacks sent to school, which are very important for school classrooms.

So Much More Than Just a Powerhouse Spread WOWBUTTER spread on your favorite bread makes an amazing sandwich, but why not get creative and try it in one of your favorite recipes or check out their website for a mouth-watering Asian dipping sauce recipe, protein-packed smoothies or the writehome-to-momma power cookies? Cooking and baking peanut free with WOWBUTTER opens up a whole new realm of possibilities.

The multiple-award-winning peanutfree WOWBUTTER is an all-natural peanut-free spread with a taste and texture just like peanut butter, but with even better nutrition.

As awareness about WOWBUTTER spreads, more and more consumers are realizing the superior plant-based protein quality and Omega-3 benefits of including WOWBUTTER as part of their healthy lifestyle. WOWBUTTER is made in a dedicated 100% peanut-free and tree nut-free facility that is food safety BRCGS AA+ certified as well as Kosher, Halal, Non-GMO & RSPO Certified. It’s free from gluten, dairy, eggs and most other common allergens.

For more information, go to www.wow butter.com or email info@wowbutter.com.

Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Announces Retirements Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese announces that George Crave, President, and wife Debbie Crave, Vice President, will retire from their full-time leadership roles this month. They will both continue to serve as brand ambassadors for the company and work on special projects.

George and Debbie started Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese in 2001 in partnership with George’s brothers Char les, Mark and Tom. Together with 13 fam ily members and 50 dedicated employees, they have grown the business into a nationally renowned brand producing award-winning cheeses.

The couple’s contributions include

overseeing production, brand development, customer relations and sales.

They have also helped the farm and cheese factory evolve into a model of sustainability.

Managing Partner Mark Crave will continue to lead the company and General Manager Adam Falbo will oversee operations at the cheese factory.

Roseanne Crave has assumed sales and marketing efforts.

“George and Debbie have set a solid foundation for the next generation of leaders to continue growing the company,” said Mark Crave. “We wish them the best as they continue their life adventures together.”

BrightFresh Microgreens Rolls Out Cutting-Edge Packaging and Branding BrightFresh® Microgreens, a distinguished name in the retail microgreens sector, is thrilled to unveil packaging solutions that promise to elevate the offerings of retailers. Samples of its new packaging and samples of the extensive product line can be found at booth #N514.

The company is set to introduce an innovative automated packaging line, aiming to redefine quality, sustainability and shelf life while simultaneously refreshing its branding approach to attract consumers.

BrightFresh Microgreens is addressing crucial concerns faced by retail produce buyers with its state-of-the-art packaging automation: 1. Unprecedented Quality and Consistency: The latest packaging automation from BrightFresh Microgreens guarantees unparalleled quality and consistency throughout processing, packaging and labeling, meeting the stringent standards set by major retailers.

2. Sustainable Packaging: Demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability, BrightFresh Microgreens introduces packaging with a peel-andreseal top layer, reducing plastic waste by 25% to 30% per clam. This aligns with the sustainability objectives of retailers.

3. Extended Shelf Life: The company’s dedication to freshness extends the shelf life of its products by two to three days, providing retail buyers with enduring, high-quality produce that exceeds consumer expectations.

4. Refreshed Branding: BrightFresh Microgreens is set to reveal a revitalized branding strategy, enhancing product

visibility on the shelf and simplifying product identification for customers, addressing retailer concerns and improving overall product presentation.

5. Non-GMO and Gluten-Free Certification: Responding to the increasing demand for dietary-conscious choices, many of BrightFresh’s products now boast Non-GMO and Gluten-Free certification, reflecting a commitment to providing healthier options.

6. Streamlined Retail Rollout: The packaging automation initiative is scheduled to debut in early 2024 and will be available in major retail chains, including Sprouts Farmers Market, Albertsons, Safeway, Walmart, Stater Bros.

Markets, Whole Foods Market and Raley’s Supermarkets.

Helena Beckett, Director of Sales at BrightFresh Microgreens, expresses excitement about the innovative packaging automation and revitalized branding, stating, “We are genuinely thrilled to introduce this innovative packaging automation, alongside our revitalized branding, to our esteemed retail partners nationwide. We are enthusiastic about the sustainable packaging, extended shelf life and the overall superior experience it offers our customers.”

Retail produce buyers looking to enhance their product selection with BrightFresh Microgreens’ innovative offerings are invited to inquire about partnership opportunities through Helena Beckett, Director of Sales, at helena.beckett@freshorigins.com or by calling 831.601.9941.

George and Debbie met at 4-H while in high school where they first shared an appreciation for agriculture that continues to this day. George and his brothers grew up on a dairy farm near Beloit. In 1980, the brothers purchased the Waterloo dairy farm. After 20 years of growing the farm with his brothers, George’s vision was to expand the family business and add value to their milk with cheese-

making. Debbie began her career as the 1981-1982 Alice in Dairyland. She then worked in marketing at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board before joining George and starting Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese.

For more information, visit www.bright fresh.com or stop by booth #N514.

For more information, go to www .cravecheese.com.

NH 34 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024

Unlock Gourmet Italian Flavors in Minutes: Bella Sun Luci’s New Sauce Starters for Effortless Meals Whether you are a beginner cook or qualified chef, Bella Sun Luci’s New Italian Kitchen Sauce Starters bring that

gourmet Italian scratch cooked flavor to your meal in minutes. The slow simmered cooking base is conveniently packed in a resealable squeeze pouch for added convenience for today’s busy consumer. The new Sauce Starters will let you be the chef – add a little or a lot.

Don’t stop there – stir into rice, potatoes, soups or roasts. The Italian cooking base can add flavor that pulls dinner together quickly. With meals so good, they will only think you spent all day cooking!

Available in three delicious flavors: Tuscan Garden, Tomato & Pepper and Boarderie (Cont’d. from p. 1)

setting a new Guinness World Records title for the Largest Charcuterie Board ever crafted. This achievement marks a monumental accomplishment for the rapidly growing company and is a testament to its commitment to delivering extraordinary gourmet experiences to its customers.

On Oct. 4 in Palm Beach, Florida, Boarderie and its sponsors – Columbus Craft Meats, Yupik, Celebrity Goat, Divina, The Palm Beaches, The Vineyard House, Rustic Bakery, Dufeck Wood Products and Atlas Event Rental – hosted an event to unveil the breathtaking charcuterie board that measured 20 feet by 14 feet, weighed 769 pounds and was inspired by a 169 times bigger replica of its best-selling Arte board.

Significantly surpassing the previous record, the charcuterie board featured an impressive array of premium artisan cheeses, cured meats, flatbread crackers, nuts and dried fruits, gourmet chocolates and a globally sourced selection of olives and spreads. The foods were generously provided by the sponsors and donated to The Lord’s Place, a

Tomato Basil. Each flavor is gluten free, vegan and made with real vegetables.

Now with Bella Sun Luci Sauce Starters, it makes it easy for everyone to enjoy bigger flavors and better cooking with only a few steps to get a robust simmered all-day flavorful meal to the table in minutes.

“Today’s consumer is navigating their meal ideals toward better-for-you foods without sacrificing taste, and our Italian Kitchen Sauce Starters allow for just that in a quarter of the time! This is innovation you can taste; this innovation drives sales,” says Mary Mooney, Mooney Farms Owner.

With the goal in mind to live life more tastefully, the new line of Bella Sun Luci Sauce Starters appeals to the health conscious and ethical consumer without having to sacrifice flavor.

The new line pushes the innovation of chef quality meals made right in your own home using better-for-you ingredients.

For more information, visit www.bella sunluci.com or connect on Instagram and Facebook @bellasunluci, email sales@mooneyfarms.com or stop by booth #5578. local nonprofit organization aiming to end homelessness, immediately following the event.

“Boarderie creates experiences every day that bring people together around celebrations and social occasions that start conversations and that’s what we achieved here today on a very large scale,” said Boarderie’s Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Menitoff. “Our journey has been nothing short of incredible, and the meteoric rise of the brand in the past two years wouldn’t have been possible without our phenomenal team who all share our commitment to crafting extraordinary culinary experiences.”

“Columbus Craft Meats has been crafting salami right in the U.S. for over 100 years, so we’re thrilled to be a part of this Guinness World Records title, which included more than 300 pounds of our premium cured meats,” said Columbus Craft Meats Charcuterie Director Evan Inada. “As a premium cured meats brand, we’re always delighted to share the boundless creativity and joy that comes with charcuterie.”

Founded in 2021 by Aaron and Julie Menitoff, Rachel Solomon and Angel Jerez, the successful Shark Tank brand

Dive into Delight: Guilt-Free Protein Puddings Indulge guilt-free with Simply Desserts, where both flavor and wellness are a priority. Dessert isn’t just a temptation; it’s an opportunity to savor without compromising on your health journey. Welcome to the world of healthy guilt-free desserts, meticulously crafted to fulfill your sweet desires while supporting your well-being with just 5g of net carbs and a satisfying 10g of protein per serving.

Driven by a commitment to authenticity, Simply Desserts tailors its desserts to suit your dietary preferences and lifestyle choices. Embrace the sweetness without the guilt; Simply Desserts treats are free from preservatives, added sugars, artificial flavors, are low in carbs and entirely plant-based. Each refrigerated delight offers a creamy, wholesome experience. Available in five decadent flavors: chocolate, butterscotch, banana, salted caramel and vanilla.

Five Calorie Fruity Jel Snack Experience the delightful burst of fruity goodness with 5-calorie Healthy Fruity Jel Snacks, offering a vibrant array of and Oprah’s 2022 Favorite Things pick quickly became a pioneer in the cheese and charcuterie market, first launching products online with major retailers including Williams Sonoma and Goldbelly before starting their own direct-to-consumer business in 2022.

“The astronomical growth we have experienced just one year since starting the direct-to-consumer side of our business, Boarderie.com, has been amazing, and this major milestone just fuels our eagerness to continue innovating and bringing even more incredible gourmet food experiences to our customers and the market,” said Boarderie’s Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer Rachel Solomon.

The brand’s capability to provide gourmet charcuterie boards that are made fresh daily and delivered right to consumers’ doors, overnight nationwide, has allowed them to capture a strong segment of the edible gifting market where customers are looking for

four irresistible flavors: Strawberry, Peach, Raspberry and Black Cherry.

Crafted from real fruit juice and plantbased ingredients, these snacks not only tantalize your taste buds, but also cater to various dietary needs.

Step into a world where indulgence meets wellness, where gelatin, artificial flavors and added sugars have no place.

Embrace nostalgia and gravitate toward healthier snacking options for you and your loved ones with our convenient grab-and-go solution.

Say goodbye to guilt and welcome indulgence with Simply Desserts.

Whether you’re drawn to the refreshing zest of Fruity Jel Snacks or the creamy richness of Protein Puddings, these treats are poised to become your guiltfree go-tos. Don’t delay; treat yourself to a moment of pure bliss today and embark on a journey to redefine dessert.

Free samples are available at booth #570.

For more information, got to www.simply delish.net or stop by booth #570. a thoughtful and gourmet alternative to the boring passé gift basket. With a fulltime culinary team of more than 60 (and growing), each of Boarderie’s artisanal boards is curated with high-quality ingredients and chef-selected pairings from all over the world.

“We take so much pride in our products and are absolutely ecstatic to now be the official title holder of Guinness World Records Largest Charcuterie Board,” said Solomon.

This holiday season, Boarderie has specialty boards for every occasion and will increase the size of its culinary team to more than 140 people making fresh boards around the clock to keep up with holiday gifting demand.

“We anticipate that holiday delivery dates will sell out quickly and are doing everything we can to grow our team and production kitchen to make as many boards as possible. At the end of the day, quality is everything,” said Menitoff.

NH 36 NATURALLY HEALTHY

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024 the top drivers for what consumers want in Darrell Lea candy and what the company delivers in spades.

Chocolate That Checks All the Boxes It’s no surprise consumers want to buy from brands who have proven sustainability measures and high-quality ingredients. This is why Darrell Lea has continued to make tasty, best-in-class candy for nearly 100 years and become renowned for its line of decadent chocolate offerings.

Darrell Lea, the renowned candy company known for its use of quality ingredients and sustainably sourced cocoa, has grown into a global brand recognized for its delicious, quality ingredients and better-for-the-planet

initiatives.

According to a recent survey from Barry Callebaut, 81% of consumers want chocolate that’s tasty, good for them and good for the planet. Their highquality and sustainable ingredients are

Darrell Lea chocolate products include: • Darrell Lea Chocolate Bites: Chewy, flavored candies covered in smooth chocolate. Flavors include Milk Chocolate Raspberry, White Chocolate Raspberry and Milk Chocolate Licorice, with no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors and completely palm oil free.

• Darrell Lea Chocolate Bars: Indulgent, large-inclusion bars with flavors including Rocklea Road, Caramel Craving, Peanut Brittle and the recently released Crispy Milk Chocolate and Rocklea Road Raspberry – all made

Zany Bites (Cont’d. from p. 1)

tic Himalayas, Din and Taj refined the art of rice cultivation. Over time, their passion passed down to their son, who embarked on a bold westward journey landing in New York.

United, they planted the seeds of rice driven by the mission to deliver top-

notch grains to the world, all the while upholding a steadfast commitment to land and water conservation, as well as now regenerative farming practices.

Four Generations later, little toddlers Aliya and Imani, not yet inclined toward healthier snacking, inspired their mom

bars, cocktails and a variety of snacks.

The process of discovering surprising natural ingredients intensified. And the deeper we go, the more interesting it gets! We follow strict rules while combining various fruits and plants that are considered superfoods: • All products are 100% plant based.

• We do not use gluten and added sugar.

• We do not use artificial flavorings, preservatives and genetically modified ingredients.

• Production processes in our workshops meet requirements for bio and kosher foods – we are AA rated by BRC Global – a food safety certification that

represents the most important worldwide recognition in the market.

• In our production, we use a unique pasteurization method – Log5 – that is the highest food safety standard.

• When creating recipes, we strive for every ingredient to strengthen the effect of others and we never compromise taste – healthy can be tasty!

sphere use earth tones and depictions of foliage, but Pugliese insists that today the market is too clogged with competitors to keep adhering to the same old things. “Everyone looks earthy crunchy.

How can you stick out if you blend in?” argues Pugliese. “So, we decided to kick the door in and say, ‘Here we are! We’re different. Look at us. Ignore the other guys.’” Well, that out of the box didn’t go unnoticed.

In April 2023, Tofutti and longtime partner Dark Horse Design earned a winning spot in the 2023 Graphic Design USA American Package Design Awards for the company’s norm-busting rebrand. “We were at Expo West of all places when I got the call,” recounts Pugliese. “Right away I told the team,

and we let out a collective, ‘Yeah!’”

However, Pugliese admits he was nervous about the reaction to the rebrand, but winning a prestigious award calmed a lot of nerves. “It gave everyone a shot of confidence. We did it. It worked. People get it.” Winning is a great cure-all, and Tofutti relished the win. “We ate a big dinner that night,” he says. But the winning didn’t stop there.

Fast forward to that September. Tofutti and Dark Horse took first place in The 55th New Jersey Ad Club Awards.

Both Tofutti and Dark Horse are based in New Jersey, so being acknowledged by their fellow New Jersians was a bonus.

“We’re all New Jersey born and bred, so getting a thumbs up from a group of

Darrell Lea Combines Decadence, Sustainability with New Chocolate Line

is a four-generation tale that sprouted from the wisdom of its founder’s grandparents, Din and Taj – rice farmers with hearts as big as the Hunza Valley.

Generations ago, beneath the majesPlanet Superfood (Cont’d. from p. 1)

share with our dearest ones. This is the meaning of our daily work and creativity. Our story started with a surprise – what an extraordinary plant industrial hemp is! A tiny seed accommodates a vast nutritional value; the whole plant can be used in production and leftover parts can be used as a natural fertilizer.

So, it all began with hemp – we started producing oil, seeds and protein powder. Our production capacity expanded – from Europe to Canada – and so did our approach to healthy and holistic nutrition. We started creating modern and easy-to-consume products – protein Tofutti (Cont’d. from p. 1)

foods since 1981, set out to do. Tofutti unveiled its new packaging in August 2022, and in the months that followed, the company won two awards for its radical rebrand.

“It’s pretty cool to get that recognition,” says Tofutti’s Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Gerry Pugliese. “Our plan was to do something different, really different, to go night and day, and that’s what we did.” A gutsy move, considering the norms of the natural foods industry. “All of our competitors use blues and whites and greens – the heck with that. We went our own way. Black, red, bold colors. We call it Tofutti’tude!”

Traditionally, products in the natural

Today on the market you can find: • Organic powdered drink mixes (detox, slimming, brain boost, hunger control, immunity boost) • Keto protein bars (sports recovery, slimming, hunger control) • Organic protein powders (strength

palm oil free, non-GMO and with no high fructose corn syrup.

Darrell Lea uses 100% sustainably sourced cocoa via the Cocoa Horizons Foundation – an organization that institutes positive change in cocoa-growing regions and communities around the world, including improved agricultural practices, community development programs, increased access to clean water and sanitation, and more.

Additionally, Darrell Lea has switched out palm oil, which is grown on palm oil plantations that have overtaken rainforest land in Southeast Asia, for sunflower oil in all of its candies. Most Darrell Lea candies use natural colors and flavors, no preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup, and non-GMO ingredients (many certified Non-GMO Project Verified), proving that candy can taste delicious, be better for consumers and support the environment.

For more information, go to www.darrell lea.com or email customerservice@ darrelllea.com. and dad to embark on a mission to create a simple, clean snack from rice.

And so began the adventures of Zany Bites.

For more information, go to www.zany bites.com or email hello@zanybites.com. and beauty support, detox support, slimming support) • Keto snacks (salted caramel, strawberry, barbecue, vegan cheese) • Organic super seed mix (dark chocolate and “superberries,” savory onion, energy booster, strength and beauty) • Organic super oils blend (avocado and hemp, perfect omega ratio, hemp seed infused with mint, hemp seed infused with chili, hemp seed infused with garlic) Join our plant-based superfood revolution. Let’s make healthy delicious again!

For more information, go to www.planet superfood.com or stop by booth #8918. professionals in our home state is awesome,” says Pugliese. He goes on to explain that the reaction from customers and business associates has been nothing but positive. “It’s as if people were waiting for it. Brokers love the unified look. Customers love the attitude.” As a result, the demand for Tofutti’s new swag, particularly the company’s “milkbusters” t-shirt, has been off the charts.

“I’ve ordered shirts four times now. It just goes to show you, black never goes out of style.”

To see the before and after of Tofutti’s packaging, go to www.tofutti.com/newpackaging.

For more information, go to www .tofutti.com or call 908.272.2400.

NH 42 NATURALLY HEALTHY Darigold (Cont’d. from p. 1)

creamer made with just five simple ingredients including real cream. Belle Creamers are now available at grocery stores and other food markets across the Northwest.

Unlike other well-known coffee creamer brands, Belle Creamers are made with only five simple ingredients with no oils or fillers, are lactose free, and are available in four delicious flavors – Vanilla, Sweet Cream, Hazelnut Latte and Caramel. Belle Creamers are made to compete with other premium coffee Bella Sun Luci (Cont’d. from p. 1)

and nutrition. From the sun-soaked vineyards to the coastal lemon groves, Bella Sun Luci sources only the finest ingredients to bring you vinaigrettes that not only excite your taste buds, but also nourish your body.

In the dynamic world of culinary delights, Bella Sun Luci’s Italian Kitchen Line takes center stage once again with the launch of two extraordinary vinaigrettes. Brace yourselves for a taste revolution as Bella Sun Luci introduces Wisdom Natural Brands (Cont’d. from p. 1)

it. Early startup struggles and difficulties become ingrained in its culture and fixed in its corporate identity. My father’s struggles in establishing our company set our culture at Wisdom Natural Brands, makers of SweetLeaf® Stevia. When my father, James May, first introduced stevia to the U.S. market 40 years ago, he fought an uphill battle. Simply put, large artificial sweetener companies did not want him to succeed. Stevia was a plant from South America and naturally 30 times sweeter than sugar without calories. To the growing artificial sweetener industry of the 1980s, stevia was enemy No. 1.

Nevertheless, my father persevered amidst challenges to ultimately succeed in establishing a vibrant natural sweetener industry. What constantly propelled him was his crystal-clear vision of what a future without sugar or artificial sweeteners would look like. I Liquid I.V. (Cont’d. from p. 1)

surpassing all expectations and catapulting the company into a new category of hydration solutions. Consumer preferences have shifted decidedly toward sugar-free in recent years, and Liquid I.V. is delivering.

The Sugar-Free product is more hydrating than water alone, with eight vitamins and nutrients and three times the electrolytes of the leading sports drinks – without the sugar and artificial sweeteners. Liquid I.V.’s first-of-itskind allulose amino acid blend is Osmolabs Certified, and the first allulose-based product in the market

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024 creamers, which typically have 10 or more ingredients, including vegetable oils, artificial flavors and fillers, with no real cream at all.

“Looking at the leading brands of coffee creamer today, it’s a bit of a misnomer to call them ‘creamers’ since they are not made with real cream,” said Sam Cohen, Head of Marketing at Darigold.

“Like margarine, most common coffee creamers today are made with vegetable oils, not real cream, and tend to have as many as 10 or more ingredients.

Belle Creamers are made with just five simple ingredients, including real cream

and natural flavors, making them actual coffee cream rather than coffee oilers.”

Farmer-owned Darigold sees plenty of potential for the Belle Creamer brand in the $6 billion coffee whiteners space, which includes half and half, plantbased creamer options and the ubiquitous oil-based creamers. Consumer demand for premium creamers is growing rapidly and is under-represented at many retailers. Darigold believes Belle’s real cream product will uniquely deliver the taste and simple ingredients consumers want while enabling retailer growth in the category.

Champagne Vinaigrette with California Champagne Grapes and Meyers Lemon Vinaigrette with Basil and Wildflower Honey – the newest members of the 100% Olive Oil Based vinaigrette line.

The Champagne Vinaigrette is handcrafted in small batches. This Napa-style vinaigrette combines the subtle sweetness of California champagne grapes with the perfect balance of herbs, resulting in a flavor profile that is fresh, unique and full of flavor.

The Meyers Lemon Vinaigrette with Basil and Wildflower Honey is a testa-

ment to the west coast charm, boasting a bright and vibrant flavor that stands unmatched in the market. Sourced from Meyer lemons picked at their peak, this vinaigrette captures the essence of citrusy delight, harmoniously blended with the aromatic notes of basil and the subtle sweetness of honey.

Bella Sun Luci is the go-to vinaigrette brand because it keeps it simple and genuine. Bella Sun Luci uses only olive oil in its recipes, saying no to seed oils and preservatives. Its commitment to pure, quality ingredients makes its vinaigrettes stand

out, ensuring a flavorful and healthy choice for your salads. Trust Bella Sun Luci for straightforward, delicious dressings.

Preorder Now – Show Special for May 1st Launch!

Visit Bella Sun Luci at booth #5578 to learn more and taste the flavors of the new Italian Kitchen line.

now find myself tasked with the challenge and opportunity to build upon that vision and move my father’s company – my family’s company – into the future.

Evolving your longtime family business into the future presents many challenges and opportunities. In the last years of my father’s life, we often discussed how to move the company forward, how to evolve it and at the same time, stay true to the legacy he built. He was very clear that the vision that would guide me – and our company – into the future had to be my own. I decided my primary task was to ensure the founding principles and values of the company remained while we embraced new science and technologies, confronted a changing competitive landscape, explored new markets and channels and provided new wellness options for our consumers.

Second-generation, family-run businesses work best if the original passion

and continuing vision remain. Founders often identify very strongly with their businesses. This can lead to overconfidence bordering on arrogance that makes it difficult to notice changes in the competitive landscape, or even to hold on to favorite products that have long since lost their competitive edge.

In our company, past innovations gave us our preeminent market position many years ago, but those innovations were copied and sometimes eventually bettered. We had to accept the new competitive landscape and alter the paradigm we operated in, to create new value and establish a new competitive advantage different than the one my father created many years ago.

Finally, I have noticed that opportunities for growth and expansion as you move into the future can seem ubiquitous. At SweetLeaf, exporters and international distributors have consistently sought us out for introduction into their markets because of our position as the

top natural sweetener brand in the natural channel. We have learned, however, that focusing on a few markets proactively with the right planning, preparation and investment brings greater success than being reactive and just taking whatever opportunity comes our way. Maximum weight of effort on a few goals will be more impactful than trying to accomplish everything that is before you. Sometimes, those few goals demanding a weight of effort now are the proverbial “low-hanging fruit” that will serve to prepare your company for something greater. It is said that innovation is the lifeblood for all business, but the key for family business is to stay true to the founding principles and values your original consumers and partners latched onto, even as you update the founding vision for the future.

launched at scale.

Allulose is a rare, naturally occurring sweetener found in certain fruits including jackfruit, figs and raisins. It has the same sweet taste as table sugar but does not raise blood glucose levels like table sugar. The result is delicious, energizing and refreshing hydration.

Unlike other Sugar-Free hydration mixes on the market that contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free contains no artificial sweeteners or colors.

In addition to superior hydration, Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free’s flavor selections became instant consumer favorites.

Sugar-Free is available in four flavors: White Peach, Lemon Lime, Green Grape – and the newest additions to the line, Raspberry Melon and Rainbow Sherbert. Consumers also love that Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free serving sticks offer an excellent source of five essential vitamins, B3, B5, B6, B12 and Vitamin C. Powered by LIV HYDRASCIENCE™, Liquid I.V. is designed with an optimized ratio of electrolytes, essential vitamins and clinically tested nutrients to turn ordinary water into extraordinary hydration.

The Hydration Multiplier in SugarFree reduces barriers to wellness for individuals conscious of sugar intake and

allows them to experience enhanced hydration. In addition, like other Hydration Multiplier offerings, Sugar-Free is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free.

With Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free, wellnessconscious consumers now have a new scientifically and clinically tested zerosugar hydration solution that’s convenient and easily accessible online and at tens of thousands of retail outlets nationwide.

“As we look to grow and modernize our business, we are making new investments in the Darigold brand and innovative consumer products like Belle Creamer,” said Dan Hofmeister, President of Darigold’s Business to Consumer Division. “The coffee creamer space is dominated by big brands that aren’t real cream at all. We saw that as an opportunity to make the best coffee creamer for the best coffee experience, and we believe Belle delivers on that promise.”

For more information, www.darigoldbelle.com.

go

to

For more information, visit www.bella sunluci.com or connect on Instagram and Facebook @bellasunluci, email sales@mooneyfarms.com or stop by booth #5578.

For more information, go to www.sweet leaf.com or stop by booth #1483.

For more information, go to visit www .liquid-iv.com, follow @liquidiv on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X or stop by booth #3523.

NH 44 NATURALLY HEALTHY Bone Suckin’ Foods (Cont’d. from p. 1)

Bone Suckin’ Foods, is more than just a trendy condiment; it’s a flavor revolution in a bottle. Made with simple ingredients – honey, apple cider vinegar and chili extract – Bone Suckin’ Hot Honey delivers a symphony of sweet and spicy that’ll tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

But Bone Suckin’ Hot Honey isn’t just for the faint of heart. For those who crave an inferno in their mouths, there’s Bone Suckin’ Extra Hot Honey. This amped-up version packs an even bigger punch, with a heat that’s sure to make your forehead glisten and your eyes water (in the best way possible).

Elan Specialty Snacks (Cont’d. from p. 1)

vegan snacks. Elan is an exciting clean label that skillfully blends nuts with superfoods. Say goodbye to confusing ingredient lists: the brand provides minimally processed foods that are “deliciously good for you®.”

Elan has existed for 12 years in North America, but was successfully launched on the U.S. market in 2021. Elan is distributed nationally through KeHE and UNFI and can also be found at a growing list of established groceries and health food stores across the country.

The brand offers a wide variety of unique, nature-friendly snacks, including specialty glazed nuts and blends, as well as grab-and-go options for busy Franklin Baker (Cont’d. from p. 1)

125 years. Its products are produced from the freshest coconuts available at one of its three manufacturing facilities, where proprietary processing is utilized to ensure freshness and long shelf stability. Franklin Baker controls the process from tree through shipment.

Franklin Baker is ahead of the game in product and process verification capabilities, operating Microbiology Laboratories that are accredited to ISO 17025 standards. Its pathogen detection system uses an automated method that uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect the presence of salmonella and listeria in products and surfaces. This technology focuses on specific DNA fragments, amplifying a target DNA sequence, and subsequent Paesana (Cont’d. from p. 1)

since 1902. And because they’re organic, these nutrient rich sauces contain only quality ingredients, including 100% imported Italian tomatoes, 100% extra virgin olive oil, garlic, onions and spices that are slowkettle cooked. The sauce is jarred at peak freshness to seal in the flavors perfected over generations.

Paesana puts the same care in labeling its jars as it does in preparing its sauce. Discerning organic shoppers look

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024 So, what’s the secret behind Bone Suckin’ Hot Honey’s success? According to Sandi Ford, President of Ford’s Gourmet Foods, it’s all about quality and innovation. “We use only the finest ingredients and we’re constantly experimenting with new flavor combinations,” she says. “We wanted to create a condiment that was both delicious and versatile, something that could be used on everything from fried chicken to pizza to ice cream.”

And versatile it is. Bone Suckin’ Hot Honey is a culinary chameleon, adding a touch of sweet heat to everything it touches. Drizzle it on grilled meats, glaze roasted vegetables or swirl it into cocktails for a fiery kick. It’s

the perfect condiment for those who like to live life on the edge (of their taste buds).

Drizzle Bone Suckin’ Hot Honey on wings, fried chicken, sandwiches, pizza, ribs, burgers, salmon, cheese, salads, mac and cheese, waffles, vegetables, ice cream, charcuterie boards, avocado toast, biscuits, cornbread and more!

And the praise doesn’t stop there.

Bone Suckin’ Hot Honey has already been featured in numerous publications, including Star Magazine and US Weekly.

So, if you’re looking for a condiment that’s both delicious and exciting, look no further than Bone Suckin’ Hot Honey.

It’s the perfect way to add a little heat (and a lot of flavor) to your life.

As Sandi Ford says, “Bone Suckin’ Hot Honey is more than just a condiment; it’s an experience. It’s a way to push your taste buds to the limit and discover a whole new world of flavor.”

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a case of Bone Suckin’ Hot Honey and get ready to have your taste buds blown away.

Don’t forget to try Bone Suckin’ Extra Hot Honey if you’re feeling brave!

snackers.

Elan’s innovative snacks combine the dynamic textures and nutrients of nuts and superfoods. Fan-favorites include Chia Walnuts, Coconut Cashews and the Fiji Mix. These organic and nutritious snacking options are ideal for snackers on the go and health enthusiasts.

• Prepare to indulge in the Chia Walnuts, a nutrition-packed snack unique to Elan. This in-house recipe pairs nutritious and organic California walnuts with the additional health benefits of antioxidant goji berries and omega-rich chia seeds, as well as the unique minerals of Himalayan pink salt.

• If you love a tropical twist, the Coconut Cashews are sure to transport you to a sunny island. Organic whole

cashews are coated with an addictive blend of organic coconut powder and Himalayan pink salt, for a nutritious and wholesome treat.

• Introducing the Fiji Mix, a delightful blend of cranberries, tangy goji berries, coconut chips, pumpkin seeds and Elan’s signature Açai Blueberry Cashews.

Get ready for a vibrant burst of superfood goodness with these gently roasted cashews infused with organic açai and blueberry powder.

Elan promises momentum and vitality in every bite. These unique snacks are made from superior quality ingredients produced through organic farming.

As a clean brand, Elan prioritizes sustainable farming methods that use no pesticides and embrace the soil’s natural

cycles. All ingredients are meticulously sourced to provide a guilt-free experience, so you can snack all while being mindful of the planet.

With versatility and a strategic approach, Elan is continuously expanding its horizons. The brand is strong in the East while its presence in the West is gaining momentum: these innovative snacks are attracting the attention of retailers and chains looking to expand their offerings of organic and vegan products. Moving forward, Elan plans to significantly enhance brand awareness and achieve greater growth among snack enthusiasts.

polymerization. This advanced system is more sensitive than other microbiological methods, detecting as low as one cell per 25- or 375-gram portion.

Test results are out in fewer than 24 hours compared to more than five days using conventional methods.

The manufacturing sites of Franklin Baker are Grade AA & AA+ BRCGS certified, which confirms its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety, product quality and regulatory compliance. The BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard (BRCGS) is adopted by over 22,000 sites in more than 130 countries, which makes Franklin Baker “A Cut Above the Rest.”

Franklin Baker offers an extensive portfolio of conventional and organic coconut products to include desiccated coconut (natural, sweetened and

toasted), coconut water (single strength and concentrate), coconut milk and cream, coconut concentrate, virgin coconut oil, coconut flour, coconut sugar and other coconut products. Bulk, foodservice and retail packaging available.

Franklin Baker’s extensive portfolio of coconut products hold wide-ranging, third-party certifications and awards including Non-GMO Project Verified, Fair Trade USA, BRCGS, USDA, JAS and UE Organic, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000:2018, ISO 17025, HACCP, FDA Philippines, GMA-SAFE, AB PAO Accredited Testing Laboratory, SEDEX (SMETA), Kosher and Halal certified.

Additionally, Franklin Baker holds the 2016-2024 Award of Excellence, American Master of Taste & Gold Medal Endorsement, as well as the 2018-2024 Beverage Champion by Chefs in America.

Franklin Baker is pleased to be a cofounder of the Coconut Coalition of the Americas (CCA), a non-profit organization founded in mid-2017, largely to challenge negative perceptions about coconut products. The CCA is dedicated to upholding sound and credible science, responsible communications, sustainable and transparent practices, around all coconut products. Franklin Baker is a member of the Executive Board, Marketing & Communication and Membership committees, as well as a technical advisor.

Franklin Baker offers bulk, foodservice and retail packaging options to meet your business needs.

for the USDA organic seal, which Paesana proudly displays on the front of its transparent labels. Paesana is also happy to share that these sauces are gluten free, kosher certified and, with exception of its Vodka sauce, Non-GMO Project Verified.

Beyond the label, and for in-store convenience, Paesana has packed its jars in display-ready trays, making an attractive store end-cap display. This eye-catching store set up is unique and appealing, making the product itself the perfect instore advertisement.

While an attractive end cap display of Organic Tomato Basil or Organic Vodka Sauce are attention grabbers, having six organic varieties on-shelf to choose from would inspire a customer to grab a favorite or two off the shelf!

The most popular sauce flavor is Organic Tomato Basil with its fragrant flavor of basil. The Organic Marinara is reminiscent of Sunday dinner at grandma’s with this traditional recipe.

The crowd favorite Organic Vodka sauce is made with organic heavy cream to achieve that rich and creamy

For more information, go to www.bone suckin.com, call 800.446.0947, email sales@bonesuckin.com or stop by booth #5285.

For more information, email sales@ elanbio.com or stop by booth #1417.

For more information, go to www .franklinbaker.com, email info-us@franklin baker.com or stop by booth #5211. texture. For those who like a little kick, there’s Organic Fra Diavolo and for those who crave a more rich sauce, there is Organic Sicilian Gravy. And of course for garlic lovers, there’s the Organic Roasted Garlic sauce.

Each delicious variety of Paesana organic pasta sauce delivers a taste of the Italian countryside. It’s an organic sauce like no other – full of flavor!

For more information, go to www .paesana.com, email sales@paesana.com or call 631.845.1717.

NH 46 NATURALLY HEALTHY Fiscalini (Cont’d. from p. 1)

and continues a way of life that respects, preserves and honors the animals, land and resources.

Fiscalini Farmstead was established in 1914 by their great-grandfather who immigrated from Switzerland and settled in Modesto, California. The dairy Farmstead has expanded to include a cheesemaking facility on the premises.

“We are committed to making the besttasting, handcrafted cheeses in the world,” said Brian Fiscalini, who oversees day-to-day operations along with sister Dripdash (Cont’d. from p. 1)

it. Dripdash® recognized two important facts. The experience of enjoying coffee has undergone an unbelievable evolution and time has become a precious commodity. Dripdash’s vision was simple: To create a bold, smooth and convenient coffee.

Kyoto Coffee was invented by Dutch sailors in the 1600s, re-engineered by Japanese artisans the following century, and reimagined by Dripdash in 2018.

Cobram Estate (Cont’d. from p. 1)

tested to ensure the most optimal taste.

The Artisan Collection offers you not only a mess-free option when preparing your favorite dish, but also a simple and easy way to incorporate new flavors into any meal.

Crafted by expert olive oil makers, the Artisan Collection is created through the mechanical blending of less than 1% pure flavor extract mixed with CII Foods (Cont’d. from p. 1)

plant in St. Joseph, Missouri, at the end of May 2022. This new facility has expanded its product catalog to include custom clusters, granolas, panned items and more.

New Facility Capabilities Clusters and granola begin with an oat base and transform with various ingredients, including protein crisps, dried fruit, nuts and more. The possibilities are endless for the design of your product. Clusters can be eaten as a snack, added to Tofutti (Cont’d. from p. 4)

quintessential millennial-run business.”

The hooligans are devoted consumers of Tofutti products, using both Tofutti vegan cream cheese and sour cream in many of their delicious eats, especially Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream! “We really burn through the sour cream,” says Owner Staicha Kidd. “We refer to tomato, green onion and Tofutti sour cream as the ‘holy trinity.’”

Kidd uses the immaculate trio in most of her menu items, including her most popular dish, the Crunchwrap. And why

GOURMET NEWS // MARCH 2024 Laura Fiscalini Genasci. “We believe in the art and skill required to make cheese by hand. By using only the milk from our cows, we achieve superior taste and quality which has won us numerous awards over the years. It is our mission to share our story and taste experience with the world.”

Five different cheese varieties can be sampled the show. One of the varieties is Old World Aged Cheddar, which is made in the traditional English style. It is firm, yet crumbly with a robust and buttery taste. During the 14-month aging process the wheels

are wrapped in a cheesecloth to protect the outermost layer, while allowing the cheese to breathe and develop internally.

“We operate with integrity, hard work and humility. We are serious about family farming and cheesemaking and approach what we do with expertise”, said Brian Fiscalini. Sophistication is at the heart of the brand and inspires the new brand identity. The monogram crest symbolizes family: parents, children, siblings and cousins who all reside among the land in which they farm, work and tend.

The desire for Fiscalini Farmstead’s operation to become completely sustainable is what led the company to build a methane digester, which allows it to convert traditional waste products into renewable resources. The digester produces enough electricity to power the facility and 300 neighboring homes.

The investment in green technology is a natural extension of its devotion to give back to the community and future generations.

Kyoto Iced Coffee is a brewing process made using one drop of water at a time for 16 hours to extract the most pleasant flavors in coffee. It’s known for having nuanced high-notes, a balanced body and a shockingly smooth finish. Dripdash is proud to be the first wholesale manufacturer of this style of coffee in the country with three distinct flavors options: • Kyoto Iced Coffee: The original black coffee that started it all. It offers a rich body, triple-strength and a shockingly smooth finish.

• Black Sesame Oatmilk Latte: Taking Japanese flavors and adding sustainable alternative milk as the base, to create a Keto-friendly latte using sugar alternatives such as monk fruit. Tastes like a milkshake, but with only two grams of sugar.

• Lavender Maple Oatmilk Latte: For the plant-based folks, using a dairy alternative and maple syrup as the vegan and unprocessed sugar substitute.

Tastes like a meditation that will keep you moving.

Dripdash crafts its beverages in small batches. The most sought-after ingredients are used from dairy-free/gluten-free milk to plant powered sugar alternatives, to the carefully sourced coffee beans.

Dripdash puts all of this into its brewing machine and the result is an elevated coffee experience that you can enjoy anywhere you are. Bold. Smooth. Convenient.

award-winning Cobram Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The olives are always nurtured with care, picked at peak ripeness and processed with precision to ensure each bottle delivers unmatched freshness and flavor.

The Artisan Collection is 100% natural, free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, as well as Non-GMO Project & Kosher Certified. In addition, it caters to those following a low FODMAP friendly diet. Everyone is invited to

enjoy the Artisan Collection and the new flavors of Cobram.

Cobram considers extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) not just a culinary delight, but key to promoting overall health and wellness. Its unwavering dedication to preserving the natural goodness of single-origin olives sets Cobram apart. The result? Every bottle of Cobram Estate EVOO is a treasure trove of health benefits, packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, powerful antioxidants

and anti-inflammatory properties.

Whether a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this extra virgin olive oil invites you to dream big and create with passion. With Cobram Estate, every kitchen becomes a hub of togetherness, where loved ones gather to savor delicious, wholesome meals.

cereals to create a unique flavor profile or used to top a smoothie bowl. Granola is a bit different, and can be used as a base for a cereal or used in granola bars.

CII can customize products to complete your end design goal, whatever it may be. In its multiple on-site research and development labs, it has created an innovation process to adapt to specific customer needs since 1990. Products can come in a vast array of colors, flavors, sizes, formulations and granulations. CII’s products can be formulated as: gluten free, sugar free, sodium free, nut free, Kosher, non-GMO, organic,

vegan and many more.

In addition to the new clusters and granola production, CII also invested in multiple panning systems, which can add desired coatings to your products like yogurt, chocolate and a candy shell.

These coatings can be applied to a wide variety of products including fruit pieces, chocolate, crisps, snack items, nuts, seeds, cereal flakes and CII’s clusters.

CII announced it is offering Ingredient Heat Treatment Processing, which significantly reduces pathogens to an acceptable level in your bagged ingredient. Products can be wheat,

do the hooligans use Tofutti instead of all the new brands out there? “It’s a longstanding staple and it is legitimately the best,” she explains. “The sour cream tastes exactly like sour cream and the cream cheese tastes exactly like cream cheese.” It might be cliché, but the highest praise a plant-based food producer can receive is that its products taste just like the real thing. Kidd goes on to say, “Tofutti has been the backbone of nondairy cooking for lots of us who remember when vegan alternatives were really hard to find.”

And the hooligans are not alone. The

Hippea Camper in Huntsville, Alabama, an all-vegan food truck, serves up veganized comfort food with a hearty helping of both Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese and Tofutti sour cream. Head hippie Garrett Hardee has been a Tofutti devotee since long before his camper hit the road. “I’ve used it personally for a decade and now use it daily on my food truck.” Hardee tops his famous “loaded nachos” with Tofutti sour cream and schmears Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese on all his bagels with vegan lox.

Huntsville is known as “The Rocket City,” which makes sense, because Hardee’s

For more information, go to www .fiscalinifarmstead.com.

For more information, go to www.earthly choice.com, email info@dripdash.com or stop by booth #323.

For more information, go to www .cobramestate.com/recipes or stop by booth #1595. starch, pea, soy, rice, corn and many more.

Contact CII for Your Sample CII can develop any inclusion you have in mind for your food-driven design. It has multiple locations in the Midwest and specializes in inclusions for the food industry. If you have a wild idea for a new product and need a sample, contact info@ciifoods.com or visit www .ciifoods.com.

For more information, go to www .ciifoods.com or stop by booth #122. food, masterfully created with Tofutti, is out of this world.

Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese and Better Than Sour Cream are available in foodservice sizes. Tofutti cream cheese comes in 30-pound blocks and both Tofutti cream cheese and sour cream are available in 5-pound tubs. For more information on Tofutti’s foodservice offerings, including bulk sizes of Tofutti frozen dessert, visit www.tofutti.com/ food-service.

For more information, go to www .tofutti.com or call 908.272.2400.

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

13

UNFI Releases Sustainability Report for FY2023 United Natural Foods, Inc. released its 13th annual Better for All Report detailing UNFI’s progress on its social, environmental and governance objectives during the company’s 2023 fiscal year, which ended July 29. The report demonstrates the success of the company’s enhanced focus on its most pressing impact areas – safety, well-being, waste, climate, sourcing and community.

It underscores that UNFI’s initiatives benefiting the planet, society and the food industry can also directly benefit the company’s business performance, resulting in enhanced value for all of its stakeholders.

UNFI’s Better for All strategy continues to focus on establishing the company as a key connector within the food system value chain, creating and growing critical linkages among farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers.

“UNFI is building a company that creates sustainable value for stakeholders and shareholders, and a better food system for all,” said Sandy Douglas, President and CEO. “In FY2023, we issued new responsible sourcing policies and position statements, expanded supplier diversity efforts, reaffirmed our broader commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), started work on our ninth and largest on-site solar array, completed LED lighting conversions across all of our distribution centers (DCs) and deployed a new system that helps us reduce food waste in our DCs.” As a result of these efforts across the company during fiscal 2023, UNFI reported the following milestones toward its goal to build a food system that is better

for its people, its communities and the planet: • Published, in connection with the company’s new Supplier and Vendor Code of Conduct, both a formal policy designed to support the goal of zero deforestation across our primary deforestation-linked commodities by 2025 and a position statement and action plan for animal welfare standards in our supply chain.

These have allowed the company to work more efficiently and effectively with suppliers and vendors in pursuing these goals.

• Completed a roof-mounted solar array installation, the company’s largest to date, at its Howell, N.J. distribution center, with a new, even bigger roof-mounted solar array at its Riverside, Calif., distribution center slated for the near future. UNFI’s solar array initiatives lower the company’s carbon footprint and provide an excellent return on investment while also reducing the energy cost of operating a distribution center.

• Launched the Climate Action Partnership to encourage suppliers to make credible climate commitments and provide innovative and scalable resources specific to the food system.

This forum allows the company to share best practices with suppliers who have

common goals and drive more collaboration and efficiency across supply chains.

• Reaffirmed its commitment to DEI and continued to build a diverse, high-per-

forming and agile workforce by delivering more DEI programming to employees.

These initiatives help UNFI recruit talented associates and benefit from their diverse perspectives, whether they work in

company distribution centers or corporate offices.

• Successfully completed an electric vehicle (EV) Blueprint that outlines how the company plans to transition to zero-emission vehicles in the state of California. This reduces fuel and maintenance costs while also improving air quality.

• Completed LED lighting conversions in all distribution centers, which not only decreases greenhouse gas emissions and lowers cost but also improves safety by increasing lighting and limiting maintenance work throughout the facility.

• Deployed a Reverse Logistics Disposition Reporting system at all UNFI distribution centers that increases inventory visibility, improves operating efficiency, reduces food waste and minimizes waste disposal costs, contributing to lower shrink in distribution centers.

• Supported the “Acres: Cultivating Equity in Black Agriculture” program, launched by The National Minority Supplier Development Council, to improve the company’s relationships with an excellent source of high-quality producers.

“Our associates can be very proud of the solid progress on company sustainability and operational efficiency goals,” Douglas said. “I look forward to what we’ll accomplish together in 2024.” GN

GoMacro’s Give Back Bar Program Benefits Non-Profit Organizations GoMacro, known for its organic, plantbased nutrition bars, is continuing its partnership with Feeding San Diego and Solutions for Change for the eighth year in a row. As part of GoMacro’s Give Back Bar program, a percentage of annual net proceeds from the Everlasting Joy MacroBar is donated to the two non-profit organizations.

Feeding San Diego takes a comprehensive approach to hunger relief in San Diego County through a network of distribution partners, donors, food pantries, farms and more than 22,000 volunteers. Projects focus on maximizing food rescue to meet the nutritional needs of at-risk groups such as kids, families, military and veterans and senior citizens.

Thanks to a wide variety of services, the organization distributed more than 34 million meals in the 2023 fiscal year alone, while also rescuing more than 31 million

pounds of high-quality food. In doing so, Feeding San Diego not only helped allevi-

ate hunger, but also reduced the equivalent of 27,500 metric tons of CO2 this year.

Solutions for Change offers tailored solutions that address the root cause of an individual’s struggles to help break out of the

cycle of poverty, homelessness and dependency. Considering each family’s needs, the organization offers programs to teach vocational skills, financial literacy, personal development, family management and more.

Through these initiatives, individuals are educated, equipped and inspired to make change and thrive.

To date, Solutions for Change has affected the lives of more than 1,300 families and 2,800 children. In fact, 93 percent of participants have permanently overcome the cycle of homelessness to live happy, independent lives.

“Our company is rooted in health, and not just physical health,” said Jola Sonkin,

CEO and co-founder of GoMacro. “We’re passionate about creating healthier, happier communities, and we’re proud to partner with these two organizations that address and help solve urgent needs locally.”

In addition to the Everlasting Joy MacroBar, GoMacro offers a handful of other Give Back Bars — Smooth Sanctuary, Protein Replenishment, Sunny Uplift and all Kids MacroBar Multipacks — that benefit non-profits throughout the year.

The Coconut + Almond Butter + Chocolate Chips MacroBar is available for purchase at retailers nationwide, Amazon and on GoMacro’s website.

GoMacro is a leader in healthy and delicious plant-based protein and nutrition bars. Mother-daughter owned and based in a small, rural community, its mission is to spread awareness for a balanced, plantbased lifestyle with products that make a positive impact on the planet. The GoMacro facility is powered by 100 percent renewable energy.

All MacroBars are made with high-quality, sustainably sourced, plant-based ingredients. GN

14

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

New Products Make Spring All the Sweeter

BY A.J. FLICK

Since spring is the sweetest season, let’s look at some of the sweetest new products on the market.

Popsicle has debuted a new look for its new SpongeBob SquarePants frozen confection bar, in celebration of everyone’s favorite underwater pineapple-dwelling sponge. The new design is lovingly drawn sketchstyle and inspired by the many faces of the iconic character through the years, from the mischievous DoodleBob to the famous Smiley Face SpongeBob. Each of these loveable faces were the muses for the newest treat hitting shelves.

Available nationwide, the frozen treats were created in collaboration with Nickelodeon and Paramount Consumer Products and are sold in six-count packs.

“We were inspired by the many fun faces of SpongeBob SquarePants to create our new sketch-inspired design in a doodled aesthetic,’” said Bentley King, U.S. head of ice cream operations. “Capturing his silly smile, his loveable nature beams at fans after seeing what’s behind the wrapper. It is JUST as tasty as the original fruit punch & cotton candy SpongeBob single-serve bar.”

AMC Theatres, the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and the world – and for the first time in its 103 year history – has launched a line of AMCbranded premium gourmet chocolate candies. AMC Cinema Sweets is available to moviegoers at AMC concession stands

throughout the United States.

The launch follows more than a year of study and close collaboration with top confectioners to create premium gourmet chocolate candies that will delight guests and complement the other delicious snacks AMC offers as part of a superior movie-going experience – all at competitive price points.

These new delectable premium gourmet chocolate candy varieties are among the most soughtafter flavors that guests order when enjoying a movie, including Milk Chocolate Covered Pretzels with a Dark Chocolate Drizzle, Milk Chocolate Covered Almonds, Milk Chocolate Covered Raisins and Milk Chocolate Covered Peanuts.

“We spent the last year in research and development ensuring that AMC Cinema Sweets, carrying the AMC name, are candies we are proud of, and just as important – really delicious snacks that our guests will enjoy and seek out when they come to the movies,” said Hank Green, vice president, food and beverage, AMC. “The launch of AMC Cinema Sweets – these four premium gourmet candies, with more on the way – are another way that AMC consistently makes movies better — and makes the movie-going experience even sweeter.”

The premium gourmet candy varieties are available at all AMC theater locations across the United States, with plans to roll out additional varieties in 2024.

Ben & Jerry’s fans, rejoice. The fastestgrowing flavor has now joined the new non-dairy lineup. Say hello to Strawberry Cheezecake. Why the Z? Read on!

Strawberry Cheesecake was Ben & Jerry’s fastest growing, top-selling ice cream flavor in the past 12 months, rising to the #4 spot in 2023. That’s not the only reason Strawberry Cheezecake was selected as the newest non-dairy offering – the clincher was that it was a fan-favorite during tastings of the company’s brand new, smooth and creamy non-dairy oat base.

As there is no real cheese in this cheesecake flavor – given its nondairy, vegan profile – Ben & Jerry’s dropped the word “cheese” in the name. Rest assured, it has all the right stuff: namely, a decadent strawberry “cheezecake” base with a luxuriously

smooth mouthfeel, along with a thick graham cracker swirl that adds the perfect amount of texture and crunch.

Some testers even preferred the new Strawberry Cheezecake Non-Dairy over Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream.

“We have wanted to feature this one for a while, but this is a case of good things are worth waiting for,” said Flavor Guru Colleen Russel. “The new oat base really showcases the ingredients and lets the strawberry ‘cheezecake’ shine through.

“It is so creamy that people are surprised every time that it’s vegan!”

Since entering the non-dairy frozen dessert category in 2016, Ben & Jerry’s has earned the #1 spot for non-dairy packaged frozen desserts in the country. In October, Ben & Jerry’s announced that it will transition the existing almond and sunflower butter bases of its nearly 20 flavors on the freezer shelves to its new indulgent oat base.

The non-dairy versions of the company’s #1 topselling global flavor, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, as well as the fudgiest chocolate-based Ben & Jerry’s offering, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, have already made the transition to the oat milk recipe.

The MSRP for pints is $5.49 to $6.99.

Strawberry Cheezecake will also be available in local Scoop Shops.

Speaking of food alternatives, Unlimeat, a leading plant-based Korean food brand, has broadened its U.S. retail sales, introducing a variety of Korean-inspired vegan foods including frozen Kimbap and Mandu. The brand is taking its commitment to K-vegan options a step farther by introducing products in Northern California.

The company successfully launched its plant-based Korean BBQ and pulledpork offerings in the U.S. market last year, receiving an impressive response to its products available at Albertsons grocery stores. Building on this success, Unlimeat

has expanded its footprint to include natural and organic retailers including Berkeley Bowl, Mollie Stone’s Market, Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins and Good Earth Market, where it has continued to receive positive feedback.

Unlimeat first focused its retail sales efforts on Northern California and is expanding its reach through shelves in New York City boutique grocery stores, such as Brooklyn Fair and Orchard Grocer. Additionally, the company has expanded the Kvegan product line and recently revamped packaging.

Unlimeat plans to further expand its retail sales and food service collaborations throughout the United States next year to make its products more accessible to Americans.

“Expanding our partnership with grocery stores and foodservice in many areas, including New York City, allows us to bring our balanced wholesome Korean vegan products to even more people, expanding the overall addressable market,” said co-CEO Ryan Chung.

Unlimeat’s frozen Kimbap, a modern twist on the beloved Korean rolls, comes in multiple varieties, featuring either Unlimeat plant-based bulgogi or tuna, giving it a nutritious and exceptional flavor profile. Its frozen Kimbap remains fresh and its outer seaweed remains crisp for up to 12 months while only taking two and a half minutes to heat up.

Mandu is a plant-based version of contemporary Korean pork dumplings and contains 11 percent less sodium and 50 percent less fat than regular pork dumplings. Chapssaruni, a gluten-free cake made from glutinous rice, is shaped like a baby bundt cake and has a soft,

chewy texture reminiscent of mochi. This plant-based dessert, free of gluten, dairy and animal products, is the best-selling vegan item in Korea.

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

15

Tindle is the first product by Next Gen Foods, a Singapore-founded food tech company that is developing and commercializing innovative and sustainable foods.

Next Gen Foods was founded in 2020 by Brazilian-born poultry exporter and food

• Tindle Crispy Fillets: Simple and quick to prepare, the crispy filets are packed with chicken flavor – best either served on their own with a favorite dipping sauce or can be used as the perfect accompaniment to fill in wraps or tacos.

industry veteran Andre Menezes and German native Timo Recker, whose family business made schnitzel and other meat products for three generations.

They decided to work on products that reduce humanity’s reliance on animal agriculture.

Tindle Chicken recently made its retail debut in Switzerland, exclusively available at 440 Coop supermarkets nationwide.

The popular plant-based brand is offering some of its most sought-after products in Coop stores and through its online delivery platform, including Tindle Burgers, Crispy Fillets, Nuggets and Wings.

“Introducing Tindle to the Swiss market is an important step for us, as the country is a global leader when it comes to sustainability and preservation – with long-term goals to reduce carbon emissions,” said Marc Sohier, senior vice president of business development.

“We are continually monitoring the market, along with the latest trends and plant-based products that are being developed,” said Martin Stutz, product purchasing manager for vegan and vegetarian alternatives at Coop. “Not only are Tindle’s chicken products innovative, but they are in line with what consumers are looking for and are the ideal addition to our range of vegan products.”

Tindle’s range of plant-based retail products were developed in collaboration with the company’s R&D team and expert chefs across Europe, Asia and the United States to bring an elevated restaurant-quality culinary experience into home kitchens.

Just as can be found across restaurants today, the groceryready Tindle Chicken products feature a distinctive and mouthwatering flavor and are made with simple, non-GMO ingredients. They also deliver a good source of protein and fiber with 17g of protein and 8g of fiber in every 100g of Tindle Chicken alone.

The product range, also available online, includes: • Tindle Burgers: Juicy and tender breaded chicken patties that can be transformed into an impressive meal in under five minutes, perfect for your favorite burger combinations or as a base for chicken parmesan or chicken milanese.

• Tindle Nuggets: Convenient and bitesized nuggets that are delicious on their own or can become a versatile and adaptable base for dishes of all cuisines and applications, including pastas, burritos or curries.

• Tindle Wings: Delivering on the same experience found in beloved chicken wings, this plant-based version can be tasted alone for a crunchy satisfaction or topped with any wing sauce of choice for a savory meal.

The launch follows the success of Tindle Chicken’s debut in retail stores in 2023, which includes Giant Eagle and select regional U.S. retailers.

The Laughing Cow, known for its spreadable, creamy cheese wedges, is starting off the new year on a plant-based note by launching its dairy-free iteration, The Laughing Cow Plant-Based in Garlic & Herb, now on shelves at Whole Foods nationwide.

The vegan-certified cheese alternative comes in the same individually portioned wedges The Laughing Cow fans know and love. Now made with almond milk, even more consumers can experience the spreadable, creamy goodness.

Snackers can enjoy The Laughing Cow

Plant-Based in endless combinations – such as spread on a bagel, dipped with veggies, or scooped with crackers.

“We’ve spent months perfecting the recipe for The Laughing Cow Plant-Based and are equally excited for this product to hit shelves now, as we are for consumers across the country to try it,” said Zach Fatla, brand director of The Laughing Cow. “This launch marks a new step for

the brand, and we look forward to sharing the deliciousness of The Laughing Cow with a whole new audience.”

In addition to its fan-favorite creamy texture, The Laughing Cow Plant-Based is also a good source of calcium and is nonGMO certified. The brand is also exploring spicy flavors to join The Laughing Cow Plant-Based lineup, which consumers can be on the lookout for in 2025 and beyond.

The Laughing Cow Plant-Based is available in Garlic & Herb exclusively at Whole Foods for $4.49. Starting this spring, both Garlic & Herb and Original varieties can be found at Kroger stores and additional grocery retailers nationwide.

Blue Diamond made an addition to its selection of Almond Breeze products with the launch of Almond Breeze Original Almond & Oat Blend.

Almond Breeze Original Almond & Oat Blend combines the flavor of the best California almonds with the creaminess of oat for a dreamy, dairy-free milk for any occasion. It has more calcium than dairy milk and fewer calories and less sugar than other oatmilks on the market.

According to a recent survey of 2,000 American adults commissioned by Almond Breeze, nearly half (48 percent) said their top health-related goal for the New Year was eating healthier. Additionally, 45 percent of respondents noted they would make healthier decisions if they were able to find options that taste good.

“We know that eating healthier is on the forefront of a lot of consumers’ minds, and are excited to offer this product that is both delicious and nutritious,” said Maya Erwin, vice president of innovation and R&D. “Almond Breeze Original Almond & Oat Blend not only provides a great taste and creamy texture, but it is also a healthier alternative to other oatmilks.”

A one-cup serving of Almond Breeze Almond & Oat Blend contains only 4g total sugar, 45 calories, and 450mg of calcium, with 30 percent less sugar and 50 percent fewer calories than the national average of the leading original oatmilk brands. It also has 50 percent more calcium than dairy milk.

Almond Breeze Original Almond & Oat Blend is available in grocery stores and major retailers.

Over in the dairy aisle, Seattle-based Darigold, Inc. has launched its new Belle brand of dairy-based coffee creamer made with just five simple ingredients – includ-

ing real cream. Belle Creamers are available at grocery stores and other food markets across the Northwest.

Unlike other well-known coffee creamer brands, Belle Creamers are made with only five simple ingredients with no oils or fillers, are lactose free and available in four flavors: Vanilla, Sweet Cream, Hazelnut Latte and Caramel.

Belle Creamers are made to compete with other premium coffee creamers, which typically have 10 or more ingredients, including vegetable oils, artificial flavors and fillers – with no real cream at all.

“Looking at the leading brands of coffee creamer today, it’s a bit of a misnomer to call them ‘creamers’ since they are not made with real cream,” said Sam Cohen, head of marketing at Darigold. “Like margarine, most common coffee creamers today are made with vegetable oils – not real cream – and tend to have as many as 10 or more ingredients.

“Belle Creamers are made with just five simple ingredients, including real cream and natural flavors, making them actual coffee cream rather than coffee oilers.”

Farmer-owned Darigold sees plenty of potential for the Belle Creamer brand in the $6 billion coffee whiteners space, which includes half and half, plant-based creamer options and the ubiquitous oil-based creamers. Consumer demand for premium creamers is growing rapidly and is under-represented at many retailers.

“As we look to grow and modernize our business, we are making new investments in the Darigold brand and innovative consumer products like Belle Creamer,” said Dan Hofmeister, president of Darigold’s business to consumer division. “The coffee creamer space is dominated by big brands that aren’t real cream at all.

“We saw that as an opportunity to make the best coffee creamer for the best coffee experience, and we believe Belle delivers on that promise.”

Darigold is in the midst of a broader effort to grow its business. Through a recent upgrade of a production facility in Boise and a new plant that is under construction in Central Washington, it is providing opportunities for its farmer-owners to grow on-farm production, which means more milk for products for its customers.

“Innovative products like Belle are one of the ways we plan to reinvigorate our 100-year-old brand and build more value for our farmer-owners,” said Hofmeister.

“That is how we are growing our business and strengthening our foundation for the next 100 years.”

Sam’s Club customers will notice a new product in the dairy aisle this year, egglife egg white wraps. Chicago-based Egglife Foods Inc. is launching a new dual flavor egglife variety pack available only at Sam’s Club.

Continued on PAGE 16

16

New Products Continued from PAGE 15 With two packs of egglife original wraps and one pack of egglife sweet cinnamon wraps, the new 18-count variety pack will make it easy to prepare healthy meals the whole family can enjoy – from sweet

breakfast bites to lunch on the go to savory, satisfying lasagna. Available at nearly all locations nationwide through March 31, 2024, this launch represents the latest milestone in Egglife’s explosive growth trajectory to appeal to more health-conscious consumers and scale its product offerings to reach new and relevant audiences.

“We continue to see huge demand for our products, and this partnership reflects the next chapter in our mission to reimagine the future of food,” said CEO David Kroll. “As a leader in modern nutrition, Egglife Foods is harnessing the power of eggs to transform traditionally flour-based foods.

“As we enter a new year, we look forward to seeing how Sam’s Club shoppers enjoy our delicious egg white wraps to try new recipes and learn how simple it is to make healthy swaps to feel their best.”

The wraps have a clean ingredient label and are packed with protein (5+ grams), are low-carb (less than 1 gram) and have 35 calories or fewer. Egglife wraps fit a variety of dietary needs, including gluten free, dairy free, diabetes, keto and W h o l e 3 0 lifestyles.

The new variety pack offers tasty and nutritious alternatives to traditional breads, wraps or tortillas in both savory and sweet flavors. Egglife can be found chilling near the deli at Sam’s Clubs nationwide.

Egglife Foods has experienced significant growth since its start in 2019 having quickly established itself as a popular choice among health-conscious and specialty diet consumers looking for clean protein sources, low-carb alternatives and grain-free options.

GOURMET NEWS Crisp Power is the latest launch from Meir Beigel, the leading brand behind Dream Pretzel, coming to Amazon nationwide in early 2024. The rollout calls for a new kind of snack time: where smart choices and incredible flavors come together to fuel the day, from fitness to work to party time.

“We are excited for customers who love Dream Pretzel, who live a healthy proteinrich and lowcarb lifestyle or are just looking to make more healthful choices in the new year to enjoy Crisp Power as their new favorite snack,” said Gilad Zilberberg, founder and CEO of Meir Beigel.

“After years of perfecting our recipe, we were elated to create something with the flavor of an everything bagel and crunchy texture of a satisfying pretzel.”

With 30 percent the amount of protein needed in an entire day in just one serving, Crisp Power makes snack time count. Not only are these crunchy and versatile pretzels full of beneficial plant protein, they’re also a great source of fiber with 6 grams per serving, sugar-free, nearly carb free, keto and vegan friendly, dairy free and baked – never fried – as well as totally adapted for diabetics.

For those looking to grab a quick bite on the go, fuel up for a workout or share with friends and family, Crisp Power is designed to fit seamlessly into everyday occasions.

In the snack aisles often dominated by

empty calorie options, Crisp Power aims to stand out as a beacon of health and flavor.

Crisp Power will be rolling out on Amazon and wholesale grocers in early 2024.

The purest ingredients for the great-tasting, easy pancakes and syrup is what Blanket is all about. On the heels of its widely successful launch, the Black-owned and family-first brand is looking for investors.

Priding itself on clean, natural ingredients, Blanket Pancakes & Syrup stands out in a

market of mixes packed with preservatives, artificial sweeteners and other risky additives.

The brand achieved more than $1 million in sales in 2023 alone and secured distribution in major retailers including Walmart, Costco, Food Lion, Giant Foods, Hannaford and more.

“Our family created Blanket to meet the eating habits necessary to lead a full, health-conscious lifestyle,” said Marquita Carter, creator and founder. “We make it easy to mix up fluffy, flavorful pancakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert without any high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, eggs, bleached flour, preservatives or GMOs.” From a humble passion project to a seven-figure success story, Blanket Pancakes & Syrup has already transformed the breakfast landscape with its allnatural, irresistible flavors, including buttermilk, honey butter, chocolate chip, sweet potato, vegan and an upcoming gluten-free buttermilk. In two years, Blanket expanded its reach to thousands of stores nationwide, capitalizing on the fast-growing breakfast industry.

With a global breakfast food market valued at $398.1 billion in 2020 and projected to reach a staggering $729.5 billion by 2030, Carter believes the opportunities for growth are immense. The pancake mix segment, a subset of this broader market, is expected to experience significant growth, with the market size projected to reach $712 million by 2028.

With investor support, Blanket plans to further invest in infrastructure, expand its team and distribution channels, enhance marketing efforts and continue to develop innovative products to continue pushing forward its position as a favorite household breakfast brand.

Blanket is available online at Amazon and grocery stores nationwide including Walmart, Costco, Food Lion, Giant Foods and Hannaford.

Steeped Coffee celebrated National Gourmet Coffee Day in January by asking gourmet coffee lovers to reduce coffee waste.

Steeped is leading a movement to reduce the world’s dependence on non-recyclable, single-serve coffee pods and has pioneered a single-serve brewing method that preserves the full flavor of gourmet coffee while being fully compostable and requiring no brewing machinery.

More than 10 billion single-serve coffee pods end up in landfills each year. The number of pods consumed since 2009 could wrap around the planet more than 500 times.

With a process brewed similar to tea, Steeped is helping to make quality coffee from hundreds of top brands accessible and sustainable. Steeped Packs contain craft-roasted, freshly ground pre-por-

//

MARCH 2024

tioned coffee that is triple nitro-sealed to guarantee each perfect, “barista-approved” cup.

The company’s guilt-free packing is commercially compostable, from the outer packaging to the inner Steeped Brew Bags.

“At Steeped, we are changing the way people view single-serve coffee, delivering all of the benefits with none of the barriers,” said Josh Wilbur, founder and CEO. “We are proud to help drive a global movement to reduce our impact on the planet.”

Steeped was honored in 2023, making the 2023 Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business list, USA To d a y ’s 10Best List and G o o d Housek e e p i n g ’s list of top coffee makers.

More than 500 top roasters across the country now use the company’s revolutionary Steeped Brewing Method.

Steeped Packs are available at grocery stores or through hospitality, office and other wholesale providers.

“Steeped doesn’t take its barista-approved standards lightly and we’ve worked closely with industry leading experts to validate every aspect of the Steeped Method from freshness, quality, extraction, shelf life and most importantly, consistent taste to bring the most authentic specialty experience directly to single-serve coffee lovers,” said Josh Wilbur, founder and CEO. “We are proud of the incredible partnerships we’ve forged with the industry’s top specialty coffee roasters, including names like Counter Culture, Addictive and Cat and Cloud.”

Markhor’s mission is to be the premier provider of savory sauces, dry rubs and marinades.

“We are not just a hot sauce company,” founder Hamid Mahmood told Gourmet News. “We will be releasing our own blend of marinades, dry rubs and other food items that will bring the flavor from the world especially southeast Asia to the American customers.”

The company is developing spicy jerky, flavored mayo, spicy chutneys and fermented hot sauces, Mahmood said.

“We are committed to delivering exceptional flavors and enhancing your culinary experiences. We’re a 100 percent American manufactured and packaged product company, and we take great pride in supporting our local community.

“By choosing Markhor, you’re not just selecting a delicious product, but also helping to create more jobs for Americans and contribute to the growth of our economy,” he said.

“Markhors are known as the king of the mountain. We want to be known as the king of hot sauce and spicy foods!”

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

Markhor is developing a podcast and building the brand through food influencers and testimonials, Mahmood said.

Products include: • Spicy Garlic Sauce: A harmonious blend where the robust essence of garlic meets the tantalizing heat of exotic spices.

Whether it’s lavishly layered over fried or grilled wings, drizzled over fresh seafood or elevating poultry dishes, this sauce stands unparalleled in its versatility and taste. It also makes a tantalizing dip to accompany snacks.

• Tomato & Pepper Taco Sauce: This sauce encapsulates the sultry allure of ripe tomatoes mingled with vibrant peppers, kissed with a touch of zesty lime. A tantalizing dance of tang, spice and zest – this sauce doesn’t just limit itself to tacos. Drizzle over your BBQ, mix into a salad dressing or use as a dip, and let the rhythmic flavors elevate any dish to an extraordinary culinary fiesta.

• Red Habanero Hot Sauce: Expertly crafted, this sauce is a symphony of fiery red habaneros and the rich, velvety tones of butternut squash. Perfectly poised between spicy and sweet, this sauce promises to be a kitchen’s versatile companion. Drizzle over grilled meats, fold into a creamy dip, or simply accompany your favorite snacks.

• Pineapple Hot Sauce: This delightful concoction captures the lush sweetness of ripe pineapples harmoniously fused with the gentle warmth of select peppers. Perfect for those who crave a hint of heat with a generous serving of sweetness, this sauce will redefine tropical culinary escapades. Whether you’re daringly drizzling it over your pizza or mixing it into a marinade, this Pineapple Hot Sauce promises a refreshing twist to your dishes.

17 • Zesty Buffalo Sauce: This sauce captures the lush sweetness of ripe pineapples harmoniously fused with the gentle

warmth of select peppers. Perfect for those who crave a hint of heat with a generous serving of sweetness, this sauce will redefine your tropical culinary escapades.

• Jalapeño Pepper Dumpling Sauce: A masterful melding of zesty jalapeños with the classic combination of soy, chili, garlic and ginger promises to ignite culinary passions. While its soul rests in the rich traditions of dumpling accompaniments, its spirited blend effortlessly transitions to coat wings, stir-fry or even drizzled over grilled delights.

New Jersey bread company Anthony & Sons Bakery has launched The Avocado Bread Company.

The bakery is the first to market with a line of plant-based bread products that utilize fresh avocados – a trending, clean ingredient packed with nutrients.

The brand’s Avocado Seeds & Grains Bread is made with ripe avocados and an original blend of guacamole spices, consis-

tent with Anthony & Sons’ commitment to quality ingredients. Each loaf is packed with powerful nutrients, including healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants, and coated with healthy grains including sunflower, oats and cracked wheat.

Sold in a sliced 24-ounce loaf, The Avocado Bread Company’s Avocado Seeds & Grains Bread is designed for easy convenience in foodservice or retail usage. Underneath The Avocado Bread Company, the brand has also debuted a variety of other products, including Avocado Seeds & Grains Dinner Rolls, Take & Bake Avocado Bread and Avocado Seeds & Grains Ciabatta Buns.

“Our delicious avocado bread is packed with 21 grams of whole grains per slice, making this line the latest power bread to hit the market,” said Ben Rizzitello, VP of marketing.

“The initial response has been tremendous, and we are looking forward to getting our newly introduced products into the homes of consumers.”

The Avocado Bread Company’s Seeds & Grains Bread is not only on-trend but also vegan and bears a clean label.

“At Anthony & Sons, we treat our patrons like family,” Rizzitello said. “For us, it’s about developing a product that our customers will enjoy and offers great benefits. We care about our community and the health and well-being of our customers.”

The Avocado Bread Company’s Seeds & Grains Bread is available in select grocers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $5.99 to $6.99.

Maine-based Scott & Jon’s, a provider of

premium, convenient seafood meals, is introducing microwavable salmon bowls, an innovation that the company says redefines the concept of convenience and elevates the frozen food aisle to new heights.

“For years, consumers and retailers have urged us to add salmon to our portfolio,” co-founder Scott Demers said. “Now, our salmon bowls are poised to provide incremental sales for those retailers already offering our shrimp bowls.

“It’s a win-win for both retailers and consumers seeking convenient, good-foryou seafood meals. We’re really excited because at the end of the day it’s all about delivering high quality, delicious food, and all of our feedback tells us consumers are really going to love these new salmon bowls.”

The microwavable salmon bowls merge the nutritional benefits of salmon and the convenience of microwave cooking.

Salmon is the fastest-growing seafood in the United States and the second most popular seafood behind shrimp.

The salmon bowls come in two restau-

rant-inspired flavors featuring high-quality Atlantic salmon that steams up fresh and offers lean protein and naturally occurring omega-3s. The Honey Sesame bowl boasts fluffy rice, flash-frozen vegetables for peak freshness and a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. The Mediterranean Herb bowl offers a medley of fresh herbs, quinoa, brown rice and crisp vegetables.

Scott & Jon’s salmon bowls will be available in early 2024 at retailers nationwide, including Target, Ahold, Harris Teeter, Giant Eagle and SEG. GN

Dr. Bombay Ice Cream Expands to Albertsons Hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg and Happi Co. have brought Dr. Bombay Ice Cream to Albertsons Cos. grocery stores including Safeway, Albertsons, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Vons.

Albertsons Cos. customers can enjoy six of Dr. Bombay Ice Cream’s original flavors, including Bonus Track Brownie, Iced Out Orange Cream, Rollin’ In the Dough, S’more Vibes, Syrupy Waffle Sundaze and Tropical Sherbet Swizzle. A seventh flavor, Fo’ Shizzle Almond Fudge, exclusive to Albertsons will hit shelves in February. Prices start at $5.99.

“What makes me excited about selling with new retailers is expanding ac-

cess to our product,” said Snoop Dogg, in celebration of this milestone for the brand.

“Allowing my friends, family and fans to

be able to pick up some Dr. Bombay Ice

Cream, a product I am so passionate about, anywhere they are, is what this is all about.”

Dr. Bombay Ice Cream launched in July 2023 under parent company Bosslady Foods in a joint venture between Snoop Dogg and Happi Co. Committed to providing snacks that allow fans to relax, refresh and discover, Bosslady Foods emulates Snoop Dogg’s expertise in flavor curation. Together, Bosslady Foods and Happi Co. support Dr. Bombay Ice Cream by ensuring a delightful and unparalleled experience that

exceeds expectations.

“Our company started in a college dorm room with a dream of giving consumers mass access to hard-to-find products,” said Happi Co. CEO Sam Rockwell. “Dr. Bombay Ice Cream and our partnership with Albertsons is a step in realizing that dream.

“I speak on behalf of Snoop and the entire Bosslady team when I say how excited we are to be featured on Albertsons shelves as we continue to expand our brand across retail channels.”

“At Albertsons Cos., we are always looking for innovative and exciting products to share with our customers,” said Matthew Boyd, vice president merchandising for Albertsons Cos. “Snoop’s line of fun and flavorful ice cream is sure to delight shoppers across the country.” GN

18

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

Williams Sonoma’s Bridgerton Collection Celebrates Popular Netflix Series Williams Sonoma has formed an exclusive collaboration with Shondaland’s popular Bridgerton franchise. Developed as part of a partnership between Williams Sonoma, Netflix and Shondaland, the new Bridgerton for Williams Sonoma collection consists of exclusive products designed to embrace the Regency-era elegance that has become synonymous with the show.

Fans of the popular franchise will be able to host parties and entertain regency style with products ranging from Bridgerton picnic baskets, beverage and baking mixes to artisanal chocolates, cookies, candies and petit fours.

“We are proud to partner with Netflix and Shondaland to develop products inspired by the sets, fashion and storylines that have made Bridgerton a global phenomenon, and one of the most watched shows on Netflix,” said Williams Sonoma President Felix Carbullido. “Fans of Bridgerton will appreciate the design de-

tails that are apparent throughout the collection.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Williams Sonoma to bring the Bridgerton lifestyle to our fans,” said Shondaland Chief Innovation & Design Officer Sandie Bailey. “As the leader in bringing people together around food and highquality products for the kitchen and home, the team at Williams Sonoma has created a beautiful collection that will delight home cooks, bakers and hosts alike.

“Together, we were able to infuse the world of Bridgerton into the Williams Sonoma brand in a way that feels authentic to both iconic and beloved brands.”

The Bridgerton Collection for Williams Sonoma features more than 20 products including:

Mercatus Continued from PAGE 1 In November, research from Brick Meets Click and sponsored by Mercatus showed mass merchants surpassed supermarkets to become the primary retail format that most households relied on for their grocery purchases during the month, whether online or in-store.

The merged company sets a new global standard in delivering a unified, personalized and convenient first-party digital shopping experience that attracts customers, grows sales online and in-store, strengthens customer retention and enhances loyalty.

The company’s client base extends

Summer Grocery Continued from PAGE 1 communities across the nation and for tens of millions of children who will receive the nutrition they need to grow, learn and thrive,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We applaud all the leaders and partners who are stepping up to make the program’s inaugural year a success. Together we’re making progress in closing the summer hunger gap and ensuring children are nourished and healthy year-round.”

Rigorous evaluations of a multi-year demonstration project showed that providing Summer EBT reduced child hunger and improved diet quality. Summer grocery benefits decreased the number of kids with very low food security by about one-third and supported healthier diets featuring more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

The permanent Summer EBT program advances the goals of the Biden-Harris Administration’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health to enhance food and nutrition security and improve

Vanilla Earl Grey Quick Bread, Orange Cardamom Shortbread Mix. $18.95 each.

• Bridgerton Cakes, Cookies, Pastries and Petite Fours • Mini Cakes, Scones, Teapot Cake Pops, Cameo Cookies, Springerlie Cookies and Ollalieberry Floral Petite Fours. $29.95 to $59.95.

• Bridgerton Artisanal Chocolates, Candies, Gelato, Honey and Curds • Assorted Chocolate Truffles on a Chocolate Tray, Floral Lollipops, Rose-shaped Strawberry Gelato, Lavender Honey, and Passionfruit Curd. $16.95 to $59.95.

Bridgerton Tableware • Cocktail Napkins, Linen Napkins, Tablecloths and Table Runners. $29.95 to $119.95.

• Bridgerton 8 Day Countdown Calendar • Eight of Lady Whistledown’s preferred confidential comestibles, one for each episode of the upcoming season. $39.95 each.

Bridgerton Picnic Basket • The handwoven basket holds elegant ceramic plates, golden flatware, wine glasses, a corkscrew, a cheese board, cheese knife, napkins and a blanket. $349.95 each.

Bridgerton Baking Mixes • Flavors include Strawberry Scone Mix,

Bridgerton Beverage Mixes • Created to be combined with your favorite spirit to create a unique cocktail or paired perfectly with sparkling water for a nonalcoholic refresher. Flavors include Elderflower Lemonade, Honey Ginger Tonic, and Blood Orange Blossom Fizz. $21.95 each.

Williams Sonoma will also be carrying the Bridgerton Guide to Entertaining book that features over 40 recipes for finger food, cocktails and mocktails all inspired

by Bridgerton.

Bridgerton will return to Netflix for a lavish season three in late spring. GN

across more countries and continents with more than 1,800 regional grocery chain stores in the United States and more than 400 independent grocery stores globally, including locations in the United Kingdom, France and Canada.

Noteworthy supermarket customers include Albertsons, United Supermarkets, Big Y Foods, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Carrefour, East of England COOP and Vallarta Supermarkets. The roster also features Stater Brothers Markets, Winn Dixie, Weis Markets, Harveys Supermarkets, WinCo Foods, Strack & Van Til, and C&S Wholesale’s Piggly Wiggly Midwest, among others.

Additionally, the company has a commanding presence in the Israeli market, representing 90 percent of grocers that manage

their own first-party e-commerce platforms.

With the merger, several Mercatus executives will take on key roles within the expanded organization.

“Mercatus has been at the forefront of serving the digital commerce needs of regional grocers and supermarkets for over 15 years,” said Sylvain Perrier, newly appointed president of North America and global COO. “This merger increases our capability to deliver unprecedented value to our clients by combining our proven technology and eCommerce expertise with the innovative shopper engagement and personalization solutions from Relationshop.”

Galen Walters, founder and CEO of Relationshop with five decades of grocery retail experience, will serve as the CEO of

Mercatus.

“The senior leadership team at Mercatus, backed by our board, is wholeheartedly devoted to advancing the connected commerce requirements of grocery retailers,” he said. “Grocery retailers need flexible, automated solutions capable of addressing the competitive threat posed by national chains and the loss of control that comes from relying on third-party delivery providers. As we look to the future, we are excited to join forces, enhancing our offerings to uniquely satisfy the evolving demands of supermarkets and our customers worldwide.”

Piper Sandler and Solomon Partners acted as financial advisers to Relationshop and Mercatus, respectively. Details of the transaction are undisclosed. GN

food access and affordability. It was enacted on a bipartisan basis by Congress just more than one year ago.

This is the inaugural year of the program, meaning states and tribes that do not launch the program this summer will have future opportunities to opt-in. USDA’s goal is for Summer EBT to be available nationwide as soon as possible. The Department is providing extensive assistance, training, tools and more to the states, U.S. territories and tribes targeting a 2024 rollout as well as to those planning for 2025 and beyond. Working with future implementers is a top priority.

In January, USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small joined state, U.S. territory, tribal leaders and partners from across the country in Baltimore to celebrate the positive difference this program will make for millions of children.

“No kid should have to spend their summer hungry, or without nutritious food,” Small said. “Summer EBT is a giant step forward in meeting the needs of our nation’s children and families throughout the year, and especially in the summer months.”

Summer EBT is one of three key mech-

anisms that USDA is using to tackle child hunger during the summer months. Families are encouraged to participate in all summer nutrition programs available to them. Summer meal sites provide free meals to families across the country, and many rural communities offer to-go or home-delivered summer meals to increase access to this vital nutrition support.

States territories and tribes participating this summer are: • American Samoa • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Cherokee Nation • Chickasaw Nation • Colorado • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands • Connecticut • Delaware • Guam • Hawaii • Illinois • Indiana • Kansas • Kentucky

• Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians • Minnesota • Missouri • Montana • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oregon • Osage Nation • Pennsylvania • Puerto Rico • Rhode Island • Tennessee • Utah • U.S. Virgin Islands • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin GN

SUPPLEMENT TO

MARCH 2024

GOURMET NEWS

®

T H E

B U S I N E S S

N E W S P A P E R

F O R

featured products

T H E

G O U R M E T

I N D U S T R Y

20

GOURMET NEWS

Stonewall Kitchen Maple Coffee Scone Mix Proudly making mornings memorable since 1991, Stonewall Kitchen is known for many delicious jams, jellies and other culinary creations. The company has tapped into breakfast bliss once again with the new Maple Coffee Scone Mix, offering customers a sweet way to start the day.

It couldn’t be easier to bake up a tray of eight pillowy scones, thanks to the simple directions printed right on the box and just a few pantry staples such as butter, milk and eggs. Ready to take out of the oven in mere minutes, these café-quality treats come complete with a vanilla glaze for a decadent finish.

Irresistible maple sugar is perfectly balanced with hints of bittersweet coffee and sea salt to ensure a satisfying bite. Paired with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, these heavenly pick-me-ups are ideal for family gatherings and everyday enjoyment.

//

MARCH 2024

Howard Products Cutting Board

Stonewall Kitchen www.stonewallkitchen.com

With Howard’s Cutting Board Cleaner, now the entire cleaning, oiling and conditioning process can be done from products manufactured by the same company, which gives consumers confidence that all three products will work together perfectly. Ideal for cleaning and preparing wood surfaces before using Howard Butcher Block Conditioner or Cutting Board Oil. Cutting Board Cleaner effectively cleans and neutralizes odors on wellused wood cutting surfaces including butcher blocks, cutting boards, wooden bowls and utensils. The natural cleaning properties of lemon oil and coconut soap safely clean any wood surface, leaving it smelling fresh. Specially formulated for safely cleaning any wood surface. Ingredients include coconut soap, coconut oil, glycerin, salt, citral, lauryl glucoside, lemon terpenes, food grade mineral oil

and xanthan gum.

Safe to use on any wood surface that may come into contact with food, Howard’s Cutting Board Cleaner does not contain bleach or any other harsh ingredients that can make wooden boards soft and gummy, reducing the life of the board.

Start selling Cutting Howard Board Cleaner today! Minimum wholesale orders are only six cases.

Howard Products 800.266.9545 www.howardproducts.com

OMG! Pretzels Salty Butterscotch Dessert time, meet snacktime! These delectable Salty Butterscotch pretzels are the perfect solution to sweet tooth cravings, leaving a lasting creamy taste on the tip of the tongue. Tastes just like the savory candies that Grandma would share. This sweet seasoning blend brings out those warm notes in a crunchy little package, making them the perfect snack for Valentine’s Day. OMG! Pretzels knows first impressions are everything, especially when it comes to snacking and feeding family and friends. That’s why all of the bold, innovative varieties are made of only premium ingredients including naturally aged sourdough, are kosher certified, MSG free and soy free.

They make the perfect standalone snack, elegant enhancement for entertaining and delicious addition to favorite recipes. The Salty Butterscotch variety is vegetarian, has no artificial sweeteners

and includes the signature crave-worthy crunch. Once you pop one in your mouth, OMG! comes popping out!

Nassau Candy Decades Box Gift Sets

For more information on becoming a retail partner with OMG! Pretzels, a certified women- and family-owned company, email or go online.

OMG! Pretzels www.omgpretzels.com/wholesale

Tonnino Tuna for Kids As the leading gourmet tuna brand in the United States, Tonnino prides itself on sustainable fishing practices widely respected for a preservation of quality and flavor.

Tonnino shakes the canned seafood market with the launch of its first-ever tuna can specifically designed for kids, now available at Walmart. This tuna offers a perfect blend of delicious taste and healthy convenience tailored to young palates. These fun, kid-friendly varieties are packed with lean, protein-rich, dolphin-safe, combined with fresh diced vegetables.

Each can is a standalone meal – pasta, pizza, tuna melt or mac and cheese – making healthy eating both easy and enjoyable for kids. The packaging is eyecatching, featuring a friendly tuna character on a conveniently petite package. The two standout varieties are Premium Yellowfin Tuna chunks with sweet

On the sweeter side of life, Nassau Candy has unveiled a new look for its popular Decades Box Nostalgic Candy Gift Sets.

The redesign serves up a more interactive experience, making the Decades Boxes more giftable, while featuring a new assortment of nostalgic goodies.

Each new Decades Box has the signature look and feel of the decade while still creating a cohesive presentation when merchandised together. But what makes the redesign extra fun and interactive are hidden facts about that particular decade incorporated into the design. This is intended to spark memo-

ries, conversation and add to the nostalgic experience.

Not only does the new art make the Decades Boxes more appealing gifts, it also makes merchandising simple. The new package art is vertical on one side and horizontal on the other, allowing for multiple merchandising options.

Also new for the relaunch is the addition of a 2000s box. It joins the Decades Box line that spans the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s boxes.

Nassau Candy www.nassaucandy.com

Yo Mama’s Foods Alfredo Sauces

corn in water (3.7 ounces) and Premium Yellowfin Tuna with carrots and peas in vegetable oil (3.7 ounces).

Tonnino www.tonnino.com

The popular all-natural, handcrafted pasta sauce company Yo Mama’s Foods has welcomed a new family member: Alfredo Sauces in three flavors – Classic, Spicy and Garlic.

According to Yo Mama, these Alfredo Sauces are the cleanest, shelf-stable Alfredos on the market, with no added gums or fillers.

“At Yo Mama’s Foods, we make sauces so you can gather around the table with foods that are delicious, fresh and better for you,” said David Habib, founder. “Americans love Alfredo sauces, and our culinary

team worked for months perfecting this all-natural recipe made from fresh cream, Parmesan cheese and butter – just like Mama would.”

Because they have no added sugar or gluten, Yo Mama’s Alfredo Sauces are keto certified.

In 16-ounce jars with a suggested retail price of $9, Yo Mama’s Alfredo Sauces are available at retailers nationwide and on Amazon.

Yo Mama’s Foods www.yomamasfoods.com

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

21

Fall River Wild Rice Interest in plants and grains is soaring, as shoppers look for new ways to eat healthy. High in protein and fiber, nutty and with a striking visual appeal, wild rice is one of the healthiest grains available. It was a staple food of several Native American tribes, who called it “manoomin,” or “precious grain.”

Fall River Wild Rice brings this culinary gem to your store shelf. This naturally cultivated wild rice is great in salads, soups and stir fries. However, it also works well in mixes for pancakes and muffins and even in chocolate and desserts. Fall River’s Fully Cooked Wild Rice is high-protein goodness in seconds.

Ariston Infused Salts The only cereal grain native to North America, wild rice is not even a rice at all.

It is the seed of Zizania palustris, a tall, blooming water grass that prospers in the Great Lakes region, as well as in the fruitful valley in the shadows of the Sierra Nevadas and the Rockies. Fall River Wild Rice is a small grower-owned cooperative in the Fall River Valley, a rural mountain valley nestled between the Cascade and Sierra Nevada ranges.

Fall River Wild Rice 800.626.4366 www.fallriverwildrice.com

Kraft NotMac&Cheese The third product from The Kraft Heinz Company and TheNotCompany has launched: plant-based Kraft Mac & Cheese – Kraft NotMac&Cheese.

Less than 30 percent of plantbased mac & cheese buyers are repeating purchases as taste and texture remain their largest pain points. The Kraft Heinz Not Company aims to address consumers’ plant-based preferences and evolving needs with the debut of two great-tasting plantbased mac & cheese offerings.

“The Kraft Heinz Not Company creates plant-based versions of fan-favorite foods that taste like the real thing, yet don’t require people to drastically change their eating habits,” said Lucho Lopez-May, CEO, The Kraft Heinz Not Company. “NotCo brings its revolutionary AI technology that has a proven track record in creating mouthwatering

plant-based foods to Kraft – the beloved mac and cheese brand that sells over a million boxes every day. Leveraging the strengths of both companies, we’re offering the creamy and comforting experience Kraft Mac & Cheese fans have loved for over 85 years – without the dairy.”

The launch builds on The Kraft Heinz Not Company’s current plant-based offerings of Kraft NotCheese Slices and NotMayo. The Kraft Heinz Not Company will continue its plans to scale into several more categories and begin international expansion in 2024.

Available in Original and White Cheddar flavors, Kraft NotMac&Cheese will continue rolling out on shelves nationwide through early 2024.

Kraft Heinz Company www.kraftheinzcompany.com

Bobak Sausage Company Sausages Holidays are a great time to bring out a charcuterie board. For those in the greater Chicago area, beloved Bobak Sausage Company has six new sausage flavors to try – and they’re available at area grocery stores.

Elevate your culinary adventures with Bobak’s Maxwell Polish, Smoked Polish, Smoked Brat, Smoked Cheddar, Mild Italian and Beef Polish.

The Bobak story takes root in the vibrant tapestry of Chicago’s culinary history beginning in 1964 when Frank Bobak, an immigrant from Poland, began making sausage in his Southside home. Today, the company remains fully committed to producing high-quality sausages made in small

batches using family recipes from the old world.

The new sausage products will feature a new look for the brand, recognizing it as a Chicago institution

Bobak Sausage Company www.bobak.com

Try Ariston’s newest arrivals from Greece.

These gorgeous infused salts come with their own adjustable stainless-steel mill.

They are both a gourmet food item and a little kitchen tool all in one. A must in every kitchen and store counter.

They come in the following flavors: • Plain Sea Salt from Greece.

• Greek Salad Infused Sea Salt (beautiful blend of rosemary, oregano and sundried tomato) pairs well with Ariston Select EVOO & Med Herb infused olive oil).

• Garlic & Basil infused sea salt. Excellent with Ariston traditional balsamic, caprese salads, cheeses; great with pasta and Italian meat, too; beautiful color as well.

• Lemon & Turmeric infused sea salt. Excellent with chicken, seafood, rice, potatoes, eggs and anywhere that needs the brightness of lemon flavor and the healthy and earth flavor of turmeric.

• Black Sea Salt (sea salt with all natural cuttlefish black ink). Keep your guests guessing what’s your secret ingredient.

Tastes like sea salt with a subtle hint of seafood. Also works excellent as a salt rim for a cocktail and bloody Mary drink.

• Smoked Sea Salt. Excellent with all meats and seafood. It tastes like you have

been smoking your food for hours without all the work. Excellent and bold flavor – a little goes a long way.

• Plain Pink Himalayan (from the Himalayan Mountains).

Try them all!

Ariston Specialties 860.263.8498 www.aristonspecialties.com

ChickP Protein Nutrition Bars Plant protein pioneer ChickP Protein, Ltd. is forging ahead in the active nutri-

tion market to fill the surging demand for natural, high-protein, plant-based nutrition bars and similar on-the-go, betterfor-you products.

The company

developed a line of prototypes, powered by its signature, 90 percent chickpea isolate, to fit the requirements of active lifestyle consumers and others who live life onthe-go.

The company showcased the protein-fortified, granolabased demos at the Fi Europe 2023 in Frankfurt including chickpea protein enriched cereal and energy bars. The bars are made of nuts, seeds, oats and green buckwheat and infused with a minimum 30 percent of the proprietary, 90 percent chickpea isolate. They are naturally mildly sweetened with honey and agave and are rich in fiber.

ChickP Protein Ltd. www.chickp-protein.com

Urban Accents Pizza Party Trio Since 1996, Urban Accents has been helping home cooks succeed in the kitchen with a wide array of premium seasonings, sauces and starters.

Featuring timeless Italian-American ingredients, the brand’s new Pizza Party Trio adds the perfect amount of pizzazz to Friday night get-togethers.

Great for building a homemade pie or doctoring up a takeout slice, the smallbatch, gluten-free products in this set elevate all types of ’za. Sweet tomatoes

meld with aromatic garlic, herbs and spices to create a classic sauce for mouthwatering Chicago-style deep dish while the two seasonings kick up the flavor by providing tons of cheesy, savory goodness with every shake.

Thinking outside the box? These items can be used to enhance calzones, pasta and meatball subs as well as for making mini pizza bagels and even garlic bread.

Stonewall Kitchen www.stonewallkitchen.com

22

GOURMET NEWS

//

MARCH 2024

SMORGASBORD Global Seafood Marketplace Heads to Spain sustainability, traceability and transparency, plastics and climate change as it relates to seafood and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global seafood trade.

The program is subject to change.

The marketplace features food products from around the world. Attendees will discover the newest seafood products and trends in the industry. The Seafood Excellence Global Awards highlights the best seafood products in the industry.

Serving the global market for all seafood processing equipment, services, packaging and logistics needs. Seafood Processing Global is co-located with Seafood Expo Global. Visit Seafood Processing Global to streamline processing needs in 2024.

Take advantage of Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global official hotel partner and airline partner special offerings.

More information is available online at www.seafoodexpo.com/global. GN

The largest global seafood trade event, the Global Seafood Marketplace, is set for April 23-25 in Barcelona.

In one venue, attendees will have the ability to meet face to face with exhibiting suppliers from around the globe, throughout six exhibit halls. With nearly every type of seafood product, equipment and service at your fingertips, they are equipped to make the best purchasing decisions for their business and customers.

The 2024 conference program will feature more than 20 educational sessions, presented by top seafood industry experts.

Attendees will take away informative, engaging and practical information covering the most important and timely issues relevant to today’s seafood business environment.

The program will be presented in English.

The year’s conference program focuses on aquaculture, corporate social responsibility, food safety and compliance (policy), seafood business/marketplace, seafood

TRADESHOWCALENDAR (dates subject to change)

Mar. 3-5

May 6-9

International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York & PMQ’s NY Pizza Show

Food Safety Summit

New York City, New York www.internationalrestaurantny.com

May 13-16

Rosemont, Illinois www.foodsafetysummit.com Sweets and Snacks Expo

Indianapolis, Indiana www.sweetsandsnacks.com

Mar. 10-12

National Grocers Association

Las Vegas, Nevada www.nationalgrocers.org

June 9-11

Dairy Deli Bake Seminar & Expo

Houston, Texas www.iddba.org

Mar. 12-16

Natural Products Expo West

Anaheim, California www.expowest.com

June 16-18

March 13-16

Tastemaker Conference

Bonita Springs, Florida www.sportsnutritionsociety.org

Chicago. Illinois tastemakerconference.com

June 23-25

International Society of Sports Nutrition Annual Conference and Expo

Summer Fancy Food Show International Pizza Expo

New York, New York www.specialtyfood.com

Las Vegas, Nevada www.pizzaexpo.pizzatoday.com

July 10-13

April 21-24

American Cheese Society’s Annual Conference

Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America

Buffalo, New York www.cheesesociety.org/conference

March 19-21

Las Vegas, Nevada www.brewersassociation.org

ADVERTISER INDEX ADVERTISER

PAGE

WEBSITE

Hot Ruby

24

www.drinkhotruby.com

Howard Products

9

www.howardproducts.com

Stonewall Kitchen

2,5,9

www.stonewallkitchen.com

Artichoke Festival Sets Annual Events The Artichoke Festival in Castroville, Calif., has unveiled its calendar of events for 2024 and 2025. More than just the celebrated Artichoke Festival, it offers a diverse range of experiences for the community to enjoy.

2024 events: Bocce Ball Extravaganza, March 16 – Start with a day of Bocce Ball at the North County Recreation Center in Castroville and stay to enjoy a silent auction, delectable dessert bar and a full bar.

Artichoke Festival , June 8-9 –The Artichoke Festival is back with the theme “Artichoke Festival: Where Fun Blossoms.”

Experience a culinary adventure, music, wine tasting and more. Stay tuned for a special surprise announcement of a

celebrity chef.

• Friday Night Comedy: Start the festival weekend with laughter. Friday night will feature a comedy club with hilarious performances that will leave attendees in stitches.

• Prince Tribute Band: Don’t miss out on the Prince tribute band appearance.

The Artichoke Festival is excited to bring this lineup of events to the community. These gatherings promise unforgettable experiences and opportunities for local businesses to show their support.

• Golf Tournament. August: Stay tuned for details.

• Haunted House Spectacular, weekends in October – The haunted house event is back and better than ever with spine-tingling fun. GN

Mush Foods Launches 50Cut in U.S. Foodservice Market Mush Foods, a food-tech innovator behind a groundbreaking mushroom mycelium blend, has launched 50Cut, a line of chefcrafted mushroom root blends that improve nutrition and sustainability in ground beef, poultry and fish dishes. Mush Foods utilizes a proprietary, highly efficient and sustainable above-ground cultivation technique to rapidly grow a variety of culinary-grade mushroom roots.

This U.S. launch follows last year’s introduction for restaurants in Israel.

The company, which raised $6.2 million in seed funding in 2023, was named a Grow-NY Food and Agricultural Business Competition winner, demonstrating Mush Foods’ readiness to help transform the U.S. foodservice and restaurant industry by helping reduce meat consumption.

Chefs swapping the 50Cut mushroom root blends into recipes, in place of some of the meat, can seamlessly enhance flavor and nutritional value, while improving cost and reducing the environmental impact in every dish.

Mush Foods enters the market at a pivotal moment as nearly 1 in 4 consumers say they are attempting to cut back on meat. The ground meat category is estimated at $600 billion ($94 billion industry in the United States alone) while plant-based meat alternatives represent just 1.5 percent of the category.

Mush Foods is offering the market a flavor-first ingredient that gives chefs the culinary flexibility to meet evolving consumer needs.

The nutrient-dense mushroom root structure offers an umami-flavored, whole protein food source that sustainably boosts nutrition and flavor when blended into any dish:

Other prominent participants in the seed round included TKH, the food-tech incubator; U.S.-based Siddhi Capital, which focuses equity on CPG food and beverage brands including Momofuku Foods, Hint Water and Ripple; Milk & Honey Ventures, which has made investments in SuperMeat and Remilk; and ARC IMPACT Ventures, a VC accelerator with significant environmental and social impact potential.

Founded by food industry veteran Daniel and renowned mushroom researchers Dan Levanon (Ph.D., agriculture) and Idan Pereman (Ph.D., biology,) Mush Foods grows mushroom mycelium using a pioneering above-ground, agricul-

tural process to produce a great-tasting, sustainable ingredient for the restaurant and foodservice industry.

Mush Foods’ 50Cut Mycelium Mushroom Blends are available for use in meat, poultry and fish dishes to reduce the percentage of animal protein needed while enhancing nutrition, flavor and sustainability.

The Mush Foods team includes Culinary Director Schaller, top food technologists, agronomists, sustainability experts, chefs, and R&D and food engineers working together to bring the next generation of nutritious, plant-based solutions to the food industry. GN