Gourmet News • March 2025

GOURMET NEWS

• Fresno Fair San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition Applications Being Sought

PAGE 3

• Whole Foods Market Accepting Applications for Local & Emerging Accelerator Program

PAGE 4

• 1800 Tequila Selects de Nieves for Artist Series

PAGE 8

• Americans Trust Frozen and Dair y Aisles to Help Keep Health Goal Resolution

PAGE 10

• New Products: Sauces, Snacks and Sweet Things

PAGE 12

• Prime Shrimp, Mahana Fresh Present ‘Shrimply Paradise’ Four-Flavor Feast

PAGE 15

• Tariffs Discussed at Winter Fancy Food Show

PAGE 18

• Featured Products

PAGE 19

• Advertiser Index

PAGE 22

Ann Clark Ltd. Cookie Cutters, Mixes Bring Jo y Over Decades in Business

Ltd that’s boring

BY A.J. FLICK

“Cookie cutter” has come to mean items so identical they’re

boring But there’s nothing about cookie cutter maker Ann Clark

Now in its fourth decade and at the top of the market, Ann Clark Ltd is worth millions churning out m u c h - s o u g h tafter cookie cutters In addition to innovative shapes of cookie cutters – pink guitar cookies for a Taylor Swift fan, anyone? – the company, under the leadership of Ann Clark’s son, Ben, has been expanding its products to include

mixes that make cookies and other baked goodies, decorations, flavorings and baking supplies from parchment paper to rolling pins

Ben Clark’s excitement shows as he talks about the business of cookie cutters, especially the company ’ s expansion into mixes

“It’s all about the ingredients,” said the native of Vermont, where the business is headquartered “Great food comes from great ingredients

“It’s about taking classic, favorite foods to another level ” The baking mixes line includes

Specialty Food Trends for 2025 Outlined

BY A J FLICK

The four specialty food trends to watch in retail, foodser vice and CPG are specialty/premiumization, health and wellness, sensorial/global flavor experiences and value consciousness, according to Brian Choi, managing partner and CEO of the Food Institute and Sunny Khamkar, co-founder and CEO of MenuData, speaking at the Winter Fancy Food Show at Las Vegas Convention Center

Specialty food continues to see a strong demand, they said, with sales expected to experience a 5 5

percent growth in sales this year

The men see trends in pasta sauces, private label brands, pickled products, decreased interest in alcohol sales (especially, Choi said, if cancer warnings must be placed on alcoholic beverages) functional ingredients and global flavors

Regarding CPG, these trends are shaping 2025 with challenger brands and ingredient transparency on the rise, along with global flavors Wellness brands are focused on GLP-1 (semaglutide and other weight-reduction

medications), functional ingredients and non-alcoholic beverages

Consumers also are demanding authenticity in their products

In retail, the men see growth in private label products, international retailers gaining ground and a rising demand for ready-toeat, low-prep meals

Foodser vice is experiencing a rise in global flavors, focus on a $10 to $15 price point, more lim-

Continued on PAGE 16

A new study published in the Journal of Food Science, funded by the National Honey Board, found that choosing honey instead of table sugar can help reduce added sugar intake and decrease calories, while achieving the same sweetness

The findings demonstrate that 0 6 tablespoons of honey provides the same sweetness intensity for 10 fewer kcal compared to 1 tablespoon of table sugar

This is due to honey’s aromas, which play a role in perceived sweetness intensity

In this first study to quantify honey’s sweetness, four honey floral varietals (clover, wildflower, alfalfa and orange blossom) were measured for sweetness intensity using a standard sensory testing method Results revealed that when added to water, honey is 1 7 times sweeter than table sugar on an equal volume basis

For consumers, this means that the same sweetness as table sugar can be achieved with approximately 40 percent less honey, translating to about 21 percent fewer calories for the

Acclaimed Chef Conant to Launch Tomato Sauce Line

BY A.J. FLICK

What do tomato sauce and deli sandwiches have in common? If you answered Scott Conant, you ’ re correct Chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Conant broke news at the Winter Fancy Food Show, announcing he will launch his own tomato sauce, Martone Street, at Sprouts Farmers Market in a few months Two years in the making, the sauce –named after the street his grandfather settled in after emigrating from Italy – is Conant’s first

CPG

To Conant, Martone Street evokes family dinners, crafted by his grandmother, mother and aunts, and ever yone sitting around the table to eat Martone Street sauce features 100 percent fresh tomatoes, which Conant assures will set it apart from other sauces

“I do feel like that Old World hospitality resonates with people and gives a sense of place, family and connectivity,” he said Conant’s Martone Street Sauce joins a thriving tomato sauce

market that Verified Market Research predicts will grow to $28 21 billion by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate of 3 5 percent The market is being driven not only by rising consumer demand for ready-to-eat and convenience culinar y options, but high demand by health-conscious consumers for organic and preser vative-free tomato sauces As Conant browsed the rows of 1,063 exhibitors and 30 pavilions at the Winter Fancy Food Show at Las Vegas Convention Center,

he took stock of the vast array of products

“I don’t see a lot of new ingredients,” Conant said, “but it’s the way that ingredients are being put together That’s what is exciting to me, seeing new flavor profiles

“

FROM THE EDITOR

This issue’s new products column brought some happy memories to mind Each time I scour around for new products to feature, there’s always a bunch of stuff that I want to try or have tried and liked, but this column was special for personal reasons Isn’t food like that? Certain tastes and smells bring back good (maybe sometimes bad, but let’s focus on the good) memories

My friends and family have put up with my love of frozen Thin Mints for years

To catch you up, I’ll stock up on Thin Mints when they’re being sold (I spread the love and source them from several Girl Scouts) and then stash most of them in my freezer, for when they aren’t being sold At first, it was a way of keeping them as fresh as I could for the longest I could, but I realized that, wow, they’re sure good when they’re frozen I try to go as long as I can with them, seeing how far in the year I can go before I eat the last ones This past Thin Mint season, I ate the last of them in November

But I have another confession to make: my love for frozen cookies didn’t start with Thin Mints It all began with Mother’s Circus

Animals frosted cookies and moving with my family to the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona Desert heat and frosted cookies can lead to a bag of frosted cookie glob But, if you put them in the freezer ahhhh However, my parents would tolerate only so many bags of cookies in their freezer and it wasn’t practical to freeze them in my dormitory at the University of Arizona Eating frozen Mother’s Circus Animals became something I could do summers between college semesters in an apartment, though Straight out of college, I was hired at a newspaper in West Texas My sister helped me move We packed everything I owned in the bed of my 1976 Datsun pickup (those were the days!) and we drove across New Mexico to set me up in my first solo home When we were done unloading, we drove the emptied pickup to the nearest

convenience store to get some cold beer – only to find that package liquor sales weren’t allowed in the city, but could be bought across the city limits in the county Well, it wasn’t too long a drive She also went with me to the grocery store to stock my kitchen, which is where we discovered that Mother’s Cookies – none of them –were sold in that city! How would I survive? My sister, God bless her, had the solution: She sent regular care packages with bags of Mother’s Circus Animals to tide me over until I was back in civilization Every time I think of Mother’s Cookies, I think of her

Another special memory came from reading about Hershey’s seasonal offerings, including Cadbury Eggs Now, I’m not a big Cadbury Eggs fan They’re OK I’d rather have something else, though However, I once was engaged to a man who loved, loved, LOVED them He’d eat a store shelf of them if he could He was sad when the season was over and they were no longer on the shelves But I had a plan Unbeknownst to him, I’d stash a cache of Cadbury Eggs in – you guessed it – my freezer Then, much to his surprise (the first time, at least) when he reached into his Christmas stocking, he found a bunch of his much beloved (and by then, thawed) Cadbury Eggs Even when it came to the point of him expecting Cadbury Eggs at Christmas, it was always a joyous time for us

As a non-candy coda, we also have new product news about Chicken of the Sea teaming with Old Bay seasoning I’m surprised so many people don’t know about Old Bay, but then again, I was born in Maryland, where it’s the BEST seasoning for crab I didn’t realize until I was grown that the flavor that I missed in so many foods was Old Bay I use it on a lot of things – yes, seafood, but also poultry and pork and even potato salad I never thought to season tuna with it But I will Until next time, stay safe and take care GN

— AJ Flick, Senior Editor aj f@oser com

Fresno Fair San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil

Competition Applications Being Sought

Entries are being accepted for the 10th annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition Extra virgin olive oil and flavored olive oil entries from commercial producers in the state of California are eligible; olive oil must be made from producers’ most recent olive harvest Deadline for entries is March 28

“This year marks a decade of celebrating California’s incredible olive oil producers through this competition and we couldn’t be more excited to continue shining a spotlight on their craftsmanship,” said Christina Estrada, CEO of The Big Fresno Fair “It’s especially meaningful to honor our local producers with the Best of the Valley categor y, showcasing the exceptional quality of olive oils from right here in our region ”

P

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flavored Olive Oil Competition categories in the Extra Vi rg

n O

O

blends (arbequina, arbosana, etc ), Spanish singles, Italian blends (ascolano, etc );

barouni, etc ) and other singles Competition categories in the Flavored Olive Oil

truffle, etc )

Awards will be given out for gold and silver medals in each category, as well as one overall Best of Show in both the Extra Virgin Olive Oil category, Flavored Oil categor y and the Best of the Valley award Judging will be evaluated and scored as follows:

• Gold Medal: Awarded to an olive oil that demonstrates its type and/or varietal character, balance, structure and complexities to the highest standards Gold medals will be awarded to those oils receiving scores between 86 to 100 points

• Silver Medal: Awarded to an olive oil reflecting the correct distribution of balance and character of its type or variety; an oil deemed to be well crafted and of excellent quality Silver medals will be awarded to those oils receiving scores between 76 to 85 99 points

• Best of Show: Awarded to an olive oil

recognized to possess special characteristics of the highest quality overall All Gold medal winners are eligible to compete for Best of Show in their division

• Best of the Valley: Awarded to the oil that scored the highest with the ranch or office located in the San Joaquin Valley Medals will be awarded for both EVOO and flavored oils (Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties eligible)

Producers may submit multiple entries under one category but may not submit a particular entry to more than one category All entries must be available for commercial sale at the time of entr y Entries are due by March 28 Winners will be announced on May 1 by 5 p

i n g o l i v e o i l , i t s h e a l t h b e n e f i t s a n d m o re

Each submission must include an entry form, at least two 250 ml bottles of the olive oil with retail labels attached and a $60 non-refundable fee per entr y Each entr y must also contain a third-party chemical analysis in order to verify extra virgin status

Entries can be dropped off at The Big Fresno Fair Administration Office or can be shipped to SJVOOC – The Big Fresno Fair, 1121 S Chance Ave Fresno, CA 93702 no later than 4:30 p m on March 28 Any entry delivered by mail, freight or express must be prepaid The Administration Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a m to 4:30 p m for drop offs

i l l b e s e t u p s o t h a t f a i rg o -

e r s c a n l e a r n m o re a b o u t t h e a r t o f m a k -

Poppy Refreshes Brand, Celebrates 10th Year

Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn, an all-nat-

Poppy’s 10th year

The new packaging is slated to launch to all-natural and gourmet grocer y customers during the second quarter of 2024

In January, the three new flavors – Mexican Street Corn, Mediterranean Herb and Caribbean Jerk – became available online

“As we continue to grow in home & gift as well as gourmet food & natural grocery, we want all our packaging to be beautifully cohesive,” said founder and CEO Ginger Frank “That way, whether our wholesale customers carr y just a few flavors or the complete line, it will always look gorgeous

“Because we want to do this right, the

full transition to new packaging will take place over Q1 and Q2 We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary all year long, though, so the transition comes at the perfect time!”

Frank worked with the team at Made Outside in Charlotte, N C , to visually communicate the journey of Poppy on the new packaging and the brand’s new website

“The visual elements on the new packaging are all about what makes Poppy tick,” said Frank “The corn represents the farms we work with, the hearts represent the love we have for our community and the love that goes into making our popcorn The sun and clouds remind us that both the sunny days and the cloudy days help us grow and the smiley faces represent the fun of sharing your favorite popcorn with your favorite friends ”

Poppy is also celebrating 10 years with a trio of new flavors inspired by the team’s enjoyment of good food from around the world Each SKU is naturally gluten-free with a MSRP of $6 95:

• Mexican Street Corn: Creamy, cheesy popcorn made with warm flavors of chipotle, cumin, ancho chili, and tangy lime

• Mediterranean Herb: Cheesy popcorn with oregano, a dash of garlic, lemon, basil, and thyme

• Caribbean Jerk: Traditional jerk seasoned popcorn made with a touch of citrus, brown sugar, and crispy plantain chips (vegan)

“We developed the three new flavors after a trip to Italy with my kids,” said Frank “Snack flavors around the world are so incredibly varied and interesting –Prawn Cocktail potato chips, for example!

I’m always striving to expand Poppy’s flavor palette

“The team and I started with 10 international flavor ideas The whole Poppy team taste-tested them and voted, and these three came out on top We can’t wait to share the new flavors – I know people will love them ”

In addition to introducing three flavors, Poppy is bringing back three flavors that have been customer favorites Dill Pickle, Chai Latte (formerly Chai Masala) and Southern Pecan Pie will now be yearround flavors in honor of the 10th anniversary

Ever y batch of Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn is crafted in Western North Carolina and made with all-natural ingredients, including the brand’s fresh, non-GMO popcorn GN

TreeHouse Honors ProAmpac for ESG Excellence

ProAmpac was recognized with TreeHouse Foods’ prestigious 2024 Supplier Value Award for outstanding contributions to Environmental, Sustainability and Governance This award highlights ProAmpac’s environmental stewardship, innovation and service excellence across TreeHouse’s operations and supply chain

“ProAmpac has been an exceptional partner in advancing our ESG initiatives,” said Jim O’Rourke, chief procurement of-

ficer, TreeHouse Foods “Their innovative approach to sustainable packaging, coupled with their commitment to collaboration and ser vice excellence, has been instrumental in helping us meet our environmental goals and deliver value to our customers ” ProAmpac’s contributions include: dev

better for the environment and that align

with its ESG goals, delivering consistent year-over-year enhancements in efficiency

opportunities for both companies, maintaining focus on ser vice metrics and ensuring robust communication to address

and elimi-

Whole Foods Market Accepting Applications For Local & Emerging Accelerator Program

Whole Foods Market opened the application process for its 2025 Local and Emerging Accelerator program, emphasizing the brand’s dedication and passion for supporting innovative, local and emerging brands Launched in 2022, the initiative fosters mentorship for cohort members with Whole Foods Market experts, provides tailored educational opportunities and gives participants the potential for direct financial support

The products from LEAP cohort members are also considered for shelf placement at select Whole Foods Market stores, upon completing the six-month program

“Whole Foods Market is seeking 10 passionate and creative founders of innovative brands to join our fourth LEAP Early Growth cohort,” said Alyssa Vescio, senior vice president of center store, sourcing and product development “Encouraging emerging brands and giving them the necessary tools to reach success through this program creates a dynamic platform for innovation and enriches the shopping experience for customers who are just as passionate about taste and discovery as we are ”

Selected participants for the Early Growth cohort will undergo a 12-week educational curriculum Once complete, participants will be considered for placement

on the grocer’s shelves in their home city or area

They will also be eligible to be considered for a $25,000 equity investment from a donor-advised fund managed by the Austin Community Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the Whole Foods Market Foundation

In 2023, Whole Foods Market introduced a second LEAP cohort, “On the Verge,” to deepen opportunities and foster growth with local and emerging suppliers currently carried in select Whole Foods Market stores These brands demonstrate serious growth potential, keep trends top of mind and align with Whole Foods Market’s values and priorities

On the Verge participants have officially been selected for 2025 after being nominated by Whole Foods Market Merchants and Foragers Selected suppliers include Bon AppéSweet, Chuza, FOND Bone Broth, Mimi Cheng’s, NUFS, Pricklee Cactus Water, Tamalitoz by Sugar Rox, TruJoy Yogurt, Umaro Foods and Ziba Foods

“Our 2025 On the Verge cohort participants have truly impressed the Whole Foods Market team with their dedication and vision, and we ’ re thrilled to help them explore the next phase of their brand growth,” said Kelly Landrieu, principal planner for local & emerging brands

“Mentoring these brands is one of the most exciting and personal ways we can be hands-on with emerging producers, and we can’t wait to see what their success looks like in the future ”

Sibeiho, co-founded by Holly Ong and Pat Lau in Portland, Ore , crafts traditional Singaporean Sambal chili sauces from family recipes In November, Sibeiho launched in Whole Foods Market stores in Oregon and Washington after completing the 2024 Early Growth cohort

"Going through LEAP is like having the ultimate cheerleading squad, full of seasoned professionals rooting for you and sharing their hard-earned wisdom,” Ong said “They’ve witnessed the highs and lows of this industr y and know what it takes to succeed

“Their guidance helps you navigate the entrepreneurial journey with greater confidence If you ’ re willing to ask questions and really listen to the answers, you’ll gain tools to tackle challenges and grow your business more effectively ”

Evergreen, founded by Emily Groden in Chicago, makes frozen waffles with added nutrition Evergreen initially launched at Whole Foods Market stores in Illinois in March 2020 In Januar y, Evergreen launched nationally at Whole Foods Market stores after completing the 2024 On

the Verge cohort

“The LEAP program has been one of the most formative experiences of my Evergreen journey,” Groden said “I would recommend it to every brand that is interested in doing business with Whole Foods Market

“The LEAP team works tirelessly to design a curriculum that delivers the maximum benefit to emerging brands, and it really shows From candid conversations with Whole Foods Market leadership, to introductions to best-in-the-biz ser vice providers, to tips and tricks from more established suppliers, I spent every session scribbling down invaluable insights that I've referenced time and time again since our graduation,” she said

“Despite all the lessons learned, my favorite part of the program was getting to know the people behind Whole Foods Market The Whole Foods Market team is so smart, so passionate, and most importantly, incredibly kind My number one takeaway from the LEAP Program is that ever yone at Whole Foods Market – no matter their department – is dedicated to helping emerging brands succeed ”

Interested brands can visit the Information for Potential Suppliers page on Whole Foods Market’s website for more information on LEAP and the application link GN

Nasoya Launches ‘Power of 9’ Protein Campaign

Protein is essential, yet women often struggle to get enough quality protein One obstacle that’s easy to overcome is misinformation To help, Nasoya by Pulmuone, the country's #1 brand of tofu, is launching its “Power of 9” campaign that's equal parts education and inspiration

Central to education is the emphasis on “9” – referring to the nine essential amino acids that make up any complete protein

In addition to supporting lean muscle mass and muscle function, protein supports immune and metabolic functions, and also aids satiety and healthy blood sugar responses All animal proteins are complete proteins, but there are also plantbased foods that are complete

Tofu, one of the cleanest sources of plant-based protein, features all nine essential amino acids and is a perfect, complete protein that can support women ’ s protein needs at every stage of life

Nasoya has teamed up with board-certified sports dietitian Kelly Jones as the campaign’s nutrition adviser

Working with athletes of all levels, Jones helps women stay at the top of their game through proper nutrition and counters the narrative that protein can’t come from plants

To add inspiration, the brand is also celebrating stories of powerful women that are proving you can be at peak physical performance while adhering to a plant-

based diet Today, there are examples everywhere of women breaking barriers in sport – many of them are plant-based – including Aaliyah Edwards, plant-based since age 7, who just completed her rookie year in the WNBA with the Washington Mystics

“Tofu is an accessible, high-quality protein source that is often underestimated,” said Ellen Kim, director of marketing communications & consumer insights at Pulmuone, parent company of Nasoya “We think any diet a woman chooses is great – whether she wants to be exclusively plant-based, flexitarian or omnivore, but she deser ves the power of choice and that can only come when she is fully informed

“This campaign is about giving people the information they need to make the best choices for themselves ”

is a shocking amount of confusion about how to get adequate levels of protein and a lot of outdated bias against plant-based diets Tofu is not only an excellent source of high-quality protein, but is also rich in key nutrients like calcium, iron and magnesium

“It’s a versatile staple ingredient that can

making at a very young age was wanting to become an elite athlete and the second was to become a vegetarian I’ve been enjoying a plant-based diet since I was 7 years old, and honestly, it’s been one of the best choices I’ve ever made,” Edwards said “As an athlete, people often ask if it’s hard to stick with it, and my answer is always the same: Nope!

Once relegated to the sidelines, Nasoya believes it’s time for tofu to make the starting lineup

Nasoya’s “Power of 9” website serves as a resource for all things tofu, providing women with the tools they need to make informed choices about how they’re fueling their bodies

The site features FAQs and advice from Jones

“In my line of work,” Jones said, “there

add protein power to any meal and serves those following plant-based and omnivorous eating patterns, alike ”

The site also spotlights rising basketball star Edwards, who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level, and her favorite tofu recipe As a plant-based athlete who is dedicated to her sport, Edwards prioritizes her nutrition and focuses on protein to ensure she’s able to recover and perform to the best of her ability

“One of the first decisions I remember

“The variety, flavors and nutrition are endless That’s why I'm so excited to partner with Nasoya and share how easy it can be to fuel your body with tasty, nutritious options So, what are you waiting for? Get your tofu on!”

The “Power of 9” campaign website also features high-protein plant-based recipe ideas and information on how to pick the tofu that’s right for each one With options ranging from Super Firm Tofu to Silken Tofu, Nasoya’s tofu can be incorporated into a variety of dishes including smoothies, salads, soups, desserts, bowls and more

Nasoya is also inviting consumers to join the “Power of 9” movement with a sweepstakes, offering a chance to win tofu product coupons, Instacart gift cards, Nasoya swag or a grand prize one-year gym membership GN

Whipshots Shatters Sales Expectations, Expands Nationwide

Starco Brands announced the significant expansion and success of its flagship product, Whipshots This vodka-infused whipped cream, co-founded by global artist Cardi B, has captivated consumer palates and significantly exceeded sales and distribution expectations

“The incredible success of Whipshots reflects our commitment to innovation and understanding of consumer desires,” said Ross Sklar, CEO of Starco Brands “These achievements are not just numbers; they represent the trust and enthusiasm of our consumers nationwide

“As we continue to expand and innovate, we are excited for what the future holds for Whipshots and Starco Brands ”

Since its retail launch in February 2022, Whipshots has consistently exceeded sales expectations, selling, on average, over a quarter of a million cans monthly Remarkably, it has surpassed four million cans sold in less than two years of retail availability

This sustained popularity is a testament to its nationwide appeal As of 2023, Whipshots has expanded its distribution and velocity, now available online and in 39 states plus the District of Columbia Key retailers include ABC Fine Wine &

Spirits, Albertsons, Binny’s Beverage Depot, BevMo, Lee’s Discount Liquor, Liquor Barn, Fr y ’ s, Jewel-Osco, Meijer, Pavilions, Ralphs, Safeway, Spec’s, Total Wine & More, Vons, and select Kroger and Walmart locations

Notably, December 2023 marked the highest distribution month in Whipshots’ history In 2023, Whipshots achieved more than 58,000 points of distribution, marking a 125 percent increase compared to 2022

Shipments in 2023 surpassed a staggering 230,000 cases, nearly 100,000 over the previous year This represents a 73 percent increase, underscoring the brand’s soaring popularity and market demand

Initially, Whipshots introduced three flavors: Vanilla, Mocha and Caramel Following their success, Starco Brands introduced limited time seasonal flavors: Peppermint, Lime and Pumpkin Spice in November 2022, May 2023 and August 2023, respectively

Each new release boosted sales of the seasonal flavors and significantly lifted the core Whipshots flavors With its robust R&D capabilities, Starco Brands plans to expand Whipshots’ “Limited Time” flavors and enhance its core flavor offerings

In June 2023, Whipshots announced a significant partnership with AMC Theatre, the nation’s largest movie theatre chain This collaboration included distribution in AMC Theatre bars and brand spots during movie previews

Furthermore, in November 2023, Whip-

shots launched a holiday marketing campaign with Patti’s Good Life, featuring Grammy-winning artists Cardi B and Patti LaBelle Combining legendar y desserts with boozy whipped cream, this campaign garnered over 2 billion earned media impressions within the first four days GN

Tovala Casts Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson

To Highlight Making Meals Easier

Tovala, a meal delivery service known for its chef-crafted meals and revolutionar y smart oven, is teaming with Emmy-nominated actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson Together,

they’re on a mission to ditch the dinner drama and make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for busy people and food lovers alike

This partnership, showcased in an omnichannel ad campaign, highlights Tovala’s commitment to simplifying mealtime and lessening the daily burden of getting dinner on the table, all while celebrating the joy of great food –without the work Ferguson, a real-life Tovala customer, brings his passion and relatability to this mission, showing people everywhere that you don’t need to spend hours to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal

“At Tovala, we ’ re revolutionizing convenience without ever compromising on quality,” said Tovala CEO and co-founder David Rabie “Jesse brings this to life with his incredible humor and authenticity, perfectly reflecting our mission

“He balances a thriving career and family life while still enjoying fresh, flavorful meals – a true embodiment of what we stand for Together, we ’ re showing the world that home cooking can be effortless, delicious and within

reach, even on the busiest days ”

“I chose to partner with Tovala because their food is amazing, and they truly make my life easier,” Ferguson said “With my busy schedule, I need convenient options for my family, but I love a fresh cooked meal Tovala helps me manage the chaos by keeping us all happy and fed We get to enjoy fresh, home-cooked meals without any of the work ”

At the heart of this partnership is Tovala’s meal deliver y ser vice, which combines fresh, chef-prepared meals with smart oven technology Meals come chopped, prepped and ready to transform into hot, flavorful dishes – all with the simple scan of a QR code

In just 25 minutes or less, the Tovala Smart Oven handles the cooking, delivering restaurant-quality flavors while saving valuable time in the kitchen Perfect for busy people juggling demanding schedules or foodies seeking high-quality, exciting meals, Tovala makes gourmet dining effortless and stress-free

Tovala is available throughout the continental United States and can be purchased online at tovala com GN

Divert Opens California Facility in Turlock, Kicking Off Expansion Across Countr y

Divert, Inc , a sustainable solutions com-

p a n y c o m m i t t e d t o s o

d food crisis and advancing a circular econ-

o m y, o

& Energy Facility in Turlock, Calif , the firsto

The new facility marks a significant miles

structure solutions to 30 facilities across the United States by 2031 D

economy through an end-to-end solution t

food recover

to provide

u c t s i n t o c a r b o n - n e g a t i v e re n e w a b l e e n -

e rg y t

5 , 0 0 0 g a s - p

w e re d c a r s o ff t h e ro a d , t h e

f a c i l i t y w i l l b r i n g C a l i f o r n i a c l o s e r t o re a c h i n g

g o a l s b y 2 0 4 5

“The opening of our Turlock facility is a landmark moment for Divert in accelerating our progress against the wasted food

c r i s i s a n d a d d re s s i n g c l i m a t e c h a n g e t o benefit both people and our planet,” said Ryan Begin, CEO and co-founder “For 17 years, Divert has been at the forefront of driving a positive impact against this soc

h a n d - i n - h a n d w i t h o u r c u s t o m e r s a n d partners

“Our new Turlock facility is an important milestone as we continue to lead the industry and we are well positioned as we rapidly scale our solutions nationwide to serve more businesses and consumers ”

The facility leverages Divert’s proprietary depackaging solution and anaerobic digestion to process 100,000 tons of un-

sold food products each year into two beneficial byproducts: renewable energy and a soil amendment that allows for the nutrients to return to farmland, supporting further food growth In doing so, Divert prevents these unsold food products from reaching the landfill, thereby eliminating harmful methane emissions that contribute to climate change

In a first-of-its-kind interconnection for Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California, the processed renewable natural gas is being injected into PG&E’s natural gas transmission line

Nearly 225,000 MMBtu of renewable natural gas will be delivered into PG&E’s system annually

“PG&E remains committed to achieving a clean, decarbonized net-zero energy system by 2040, and the opportunity to collaborate with innovators and changemakers like Divert is essential to achieving this goal,” said Austin Hastings, vice president, PG&E Gas Engineering

reducing waste, supporting local food banks, and providing more opportunities to help our neighbors in need access fresh, nutritious food ”

In addition to retailers, the facility will

and food recovery targets, we will cut three million cars ’ worth of climate pollution each year and move our state closer to the waste-free future that our children deserve ”

“We are excited to work with Divert to increase the volume of clean, California-produced, renewable natural gas flowing through PG&E’s pipeline system ”

Divert works with some of the largest food retailers in the United States, including Ahold Delhaize, CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, Target and others, to prevent wasted food and facilitate edible food recovery to feed people in need

“We’re proud to partner with Divert in our efforts to prevent food waste and increase food recover y in our stores,” said Karl Schroeder, division president of Safeway Northern California “Our partnership allows us to better serve our customers by

also help California food manufacturers, distributors, food ser vice operators, and other industrial companies comply with organic waste requirements in accordance with the state’s Senate Bill 1383 regarding organic waste reduction This legislation requires large waste generators to redirect food waste from landfills through waste prevention or donations and encourages the use of anaerobic digestion to create renewable energy

“Keeping food scraps and other organic material from creating methane in landfills is critical to California’s climate fight,” said Zoe Heller, director, CalRecycle “When California reaches its organics recycling

“The City of Turlock is proud to celebrate the opening of Divert’s new facility, which is already delivering on the promise to create new jobs and drive economic growth for our community,” said Amy Bublak, mayor of Turlock “Our city has been a longtime supporter of Divert and this project, which builds on Turlock’s existing agricultural and manufacturing strengths, solidifies our appeal as a place where you can live, work and raise your family The future is bright for Divert in Turlock, and we look forward to continuing to work together to support the company ’ s progress against the wasted food crisis in California ” GN

Utz Brands Opens Rice Distribution Center

Logistics Facility

Utz Brands, Inc has opened the Rice Distribution Center – a new, state-of-the-art logistics center located in Hanover, Pa The logistics center is named in honor of

Michael W Rice, the grandson of Bill and Salie Utz, who recently retired after over 50 years of service with Utz

The 650,000 square foot center will serve as the primary logistics hub for inventor y storage, consolidation and distribution for Utz facilities located across the United States The center boasts 73 dock doors and 375 trailer parking spots and will utilize advanced warehouse management system functionality

To put the size of this building into context, it could house approximately 11 football fields, 9 Boeing

747s and 46 8 million Utz Cheese Ball

“barrels” inside its four walls Additionally, the company estimates that this facility will touch 2 3 million pallets of product and 1 1 billion pounds of product per year, which amounts to an estimated 18 billion snack food servings

Conewago Enterprises, Inc , a familyowned design-build general contractor ser ving the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, with headquarters only 2 miles from the new center, was the building partner on the new warehouse facility

“It’s been an honor to be part of the Utz journey over the last 50-plus years, ” said Michael W Rice “This new logistics center represents the company ’ s historic values of reinvestment, growth, hard work, and put-

ting our customers first

“I’m proud of what we ’ ve accomplished together, and I know this facility will help drive even greater success in the future ”

“Our new logistics center reflects our commitment to operational excellence and growth,” said Howard Friedman, CEO of Utz Brands, Inc “The facility expands capacity, enhances efficiency, and streamlines operations for our customers and we are proud to honor Mike Rice’s extraordinary legacy through it “

Sodexo to Launch 100 Food Hive Campus Conveniences Stores in USA by 2026

Sodexo plans to open nearly 100 Food Hive markets at colleges nationwide by 2026 Sodexo’s goal of opening approximately 30 locations during the 2024-2025 academic year is under way Food Hive is Sodexo’s lightning-fast and cashless payment convenience experience with a community focus, supporting local partners and minority- and women-owned businesses by featuring their products and other healthy options for students

“We know that Gen Z prefers shopping experiences that support their community while getting what they want as fast as possible with frictionless checkout,” said Sodexo Campus Head of Marketing Drew Nannis “Food Hive delivers just that, fueling stronger campus communities and providing the convenience today’s students need ”

in-house research initiative and student insights community, Gen Z students prioritize convenience options that provide meaningful variety (57 percent) and

sive communities; shopping small is one way to cultivate inclusivity

“I’m delighted to announce the upcoming Food Hive concept at NAU,” said Rose

According to Sodexo’s Quad Squad, an

healthy options (47 percent) Beyond that, today’s students continue to place a high value on frictionless payment and demand shopping experiences that support inclu-

Wilson, district manager, Sodexo at Northern Arizona University “This innovative cstore will not only provide our students with a diverse selection of hot and cold

food options but also meet their personal and grocery needs

“The modern flow of the store, including self-checkout, will enhance efficiency and convenience for everyone I can't wait for our students to experience this fantastic one-stop-shop addition to our campus when we open in the spring of 2025 ”

Sodexo Campus goes beyond ordinar y campus dining and facilities management, meeting and exceeding students’ expectations and delivering innovative solutions that enhance dining programs and benefit

Sodexo’s partners From deploying fleets of food delivery robots to fueling student athletes, Sodexo Campus is an award-winning partner to approximately 425 institutions across the United States

Sodexo North America is a division of Sodexo Group, a global Fortune 500 company operating in 45 countries and a leading provider of sustainable food and integrated facilities management in all 50 U S states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam Across the U S , the company employs over 100,000 people and indirectly supports tens of thousands of additional jobs by annually purchasing goods and services from a wide range of small to large businesses GN

Sodexo Study Offers Perceptions, Intentions Behaviors Into Sustainable Food Practices

In response to the escalating need for sustainable practices in the food industr y, Sodexo has introduced the inaugural edition of the International Sustainable Food Barometer, developed in collaboration with Harris Interactive

This exclusive study distinguishes itself through elevating the voices of respondents from diverse geographies and cultures, which offers insights into their perceptions, intentions and behaviors related to sustainable food practices, which includes consuming sustainable products, reducing food waste, avoiding plastic packaging and buying local products, as examples

Conducted in 2023 among more than 5,000 people in Brazil, France, the United Kingdom and the United States, this international barometer identifies and distinguishes the disparities between people’s representations of sustainable food and their corresponding behaviors The actionoriented study aims to identify obstacles in and levers to induce changes in eating habits and accelerate the shift toward more sustainable diets

Reported attitudes and perceptions of sustainable eating by over 1,700 U S citizens who participated in the 2023 study showed geographic and demographic-specific attitudes and levers that can help motivate our countr y toward a more

sustainable way of eating Most Americans describe the need for a more sustainable way for eating as urgent (72 percent), and most also had a positive perception of sustainable food (66 percent)

“

leader in delivering sustainable food and v

life as we learn and play, work and heal,” s a i d S

& C E O , Sodexo North America “To better under-

s

food, we launched the first international sustainable food barometer to gather ins

concrete reasons associated with an indi-

largely positive view of sustainable food, but there is opportunity to motivate more people in our countr y to overcome barriers to adopting a sustainable diet These data points fuel our commitment to provide our consumers with healthy and enj o y a b l e f o o d t h a

tomorrow

Almost three quarters (72 percent) of Americans expressed an urgent need to adopt sustainable eating, yet still less than other countries surveyed

The perception around sustainable food varied greatly across U S regions More West Coast/Pacific respondents (75 per-

cent) had a positive perception of sustainable food compared to Midwest respondents (60 percent)

In the United States, 25-34 year olds (74 percent) and higher income earners (71 percent) show the most positive perceptions on sustainable food, while the 60+ age group (58 percent) and lower income earners (62 percent) show less enthusiasm toward sustainable food

Six out of 10 U S citizens say they are already reducing food waste Half declare they buy local produce when they can

One in 2 U S citizens consider adopting sustainable foods as more of a priority than saving money 2 out of 3 respondents say they are willing to pay more to eat more sustainably

There is a gap between aspirations and actual behaviors, according to the study When it comes to buying food, Americans prioritize price first, then taste Environmental impact and local origin are less crucial attributes

In the United States, dair y products, fresh vegetables, meat and bread are consumed most regularly Americans eat more meat, processed foods and oilseeds than people in other countries

Students seek to eat more sustainably at schools/universities (69 percent) Employees seek to eat more sustainably at work or a company café (49 percent)

Americans follow the global trend in the barriers to adopting this type of diet by selecting price as the number one, though there are other barriers in terms of availability and taste

U S citizens are motivated to adopt a more sustainable food diet as global, driven by the beneficial impact on health (46 percent) and the fact that it saves money (35 percent)

“At Sodexo, when we think of creating a better, more sustainable future, we believe in the power of the journey,” said Jessica Synkoski, vice president of sustainability and corporate social responsibility for Sodexo North America “This barometer highlights where on the journey the respondents are so that we can walk with them to motivate changes in their consumer habits ”

Sodexo has identified four priority levers that will enable the reduction of its emissions by 90 percent by 2040 across its entire value chain, from farm to fork These four levers include products (responsible supply chain), eating (providing low carbon menus), energy (kitchen efficiency) and waste (expanding the WasteWatch x Leanpath program and reducing material waste) In the United States, Sodexo works toward these global goals and seeks to promote a sustainable diet wherever possible GN

1800 Tequila Selects de Nieves for Artist Series

1800 Tequila has released the 12th edition of its “Essential Artist Series,” an artist-led limited-edition bottle collaboration program that pushes the boundaries of taste in tequila and in life Founded as a means to showcase art in a non-traditional medium, each year th sential Artist Series p new discussion aro the crucial link between art and culture

This new collection features six orig inal works of art from Mexican multimedia artist Raúl de Nieves and celebrates the many facets of de Nieves’ Mexican heritage and identity

1800 Tequila selected Raúl de Nieves as its hero co-creator for his passionate Mexican identity and the shared championin Mexican culture th respective crafts Th tinuous support of established and emerging Mexican artists finds likeness in de Nieves’ fusion of traditional Mexican craft and storytelling within his artwork

The collection includes six exclusive bottles showcasing original artwork by de Nieves, an extension of his “A window to the see, a spirit star chiming in the wind of wonder ” installation in the Henr y Art

one through a celestial landscape of infinite possibilities, with each design representing a character on a journey of self-discovery

Gallery at the University of Washington

The collection symbolizes the relationship between the earth realm and the ancestral

At the neck of the 1800 Tequila bottle lies the Sagrado Corazón, the heart of hours, days and memories that come with life

“Being Mexican has always been at the forefront of my dentity, so I am incredibly honfor 1800 Tequila, a brand that makes it a priority to spotlight Mexican voices, to have selected me as this year ’ s Essential Artist,” said de Nieves

“Similar to 1800 Tequila, my culture is my craft I am beyond excited to unveil this collaboration to the world and bring Mexican culture to a global stage through this partnership ” 1800 Tequila and de Nieves exclusively previewed the 12th edition of the Essential Artist Series at the contemporary art triennial in New Orleans, Prospect 6 on Día de los Muertos – a Mexican holiday to remember the life of those who have passed on from the physical world As an extension of the partnership, 1800 Tequila was the exclusive

benefactor of the de Nieves “Un Corazón Sagrado” sculpture, on display in New Orleans at the Harmony Circle and the Official Tequila for the Prospect 6 Artist Party and Gala

The 12th iteration of the Essential Artist Series furthers the brand’s ongoing commitment to support emerging and established artists who have impacted culture 1800 Tequila has partnered with renowned artists such as Dustin Yellin, Okuda San Miguel, Shantell Martin, Enoc Perez and the Basquiat and Haring estates for over 10 decades

Through these collaborations, 1800 Tequila provided creators with an alternative canvas – the glass bottle – ultimately creating numerous sought-after collectibles

“As the tequila categor y grows, 1800 Tequila maintains its leadership as the world’s most awarded tequila and a historic Mexican brand that prioritizes taste across both tequila and culture,” said Lander Otegui, senior vice president of marketing at Proximo Spirits

“This decades-long art project has produced accessible art collectibles for our fans, collaborating with some of the world's most culturally relevant artists ”

The 1800 Tequila Essential Artist Series 12 featuring Raúl de Nieves’ bespoke bottle collection is available at 1800Tequila com and in limited quantities in-store nationwide GN

Flavor Curiosity Drives Global Wasabi Market

The global wasabi market size is estimated to grow by $422 2 million from 2025 to 2029, according to Technavio The market is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9 9 percent during the forecast period

The Asian Pacific region is estimated to contribute 44 percent To the growth of the global market The wasabi market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional and countr y levels from 2017 to 2027

In 2024, Japan led the region in wasabi consumption, with China and Australia following closely The APAC market holds significant growth potential due to numerous untapped markets

Factors driving this growth include the increasing disposable income of consumers and economic growth in countries including India and China For instance, China's per capita income rose from $6,641 in 2020 to $12,614 in 2023 This income growth will boost the demand for wasabi during the forecast period

The wasabi sauce segment holds a significant share in the global wasabi market

Wasabi sauce is widely consumed and favored by American consumers for its flavor enhancement without compromising food nutrients The growing curiosity toward diverse international cuisines has led to an increase in wasabi usage globally, potentially fueling market expansion

Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc recently introduced its new creamy textured Wasabi Sauce, adding a spicy kick to various dishes Wasabi sauce elevates the taste of sandwiches, veggies, steaks, burgers, chicken, fish and salad dressings Manufactured in the United States and adhering to Kikkoman’s high-quality standards, this sauce is gaining popularity due to increased social gatherings and dining experiences

Wasabi sauce is commonly paired with raw fish dishes, such as sushi and sashimi, but also complements zaru soba, yakiniku and yakitori These factors collectively contribute to the growth of the global wasabi market during the forecast period

Wasabi, the Japanese horseradish, is gaining increased awareness for its numerous health benefits With rising health consciousness, the consumption of wasabi and its extracts in various food preparations is on the rise Wasabi adds a peppery smell and unique taste to noodles, soups, sushi, sashimi and tempura

boosting immunity Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and digestive properties, wasabi is a must-have in ever y kitchen for a healthy and delicious meal

Wasabi, the fiery condiment known for its pepper y smell and pungent taste, has seen increased awareness and consump-

cyanate, a compound that also improves gut health by boosting digestive enzymes and beneficial gut bacteria

E-commerce businesses and online shopping platforms have made it easier for consumers to access fresh wasabi and its derivatives, including wasabi sauce, powder and packaging in various forms like bottles, tubes, pouches and sachets

The foodservice industry and gastronomy industry have embraced wasabi’s authenticity and cultural significance, using sustainable agricultural practices and technology development, including artificial intelligence, to ensure high-quality ingredients and maintain the plant's unique characteristics

The pharmaceutical industr y also explores wasabi’s potential in treating arthritis and preventing cancers

The key compounds responsible for its pungent flavor are isothiocyanate, specifically allyl isothiocyanate These compounds offer anti-inflammator y and antimicrobial properties

Wasabi extracts have been linked to preventing cancers, treating arthritis and

tion in various food preparations, from noodles and soups to sauces and seasonings The plant, scientifically known as Wasabia japonica, produces wasabi extracts rich in bioactive compounds, particularly isothiocyanates, which offer numerous health benefits

These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, helping prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes Wasabi’s nasal tingling sensation is due to allyl isothio-

Despite the popularity of wasabi, it’s essential to differentiate authentic wasabi from imitation products The rhizome, leaf and petiole of the Japanese horseradish plant are the primary sources of genuine wasabi Cultivation methods play a crucial role in maintaining the plant’s quality and cultural significance The future of wasabi lies in continued research and innovation, ensuring its sustainability and continued role as a staple condiment in Japanese cuisine GN

Crab Market to Grow by $6.07B Through 2029

The global crab market size is estimated to grow by $6 07 billion from 2025 to 2029, according to Technavio The market is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 5 8 percent during the forecast period

Rising awareness about nutritional benefits of crabs is driving market growth, with a trend toward increasing prominence of clean labeling of crabs However, overfishing and decline in certain species of crabs poses a challenge

Crab market trends focus on nutritious seafood options, with a spotlight on the health benefits of crab Body tissue and blood levels show high levels of good cholesterol, sterols and antioxidants Elements including chromium, zinc and selenium are essential for cognitive function and a strong immune system

However, concerns over contaminants like cadmium, mercury and arsenic persist Sustainability is key, with readily digestible protein and lysate in demand

Automated processing equipment ensures tender meat and a delicate flavor

Convenience foods, such as pasta and soups, use crab for added nutrition Processing technologies such as high-pressure processing and canning provide efficient production and long shelf life

Crab sticks, sushi and frozen crab meat cater to quick-service restaurants and salads Crab cakes offer a tasty alternative to red meat

Despite these benefits, it’s crucial to address potential health risks, such as saturated fat and cancer-causing properties in some crab products Overall, the crab market prioritizes quality, labor efficiency, and consumer convenience

The country of origin significantly influences consumer purchasing decisions in the food industry For instance, U S consumers often prefer foods labeled as originating from the United States or Canada due to perceived notions of freshness, taste and food safety

The United States-implemented countryof-origin labeling to keep consumers in-

formed and facilitate better purchasing decisions However, the implementation of COOL incurs additional costs for producers

Consequently, the U S government repealed the COOL regulations for certain regions, including Canada and Mexico, due to allegations of discrimination against their producers

The crab market faces several challenges in ensuring the production of safe and nutritious crab products One major concern is maintaining the quality of crab meat during processing The delicate tissue can be damaged during mechanical de-shelling, affecting the tender meat's texture and flavor

Additionally, the presence of impurities including cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in crab meat is a health concern Blood levels of sterols and cholesterol in crab can impact consumer health

Ensuring good cholesterol levels and minimizing saturated fat is crucial Antioxidants such as selenium and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to better cognitive function and heart health

Sustainability is another challenge

Overfishing and labor concerns are prevalent in the crab industry Automated processing equipment and efficient high-pressure processing technologies can help reduce waste and improve efficiency Food safety is paramount

Crab products must be free from pathogens including spinal meningitis and ulcerative colitis Processing technologies such as canning and freezing can help preserve nutrients and extend shelf life

Crab meat extraction and the use of additives including lysate and chromium can affect the final product’s nutritional value and consumer perception Balancing taste, convenience and health considerations is a constant challenge

Competition from readily digestible alternatives like pasta, soups and convenience foods, as well as red meat and quick-service restaurants, adds to the market’s pressure to innovate and adapt

The Chesapeake Bay in the United States is a significant source of various crab

species, with blue crabs being the most prominent According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the blue crab population has been decreasing due to global warming, causing predators to move to cooler waters

This, in turn, has led to a decline in harvest Strict regulations have been imposed to preserve the crab population and several governments have temporarily banned crab fishing to prevent overfishing and depletion of stocks This situation could negatively affect crab production and trade on a global scale, potentially increasing crab prices in international markets

The foodser vice industr y is the largest consumer of crabs globally, with a steady growth rate forecasted during the upcoming period Crabmeat is a popular seafood option in many restaurants China’s demand for crabs is particularly high

Red Lobster, a leading restaurant chain, offers various crab and lobster dishes Crab dishes are increasingly popular in fast-casual and quick-service restaurants worldwide The expansion of these chains, such as Luke’s Lobster and Captain D’s in the United States, will significantly drive the foodser vice segment’s growth during the forecast period

Crab market insights reveal a growing trend toward the consumption of omega-3 rich seafood, making crabs a popular choice for health-conscious consumers The crab market report indicates a shift in retail trends, with an increasing preference for sustainable seafood practices and convenience

Seafood market research shows that crab market size is expected to grow significantly due to its nutritional benefits and versatility in various cuisines Seafood preservation methods are essential in ensuring the freshness and quality of crab meat

Food technology and automated food processing solutions are being adopted to improve crab meat processing and increase production efficiency Crab meat suppliers are exploring new distribution channels, including online sales and partnerships with restaurants and meal prep services

Seafood tourism is also driving the crab market growth, with many tourists visiting coastal areas to experience the local seafood culture Nutritious meals and easy recipes using crab meat are gaining popularity, making it a convenient and healthy option for busy consumers

The crab market analysis indicates that competition is fierce, with numerous players vying for market share However, opportunities exist for those who prioritize sustainable practices and innovation in crab meat processing and distribution

Crab market offers a rich source of essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various minerals Crab meat is known for its tender texture and delicate flavor, making it a popular choice for various dishes, from seafood pastas and soups to salads and sushi

The nutritional benefits of crab extend beyond taste, as it contains antioxidants, selenium, zinc and other elements that support cognitive function, immune system, and circulatory health However, it’s essential to ensure the sustainability of crab populations and minimize the presence of heavy metals, such as cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, which can have cancer-causing properties and adversely affect the nervous system

Automated processing equipment, such as mechanical de-shelling machines, and advanced technologies, such as high-pressure processing, enable the production of readily digestible crab meat, reducing the need for labor-intensive manual processing

Despite the convenience of canned and frozen crab meat, fresh crab remains a nutritious and delicious option for those seeking a quick meal or a gourmet dining experience However, it’s important to note that crab meat contains saturated fat and cholesterol, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet Additionally, some individuals with conditions such as ulcerative colitis or spinal meningitis may need to avoid crab due to potential allergic reactions or interactions with their medications GN

TruFood, Bar Bakers Unite as Tandem Foods

TruFood Manufacturing and Bar Bakers, LLC have unveiled a unified brand identity: Tandem Foods, a premier contract manufacturer specializing in better-for-you snacks

The milestone builds on the successful Spring 2024 merger of the two companies, marking the evolution of two trusted brands, creating the industry leader in the nutrition bar space The enterprise is unified by its dedication to driving customer growth and innovation in the booming, better-for-you snack market

“We’re thrilled to introduce Tandem Foods, a brand that embodies the power of collaboration and the strength of partnership,” said Michael Buick, CEO of Tandem Foods “This identity underscores our commitment to placing customers at the

center of everything we do – working together to meet evolving consumer needs, innovating with purpose and driving shared growth and success ”

The launch of Tandem Foods integrates the complementary expertise and strengths of TruFood and Bar Bakers under a single, cohesive identity that reinforces its position as a leader in the better-for-you snack space The new tagline, “Powered by Collaboration,” reflects the Company’s deep commitment to emphasizing meaningful partnerships with customers, employees, and communities to deliver trusted quality innovation and unparalleled value

Key features of the Tandem Foods brand include:

• The tandem bicycle: Symbolizing partnership, trust and teamwork, it reflects

the shared effort required to achieve growth and success

• The bicycle chain: Representing the smooth, efficient manufacturing processes that power Tandem Foods’ operations

• A fresh color palette: Featuring Tandem Blueberry and Tandem Almond, colors that evoke natural, high-quality ingredients and a modern, sophisticated identity

• A Redesigned Website: Highlighting Tandem Foods’ enhancing capabilities and offerings, providing customers with a seamless digital experience With eight manufacturing facilities nationwide, Tandem Foods combines enhanced capabilities, a diverse product portfolio, and expanded resources to empower customers to succeed in the better-

for-you snack market

“Tandem Foods reflects the powerful synergy of two companies with deep heritage, combining expertise and resources to deliver exceptional partnership to our valued customers,” said Gary Jacobs, chief commercial officer With our national reach, expanded capacity, and a broader product portfolio, we are better equipped than ever to drive innovation and help our customers stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market ”

While the name is new, Tandem Foods carries for ward the same trusted values, leadership and expertise that have long defined TruFood and Bar Bakers Legacy TruFood and Bar Bakers emails will remain active during the transition, ensuring seamless customer service GN

Americans Trust Frozen and Dair y Aisles

To Help Keep Health Goal Resolutions

Research reveals the frozen and dairy aisles are becoming important destinations for achieving health, budget and convenience goals According to a sur vey commissioned by the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association, 66 percent of Americans say pre-portioned ingredients help them achieve their health goals, while 75 percent cite cost savings as a top reason for choosing the frozen and refrigerated aisles – signaling a continued shift in shopping and eating habits

“New Year’s resolutions can be tough to maintain, especially when juggling busy schedules and tight budgets,” said Tricia Greyshock, president & CEO of NFRA “This sur vey highlights the ways frozen and dair y items can offer practical, delicious snacking and meal options that make it easier to eat healthfully, save money, and deliver meals on the table effi-

ciently ”

Parents are emerging as sophisticated category shoppers, with 77 percent using pre-portioned ingredients to meet family health goals The research reveals clear strategic planning:

• 52 percent use January to reorganize their freezer and refrigerator spaces for the year ahead

• 50 percent have switched to yogurt from traditional snacks for healthier choices

• 75 percent rely on frozen options to streamline busy morning routines

• 78 percent leverage bulk buying for budget management while reducing waste

Beyond simple convenience, younger consumers (Gen Z and millennials) are revolutionizing how these aisles are used:

• 86 percent turn to frozen foods to explore global flavors and expand their culi-

nary horizons

• 88 percent prioritize meals that can be prepared in 45 minutes or less

• Year-over-year data shows sustained growth in frozen food purchases among Gen Z and millennials, up from 2023 levels

The research demonstrates how health goals and budget consciousness are increasingly linked:

• 66 percent of Americans rely on preportioned ingredients to support health goals

• 67 percent cite bulk buying as key to managing budgets while reducing food waste

• Most popular, budget-friendly essentials:

◦ Milk (52 percent)

◦ Cheese (51 percent)

◦ Yogurt (48 percent, with notably

higher adoption among parents at 55 percent)

Time optimization remains crucial, with consumers seeking solutions that fit their busy lives:

• 58 percent prioritize healthful eating as part of their “New Year, New You” goals

• 42 percent of parents specifically seek time-saving snack or meal options for school morning routines

• 49 percent have increased frozen food purchases due to rising costs, showing practical adaptation to economic pressures

The findings are part of NFRA’s ReDiscover Dair y & Frozen campaign, which encourages consumers to revisit the frozen and refrigerated aisles to rediscover familiar favorites, explore new innovations and find exciting ways to make meal prep easier and more enjoyable GN

Epson, Kitchen Armor to Enhance TrueOrder KDS

Epson is partnering with Kitchen Armor to bring Curbit capabilities, the industry’s first AI-powered kitchen capacity management solution for restaurants, and new hardware options to TrueOrder Kitchen Display System, aiming to further optimize kitchen performance and order status communication via SMS

Through this partnership, Epson and Kitchen Armor are providing state-of-theart, easy-to-implement kitchen technology to mid-sized chains and single location operators, allowing them to compete with larger corporate competitors on take-out efficiency, order accuracy and guest communication

TrueOrder KDS with Kitchen Armor is an affordable, easy to set up and easy-toinstall kitchen display system for restaurants, enhancing productivity from food prep to order fulfillment Kitchen Armor manufactures and produces stainless steel touch solutions, along with custom mounting options that feature Power Over Ethernet capabilities that greatly simplify hardware installation and offer the most effective kitchen consulting services recognized throughout the industry

Kitchen Armor is the official reseller of Curbit’s services, and the partnership between Epson and Kitchen Armor will provide Curbit capabilities within TrueOrder

KDS Curbit helps restaurants manage their take-out orders intelligently by leveraging real-time kitchen data and AI to determine the optimal time to start digital orders and providing real-time order progress to guests and delivery drivers via SMS

Through this partnership, Curbit capabilities, including real-time order SMS progress updates and detailed speed of ser vice reporting data, will be available within TrueOrder KDS

“Kitchen Armor’s mission is to provide restaurants with the most advanced, industry-leading kitchen solutions that are costeffective, easy to implement and designed

to exceed customer expectations on day one, ” said Paul Amestoy, co-founder, Kitchen Armor “This partnership will further allow customers to enhance their kitchen production, achieve better order accuracy and enhance customer communication ”

Adding to Epson's existing TrueOrder KDS offerings from Microtouch, Logic Controls and Elo, this partnership will give customers more options for implementing the intuitive and robust TrueOrder KDS software TrueOrder KDS is easy to set up and can be customized to fit a kitchen's workflow with easy-to-use, browser-based configuration utility GN

ReposiTrak, Upshop Enable Grocer y Retail

End-to-End Traceability Solutions

ReposiTrak, the world’s largest food traceability network, and Upshop, the technology leader in store operations for food retail, formed a global partnership to integrate their technology platforms, connecting traceability data from the supply chain to the retail store, creating a true, end-toend traceability solution

The partnership creates a critical connection between suppliers and the retail store that:

• Leverages ReposiTrak’s network of thousands of suppliers and their traceability shipment data, and Upshop’s network of more than 450 retailers and their retail stores

• Enables a comprehensive program for creating and storing complete traceability records that meets the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act Section 204d require-

ments,

• Unlocks margin and growth opportunities in stores by connecting supply chain data with store data to optimize inventory, labor and customer experience management automation

“Traceability requires data from the supply chain and – importantly – confirmation at the retail store that the proper and accurate lot code data from each shipment has been captured when the product is received,” said Mark Hawthorne, chief innovation and strategy officer at Upshop “The missing piece for us has been the supply chain data ReposiTrak is the leader in capturing and managing supply chain data, starting at the suppliers Together, we can deliver a single, comprehensive traceability solution

“Once the data is flowing the benefits

are compounding,” he said “Traceability data can be used to improve food safety, reduce invoice discrepancies, and identify ways to reduce waste and improve efficiencies throughout the store ”

Under FSMA 204, retailers are required by law to track Key Data Elements to the store-level for every shipment containing high-risk food items from the Food Traceability List Major industry retailers have made public commitments to traceability, announcing programs that require more traceability data for all food products on a faster timeline

The efforts of those retailers have activated the industry, motivating others to institute traceability programs now, ahead of the FDA’s enforcement deadline of Jan 20, 2026

“Our partnership combines ReposiTrak’s

strength in traceability data management and connectivity with Upshop’s broad base of retail technology,” said Randy Fields, chairman and CEO of ReposiTrak “Together, our existing platforms make traceability even easier for retailers, and their suppliers It allows the traceability requirements to be achieved without adding steps to the check-in process and without retooling legacy systems ” The partnership between ReposiTrak and Upshop enables true end-to-end traceability, through one comprehensive approach Through this partnership, grocers now have access to fast, easy and inexpensive compliance with FSMA 204 from source-to-store and better visibility to supply chain data that can be used to optimize operations, reduce shrink and waste and increase sales GN

Loacker Invites Celebrity Chef to Celebrate 100 Years

To celebrate 100 years, Loacker – the iconic Italian wafer and confectioner y company – is embarking on a year-long partnership with globally renowned Italian-American celebrity chef and Emmyaward winning TV personality Giada De Laurentiis The new collaboration will bring several surprises to fans throughout the brand’s milestone anniversar y year, honoring the “ pure goodness” that has defined Loacker's wafers and chocolate specialties for a century

changed

“We believe in celebrating all of life’s moments through intentional indulgence, whether that be our 100th anniversary or simply enjoying a delicious treat at home Giada shares our values and has captured the hearts of millions of Americans by sharing her Italian heritage and traditions through food ”

From new recipes and exclusive appearances to a limited-edition giveaway launching in collaboration with Giadzy,

“We are overjoyed to welcome Giada to the Loacker family,” said T J Rooney, president of Loacker USA “For 100 years, Loacker’s core values of premium ingredients, quality and tradition haven’t

the Italian lifestyle and e-commerce platform by Giada, the partnership will bring hundreds of moments of joy throughout the year Fans can expect:

• New signature recipes from Giada that

will exclusively feature Loacker products

• VIP appearances from Giada

• A limited-edition Loacker x Giadzy by Giada De Laurentiis gift box that will be given away to 100 fans for 100 days

special one for me, ” said

hood kitchen, where my

taught

“To this day, I could list countless reasons why I love Loacker, from their phenomenal craftsmanship and traditions, to their high-quality ingredients – like 100 percent Italian hazelnuts It’s an honor to be celebrating 100 years of Loacker with the entire Loacker family I can’t wait to

share all the surprises we have planned for this year!”

In addition to surprises, the integrated partnership will tell a story about Giada’s love for Loacker – and the brand’s focus on quality and taste above all else for 100 years – with vibrant and authentic content appearing across paid, earned, owned and social channels

More details on all partnership elements will be announced soon GN

Rainforest Distribution Acquires Perfect 10

Rainforest Distribution Corp has completed its agreement to acquire substantially all assets of Perfect 10 Distribution, LLC, a food and beverage distributor operating in the Southeast This strategic acquisition expands Rainforest’s distribution capabilities across the East Coast, enhances the execution of retail programs, and increases support for local and emerging brands

“This acquisition also ensures our retail

partners have consistent access to an enhanced portfolio of products, enabling them to stand out in competitive markets ” Founded in Atlanta by brothers Nick and Steven Carse, P10 Foods was established to support the popsicle brand King of Pops and to help other emerging brands to thrive in the Southeast “

dream was to create the world’s best pop-

Trubar Product Lineup Achieves Seed Oil Free Certification

Trubar, maker of clean-label, plant-based protein bars, has achieved Seed Oil Free Certification for its entire product lineup

To meet the stringent standards set forth by the Seed Oil Free Alliance, Trubar successfully reformulated its full product line, ensuring all bars are now free from seed oils – ingredients increasingly scrutinized by health-conscious consumers

This milestone reflects the commitment of Trubar to delivering healthier, better-foryou snacks at a time when consumer demand for clean ingredients and transparent labeling is surging The Seed Oil Free Certification, granted only after rigorous third-party testing, positions Trubar as one of the first major brands in the industry to address growing concerns surrounding the presence of seed oils in packaged foods

“Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient labels and seeking alternatives that align with their health priorities,” said Jonathan Rubin, CEO of the Seed Oil Free Alliance “Achieving this certification for the entire Trubar lineup is not only a significant achievement, but also an important step for ward for the packaged food industry ”

Dedication to clean ingredients has been core to the mission of Trubar since day one Each bar is vegan, gluten-free and crafted without dairy, soy, sugar alcohols, or seed oils Under the leadership of Erica Groussman, Trubar continues to redefine indulgent snacking with options that meet the highest standards for health-conscious consumers

“Our customers expect the ver y best, and Seed Oil Free Certification under-

scores our promise to deliver,” said Groussman, Trubar founder and CEO

“We’re proud to bring this level of transparency and integrity to the market and offer consumers more healthy choices in the protein bar category ”

grew, we realized that having control over

and supporting

brands

“Starting P10 Foods allowed us to achieve that, and partnering with Rainforest is the next step to ensure we can expand our mission and reach new heights ” GN

such as Whole Foods, Costco, Walmart,

Amazon

Trubar’s indulgent yet clean-label protein bars are available in a variety of flavors inspired by classic desserts, including:

Saltylicious Almond Love, Oh Oh Cookie Dough, Smother Fudger Peanut Butter, Daydreaming About Donuts, Get in My Belly, PB and Jelly, It’s Mint to Be Chip, Whipped for Key Lime and Whole Lotta Macchiato GN

New Products: Sauces, Snacks and Sweet Things

BY A J FLICK

So many new tastes in foods and beverages to discover! Let’s get right into it

Kelchner Food Products, a portfolio brand of Huntsinger Farms, Inc , has debuted two irresistible new sauces: Yum Yum Dipping Sauce and Seafood Boil Marinade and Sauce

According to Tastewise, a leading national food researcher, consumers are increasingly seeking authentic flavors that bring a sense of connection to the heritage of each dish Tastewise tracked a 28 per-

with shellfish, sausage, corn and potatoes, adding the essence of coastal cooking to grilled or roasted seafood

I love seafood, but am timid about cooking it I love this as a finishing sauce on shrimp!

“Our team is focused on delivering bold, authentic flavors with quality ingredients our families and customers love,” said Eric Rygg, president of Huntsinger Farms "These sauces are the result of hard work from our team members across the company, along with our Zing Masters, who ensure every product meets our high standards for flavor ”

cent year-over-year growth in discussions about seafood, between July 2022 and July 2024 Kelchner’s Yum Yum Dipping Sauce and Seafood Boil Marinade and Sauce deliver on this trend, offering genuine taste experiences for your favorite seafood meals

Both sauces are gluten-free, Kosher and made without artificial preservatives, continuing the Kelchner family tradition of crafting sauces that deliver exceptional flavor and taste

Yum Yum Dipping Sauce, which lives up to its name, is a sweet and creamy sauce that features a flavorful blend of cayenne pepper, garlic and paprika, inspired by those served in Japanese steakhouses Its rich flavor profile will make it a favorite for a variety of dishes, including shrimp, sushi, grilled meats or even French fries

This great-tasting sauce can also enhance roasted vegetables, tacos or sandwiches (I used it on turkey sandwiches)

For seafood lovers, Kelchner’s Seafood Boil Marinade and Sauce brings the aromatic, savor y flavors of an East Coast seafood boil such as bay, celery, onion and garlic with notes of butter and a slight spiciness straight to your kitchen

Whether used as a marinade or finishing sauce, it perfectly complements dishes

and military

Japan’s Mik Japan Co , Ltd has launched a new subscription service delivering worldrenowned Japanese snacks to people living in the United States This service delivers high-quality Japanese snacks directly to customers each month

The concept is for customers to experience Japanese culture through its snacks

traditional yogurt a convenient way to meet their protein goals, while enjoying their favorite Yoplait flavors including Vanilla, Strawberry and Key Lime Pie

Kelchner’s Yum Yum Dipping Sauce and Seafood Boil Marinade and Sauce are available at select retailers, including Giant Food, Giant, Shaw's, Weis and more Both products can also be purchased online through Instacart

Arizona-based Yerbaé Brands Corp introduced a line of 12ounce energy drinks

Recognizing the evolving preferences of consumers, Yerbaé is augmenting its existing 16-ounce line by introducing a more compact 12-ounce can

Three flavors will be featured in the new can size: Mango Passionfruit, Black Cherry Pineapple and Watermelon Strawberr y Each can packs a punch with 120 mg of caffeine, providing the perfect energy boost Yerbaé continues to craft energy beverages that are not only invigorating, but also health conscious All Yerbaé energy beverages are zero calorie, zero sugar, nonGMO, vegan and gluten free

Yerbaé also formed a strategic partnership with Vistar, one of the largest foodservice distribution companies in North America This collaboration will significantly expand the availability of Yerbaé's 12-ounce Energy Line

Vistar, catering to the unique needs of over 60,000 customers nationwide, will now stock Yerbaé’s new 12-ounce can, broadening the reach of their premium beverages across the United States

The move comes at a time of increasing customer demands toward sustainable better-for-you brands in which Yerbaé demonstrates a strong track record The newly added SKUs complements its existing portfolio , ensuring that a diverse range of Yerbaé products is readily available to consumers nationwide The partnership leverages Vistar’s extensive distribution network, which includes over 21 distribution centers nationally

The 12-ounce Energy Line will be widely available through Vistar’s strategic accounts, including micro markets, vending, pantr y ser vices, corporate dining, higher education, healthcare, hospitality

Sakura Base, a service of Mik Japan, delivers a monthly assortment of special Japanese snacks entitled Osaka Box This snack box featuring 25 to 30 popular products is exported directly from Japan, ensuring authentic quality and taste that will put customers’ minds at ease Japanese snacks are renowned for their flavors and beautiful appearance, which makes them great for gifting

Each box contains 25 to 30 pieces and retails for $29 58 to $34 80 Shipping is extra

Albertsons Companies recently launched its newest Own Brand innovation, the Signature SELECT Mix + Match meal solution Designed to save customers time both in the store and in the kitchen, this new line of frozen entrees, sides and veggies cook together in one standard oven at 375 degrees for about 35 minutes

Available now at 1,900 Albertsons stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME and Shaw’s, this customizable meal solution feeds a family of four at a great value

Located in the frozen aisle, the Signature SELECT Mix + Match solution offers shoppers a variety of classic meal combinations that prioritize taste and flavor:

• Entrees: Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Meatloaf with Sweet & Spicy Glaze, Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce, Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms and Southern Style BBQ Pulled Pork

• Sides: Homestyle Mac & Cheese, Parmesan Crusted Potato Medley, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread Casserole and Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

• Veggies: Honey Glazed Carrots, Green Bean Almondine, Sweet Corn Succotash, Broccoli with Cheese Sauce and Mashed Cauliflower with Chives

The Mix + Match meal solution is the latest innovation to launch under Signature SELECT, the company ’ s largest Own Brand Earlier this year, Albertsons Cos announced the consolidation and rebranding of its Signature family of brands under one master brand, Signature SELECT, which features a refreshed, modern logo, bold packaging and new marketing campaign designed to build an emotional connection with customers

Yoplait has welcomed Yoplait Protein dairy snack to its lineup

Yoplait Protein packs 15g of protein and 3g of sugar per ser ving, making it the brand’s highest protein and lowest sugar offering to date As the brand’s most substantial innovation in recent years, Yoplait Protein gives people who love the taste of

“Consumers are having to make tradeoffs, opting for products they don’t enjoy the taste of – like Greek yogurt – just to get in the extra protein, so we decided to do something about the lack of options in the categor y, ” said Kaylee Pohlmeyer, senior brand manager at General Mills “Yoplait Protein gives consumers a dair y option with remarkable macros, but with the texture of our Original Yoplait We’re already seeing an amazing response from consumer taste tests ”

By combining ultra-filtered milk with Yoplait’s traditional yogurt-style fermentation process, Yoplait Protein delivers additional protein while maintaining the smooth and creamy texture the brand is known for – and without the slightly sour, chalky taste associated with many other protein-for ward yogurt options It retails for $1 19 per cup

Country Archer Provisions has presented its new protein-packed meat stick line: Ancestral Beef Blend Meat Sticks, crafted with grass-fed beef and wholesome organ meats for a savory, classic bite Available in two flavors, Original and Spicy, Countr y Archer Ancestral Blend Meat Sticks are available nationwide

This first-in-categor y innovation redefines snacking with exceptional taste and nutrition that seamlessly combines organ meats and nourishing properties with modern snacking convenience

“Considering the rise in demand for organ meats, we set out to create a delicious and nutrient-rich snack specifically for these consumers, ” said Eugene Kang, co-founder and CEO “Packed with beef liver and heart, low in sugar and abundant in protein, this meat stick offers a proteinpacked punch ”

Each Countr y Archer Ancestral Beef Blend Meat Stick is crafted from premium grass-fed beef and a blend of liver and heart meat Flavor details include:

• Original: Infused with authentic cracked pepper and garlic, it boasts a mouthwatering, timeless flavor profile

• Spicy: A fiery blend of red and white pepper, habanero and chili powder that delivers a warm kick for spice lovers

Ever y Ancestral Beef Blend Meat Stick introduces a new protein option for the increasing number of consumers concerned about how their dietar y decisions affect not just themselves but also the environment, society and animal welfare Incorporating organ meats not only benefits the body, but also contributes to environmental sustainability through a form of upcycling Country Archer's use of organ meats breathes new life into a traditionally overlooked and discarded food source, reducing food waste and promoting a more responsible food system

With an MSRP of $1 99 per 24g stick, Countr y Archer Ancestral Blend Meat Sticks are available at Sprouts stores, and

are coming to Amazon and countryarcher com with additional retailers to follow

Chips Ahoy’s latest innovation isn’t a cookie! New Baked Bites, Blondie variety, brings the Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookie taste fans love, reimagined in a soft-baked treat, delivering a classic baked favorite in a convenient, snackable form

Baked into a square shape with a soft and chewy texture inspired by a brownie, Baked Bites, Blondie variety, are made with delicious, real chocolate chips and no high fructose corn syrup, offering an entirely reimagined Chips Ahoy experience Baked Bites are available in the Blondie variety, with more flavors to come

Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Packet with Old Bay Seasoning delivers flavor made right for the body and mind

Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Light Tuna Packet with McCormick Chili Lime is the ultimate seafood experience with ready-to-eat lean protein for those looking to make healthy, happy The joyful zing of lime and chili spice adds a burst of flavor to tuna tacos, tostadas or scooped right onto an avocado

their health and wellness goals, delivering the perfect balance of taste and nutrition " Magic Spoon Protein Granola is available at magicspoon com, amazon com, and nationwide at Walmart and Target

Packaged in convenient snack packs that are great for on-the-go snacking, sharing with friends or enjoying at home, this new treat shakes up the chocolate chip cookie brand’s offerings as the brand expands into the sweet baked goods category

To celebrate the launch of Baked Bites, Chips Ahoy gave fans the opportunity to win an ultimate soft, sweet and chocolatey experience with an immersive stay in limited-edition Baked Bites themed hotel rooms in New York City, including a bed with a comforter and pillows to look like a massive, soft Baked Bite; square Baked Bite pillows; plush Chips Ahoy slippers and cozy robes; branded wall and framed

Blending the classic comfort of delicious, top-quality Italian sauces with the heat of Hot Ones fan-favorite hot sauces, each sauce featured in the new Ragú x Hot Ones Limited Edition Heat Pack was developed by the Ragú culinary team to ensure the perfect balance of heat and flavor Whether hosting a Hot Ones-inspired challenge or spicing up otherwise ordinary weeknight dinners, these sauces are versatile enough to add heat and transform a variety of dishes, from dips and burger toppings to appetizers and protein-based dishes The limited-edition pack features three, 14-ounce jars of sauce in progressively hotter flavors, including:

• Limited Edition Fier y Garlic (Hot): Featuring notes of Fresno chile and garlic blending with the umami-rich tomatoes, this sauce provides a crowd-pleasing kick when added to baked goat cheese, pizzas and burger toppings

artwork; blue accent lighting; Baked Bitescented toiletries; and a terrace with Chips Ahoy furniture overlooking the city skyline

Now rolling out to grocer y stores nationally, each box of Baked Bites contains five snack packs and retails starting at $3 98 per box In addition to Baked Bites, Chips Ahoy is also releasing a new flavor in the Original lineup for chocolate and caramel lovers: Chocolate Caramel Cookie, available in grocery stores nationally in early 2025

Tapping into the seemingly endless popularity of spicier foods and snacking expected to continue in 2025, Italian sauce brand Ragú has partnered with the popular YouTube series sensation “Hot Ones,” the show famous for hot questions and even hotter wings, to bring a new level of heat to the pasta-sauce aisle The new Ragú x Hot Ones Limited Edition Heat Pack makes a perfect spicy accompaniment to taste-tempting meals and snacks, introducing an on-trend first in the national pasta sauce category

• Limited Edition Chipotle Blaze (Hotter): Smoky meets sweet in this blend of chipotle peppers and tomatoes resulting in a deliciously spicy sauce that’s a perfect barbecue substitute in your favorite chicken or beef dishes

• Limited Edition Chile Inferno (Hottest): Beware! This sauce is not for the faint of tongue Infused with some of the spiciest peppers out there, this sauce is perfect to add to wings, dips or whatever else you dare to put it on

Ragú x Hot Ones Limited Edition Heat Pack featuring all three spicy sauces is available for $9 99 at Amazon com and the Kroger family of retailers including Fr y ’ s and Fred Meyer

Chicken of the Sea is answering the call for even more flavor with the two additions to its on-the-go lineup – Wild Caught Light Tuna Packet with Old Bay Seasoning and Wild Caught Light Tuna Packet with McCormick Chili Lime

With the help of convenient packaging, fans of Old Bay’s 18 herbs and spices can get right into the flavor

Some might call it an ode to flavor chasers and seasoning fanatics, the

Magic Spoon has launched Protein Granola For years, granola has been a stagnant categor y filled with high-sugar,

low-protein options that force consumers to choose: health or taste Magic Spoon Protein Granola delivers on flavor and nutrition without compromise

Crafted with nuts and seeds and packed with 13-14g of protein per ser ving, Magic Spoon Protein Granola fuels mornings and snack time, keeping consumers satisfied and energized

Each ser ving contains just 2g of sugar, a fraction of typical granolas, and 7-8g of fiber, nearly double that of other brands on the market Magic Spoon Protein Granola is free of gluten, grains, soy and any artificial flavors or colors, catering to a variety of dietary preferences

Magic Spoon Protein Granola is available in four flavors: Honey Almond, Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Almond and Mixed Berry

Mother’s Cookies is sparking a new level of creativity and imagination for fun parents with the launch of its first chocolatey cookie: Dynamite Dinosaurs This new addition to the Mother’s Cookies portfolio, the first in four years, is inspired by the fierce yet fun world of dinosaurs from the iconic franchise, Jurassic World, from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

Families can enjoy these deliciously baked chocolate cookies coated in blue and green vanilla flavored frosting, all topped with orange and black sprinkles to make each bite a celebration Each cookie shape resembles the fierce, yet fun dinosaurs that excite fans from Jurassic World including Pteranodon, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brachiosaurus and Triceratops

“Mother’s Cookies is all about providing families with fun ways to create memories together and what better way to do so than by adding two things to our portfolio we know kids love – chocolate and dinosaurs, ” said Rachna Patel, vice president, distinctive brands marketing at Ferrero “The launch of Jurassic World-inspired Dynamite Dinosaurs is a monumental milestone for the brand, as it is the first chocolatey cookie for our portfolio We are confident consumers will love these new cookies as much as our classic vanilla shortbread and look for ward to seeing all the snack time adventures ” Mother's Dynamite Dinosaurs Cookies

“Our Protein Granola is everything you love about granola without the compromise,” said Gabi Lewis, c o - f o u n d e r

“Building on the excitement our fans have for our cereal, we ’ re thrilled to introduce a delicious new way to fuel up in the morning or on the go

“This product is designed for those seek-

are available at retailers nationwide

From a six million-acre preserve in the quiet Adirondacks wild, Realm water flows from an ancient aquifer that’s been undisturbed by time One of the most exclusive waters available to the hospitality and events industr y, Realm is bottled to maintain its purity for the refined palate crafted over centuries by nature to hydrate and nourish the body with a perfect pH Realm is a nearly untapped resource that grants limited access to those looking to not just bottle a beverage, but a time capsule and symbol for exclusivity and excellence

New Products

Continued from PAGE 13

“Realm Artesian Water represents a convergence of nature's artistr y and human discernment,” said CEO Todd Kletter

“This is not merely water –it’s a chronicle of an ancient journey, delivered unaltered to discerning hands

“For those who seek a beverage as refined as their palate, Realm offers a pure experience, untouched by modernity yet resonating with timeless luxury ”

Safely hidden on a 50-acre property within a sweeping wilderness preser ve, Realm comes from an artesian well fed by two large aquifers, which produces a supply of water that tastes impeccable by its ver y nature – no processing, chemical treatment or purification necessary

Hydrologists rated the aquifer as virtually impenetrable and un-contaminable by 99 percent

ritos soda offers a variety of bold and vibrant flavors inspired by Mexico’s rich culinary heritage Expanding its portfolio to include Jarriboba, Jarritos blends the tastes of Taiwan with its Mexican roots to offer a creative, refreshing fusion that celebrates both cultures

Each bottle of Realm has neutral pH and balanced minerality and balanced alkalinity for enhanced absorption in the body It’s naturally filtered and non-engineered

Realm Artesian Water will debut to a niche market in high-end hospitality and events spaces in winter 2025

Jarritos, a Mexican soda brand known for its bold flavors and rich cultural roots, has made an addition to its sweet suite of delicious beverages rooted in culture and connection: Jarriboba Made in Taiwan, Jarriboba’s green tea, bursting boba and fruity flavors blend two beloved global drink traditions

Originating in Taiwan, boba tea – or bubble tea, has taken the world by storm in recent years, capturing the hearts and taste buds of millions of consumers As consumption increases and the bubble tea

With bright, colorful packaging, Jarriboba is available in three flavors: Kiwi-Watermelon, Mango-Passion Fruit and Strawberry-Guava

Jarriboba is now available for purchase in 16 4-ounce individual cans at City Farmers Market locations in Atlanta and soon at selected retailers in Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz

The Hershey Company has unveiled its latest Easter product lineup, including Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with Spring Sprinkles, Kit Kat Bunnies and Twizzlers Bunnies alongside seasonal favorites from Jolly Rancher and Cadbury

“From egg hunts to filling baskets, or just a sweet treat for yourself, Hershey has been a long-cherished part of Easter celebrations,” said Keely Johnson, senior associate manager, Easter season at The Hershey Company

“This Easter, we've put a fresh spin on our iconic offerings, incorporating a seasonal twist that highlights the beloved traditions and flavors of the season ”

Original and 13-ounce Ver y Berr y bags; Hershey-Ets Carrot, available for a limited time in a 2 2-ounce bag

Bero, a premium non-alcoholic beer founded by British actor Tom Holland, is now available at most Target stores nationwide, bringing an elevated, high-quality offering to drinkers everywhere The rollout marks a milestone in the brand’s rapid rise and signals a continued shift in the categor y as non-alcoholic beer takes center stage next to its alcoholic counterpart in mainstream retail

Bero’s partnership with Target represents more than an expanded retail footprint – it embodies an alignment of shared values Together, Bero and Target are elevating the shopper experience, meeting drinkers where they are and providing greater access to a beverage crafted for all occasions

market expands, Jarritos now provides its take on the tea for fruity beverage fanatics to enjoy on the go

“Jarritos is dedicated to creating highquality, authentic beverages that honor our traditions while continuing to explore innovative ways to connect with consumers, ” said Eric Delamare, marketing director “Jarriboba offers a unique new way for people to experience cultural flavors from a fresh perspective ”

A beloved staple of Mexican culture, Jar-

New products include Kit Kat Bunnies, available for a limited time in snack size; Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with Spring Sprinkles, available for a limited time in Big Cups and m i n i a t u r e s ; Reese’s Peanut Butter Carrots, available for a limited time in snack size; Twizzlers Bunnies, available for a limited time in a new 2 1-ounce bag; Reese’s Mini Cane, available in a 2 17-ounce cane; Hershey’s Kisses Cane, available in a 2 24-ounce cane

Returning favorites include: Cadbur y Royal Dark Eggs in new 16-ounce and 29 2-ounce bag sizes, available for a limited time, Easter Assortment Bags, including Jolly Rancher Minis for the first time; Reese’s Eggs Assortment, now available in an 18 6-ounce assortment bag, in addition to the returning 31 2-ounce bag; Seasonally Wrapped Jolly Rancher Gummies, available for a limited time in 14-ounce

I’m incredibly proud of the way our team and the Bero team have worked together to give drinkers everywhere another option for enjoying time with friends or unwinding at the end of the day ” Bero offers both single-flavor six-packs starting at $11 99 and a Target-exclusive variety 12-pack at $21 99

Nescafé is expanding its U S portfolio

“Bero’s official release at Target is a defining moment for us, ” said Holland “From the beginning, one of our biggest goals has been to align with an iconic retailer like Target, who time and time again acts as an incredible launchpad for emerging brands

“Our beer sitting on the shelves of a partner that understands our brand, leans into creativity and shares our commitment to quality, feels like a massive step for ward I’m thrilled to see Bero continuing to grow and reach even more people with the greattasting beer they deserve ”

Since its debut, consumers have shown enthusiasm for Bero’s founding story and standout flavor Inspired by Holland’s U K roots and crafted by the finest brewers in America, Bero celebrates the best of beer culture while honoring a modern, balanced lifestyle

“ N o n - a l c o h o l i c beverage has been a growth category at Target for five years now and I can’t wait for shoppers to try the newest addition to our assortment: Tom Holland’s Bero,” said John Conlin, senior vice president of merchandising, food and beverage at Target “Consumer preferences are changing and

with its first liquid concentrate line and newest innovation: Nescafé Espresso Concentrate Answering the growing demand for customizable and convenient at-home coffee, Nescafé Espresso Concentrate easily dissolves in water or milk, delivering a simple way for coffee lovers to make a premium café-style, iced espresso-based beverage just the way they like it – all in a matter of seconds

Espresso Concentrate is made with 100 percent Arabica beans and is available in two variations, so at-home coffee connoisseurs can channel their inner barista and spark iced espresso creativity (iced latte anyone?), any time of day:

• Espresso Concentrate Black, a rich and strong offering, providing the perfect canvas to mix in anything your heart desires

• Espresso Concentrate Sweet Vanilla, a delightful blend of sweet and smooth, making every sip both comforting and satisfying

“Though Gen Z and millennial consumers ’ tastes are ever-evolving, having cold, convenient, customizable and café-quality coffee remains in demand,” said Felipe Acosta, senior brand marketing manager “Following our successful Nescafé Gold Espresso and Ice Roast launches, delivering on these needs is a top priority and Nescafé Espresso Concentrate does exactly that

“The brand’s first-ever liquid espresso empowers consumer creativity and allows adventurous, modern coffee lovers to create café-style beverages in an instant – without any extra machinery and from the comfort of their home

y p

tapioca syrup, tapioca maltodex tr in and solids, agave syrup, inulin, cane

Continued on Page 24

New S ugar-Free Raspberr y Lemonade

BOOTH #312

Meet the latest addition to the Liquid I V ® H ydration Multiplier® line -up: SugarFree R aspberr y Lemonade. This zero -sugar flavor tastes how summer feels, with notes of ripe raspberr ies and freshly squeezed lemon flavor H ydration Multiplier Sugar-Free R aspber r y

y of its customers since its inception over 50 years ago

Continued on Page 22

Once Upon a Farm Continues to Inno vate

Once Upon a Farm, the nex t generation children’s nutr ition company, announced the launch of its R efr igerated Protein Bars now available in the refrigerator aisle n a t i o nwide Tailored for g r o w i n g , ac tive k ids, each bar is packed with 8 grams of protein from milk and whey concentrate – the same

onions and spices, which are slow-

Continued on Page 22

Monari Federzoni: A Name as Long as Its Histor y

Monari Feder zoni is a balsamic vinegar company born in Modena in 1912, when Elena Monari, wife of Oreste Federzoni, running a grocer y shop in the city center, realized the popularity of their balsamic vinegar and r e q u e s t e d and obtained the first license to sell it T h r o u g h o u t the years, it has grown to

g brand ’s smallbatch peanut and sunflower butter

Continued on Page 26

Natural Grocers Introduces House -Brand O rganic Coffee

Natural Grocers®, America’s largest family- operated organic and natural grocer y retailer, is unveiling its latest addition to the Natural Grocers Brand

Produc ts: four delightful varieties of single -use Organic Coffee Pods Designed with both qualit y and convenience in mind, these pods also reflec t Natural Grocers’ commitment to reducing waste,

Reimagine Craft Coffee

BOOTH #801

Today, coffee isn’t just caffeine in a cup, it ’s an exper ience 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 it. Dripdash® recognized two impor tant fac ts The exper ience of

Continued on Page 24

Alternative Sweeteners from S uzanne’s S pecialties

BOOTH #1668

Suzanne’s Specialties has been supplying alternative sweeteners to the health food and industr ial food mar kets since 1984 I ts offerings include brown r ice syrup, clar ified r ice syrup, r ice maltodextr in syrup and solids, tapioca syrup, tapioca maltodex tr in and solids, agave syrup, inulin, cane

Continued on Page 24

New S ugar-Free Raspberr y Lemonade

BOOTH #312

Meet the latest addition to the Liquid I V ® H ydration Multiplier® line -up: SugarFree R aspberr y Lemonade. This zero -sugar flavor tastes how summer feels, with notes of ripe raspberr ies and freshly squeezed lemon flavor H ydration Multiplier Sugar-Free R aspber r y

O rganic Nutrition: D iscover

Elan S uper food S nacks

BOOTH #1982

Bella S un Luci Wins S alad D ressing Line of the Year

BOOTH #2787

Bonne Maman S preads: Love at First Taste

BOOTH #604

Elan introduces a fresh approach to snack ing, offering a range of organic, glutenfree, kosher, GMO -free and vegan nuts, dr ied fruits and seeds Say goodbye to confusing labels Here are clean, super food-infused snacks that are

Continued on Page 24

Food For Life Breads Boast Nutrients, Flavor

BOOTH #1617

Food For Life Bak ing Co , makers of incredibly delicious and nutr itious sprouted grain baked goods, has remained fiercely committed to the health of its customers since its inception over 50 years ago

Continued on Page 22

Once Upon a Farm Continues to Inno vate

Once Upon a Farm, the nex t generation children’s nutr ition company, announced the launch of its R efr igerated Protein Bars now available in the refrigerator aisle n a t i o nwide Tailored for g r o w i n g , ac tive k ids, each bar is packed with 8 grams of protein from milk and whey concentrate – the same

I t ’s not just about flavor; it ’s about the wholesome ingredients that set its produc ts apar t. In the dynamic world of salad dressings, Bella Sun Luci’s I talian Kitchen Line takes center stage once again with ex traordinar y

Continued on Page 26

Paesana – An Organic S auce Like No O ther

Paesana’s premium organic pasta sauces have all the delicious sautéed-to-per fection flavor that ’s been in the Scaramelli family since 1902 And because they ’re organic, these nutrient rich sauces contain only qualit y ingredients, including 100% impor ted I talian tomatoes, 100% ex tra virgin olive oil, garlic, onions and spices, which are slow-

Continued on Page 22

Monari Federzoni: A Name as Long as Its Histor y

The No 1 premium preser ves brand in the United States, B onne M aman ® introduced Hazelnut

C h o c o l a t e Spread and Peanut Chocolate Spread B onne M aman Peanut Chocolate Spread These spreads

Continued on Page 24

O nce Again Launches New Flavor, Lineup

BOOTH #N505, #1904 & #5384

Following the success of its organic and gluten-free graham sandwiches, Once Again Nut Butter is adding a new flavor to the lineup: chocolate and peanut butter Joining the brand ’s smallbatch peanut and sunflower butter

Continued on Page 26

Natural Grocers Introduces House -Brand O rganic Coffee

Monari Feder zoni is a balsamic vinegar company born in Modena in 1912, when Elena Monari, wife of Oreste Federzoni, running a grocer y shop in the city center, realized the popularity of their balsamic vinegar and r e q u e s t e d and obtained the first license to sell it T h r o u g h o u t the years, it has grown to

Natural Grocers®, America’s largest family- operated organic and natural grocer y retailer, is unveiling its latest addition to the Natural Grocers Brand

Produc ts: four delightful varieties of single -use Organic Coffee Pods Designed with both qualit y and convenience in mind, these pods also reflec t Natural Grocers’ commitment to reducing waste,

S ore No More PLUS CBD Pain Relief Introduces Convenient Roll-

S ore No M ore PLUS CBD Pain R elief is mak ing waves at this year ’s show with its celebrated 3- ounce Roll- On application st yle, featur ing 1500 mg of highqualit y CBD isolate, alongside the popular 4- ounce jar size with 2000 mg strength Known for delivering trusted, effec tive relief, Sore No More invites attendees to booth #2916 to explore these game - changing produc ts and take advantage of an exclusive show special

Innovative Application Meets Proven Results

The 3- ounce Roll- On, a standout in the S ore No M ore PLUS CBD lineup, pro -

O n at S how

vides an easy, no -mess application for on-the - go pain relief D esigned with precision and convenience in mind, the roll- on is per fect for targeting sore muscles and joints without the need for hand application.

For those who prefer a larger option, the 4- ounce jar with 2000 mg CBD of-

are available in Warm and Cool therapy

flammation

Continued on Page 26

Ariston S pecialties L aunches

Two New Produc ts

This year, Ariston Specialties is launching t wo new produc ts: Ar iston Tahini with Honey and Ar iston Tahini with Cocoa spreads Think of your favor ite chocolate -nut spread, but not as sweet O thers who never had Ar iston’s tahini spread descr ibed these spreads as something analogous to their favor ite nut and peanut butter spread, but with sesame flavor instead The tahini is made from hulled sesame seeds (sourced from Greece), gr inded to a creamy spread and then honey or cocoa

Continued on Page 26

Celebrating a Legac y of Flavor and Innovation

As La Prefer ida enters its 76th year, it continues to honor its legac y as a trusted name in the M exican food industr y. Since 1949, La Preferida’s mission has been to bring authentic Latin American flavors to American k itchens, building a wide -ranging produc t line that meets the needs of diverse consumers From pantr y staples to specialt y ingredients, La Preferida remains committed to quality, authenticity and innovation

A Legac y of Excellence

O ver the decades, La Prefer ida has grown from a small storefront to a household name, celebrated for its dedication to authentic Mexican flavors I ts 75th anniversar y was marked by significant achievements, including honorable mentions in outlets including The K itchn, Allrecipes and Nutr ition Con Sabor for its iconic refried beans These accolades reaffir m La Prefer ida’s position as a go -to brand for both home cooks and professional chefs

La Preferida’s produc t line spans a variety of categories, including beans, rice, salsas, seasonings and more. Each produc t is craf ted to deliver the vibrant flavors and r ich traditions of Latin Amer ican cuisine, empower ing customers to create unforgettable meals with ease

New Produc ts:

Expanding Culinar y Possibilities

Building on this legac y, La Prefer ida is excited to introduce two new produc ts

to its lineup: Black and Red Frijoles Volteados and Queso Blanco The Fr ijoles Volteados, inspired by traditional Central American recipes, are cooked slowly with simple, high- qualit y ingredients. These versatile beans can be used as a dip, a sandwich spread or a base for

dishes such as sopes and fr ijoladas. M eanwhile, the creamy Queso Blanco offers endless possibilities for melting, topping or enhancing your favor ite recipes

Inspiring the Future

La Prefer ida’s commitment to innovation and authenticity ensures it remains “ The Prefer red ” choice for generations to come Whether it ’s through the versatility of its product line or the inspiration La Prefer ida provides for culinar y creativity, its mission is to bring families together through the joy of shared meals

For more information, visit w w w .lapreferida.com or stop by booth #524.

Bionaturae Unveils Its First-Ever

Line of O rganic Pasta S auces

Bionaturae, a leader in the organic I talian food space, announced its debut into finished sauces with the launch of its Cer tified Organic Pasta Sauces This new line celebrates the essence of authentic I talian cuisine, offering a healthier, organic option for consumers seek ing the per fec t balance of simplicity and flavor Cer tified Organic, Gluten-Free, Glyphosate -Free and Non- GMO Projec t verified, the sauces come in three timeless I talian flavors: Marinara, Arrabbiata and Tomato & Basil.

With the launch of organic pasta sauces, Bionaturae continues its mission to redefine ever yday pantr y staples with premium, authentic and health- conscious options M ade with organic Tuscan tomatoes and premium I talian ex tra virgin olive oil, each flavor delivers a fresh, homemade taste without the use of added sugars or preser vatives. Free from ar tificial additives, the pasta sauces

Food For Life, Makers of Ezekiel 4:9 S prouted Breads Present: Fiber Fac ts

By Eileen S aitowitz, Cer tified Nutrition Consultant, Newpor t Beach, California

What is fiber?

br ing the r ich culinar y her itage of I taly to ever y table, setting a new standard of innovation in the premium sauce categor y

thoughtfully craf ted to preser ve the integrit y of their ingredients Ever

Known in the past as roughage or bulk , total dietar y fiber is the term for a number of plant materials that are relatively indigestible in the human digestive tract They include materials that are soluble or insoluble in water The insoluble fibers are found largely in wheat bran and beans and tend to promote regularit y They may be protec tive against a number of gastrointestinal diseases The soluble fibers include pec tin, gums and mucilages and are found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, including oats, rice, legumes (beans, peas) apples, etc They appear impor tant in tending to lower blood cholesterol levels and slow down the rate at which sugars are absorbed from the intestine

How can fiber help to lower cholesterol?

When you eat your food, your body secretes compounds called bile acids into the gastrointestinal tract to help absorb fats Cholesterol is a pr incipal component of bile acids R esearchers believe the soluble fibers bind cholesterol-rich bile acids and cause them to be excreted from the body when they would other wise be reabsorbed As cholesterol from the blood circulates through the

flec ts the brand’s dedication to

and the planet

liver, it is pulled out to manufac ture more bile acids to replenish those that have been excreted With less cholesterol in the blood, there is less to form plaque on the walls of the ar teries that lead to the hear t and the brain.

How can fiber help you lose weight?

continuously snack and stack up needless calor ies.

Carbohydrates equal energy Cut carbohydrates from the diet as crash diets do, and you cut stamina and energy M etabolism drops as the body tr ies to conser ve weight when too few calories are consumed

Weight loss can help to lower blood pressure and decrease cholesterol and blood tr iglycer ide levels – fac tors that can reduce the risk of hear t disease and other life -threatening diseases

Despite the k nown benefits of a fiberr ich diet, Amer icans continue to fall shor t S cientists urge people to consume 25-30 grams of fiber a day, but the average intake is only 7-10 grams daily.

For more information, go to w w w food forlife com or stop by booth #1617

Bionaturae’s Pasta Sauces are available for purchase for $8 99 online and exclusively at Whole Foods Markets nationwide.

For more information, go to w w w bionaturae com

Water Is Basic

The team at Liquid I V ® believes that water is basic – a basic human r ight One in three people around the world lack access to safe, clean water, including over t wo million people in the United States.

Water security is at the center of who Liquid I V is and what it does Liquid I V contributes over 1% of its revenue to its I mpac t Program and collaborates with leading water and humanitarian organizations to advance sustainable solutions for clean water access.

To d a t e , L i qu i d I V h a s d i s t r i

strikes, dehydration becomes a massive risk for impac ted communities, mak ing ORS a top requested item for emergenc y relief

Liquid I V ’s commitment to a better planet ex tends to its own business processes and prac tices. Liquid I.V. is

S ay No to S eed O ils

M ooney Far ms is a third- generation, cer tified woman- owned, family- operated company rooted in qualit y, integr it y and strong family values Mooney Farms has risen to become the premier producer of B ella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes with Premium Olive Oil in the United States Bella Sun Luci produc ts are set apar t by exceptional quality, which is driven by its commitment to using only the finest ingredients. B ella Sun Luci produc ts are craf ted using traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations, ensuring a rich and authentic flavor U n l i k e m a ny c o m p e t i t o r s, M o o n e y Fa r m s u s e s o l i ve o i l i n i t s p ro d u c t s

The 100% olive oil salad dressing line ear ned the M indful Award for Salad Dressing Line of the Year This Award honors its dedication to taste, qualit y and premium ingredients This salad

dressing expansion not only enhances its produc t offerings but also broadens the company ’s footpr int, reinforcing Mooney Farms’ dedication to health and quality

n t h e

U n i t e d S t a t e s a n d a b ro a d. T h ro u g h i t s

p a r t n e r s h i p s , L i q u i d I V a i m s t o e x -

p a n d c l e a n w a t e r a c c e s s f o r t w o m i l -

l i o n p e o p l e b y 2 0 2 6

Liquid I V has donated over 62 million ser vings of Liquid I V H ydration Multiplier®, which acts as an Oral Rehydration S olution, or ORS An ORS is a globally recognized rehydration mix of glucose and elec trolytes in water. When disaster

continuously look ing into ways to cut back on waste and operate more sustainably Liquid I V flexible pouches are made of 100% in-store rec yclable packaging Liquid I V uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Cer tified Materials for its car tons and aims to advance into circular and upc ycled solutions.

Liquid I V began with the goal of elevating the vitalit y of people and the planet Today, it has continued to break the mold, car ving a path to help expand clean water access for people ever ywhere

For more information, go to w w w .liquid-iv.com or stop by booth #312.

True S alt Increases Produc tion of Foodser vice Produc ts to Meet High Market Demand for S ea S alt

True Salt, a premium sea salt brand k nown for its exceptional qualit y and per formance, has announced a significant increase in produc tion of its foodser vice produc ts to meet surging market demand The demand is driven by a widespread shift in the foodser vice industr y from traditional evaporated salt to high- quality sea salt, reflec ting a growing focus on premium, “better-foryou” ingredients

To address this market trend, True Salt is ramping up produc tion of its Kosher Grain and Cr ystal Blend Grain produc ts These grains are specifically designed to meet the needs of professional k itchens nationwide, and by increasing production capacity, True Salt is ensuring a reliable supply of its high-per forming sea salts to meet the voracious appetite for premium ingredients across the foodser vice sec tor

“ We are seeing increased consumption from all our customers across the

foodser vice landscape,” said Br ian Pierce, Chief Executive O fficer of True Salt “From fine dining to national chains, regional establishments and local eater ies, ever yone is moving toward high- qualit y sea salt. We are happy to suppor t them with our True Salt produc ts, deliver ing the qualit y and consistenc y they need ”

The growing demand for True Salt ’s produc ts is fueled by the brand ’s abilit y to offer super ior per for mance at a competitive pr ice point With a focus on quality and value, True Salt enables foodser vice operators to create exceptional menu items that align with today ’s consumer preferences for healthier and better-tasting options, while keeping an eye on reduc-

M o o n e y Fa r m s a vo i d s c h e a p, i n f l a m -

m a t o r y s e e d o i l s e n t i re l y. Wi t h t h e

g ro w i n g a w a re n e s s o f t h e n e g a t i ve health impac ts of seed oils, consumers are increasingly appreciating that Bella Sun Luci sun dried tomatoes are always made with olive oil, ensur ing both sup e r i o r t a s t e a n d h e a l t h b e n e f i t s T h i s commitment has driven Mooney Farms t o b e c o m e t h e l e a d i n g s e l l e r o f s u ndr ied tomatoes with olive oil in Ameri c a A s t h e o r i g i n a l a n d l a r g e s t p ro d u c e r o f s u n - d r i e d t o m a t o e s i n Amer ica, M ooney Far ms takes pr ide in o f fe r i n g a p ro d u c t t h a t re f l e c t s b o t h tradition and the highest standards of qualit y

Mooney Farms recognizes the importance of a M editer ranean diet which highlights the health benefits of fruits, vegetables and olive oil as a key source of healthy fats B ella Sun Luci ’s I talian Kitchen Line now includes a 100% olive oil salad dressing line that was craf ted with the M editer ranean diet in mind

ing food costs.

True Salt recently introduced its Cr ystal Blend Grain, a produc t specifically developed to meet the r igorous demands of professional chefs This innovative sea salt blend was meticulously for mulated to deliver precision, pur it y, consistenc y and versatility, mak ing it a gamechanger for culinar y professionals I t provides an elevated exper ience for chefs who value both the tac tile feel and the per for mance of their ingredients. The Cr ystal Blend Grain has quickly gained popularity, following the success of True Salt ’s flagship Kosher Grain produc t Both grains are available in convenient 3-pound boxes and case packs, ensuring they can suppor t the high-volume needs of busy k itchen environments.

Bella Sun Luci is best k nown for sundried tomatoes and sun- dried tomatoes with olive oil with a distinc tly fresh and sweet flavor from being dried under the California sun and always packed with olive oil Bella Sun Luci continues to be a trusted name in grocer y stores across America, achieving success across various produc t categories

About Mooney Farms & Bella Sun Luci The full B ella Sun Luci produc t line includes 100% olive oil salad vinaigrettes, sauce star ters, plant-based tomato jerk y, pasta sauces, bruschetta spreads, bottled ex tra virgin olive oil, risotto and mar inades For more infor mation, visit w w w bellasunluci com or connec t on I nstagram, Facebook or Pinterest @bellasunluci. All products are available for order now

For more information, go to w w w mooneyfarms com, email sales@mooney farms com or stop by booth #2787

The shift toward sea salt in the foodser vice sec tor reflec ts a larger movement in the culinar y world, as chefs and restaurateurs increasingly prioritize natural, unprocessed ingredients that enhance flavor and elevate the dining experience Unlike evaporated salt, True Salt ’s sea salts offer a clean taste and natural tex ture that chefs can trust for a wide range of applications, from seasoning proteins to finishing gour met dishes

True Salt ’s expanded produc tion capabilities demonstrate its commitment to suppor ting the evolving needs of the foodser vice industr y. As the demand for premium sea salt continues to rise, the company remains focused on delivering produc ts that combine qualit y, value and innovation, ensur ing professional k itchens have the tools they need to create exceptional meals

For more information, visit w w w .truesaltco.com.

Introducing New Flavors of Bonne Maman Pie Fillings

Bonne Maman®, the No 1 premium preser ves brand in the United States, is expanding its line of B onne M aman Pie Fillings with two new flavors: Pumpk in and Four Fruits. The line of five delicious flavors delivers the same traditional exper tise consumers know and love to the bak ing aisle with this line of B onne Maman Pie Fillings

Staying true to the brand ’s values, B onne M aman Pie Fillings are made with simple premium ingredients, no high fruc tose cor n syrup, no preser vatives or ar tificial flavors or colors and features large pieces of fruit Now, anyone can create a delicious homemade pie using these convenient, ready to bake pie fillings These pie fillings are just like you would make from scratch, but with the convenience you will love

even more

Home bakers make up 28% of the population and are look ing for healthy, indulgent, high- quality options Bonne M aman Pie Fillings meet that need while also adding convenience to the recipe

Pack aged in beautiful 21 1- ounce (600g) glass jars to see the large pieces of fruit – you know exactly what you will be bak ing

The line of five flavors includes: Apple, Cher r y, Blueber r y, new Pumpk in and new Four Fruits.

The two new flavors will be available in Summer 2025

For more information, go to w w w bonne maman us, email info@worldfiner com or stop by booth #604

From O rganic Fields to Coffee Mugs: New O rganic Valley C reamers

Organic Valley® – the organic far merowned cooperative k nown for its award-winning dair y creamers – has ex tended the produc t line into oatbased creamers. The co - op announced the launch of its first- ever organic oatbased produc t line: Organic Valley Oat Creamers with oats sourced direc tly from its U S organic family far ms The

based beverages, which makes it a natural evolution for our cooperative,” said Laurie Drake, Vice President of Marketing, Organic Valley “ We’re always look ing to raise the bar with produc t innovation and now our consumers have even more creamer options in a plantbased form ”

With 30 calor ies per ser ving, these dair y-free, nut-free and lac tosefree oat creamers from Organic Valley are crafted for coffee and tea lovers who crave a smooth, creamy tex ture that froths perfec tly for lattes, cappuccinos or their favorite cup of joe

new oat creamers are available nationwide and debut in four delicious, cravewor thy flavors: vanilla, caramel, oatmeal cook ie and cinnamon spice

“ We’re excited to introduce the new Organic Valley Oat Creamers because we k now that many of our loyal Organic Valley milk buyers also purchase plant-

The S pice L ab Teams Up with Nom Nom Paleo

As t h e n e w ye a r b e gi n s, m a ny p e o p l e seek ways to make healthy eating easi e r a n d m o re d e l i c i o u s. M i c h e l l e Ta m , t h e Fo u n d e r a n d C h i e f E xe c u t i ve O f f i -

cer of Nom Nom Paleo, offers a per fec t s o l u t i o n w i t h h e r s i g n a t u re l i n e o f s u g a r - f re e, g l u t e n - f re e s p i c e b l e n d s These blends simplify meal preparation without compromising on flavor, maki n g t h e m a n e s s e n t i a l t o o l fo r h o m e cooks. M ichelle’s website, nomnompaleo com, along with her NY T best-selli n g co o k b o o k s a n d v i b ra n t I n s t a gra m a n d Fa c e b o o k c o m m u n i t i e s, p ro v i d e s well-researched recipes and meal plans t o i n s p i re a n d g u i d e h e a l t h i e r e a t i n g habits

Michelle’s spice blends are a true family collaboration, brought to life with the exper tise of her sister, Fiona Kennedy, the flavor creator at The Spice Lab “I never thought I’d have the chance to collaborate on a product that combined both of our passions,” Fiona shares “ Work ing with Michelle on these blends has been so rewarding, and we took ever y precaution to source traceable, gluten-free ingredients for all her blends ”

Michelle explains her vision: “I wanted these paleo spice blends to simplify cook ing I nstead of reaching for multi-

ple jars of spices, you can season your food per fec tly with just one jar. One of the most common questions from my followers is, ‘ When will your blends be available on store shelves?’ We’re hopeful that 2025 will be the year!”

Cur rently, Nom Nom Paleo spice blends can be found online at spices com, amazon com, iher b com and faire.com.

The Spice Lab, a woman- owned and family-run business, is renowned for its custom seasoning blends and organic spice lines I ts produc t line includes award-winning seasonings, ar tisan salts, premium spices, dried herbs and natural sugars under The Spice Lab brand I ts Creative Mixology collection features flavored salt and sugar rimmers and pink H imalayan salt shot glasses The company also offers private -label, custom blends and corporate gifts, showcasing its versatility and dedication to quality The Spice Lab’s products, including its carefully curated sea salts, spices and seasonings, are available at gour met and specialty shops, major retailers and online at amazon com, spices com and faire com

For more information, go to w w w spices com or www nomnompaleo com

What makes the new Organic Valley Oat Creamers truly unique is how they ’re made Organic Valley is proud to be sourcing oats direc tly from its own organic family farms and works hand in hand with its oat farmers to grow crops sustainably, ensuring every step – from crop to car ton – upholds the integrit y and qualit y that consumers trust from the brand The Organic Valley oats are grown in the cool, dr y climates of the Midwest and done so without the use of GMOs,

toxic pesticides or herbicides, all in compliance with USDA organic standards “ We k now consumers care about where their food comes from,” Drake said “By sourcing organic oats from our own family farms, we k now our product from crop to car ton. The new oat creamers are more than a new produc t line –we’re pushing for ward our cooperative’s mission to offer innovative and delicious organic produc ts while promoting regional farm diversity and suppor ting organic family far ms with sustainable

prac tices ”

Like all Organic Valley produc ts, consumers can feel good k nowing that when they choose Organic Valley – including the new oat creamers – they are helping protec t where our food comes from.

Organic Valley Oat Creamers are available as 32- ounce car tons in grocer y stores nationwide

For more information, go to w

organicvalley coop

S traus Family C reamer y Adds New Flavor to Its S uper Premium O rganic Ice C ream

Line: Gluten-Free Cookie

Kick ing off the new year with an expansion of its line of organic super premium ice cream, Straus Family Creamer y – a pioneer in sustainable, regenerative and organic dair y farming prac tices – introduced a new flavor: Cook ie Dough

Vegetarian, gluten-free and cer tified kosher, the company ’s collec tion of 12 super premium ice creams in classic flavors is made with Straus organic milk and cream from family dair y far ms along the Nor thern California coast The Cook ie Dough flavor strikes the per fec t ice - cold milk and cook ie dough balance with a base of velvet y sweet cream ice cream mixed with ample chunks of chew y gluten-free cook ie dough and decadent chocolatey chips. I t is sold regionally at independent and major supermarkets, and nationally at all Sprouts Farmers Market stores

Known for creating high quality interpretations of beloved flavors, Straus Family Creamer y ’s approach to ice cream highlights its premium dair y produc ts. Using cream high in butter fat and a churning process that results in less air, each batch of ice cream is exquisitely creamy and smooth And with egg yolks alone as a stabilizer, Straus ice creams are free from preservatives, fillers, artificial ingredients and coloring agents

The new cook ie dough flavor is the third Straus ice cream cookie flavor, joining Lemon Cook ie and Cook ies & Cream, which are also gluten-free For gluten-free eaters who prefer a clean ingredient list and the r ich flavor and creamy mouthfeel of ice cream made with traditional dair y, Straus Family Creamer y offers a rare treat, as most gluten-free cook ie ice creams are made with alternative milks, such as almond, oat and soy, and of ten include gums and fillers

“I’m thrilled to introduce gluten-free Cook ie D ough to the Straus ice cream lineup,” said Straus Family Creamer y founder, Alber t Straus “ This is a flavor we’ve long wanted to create and af ter ex tensive recipe development by our team, the result is delicious In addition, it showcases the truly rich taste of highquality organic milk and cream from our organic dairies, all while suppor ting our mission to sustain family farms ” Alber t Straus’ own farm, Straus Dair y Farm, became the first cer tified organic dair y farm west of the Mississippi when Straus, a second-generation farmer and lifelong environmental innovator in dairy farming, converted his family ’s farm from conventional to organic in 1994 At the same time, he launched Straus Family Creamer y as the first 100% cer tified organic creamer y in the United States. Organic, regenerative and carbon

Dough

neutral practices lie at the foundation of Straus Family Creamer y ’s supplying dair y farms, and Straus Family Creamer y continues to be a pioneer in sustainability with impactful carbon neutral goals and modeling The Creamer y is suppor ting all of its 12 independent dair y producers, including Straus Dair y Farm, to achieve on-farm carbon neutralit y by 2030 The regenerative agricultural practice of carbon farming, which helps move carbon from the atmosphere putting it back into the soil, is recognized globally as a solution to climate change The pasture grasslands of an organic dair y farm are an ideal environment for implementing carbon farming practices.

Ice cream has long been a passion for Alber t Straus, who studied the desser t treat as a dair y science student at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo in the late 1970s and nods to it as one of the reasons he star ted Straus Family Creamer y The Straus ice cream line launched in 2003 with Vanilla Bean, Dutch Chocolate and R aspber r y as its first flavors The company has since continued its tradition of elevating true classics when developing new flavors

Straus Family Creamer y Cook ie Dough ice cream is available at Sprouts Farmers Markets nationwide.

About Straus Family Creamer y

Based in Nor ther n Califor nia, Straus Family Creamer y was the first cer tified organic creamer y west of the Mississippi when it launched in 1994, and today it is k nown for its commitment to sustaining family farms, protecting the environment, mitigating climate change and crafting the highest quality premium organic dair y produc ts I ts line of all organic, minimally processed milks and cream, slowly- cultured yogur ts, European-style butters, ice creams and more is made with organic milk supplied by family far ms in Califor nia’s M ar in and Sonoma Counties.

Founded by Alber t Straus – a secondgeneration dair y farmer and climate action pioneer who is currently on track to implement a car bon-neutral organic dair y farming model believed to be the first of its k ind – Straus Family Creamer y is collaborating with its supplying dair y far ms to reach car bon neutralit y by 2030. The family-owned company advocates for local organic dair y far mers whose farms utilize organic and regenerative carbon farming prac tices to improve soil health and capture car bon from the atmosphere

For more information, go to w w w .strausfamilycreamer y.com.

D ave’s Killer Bread Expands S

nack Line with National L aunch of O rganic S nack Bites

Dave’s Killer Bread®, the leading organic bread brand, is growing its on-the - go snack produc t line with the national launch of Organic Snack Bites Each unique flavor combines the same whole grain nutr ition and simple ingredients that consumers k now and love from Dave’s with a crunchy tex ture to meet current snack ing desires.

Crafted with organic nuts, seeds and grains for a satisfying crunch and flavor, the Snack Bites can be enjoyed on their own, or make for an exciting addition to salads, par faits and soups

Dave’s is launching with six delicious varieties, offering both savor y and sweet taste profiles:

· Cinna Roll Snack Bites feature organic chia seeds, pumpk in seeds and cr isp brown r ice, deliver ing a classic sweet cinnamon flavor

· PB & Chocolate Snack Bites offer a salt y-sweet bite with organic peanut butter, rolled oats, cocoa butter, quinoa flakes and sea salt

· Honey Nut Snack Bites are packed with organic rolled oats, honey and dr y roasted almonds, offer ing a lightly sweet bite packed with whole grains

· Epic Ever ything™ Snack Bites contain crunchy bits of garlic and onion with organic pumpk in seeds, cashews, quinoa flakes and sunflower kernels.

· Toasted Garlic Snack Bites are toasted to flavor with gar lick y organic rolled oats, poppy seeds, quinoa flakes and crisp brown rice

· B old Buffalo Snack Bites provide a tangy and savor y bite made with organic cashews, pumpk in seeds, rolled oats and crisp brown rice.

“ The positive response to our Snack and Protein Bars has confir med that people crave snacks that balance nutrition with exceptional taste and tex ture,” said Danielle Benjamin, Senior Direc tor of Brand Management for Dave’s K iller

Bread. “ We collaborated closely with our team to craft these one - of-a-k ind Snack Bites – per fec tly por tioned clusters packed with whole grains, a satisfying crunch and the bold flavors that offer our BreadHeads a unique and satisfying snack ing experience ”

Dave’s nutritious bites join the brand’s successful snack lineup of Organic Snack Bars and Amped-Up Organic Protein Bars, available nationwide As with all Dave’s Killer Bread produc ts, Organic Snack Bites are Cer tified USDA Organic, Non- GMO Projec t Ver ified and made without ar tificial ingredients, preser vatives, colors, flavors, high fruc tose corn syrup or bleached flour.

The stand-up, resealable pouches retail for $6 99 each and are now rolling out at Walmar t, on Walmar t com, Amazon and at grocer y stores across the countr y

About Dave’s Killer Bread

Rock ing the bread and snack aisles with delicious whole grains comes naturally to Dave’s Killer Bread First introduced at the Por tland Farmers Market in 2005, it is now the nation’s best-selling organic bread brand with widespread distribution across the United States and Canada. The flagship organic bread brand for Flowers Foods, Dave’s K iller Bread pioneered the organic seeded bread categor y and offers 33 varieties of whole grain organic baker y and snack products, all of which are cer tified USDA organic and Non- GMO Projec t Verified I n addition, Dave’s K iller Bread is committed to Second Chance Employment (employing those with a criminal background), helping to transfor m lives through job oppor tunities One in three employee -par tners at its Oregon baker y have a criminal background

For more information, go to w w w daveskillerbread com

Bonne Maman New Raspberr y

More Fruit, Less S ugar S pread

The No 1 premium preser ves brand in the United States, Bonne M aman ® Preser ves, is adding R aspberr y to its More Fruit, Less Sugar line of fruit spreads. R

c o n t a i n s 3 8 % l e s s s u g a r, a n d 3 4 % m o r e f r u i t t h a n B o n n e M a m a n P r e -

s e r v e s , a l l w h i l e s u s t a i n i n g t h e s a m e

t i m e - h o n o re d re c i p e s a n d h o m e m a d e

t a s t e

The M ore Fruit, Less Sugar Fruit Spreads line tastes just as good as it looks M ade with premium, simple ingredients and vibrant fruit, they are

pack aged in a spin on the iconic glass

B onne M aman jar that people love to upc ycle in endless ways. Bonne Maman More Fruit, Less Sugar Fruit Spreads are the per fec t supplement to an overall balanced lifest yle, offer ing bold flavor on top of yogur t, scones, toast and more, without the guilt

Now available nationwide, B onne M aman Fruit Spreads deliver a lower sugar produc t with the same delicious taste B onne M aman consumers love. M ade simply from five ingredients, B onne M aman M ore Fruit, Less Sugar Fruit Spreads are Non- GMO Projec t Verified, gluten free and OU Kosher

For more information, go to w w w bonne maman us, email info@worldfiner com or stop by booth #604.

The Fresh Market Announces New Leadership to Head

S pecialty Grocer y C hain

The Fresh Market, I nc announced that its B oard of Direc tors has appointed Brian Johnson as President and Chief Executive O fficer, replacing Jason Potter, who has decided to pursue a new opportunit y. The Fresh M ar ket thanks Potter for his ser vice and leadership over the last five years

Johnson has ser ved as Chief Operating O fficer at The Fresh Market since 2020 and br ings more than 30 years of exper ience to the role I n the last five years, Johnson has helped oversee the expansion of TFM

stores into new markets across the East Coast and M idwester n United States Previously, Johnson ser ved as Division Vice President at Brookshire Grocer y Company in Texas.

Johnson stated, “I want to thank the B oard of Direc tors and our team at The Fresh M ar ket for putting their confidence in me

As a company we have a lot of momentum going into 2025, and I look forward to work ing alongside the team at

Double the Health Benefits: S un D ried Tomatoes and Olive O il in O ne Delicious Jar

M ooney Far ms’ flagship produc t line, Bella Sun Luci, features premium California grown and Mediterranean-inspired foods created from authentic family

recipes. The B ella Sun Luci line is best k nown for Sun Dried Tomatoes and Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil with a distinc tively fresh and sweet flavor from being dr ied under the Califor nia sun and always packed with olive oil For more than 35 years, Mooney Farms has been producing Bella Sun Luci, the “premium brand ” of Califor nia sun dr ied tomato produc ts.

Mooney Farms, a name synonymous with sun dr ied tomatoes, has been at the forefront of the industr y since 1987 As a third- generation, cer tified womanowned, family business, Mooney Farms continues to innovate with products designed for today ’s consumers. Rooted in qualit y, integr it y and family values, M ooney Far ms has grown to become the leading producer of sun dried tomatoes in olive oil in the United States Mooney Farms stays true to its commitment to qualit y and flavor When Mooney Farms began, it set out to produce a delicious produc t with the highest quality ingredients: tomatoes dried under the Califor nia sun and packed

The Fresh M ar ket as we continue to grow, innovate and create meaning ful customer exper iences I also look forward to wor k ing with the B oard of Direc tors as we char t our course to becoming America’s premiere specialty fresh food retailer – or Amer ica’s most loved brand ” I ncluded in the senior leadership team repor ting to Johnson are R evae

with premium olive oil, never substituting with cheap, inflammator y seed oils Customers trust that ever y product they purchase will meet their highest expectations because Mooney Farms has never wavered from its original recipes For over 35 years, Mooney Farms has stayed true to an authentic recipe passed down through generations, ensur ing ever y produc t delivers the same timeless quality M ooney Far ms recognizes the impor tance of a M editerranean diet, which highlights the health benefits of fruits, vegetables and olive oil as a key source of healthy fats No Mediterranean k itchen is complete without a bottle of quality olive oil and a jar of sun dr ied tomatoes. Sun dr ied tomatoes are packed with lycopene, making them a “super food” on their own, and olive oil contains no cholesterol, no sodium, no trans fats, no added sugars and is a r ich source of monounsaturated fat – all of which add up to better health.

M ooney Far ms recognizes great brands don’t just happen; they are built on many years of hard wor k and consumer education The website is designed to empower customers by sharing the numerous health benefits of sun dried tomatoes, exploring the principles of the Mediterranean diet and offering a wealth of new recipes and food videos to inspire culinar y creativity

About Mooney Farms & Bella Sun Luci

The full B ella Sun Luci produc t line includes 100% olive oil salad vinaigrettes, sauce star ters, plant-based tomato jerk y, pasta sauces, bruschetta spreads, bottled ex tra virgin olive oil, risotto and mar inades For more infor mation, visit w w w bellasunluci com or connec t on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest @bellasunluci All produc ts are available for order now

For more information, go to w w w .mooneyfarms.com, email sales@mooney farms.com or stop by booth #2787.

Embs, Group Vice President of Human R esources, Emily Tur ner, Group Vice President and Chief M ar keting O fficer, and M arcio R ibeiro, Group Vice President and Chief Information O fficer who have all joined the senior leadership team within the last year

For more information, go to w w w thefreshmarket com

Among the natural sprouted specialty breads are its widely popular Ezek iel 4:9 and Genesis 1:29 breads They are available in English muffins, tor tillas, pitas, burger buns and crunchy cereals, and are made from only the best natural ingredients possible.

Ezek iel 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 bar ley, and beans, and lentils, and millet and spelt and put them into one vessel and make bread of it.” Ezek iel 4:9.

Ezek iel 4:9 breads include a blend of grains, legumes and seeds, which when combined create an abundant har vest of nutr ition, including nine essential amino acids

Paesana (Cont ’d. from p. 1)

kettle cooked The sauce is jarred at peak freshness to seal in the flavors per fected over generations

Paesana puts the same care in labeling its jars as it does in prepar ing the sauce. Discerning organic shoppers look for the USDA organic seal, which Paesana proudly displays on the front of its transparent labels These sauces are gluten free, kosher cer tified and, with

Na tural Grocers (Cont ’d from p 1)

offer ing a more eco - conscious way to enjoy your daily brew

Compatible, Compostable & Downright Delicious

Natural Grocers’ new coffee pods are compatible with most single -ser ve coffee makers They ’re made with plantbased mesh filters and paper lids and are cer tified compostable at local industrial composting facilities The line is also pack aged in 100% rec ycled paperboard

Once Upon a Farm (Cont ’d from p 1)

amount as 1 cup of whole milk – along with real fruit and veggies, whole grain oats and no-added sugar Staying true to the brand’s promise of delivering clean, nutritious and delicious snacks, Once Upon a Farm’s Refrigerated Protein Bars are organic and Non-GMO Project Verified and come in t wo fun flavors: Oatmeal Chocolate and Cinnamon Roll “K ids (and grown-ups in the k now) have been loving our delicious refrigerated oat bars. YAY! We love you back , ” said Once Upon a Farm Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer Jennifer Garner. “Parents of older k ids have made one teeny tiny, colossal request: more protein, please! Once Upon a Farm, at your ser vice – refr igerated protein bars coming r ight up! We k now how impor tant healthy, big energy snacks are to busy k ids navigating schoolwork , spor ts and

G enesis 1:29 combines 16 selec t grains and seeds, originating from various continents around the globe to create a world of nutrition in ever y bite

These inspired ancient recipes are made exceptionally nutr itious with sprouted grains germinated in Food for Life’s exclusive process for days with pure filtered water and ox ygenated to develop The Live Grain Difference

Sprouting maximizes the nutr ient content over dr y grains ground into flour Enz ymatic ac tivit y promotes digestibilit y by unlock ing all the natural goodness found in whole grains.

Food For Life Flourless Ezek iel 4:9 and Genesis 1:29 Sprouted Grain breads are made without any added sugar, creating low glycemic options to help reduce sugar spikes Many are cer tified diabetic friendly

Clean, simple, organic ingredients that

exception of its Vodk a sauce, Non- GMO

Projec t Verified

Beyond the label, and for in-store convenience, Paesana packs its jars in display-ready trays, mak ing an attrac tive store end- cap display This eye - catching store set up is unique and appealing, mak ing the product itself the per fect instore adver tisement.

While an attrac tive end cap display of Organic Tomato Basil or Organic Vodk a Sauce are attention grabbers, having six

boxes crafted with 30% post- consumer rec ycled mater ials Additionally, the pods are Cer tified Organic and Cer tified Fair Trade, reflec ting the company ’s dedication to responsible and ethical prac tices.

are easy to identify are the foundation for its Sprouted Grain breads You won’t find additives, ar tificial 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 sec tion, as freezing is nature’s best preser vation method, helping to preser ve natural freshness until it gets to you

Much more than just carbs! Food For Life Ezek iel 4:9 breads are a natural source of low glycemic complex carbs, which are often discouraged for weight management, over look ing their value when par t of a sensible diet with exercise. Food For Life believes complex car bs are ex tremely vital to human health as the body ’s prefer red fuel source Complex carbs can help to regulate many biological func tions in the body, including hor mones like mela-

organic var ieties 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 tex ture For those who like a little k ick , tr y the Organic Fra Diavolo, and for

t h e n t i c f l a v o r s t h a t h a v e a l r e a d y b e -

c o m e c u s t o m e r f a v o r i t e s W i t h t h e i r

s u p e r i o r q u a l i t y a n d a l i g n m e n t w i t h

o u r c u s t o m e r s’ v a l u e s , w e’r e p r o u d t o

i n t r o d u c e t h e s e n e w v a r i e t i e s a s p a r t

o f o u r g r o w i n g N a t u r a l G r o c e r s

B r a n d c o l l e c t i o n , r e f l e c t i n g o u r u n -

w a v e r i n g c o m m i t m e n t t o s u s t a i na b i l i t y, n u t r i t i o n , t a s t e a n d a f f o r d a b i l i t y ”

g a t N a t u r a l

G r o c e r s “ C r a f t e d w i t h c a r e , t h e s e

p r e m i u m p r o d u c t s d e l i v e r r i c h , a u -

play dates And we k now sacr ificing taste and tex ture for nutrition is not an option We are so excited to share our tast y and nutritious RPB They are perfec tly delicious and made with love for your busy families! Bon appetite!”

tonin and impor tant mood regulating serotonin

Food For Life Ezek iel 4:9 Sprouted Grain, legume and seed breads have another uncommon feature with both soluble and insoluble fiber With a pleasing nutt y flavor and tex ture, both t ypes of fiber are impor tant to help detoxify the body Soluble fiber does its work at the cellular level, while insoluble fiber pr imarily stays in the gastrointestinal trac t 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 impor tant for optimum dietar y health and wellness for vitality and longevity.

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

For more information, go to w w w food forlife com or stop by booth #1617

those who crave a more r ich sauce, there is Organic Sicilian Grav y And garlic lovers can’t get enough of the Organic Roasted Garlic sauce

Each delicious variety of Paesana Organic Pasta Sauce delivers a taste of the I talian countr yside. I t ’s an organic sauce like no other – full of flavor!

For more information, go to w w w paesana com, email sales@paesana com or call 631 845 1717

produc ts, available exclusively at Natural Grocers stores Lear n more about Natural Grocers’ produc t standards by click ing here Recent additions to the pr ivate -label line include Organic Durum Wheat Pasta and Organic Biodynamic Pasta Sauces. Customers can look for ward to more premium- quality produc ts at Always Affordable Pr icesSM, including a new line of Organic Kombuchas and Tepaches

n o - a d d e d s u g a

i c i n

, m a k i n g t h

a s d e l i c i o u s a s t h e y a r e n u t r i t i o u s f o r

e v e r y o n e i n t h e f a m i l y. E a c h b a r c o n -

t a i n s 8 gra m s o f p ro te i n f ro m m i l k a n d w h e y c o n c e n t r a t e , s e r v i n g a s a p e r -

f e c t s o u r c e o f f u e l a n d a d e l i c i o u s

s n a c k p a c k e d i n t o o n e fo r a l l g ro w i n g,

a c t i v e k i d s t o e n j o y T h e n e w p r o t e i n

b a r s a re a l s o g o o d o n - t h e - g o ( o u t s i d e

o f t h e f r i d g e ) f o r u p t o o n e w e e k t o f u e l t h e f a m i l y ’s e v e r y d a y a d v e n t u r e .

Recent Additions and Coming Soon

Established in 2016, the house brand cur rently offers over 800 high- qualit y

O n c e U p o n a Fa r m’s R e f r i g e r a t e d Pr o -

t e i n B a r l i n e i s a v a i l a b l e t o p u r c h a s e

n o w n a t i o n w i d e i n t h e r e f r i g e r a t o r

a i s l e a t Ta r g e t , C o s t c o, S p r o u t s a n d

K r o g e r, a n d o n l i n e a t w w w o n c e u p o n

a f a r m o r g a n i c s . c o m . S u g g e s t e d r e t a i l

p r i c e $ 2 . 7 9 p e r b a r.

“It ’s been so fun to expand our recipes into the fresh bar snack ing space,” said Once Upon a Far m Co -founder and Chief Innovation O fficer Cassandra Curtis “ This bar is per fec t for k ids in what we like to call the ‘ beige phase,’ where they only want to eat foods like pastas and bread, which leads to them not getting all the nutrients they need, like protein Af ter years of development, we have finally nailed the sweet spot of deliver ing a taste and tex ture that k ids love while also giving their body the nutrition it needs with 8 grams of protein We are beyond excited for ever yone to tr y them!”

For more information, go to www natural grocers com

About Once Upon a Farm

At O n c e U p o n a Fa r m , Fa r m - Fre s h Tastes Grow Here™ We’re on a greater m i s s i o n i n p ro v i d i n g o r g a n i c, c r a vewo r t hy,

of all ages. Our delicious and thoughtf u l re

whole fruits and veggies picked, then cold-pressed

stone. All of our produc ts are

added sugar, and are free from ar tificial flavors, colors, and preser vatives – just simple, real, nutr itious food your entire family will love

For more information, go to w w w once uponafarmorganics.com.

Dripdash (Cont ’d. from p. 1)

enjoying coffee has undergone an unbelievable evolution and time has become a precious commodity Dripdash’s vision was simple: it wanted to create a bold, smooth and convenient coffee.

Kyoto Coffee was invented by Dutch sailors in the 1600s, re - engineered by Japanese ar tisans the following centur y and reimagined by Dripdash in 2018 Kyoto Iced Coffee is a brewing process made using one drop of water at a time

minimally processed and deliciously good for you ®

Established in Nor th Amer ica for 12 years, Elan successfully launched on the U.S. mar ket in 2021. Today, Elan is distr ibuted nationwide through KeHE, UNFI and established grocer ies and health food stores across the countr y With a variety of nature -inspired snacks, the brand is k nown for its specialty super food-infused nuts and blends

Flavors include innovative pairings such as Chia Walnuts, Matcha Almonds and the Fiji M ix, which includes açai

Bonne Maman

are the newest additions to the Bonne Maman family of premium produc ts offered in the United States With these two deliciously indulgent specialty nut and chocolate spreads, B onne M aman elevates any breakfast and snack ing occasion Consumers say it is “Love at first taste!”

Suzanne’s Spec ialties (Cont ’d. from p. 1)

sugar, inver t syrups, molasses, honey, rice milk powder and coconut sugar The company also has the abilit y to make custom blends and sweetener systems

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

l

s s t h a n 1 0 p p b fo r a r s e n i c a n d l e a d, meeting the FDA standard for dr ink ing

become the third worldwide company in the categor y

Today, you can find its produc ts in over 60 countr ies I t is a leading balsamic vinegar brand in I taly and in the United States, where Monari Federzoni has been operating for the last 40 years. Monari Federzoni, first and foremost, is a family The company today is run by Sabrina Federzoni, four th generation of the Feder zoni family in the business, and owned by Sabr ina, Elena and I nes Feder zoni R ecently, Vittor ia, Sabr ina’s daughter, has joined the company to continue the tradition. M onar i Feder -

for 16 hours to extract the most pleasant flavors in coffee It’s known for having nuanced high notes, a balanced body and a shock ingly smooth finish Dripdash is proud to be the first wholesale manufacturer of this style of coffee in the countr y with three distinct flavor options:

· Kyoto Iced Coffee: The original black coffee that star ted it all I t offers a rich body, triple -strength and a shock ingly smooth finish

· Black Sesame Oatmilk Latte: Tak ing Japanese flavors and adding sustain-

blueberr y cashews These unique snacks not only provide exceptional taste, but also deliver a boost of nutrition

Savor a tropical retreat with the Fiji M ix This blend features cranber r ies, tangy goji berries, coconut chips, pumpk in seeds and signature açai blueberr y cashews. Get ready for a vibrant burst of super food goodness with these gently roasted cashews infused with organic açai and blueberr y powder

The Chia Walnuts are a unique and nutr itious snack ing exper ience This recipe pairs organic California walnuts with antioxidant super food goji berries and omega-rich chia seeds, as well as Hi-

Staying true to the brand ’s values, both flavors are made with simple premium ingredients, are palm oil free and have no ar tificial flavors With generous amounts of nuts and a smooth, creamy texture, Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate and Peanut Chocolate Spreads deliver a deliciously r ich taste that consumers are eating r ight out of the jar. These flavors are t wo new reasons

l e v e l s . S

n n e’s R &

s

l s o d e v

o p e d n e w l o w - s u g a r r i c e a n d t a p i o c a

s y r u p s t o m e e t i t s c u s t o m e r s’ d e -

m a n d s O r y z a Lo w a n d Ta p i Lo w a r e

ava i l a b l e i n a l l p a c k s i ze s a n d h ave n o

m i n i m u m o rd e r q u a nt i t y

T h e c o m p a n y p a c k s i t s i n d u s t r i a l

p r o d u c t s i n p a i l s , d r u m s , t o t e s a n d

t a n k w a g o n s . A l l p r o d u c t s a r e a v a i l -

a b l e i n o r g a n i c w i t h m o s t a v a i l a b l e i n

a c o n v e n t i o n a l v e r s i o n a s w e l l

S u z a n n e’s p r o m i s e s t h a t a l l o f i t s

p r o d u c t s a r e m a d e w i t h o n l y t h e

zoni is proudly 100% owned and run by women!

What Makes Monari Feder

zoni

Unique

The balsamic vinegar of M odena is unique itself : exclusively produced in Modena through generations, matured and aged in wood. It is par t of the family tradition Sweet and sour, it is the perfec t ingredient to any recipe

The scent you feel enter ing the Monari Federzoni cellar is unique – the same you find in its produc ts With over 5,000 oak bar rels, it has the biggest aging area in the wor ld, in which the aged balsamic vinegars reside for a min-

able alter native milk as the base, this Keto -fr iendly latte uses sugar alter natives such as monk fruit Tastes like a milkshake, but with only t wo grams of sugar

· Lavender Maple Oatmilk Latte: For the plant-based folks, this drink uses a dair y alternative and maple syrup as the vegan and unprocessed sugar substitute Tastes like a meditation that will keep you moving

Dr ipdash craf ts its beverages in small

malayan pink salt The result: the per fect better-for-you snack

I nspired by a matcha latte, the Organic Matcha Almonds pair roasted almonds with authentic Japanese matcha green tea powder and coconut milk . I t ’s a sweet and ear th snack enhanced by antioxidants and minerals.

These unique snacks are made from high- qualit y ingredients cultivated through organic far ming As a clean brand, Elan prioritizes sustainable farming methods that use no harmful pesticides and embrace the soil ’s natural c ycles. All ingredients are meticulously sourced, mak ing Elan an excellent

consumers love Bonne Maman Pack aged in an embossed Bonne Maman glass jar, Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate and Peanut Chocolate Spreads are ideal for snacking, spreading or incorporating as an ingredient in beloved recipes Customers love dipping pretzels into the jar and enjoying this indulgent snack any time of day You can drizzle it on top of ice cream or a

h i g h e s t q u a l i t y o r g a n i c a n d a l l - n a t -

u r a l i n g r e d i e n t s . E a c h o n e i s s u r e t o

g i v e y o u r f o r m u l a s a n d a p p l i c a t i o n s

“ S w e e t n e s s t h e Wa y M o t h e r N a t u r e

I n t e n d e d ™ ”

Suzanne’s Specialties also provides a

l i n e o f r e t a i l p r o d u c t s T h e s e i n c l u d e

t r a d i t i o n a l o f f e r i n g s s u c h a s o r g a n i c wildflower honey and rice syrup I t also

h a s m a p l e a n d J u s t L i k e H o n e y f l avo r

o p t i o n s . Pa c k s i z e s o n i t s r e t a i l l i n e

r a n g e f r o m j a r s t o g a l l o n s t o t u b s t o

p a i l s

Suzanne’s can ser vice the needs of a

imum of three years.

Near the cellar and nex t to the bottling site in the middle of the countr yside of Modena, Monari Federzoni also owns and sustainably grows over 250 acres of vineyards of Lambrusco, Ancelotta, Trebbiano and Albana grapes Monari Federzoni uses these grapes to produce the cooked grape must for its produc ts M onar i Feder zoni believes that a blend of these different types of grapes makes its recipes per fec t!

The Future of Monari Federzoni I n the United States this summer, Monari Federzoni has decided to launch a different for mat with its best-seller

batches The most sought-after ingredients are used – from dair y-free/glutenfree milk and plant-powered sugar alternatives to the carefully sourced coffee beans Put all of this into the brewing machine and the result is Dripdash, an elevated coffee experience that you can enjoy any where you are. B old. Smooth Convenient

For more information, go to w w w dripdash com, email info@dripdash com or stop by booth #801

choice for those mindful of their health and the planet

With versatilit y and a strategic approach, Elan continues to expand its horizons While the brand has a strong presence in the East, its presence in the West is gaining momentum. These innovative snacks are attrac ting the attention of retailers and chains eager to elevate their selec tion of organic and vegan produc ts M oving for ward, Elan aims to accelerate its growth and boost brand awareness nationwide

For more information, contact sales@ elanbio.com or stop by booth #1982.

brownie; spread on toast or on a crepe B onne M aman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread is available in both 8.8- ounce and 12 7- ounce jars

B onne M aman Peanut Chocolate Spread is available in a 12 3- ounce jar

For more information, go to w w w bonne maman us, email info@worldfiner com or stop by booth #604

household, restaurant, small baker y or robust manufac tur ing facilit y. Visit w w w.suzannes-specialties.com for more information on these produc ts or to shop in its easy-to -use online store With distribution facilities on both the East and West coasts and a diverse produc t line, Suzanne’s Specialties has the abilit y to ser vice your company ’s specific needs.

For more information, go to w w w suzannes-specialties com or stop by booth #1668

vinegar inside: the 8.5- ounce spray. The spray bottle has been launched in I taly and other markets, where it has been a success I t is easy to use, helps control por tions and it can be sprayed on salad, used with grilling or with an air fr yer There will also be a sur pr ise on the neck of the spray bottle: a QR code. S canning it, customers will be able to vir tually travel to Modena, where Shota M itamura, the company chef, will share with them some traditional and innovative recipes, pairing each of them with its balsamic vinegars

For more information, go to www.par tner foodsgroup.com or stop by booth #N1428.

Elan (Cont ’d from p 1)

(Cont ’d. from p. 1)

Monari Federzoni (Cont ’d. from p. 1)

vinaigrettes This year, Bella Sun Luci earned the M indful Award for Salad Dressing Line of the Year, celebrating a commitment to quality, flavor and mindful ingredients.

The M indful Awards are designed to honor companies and produc ts that make a significant impac t in the consumer goods industr y B ella Sun Luci Salad Dressing line was recognized not only for its exceptional taste, but also for its use of premium, health- conscious ingredients that suppor t overall wellness

The team at B ella Sun Luci takes no shor tcuts in creating the per fec t fusion of flavor and nutr ition B ella Sun Luci sources only the finest ingredients to bring you vinaigrettes that not only ex-

graham sandwiches, these mindfully made, nutrient- dense snacks are great for satisfying a sweet tooth on the go and feature smooth dar k chocolate liquor combined with creamy, ethically sourced peanut butter spread between t wo honey graham crackers Touting color ful, new pack aging, Once Again’s clean-ingredient snacks deliver satiating plant protein and fiber in ever y ser ving, plus contain no ar tificial flavors, colors or sweeteners, no hydrogenated oils, no MSG, no dair y or wheat, and are also kosher and Non- GMO Projec t Verified

Liquid I V (Cont ’d from p 1)

Lemonade is scientifically for mulated with zero sugar and zero ar tificial sweeteners Each sugar-free flavor is more hydrating than water alone, powered by the propr ietar y Amino Acid Allulose Blend

Instead of sugar, the formula contains allulose, a naturally occurring sweetener that doesn’t raise blood sugar levels like table sugar does The blend also includes two amino acids, L-alanine and Lglutamine, that help improve water absor ption when paired with elec -

Why Sore No More PLUS CBD Stands Out

S o r e N o M o r e P LU S C B D Pa i n R e l i e f p r o d u c t s a r e h a n d c r a f t e d i n t h e

U n i t e d S t a t e s , u s i n g t h i r d - p a r t y l a b -

t e s t e d C B D i s o l a t e T h i s e n s u r e s u l t im ate p u r i t y, co n s i s te n c y a n d p e a ce o f m i n d fo r u s e r s T H C - f re e, n o n - m i n d - a lt e r i n g a n d n o n - h a b i t - f o r m i n g, t h e s e p ro d u c t s p rov i d e e f fe c t i ve re l i e f w i t h -

o u t t h e e nto u ra g e e f fe c t s o f f u l l - s p e ct r u m C B D.

A Trusted Name for Over 50 Years

With more than five decades of exper i-

e n c e, S o re N o M o re h a s b e c o m e a leader in the natural pain relief mar ket

K n o w n fo r i t s c o m m i t m e n t t o q u a l i t y

cite your taste buds but also nour ish your body Brace yourselves for a taste revolution when you tr y the 100% Olive Oil based vinaigrette line

The Balsamic Vinaigrette is craf ted using De Negris aged balsamic vinegar from Modena, I taly. I ts vibrant flavor is elevated by delicate hints of lemon and raw honey, creating a per fec tly balanced and refreshing taste that can be used for a salad or dipping oil

The California Vinaigrette is thoughtfully made with locally sourced honey and sweet oranges I ts balanced flavor comes from a blend of rich vinegar and fresh herbs and spices, creating a truly refreshing and unique California experience

The Sonoma Vinaigrette offers a perfect harmony of bold flavors, featuring

The popular it y of its graham sandwiches also inspired the launch of stand-alone cinnamon, honey and chocolate graham crackers. This new, wholesome lineup is cer tified both organic and gluten free, plus the cinnamon and dar k chocolate graham crackers are vegan Created with care by the company ’s 100% employee owners, these sweet and crispy snacks are handcrafted in small batches with a blend of organic sorghum flour, oat flour and cassava flour, plus a touch of organic cinnamon, real clover honey or rich dark chocolate liquor (no cocoa powder here!) Each carefully selected, clean and

trolytes in the absence of sugar

There are a number of reasons you might choose to leave sugar out of your diet However, monitor ing your blood sugar levels can be beneficial for your overall well being Here are a few reasons to tr y Liquid I V :

· R ecreational athlete or day-to - day gym goer? Fueling your sweat sessions with Liquid I V (like new Sugar-Free R aspber r y Lemonade) can help optimize your per formance

· Grow your health confidence and feel a greater sense of control when you

and innovation, the brand is a trusted c h o i c e fo r we l l n e s s e n t h u s i a s

the richness of garlic and a mixture of Italian herbs Infused with sun dried tomatoes grown under the California sun, this vinaigrette delivers a sophisticated, semisweet taste that elevates any dish

The Champagne Vinaigrette is handcrafted in small batches. This vinaigrette combines the subtle sweetness of California champagne vinegar with the perfec t balance of her bs, resulting in a flavor profile that is fresh, unique and flavor ful

The M eyers Lemon Vinaigrette with Basil and Wildflower Honey is a testament to the West Coast charm, boasting a br ight 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, har moniously blended

simple, responsibly sourced ingredient gives these ar tisanal crackers a superior taste to their conventional counterpar ts, even with just 1g of added sugar. Hand cut to size, they ’re delicious on their own, topped with nut butter and fruit, dr izzled with honey, or used to make classic s’mores or a delec table pie crust Additionally, the ar tisanal lineup is kosher, Non- GMO Projec t Ver ified and par t of the brand’s Honest in Trade sustainability program.

Shared Gael J. B. Orr, Direc tor of Marketing at Once Again Nut Butter : “Our graham sandwiches created quite a happy stir among our customers, and

k now your numbers

· The more you k now, the better you can understand the impact of foods and beverages with alternative sweeteners on blood sugar. This Sugar-Free formula is made with allulose, which doesn’t raise blood sugar levels like table sugar does

Along with zero sugar, Liquid I V ’s formula contains zero ar tificial sweeteners and three times the elec trolytes of the leading spor ts drink Just like the original Hydration Multiplier formula, there are eight vitamins and nutrients in ever y

lutions for better health and balance

Visit Booth #2916

ever yday use.

To enhance your well-being, ac tivate your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) through healthy prac tices such as:

· Moderate to high-intensity exercise

· Massage and stretching

· Meditation and relaxation

· A healthy diet

· Using phyto (plant) cannabinoids such as CBD

Sore No More PLUS CBD Pain Relief is your par tner in suppor ting these practices, offering effec tive, plant-based so-

with the aromatic notes of basil and the subtle sweetness of honey

Bella Sun Luci is the go-to vinaigrette brand because we make delicious salad dressings with nutritious ingredients Unlike its competitors who use inflammator y seed oils, Bella Sun Luci uses 100% olive oil in its recipes, saying no to seed oils and preser vatives Bella Sun Luci received the Mindful Award because of its commitment to pure, quality ingredients that make its vinaigrettes stand out, ensuring a flavor ful and healthy choice for your salads You can trust Bella Sun Luci for straightfor ward, delicious dressings. Available to order now.

For more information, go to w w w mooneyfarms com, email sales@mooney farms com or stop by booth #2787

it ’s been wonder ful to see people embrace the new snack offer ings we are br inging to mar ket K ids are enjoying the taste, while adults are appreciating that they are cleaner upgrades of childhood favorites ”

M ade at a SQF Cer tified industr ial baker y, Once Again’s graham crackers and new graham sandwiches are now available for retailers nationwide to carr y, plus sold at selec t stores

For more information, go to w w w.once againnutbutter com, call 888 800 8075, email gorr@onceagain com or stop by booths #N505, #1904 and #5384

stick , including five vitamins: B3, B5, B6, B12 and vitamin C Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free Raspberr y Lemonade joins five other sugarfree flavors: White Peach, R ainbow Sherber t, Green Grape, Lemon Lime and Raspberr y Melon You can find Liquid I V online at w w w liquid-iv com and instores at over 40,000 retailers across the United States, including Costco, Target and Walmar t Tr y them all and find your hydration ritual

For more information, go to w w w .liquid-iv.com or stop by booth #312.

relief solutions

Expo West attendees are encouraged to visit booth #2916 to lear n more about the full range of Sore No More products, including the 3- ounce R oll- On and 4ounce jar K nowledgeable representatives are on-site to answer questions, provide samples and offer an exclusive show special that ’s not to be missed Don’t miss the chance to experience S ore No M ore PLUS CBD Pain R elief –whether you’re stock ing up on trusted or iginal S ore No M ore Pain R elief in warm or cool therapy or discovering the convenience of the Sore No More PLUS CBD roll- on application Visit booth #2916 to see why Sore No More continues to set the standard for natural pain

For more information, go to www soreno moreusa com or stop by booth #2916

p. 4)

are introduced to balance the nuttiness of the sesame with a touch of sweet honey or sweet cocoa – but not overly sweet B oth Ar iston’s tahini spreads (both children and adult approved) will make a healthy hit at your store, at your own breakfast table or at your wor k ’s break room area

For more information, go to www.ariston specialties com, email office@ariston foods com or order online at faire com/ direct/aristonspecialties

Sore No More (Cont ’d from p 4)

Once Again (Cont ’d from p 1)

Ariston Spec ialties (Cont ’d. from

Prime Shrimp, Mahana Fresh Present

‘Shrimply Paradise’ Four-Flavor Feast

Prime Shrimp, the brand known for its premium flavored shrimp and cook-inpouch method, is teaming up with Mahana Fresh, a fast-casual restaurant specializing in healthy, customizable dishes, to offer a limited-time, flavor-packed promotion Through April 30, customers can indulge in Shrimply Paradise, featuring four delicious Prime Shrimp flavors available at Mahana Fresh locations across the United States

Mahana Fresh introduces four mouthwatering Prime Shrimp flavors crafted to satisfy a range of flavor palates: Louisiana Boil, Honey Mesquite, Signature and Lemon & Cracked Pepper Each flavor will be exclusively available for a four-week period during the promotion, both as part of Mahana Fresh’s Build Your Own bowls and wraps, as well as part of a limited-time Signature Bowl crafted by Mahana Fresh’s expert chefs

“At Mahana Fresh, we are passionate about offering fresh, delicious food to fuel our customers’ days in the best way possible, so we immediately aligned with Prime Shrimp’s mission to get more people eating

more shrimp,” said Dave Wood, CEO at Mahana Fresh “We created Shrimply Paradise, to celebrate the versatility of shrimp

“Prime Shrimp’s cookin-pouch method and incredible array or flavor profiles has allowed us to add a new protein to our menu with unprecedented ease, and their products mirror our own commitment to providing chef-inspired ingredients and tastes ”

Prime Shrimp, which recently announced its retail collaboration with Whole Foods Market, offers value-added shrimp products to get more people eating more shrimp more often The brand’s flagship product offers responsibly farmed seasoned or sauced shrimp in a vacuum-packed cookin-pouch format that eliminates burdens associated with cooking shrimp – including unpleasant smell, thaw and prep time,

mess and handling of raw seafood

This has made the brand a popular choice among home chefs as well as food-

high-quality ingredients With a belief that a good mood starts with good food, Mahana Fresh offers an array of customizable bowls and wraps

operators

toward the combination of high quality and high convenience Mahana Fresh, a rapidly growing fast-casual restaurant concept, offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on fresh,

That’s it. Unveils Annual

That’s it , maker of the number one fruit bar in America, has released the top three trends from its second annual snacking survey, which was composed of 175 registered dietitians from its NutritionFAM program and 1,000 U S consumers

The top trend for the second year in a row is increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, according to 94 percent of NutritionFAM and 64 percent of consumers This comes as no surprise, considering only 1 in 10 U S adults currently meet their recommended daily servings of fruit

Closely following is the push to reduce added sugars, with over 70 percent of U S foods containing added sugars

Another emerging priority is avoiding ultra-processed foods, which often hide ingredients with confusing names like “natural flavors” and artificial colors For example, Red Dye No 3 – a petroleumbased dye linked to multiple health concerns – has been banned in U S cosmetics since 1990, but remained widely permitted in snacks, juices and baby food

In late Januar y, the Food & Drug Administration banned Red 3, also called FD&C Red No 3, erythrosine or E127, in foods

A more detailed report, including the full list of trends, will be released in March to kick off National Nutrition Month

To celebrate this incredible collaboration, Prime Shrimp and Mahana Fresh are giving away a week-long trip to Hawaii including airfare and luxury hotel accommodations for two In addition, each month the brand will gift free bowls or wraps for a year to one winner per location

“Mahana Fresh’s commitment to offering high-quality food with speed and ease makes them the perfect foodser vice partner for us, and we ’ re thrilled that together we can bring premium shrimp and bold flavors to new customers across the United States,” said Davis McCool, business development supervisor at Prime Shrimp “We hope that with Shrimply Paradise, both Mahana Fresh and its customers cultivate a new love for Prime Shrimp ” GN

Snacking Survey Trends

In 2024, That’s it delivered over 200 million fruit servings and introduced several new products, including a line of organic energy bars made with caffeine sourced from premium coffee and a customized K-12 offering featuring Fruit Crunchables, a real fruit snack made with just 1-2 ingredients and no added sugars, juices, concentrates, or purees

“Our mission has always been to make real fruit convenient and accessible for all ages,” said Katie Eshuys, president of That’s it “This has been our north star since the company started in 2012 and remains our primary focus ”

Looking ahead, That’s it aims to deliver

a quarter of a billion fruit servings in 2025 and has an impressive lineup of innovations slated for the first half of the year Consumers can anticipate new products, expanded distribution channels and strategic brand collaborations – all designed to make healthy snacking more accessible and enjoyable

Since 2012, That’s it has been innovating the natural foods categor y in the United States with its portfolio of simple and nutritious snacks made from real, whole foods All That’s it products transparently contain six ingredients or less, made without using natural or artificial flavors, sugar alcohols or artificial colors GN

NAKS Acquires Custom Kitchen Fabricator

North American Kitchen Solutions, Inc , a leading provider of innovative foodservice equipment solutions, has acquired Custom Kitchen Fabricator This strategic move solidifies NAKS’s position as an industr y leader and accelerates its growth trajectory NAKS is a portfolio company of Dallasbased Valesco Industries

CKF, a manufacturer of NSF-listed stainless-steel countertops, tabletops, worktables, sinks, wall panels and other surfaces, brings over 40 years of experience and expertise to the NAKS family By combining CKF’s strong reputation and skilled workforce with NAKS’s existing operating footprint, innovation, and industry knowledge, NAKS is

tomers

“This partnership will allow us to leverage our combined strengths to provide even more comprehensive solutions to our customers,” said Jimmy LeBeau, CEO of CKF “We look forward to contributing to NAKS’s continued success ”

This acquisition reinforces NAKS’s commitment to providing exceptional products and ser vices to the foodser vice industr y With a growing network of state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, NAKS is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our customers and drive future growth on a national scale E s t a b l i

Valesco is

private equity firm focusing on controlling and non-control investments in select growth-oriented small- and lower-middle-market businesses engaged in manufacturing, distribution, and business-to-business services Valesco specializes in partnering with a company ’ s management team to support its growth objectives

As long-term industry veterans, the principals have capitalized and built numerous successful businesses, serving those companies in varying roles as investors, managers, advisers and directors GN

ser vice

such as Mahana Fresh, who gravitate

Invig, PizzaForno to Install Pizza Vending at C-Stores

Invig Consulting has formed a partnership with PizzaForno to bring PizzaForno’s 24/7 automatic pizza vending machines to all convenience stores across the West Coast of the United States With over 20 years in business and an established presence across Canada, Invig Consulting and PizzaForno will work together to make pizza vending machines the new standard for convenience stores

“We started Invig Consulting to bring innovation to the industry and maximize the ability for store owners to adopt the immersive technologies of the future,” said Bassem Nowyhed, CEO of Invig Consulting “PizzaForno allows store owners to introduce a new product to their customers efficiently and reliably without having to pay for the extra training, labor and materials that would come with running a pizza-making operation within their store

“These vending machines are a nobrainer for stores to have an edge over their competitors and introduce a new line of revenue We’re super excited to bring

Food Trends

Continued from PAGE 1

ited time offers and growth in international chains

Consumers are increasingly gravitating toward specialty and premium food products that offer exceptional quality, artisanal craftsmanship and a sense of indulgence –elevating everyday eating experiences into moments of luxury, the men said

Specialty food continues to see strong demand, with food sales projected to experience a 5 5 percent growth in sales this year

Premium products are outpacing other segments Lower income and higher income consumers are gravitating toward both premium and super premium categories

Pasta sauces continue to thrive on the market, they said Consumers want cleanlabel, plant-based and low-sugar sauces The market is focused on quick, gourmet meals with global flavors and premium ingredients Artisanal, small-batch sauces are car ving out a niche in the market, Choi said A

premium private label Finest Reser

these incredible machines to store owners across California and the entire West Coast ”

Earlier this year, PizzaForno made its presence known in the United States by successfully launching in Utah, Delaware, New York, Florida and Mar yland, establishing 39 new units across the nation PizzaForno has introduced its vending machines at three locations across California With this new partnership, PizzaForno seeks to continue to expand and spread its machines across the state, with the ultimate goal of establishing a PizzaForno inside every convenience store

“Our 24/7 automatic machines embody ever ything customers seek in a convenience store appliance,” said Travis Musser, Master Licensee for PizzaForno Southern California and Washington State “With how connected Invig Consulting is to the convenience store industr y, we ’ re confident that our vending machines will become available to more stores and eventually become an essential component

mize their budgets while still enjoying their favorite indulgences ”

“Since 1904, shoppers have loved the Our Family brand because of its exceptional flavors, diverse variety and competitive prices,” said independent grocer y store owner and Finest Reser ve retailer Randy Jaeger of Marketplace Foods

“We’re excited to bring Finest Reserve to our shelves to build on this momentum and provide our shoppers with an even more refined and indulgent experience ”

As with SpartanNash, Choi said, other companies have the opportunity to market artisanal products to elevate label offerings

Luxury will meet convenience in 2025, the men said Expect premium spins on comfort food including sauces, fast food and nostalgia items Key ingredients expected are truffle, caviar, artisanal chocolate and sun-dried tomatoes

Khamkar cited Qoqodak, an upscale fried chicken restaurant in New York City, and Cote, the first and so far only Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse in the United States, with several U S locations, as examples of this trend

for the convenience store experience ”

Founded in 2018 by Canadian entrepreneurs William Moyer and Les Tomlin, PizzaForno is North America’s only automated pizzeria that introduces high-quality pizza in less than five minutes Accessible 24/7 at the tap of a digital screen, PizzaForno offers a selection of pizza options, each made with high-quality ingredients

Utilizing technology made popular in France by ADIAL, PizzaForno has built the brand on a proven food tech platform with already 2,200 operating in Europe PizzaForno has over 70 operating locations, over 100 additional locations committed in the United States alone and over 30 U S locations already established in California, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Michigan, Virginia, Alabama, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana

graphic targeting and bold, innovative flavor profiles

The use of GLP-1 and other appetitesuppressing medications has become mainstream, with 1 in 8 Americans having tried GLP-1 drugs This trend has medium- to long-term implications on consumer eating behavior, the men said

Invig Consulting has worked to reimagine the way brands, convenience stores and restaurants connect and do business

The business development company specializes in building distribution channels for quality consumer products and c-storefriendly foods

Invig bridges the gap between a brand and/or product that wants to enter the market and help them get there successfully The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with nationwide contacts GN

or about pickles, at least The briny product is featured in dishes, snacks and drinks with bold flavors that appeal to adventurous eaters – especially with Gen Z and millennials Convenient, ready-to-eat options are pumping up sales

Consumer favorites include pickled onions, dill pickles, kimchi, pickled jalapeños, pickled carrots, pickled cucumbers, sweet pickles, pickled garlic, kosher dill pickles and pickled beets

by

mium spices, salts and seasoning blends, chocolate and wine, with more products to be released

“Research tells us that nearly half of today’s shoppers view value and affordability as the most important factors when deciding what groceries to purchase,” said SpartanNash Vice President, OwnBrands Jason Cunningham “We’re doubling down on our investment in our popular OwnBrands offerings to help shoppers maxi-

Health and wellness continue to be a top consumer focus, the men said The latest sur veys show consumers are focusing more on physical, mental and emotional health

Cava, a leader in fast-casual Mediterranean dining, is a success story in this categor y, Khamkar said With 400 U S locations since 2006, its popularity is driven by health trends, sustainability and Gen Z/millennial appeal

With long-term underlying growth in Mediterranean cuisine, Khamkar said, Cava has been a clear market leader since 2018, when it acquired Zoe’s Kitchen The company proved successful with digitalfirst marketing strategy, effective demo-

The mocktail market is expected to hit $30 billion this year, with growth seen in canned and alcohol-free beverages Trending products in this category include fruit juices, botanicals, spices, non-alcohol spirits and fermented ingredients

Health benefits are driving demand for functional ingredients, Choi said Retailers have added shelf space for functional snacks, drinks and ready-to-drink products Category trends include adaptogens, probiotics and plant proteins

Functional ingredients are redefining food and beverage, they said

Shifting demographics in the United States is a key driver of global flavors

Based on multiple studies, the U S population will skew more toward Hispanic, Black, Asian and other racial groups, Khamkar said

The fastest growing cuisines of independent restaurant openings in global flavors are Japanese, Korean and French The slowest growth is in Mexican and Chinese cuisines

In descending order, the popular cuisines are American, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Korean, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Thai and French

Food trends continue to be in a pickle –

Growing demand for global flavors and authentic cultural foods have fueled growth in international retailers, the men said The stores have a broad appeal from ethnic communities and mainstream consumers who are seeking high-quality, affordable options

Filipino restaurant Jollibee has found success in the United States with its global twist on fast food With 1,500 stores globally, Jollibee has 100 in the United States with plans for 500 by 2028

Its affordable fusion of Filipino flavors and global comfort foods offer distinct sweet, savory and umami flavors that stand out in the U S fast food scene The company uses niche targeting and digital marketing to drive success in competitive markets

Price remains important to consumers, who are redefining value by carefully weighing quality, uniqueness and ethical considerations alongside cost in their decisions, the men said

Consumers are psychologically stressed, with food inflation, economic fears, global warming and geopolitical risks weighing on their minds

Choi and Khamkar advised companies to refine product positioning regarding value, private label and premiumization; innovating with global flavors and concepts; and prioritizing functional and clean ingredients GN

Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Make Breakups Sweet

Jordan’s Skinny Mixes is swiping left on sugar by expanding its popular Fantasy Collection with three new, sugar-free additions

Jordan’s Skinny Mixes latest flavors satisfy a wide range of cravings from citrus and sour to candy These new flavors –Tropigal Syrup, Fairy Dust Syrup, and Unicorn Sauce – have zero sugar and are gluten free and keto friendly

• Tropigal Syrup: This vibrant blend combines the juicy sweetness of kiwi, strawberry and mango for a flavor that is as bold and fun as it is refreshing Give water vacation vibes or create refreshing guilt-free cocktails and mocktails that sweep you away to a fruity paradise with Tropigal, your ticket to an island escape

• Fair y Dust Syrup: Add a sprinkle of

Cookie Cutters

Continued from PAGE 1

Belgian waffles, French crèpes, cakes, cookies (of course), icing in several colors, cornbread and scones

“We’re working on fondant,” Clark said “There are several out there on the market, but we think we have the better recipe ” The company is testing chocolate cake mixes, experimenting with adding flavors such as coffee (there’s already Espresso Baking Powder in the lineup)

Ann Clark Ltd doesn’t delegate its food ingredients to a copacker

magic to your drinks with this whimsical blend that delivers the tangy, mouth-puckering flavor of sour candy, balanced with just the right touch of sweetness for a beverage of choice

Unleash your inner mixologist to create an enchanting elixir

• Unicorn Sauce: This over-the-top, wildly fun sauce bursts with a sweet and fruity candy flavor that adds a whimsical twist to your favorite drinks and desserts

Inspired by the 3x sold-out and TikTok viral Unicorn Syrup, this sauce brings the magic of indulgence to a new, drizzle-ready formula

The latest products join the existing lineup of beloved Fantasy Collection flavors that surged in popularity during the brand’s viral #WaterTok trend The collec-

meet demand Over the years, though, the c

home, making them at 300 at a time, lent a flexibility that it couldn’t get from outsiders

When the seasons change, the company doesn’t have to store cookie cutters and

tion already includes fan-favorite flavors, like Mermaid Syrup (citrus, coconut, and pineapple), Unicorn Syrup (frosting, tart blue raspberry, and a hit of cotton candy) and Cotton Candy Syrup

“We are always listening to our community and heard them when they said they were looking to make better habits for 2025, including creating healthier versions of their favorite drinks and desserts,” said Tim Snyder, CEO “The Fantasy Col-

lection is a customer favorite, and the expanded collection proves that you can break up with sugar without parting ways with your favorite drinks or desserts

These innovative and bold new flavors offer a guiltfree indulgence without sacrificing taste ”

tions working with family,” he said, laughing “But I get to see my mom every day And yes, she still thinks I’m an 8-year-old boy That doesn’t go away I have girls in their 20s and I think of them as being 8 ” Remember the pink guitar cookies?

“We’re bringing ever ything in house,” Clark said “If you want to make something great, you have to control ever y part of the process When we do ever ything small batch, we get the quality we want ” That goes for its cookie cutters, too

“On the one hand, it makes it more difficult for us, ” he said “But on the other, it’s easy to schedule things on your own time You’re not waiting on other people ”

I

cookie cutters were sent out of house to

can switch from Christmas-themed cookie cutters to Valentine’s Day when it wants to “That’s how we set it up, to manufacture what we need when we need it ” Ben Clark didn’t set out to work the family business

“I was living in Annapolis, but wanted to move to Vermont to raise my kids,” said Clark, whose parents likewise moved from Maryland to Vermont to raise their kids “My dad was sick and that’s also why I moved back ” Clark’s sister also worked full time in the company, until she cut back to be a full-time mom

Those were made in honor of attending a Taylor Swift Eras tour concert with his daughters

“

c t h a s n o w t u r n e d i n t o a t h r i v i n g

b u s i n e s s , ” C l a r k s a i d “ I t ’ s s t i l l e x -

c i t i n g f o r m y m o m t o s e e t h e

n a m e A n n C l a r k i n a l l s o r t s o f

p l a c e s ”

A conversation with Ben Clark means the word “joy” comes up a lot – not that it’s a bad thing for the CEO of a multimillion-dollar company to emphasize joy

“When you make something fun and hand it to somebody, to see the joy on their face is awesome, ” he said “It doesn’t have to be a Picasso, just have fun with it

“ I t ’ s t h e j o y o f m a k i n g s o m e t h i n g , ” h e

said “I’ve seen all sides of the joy of maki

“People are getting pinched every day and you make a beautiful dessert that makes people happy ” In addition to optimizing its website to include helpful tutorial videos and stories, Ann Clark Ltd has tapped into the power of social media to widen its reach On the company Instagram page, beginner cookie bakers learn from a group of experienced cookie decorators

“Yes, there are some trials and tribula-

“Everyone shares what they’ve done,” Clark said “It’s a fun group of amazingly talented people And we ’ ve become friends

The Tropigal and Fairy Dust syrups cost $8 99 per 25 4ounce bottle and the Unicorn Sauce costs $6 49 per 12-ounce bottle GN

PHOTO CREDIT JEREMY BALDWIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Tariffs Discussed at Winter Fancy Food Show

BY A J FLICK

When it comes to President-Elect Donald J Trump's much-talked-about tariffs, experts on a panel at the Winter Fancy Food Show cautioned specialty food businesses to be vigilant – especially in the early days of his administration – and prepare as much as they can for what may happen

“What I predict is that President Trump will issue a declaration of a national emergency issue under IEEPA, which has never been used to impose tariffs,” said customs attorney Mario Torrico, associate at Arentfox Schiff LLP, regarding the International Emergency Economic Powers Act

Indeed, on Feb 1, the White House declared that the extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl, constitutes a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act” and imposed

25 percent tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada (10 percent on Canadian energy resources) and 10 percent on all products from China

At the time of this writing, the tariffs on Mexico and Canada were put on hold as leaders negotiated with the Trump administration This gives weight to Torrico’s views that Trump was using the threat of imposed tariffs as a “negotiating tactic

By invoking IEEPA, Torrico said, Congress has little oversight power regarding tariffs

With all the confusion, Torrico urged food companies to get paperwork regarding country of origin for imported goods in order and work with trade associations to make their concerns known

“There's more awareness today than there was during the last Trump administration about the impact of tariffs,” said Tom Gellert, president of Atalanta Corp , a leading food importer

“Where the rubber meets the road is in the supply chain,” said Scott Jensen, cofounder and CEO at Kosmos Q Bar B Q

For those who use raw materials shipped from possible tariff-targeted coun-

Coast Packing Opens Texas Facility

Coast Packing Company, a 103-year-old, fourth-generation family-owned and operated business based in Vernon, Calif , has broken ground at its state-of-the-art Edible Fats and Oils Refinery and Packaging Facility in Amarillo, Texas This marks a significant step for ward in the company ’ s expansion and commitment to providing the highest-quality animal fat shortenings, including lard and beef tallow, in the United States

Chef Conant

Continued from PAGE 1

b u i l t a re p u t a t i o n i n t h e re s t a u r a n t w o r l d

h o n i n g h i s s k i l l s a t a c c l a i m e d M a n h a t t a n I t a l

books, the most recent of

ning of an exciting new chapter for Coast Packing Company and the Amarillo com-

Coast Packing Company “For over a cen-

“Our new state-of-the-art facility in Amarillo will allow us to continue leading

the industr y in animal fat shortenings while creating new opportunities for local families, supporting economic growth, and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability We are honored to partner with this vibrant community and look for ward to many successful years ahead ”

tries – so far, China, Canada, Mexico and Vietnam – Jensen advised initiating contacts with alternative suppliers

The possibility of imposed tariffs loomed over the Specialty Food Association’s annual Winter Fancy Food Show, which took place in mid-January at the Las Vegas Convention Center

Vermont Creamery relies on smaller, independent goat farms in Vermont as well as a few goat farmers in Ontario for its goat cheeses Community Manager Kara Young said although the milk imported from Canada isn’t as much as what they get from U S farms, they are keeping their eye on what happens regarding any tariffs imposed on Canada

Young said it wouldn’t have a devastating impact on the company if tariffs were imposed, but the company is waiting to see what unfolds GN

Continued from PAGE 1

same sweetness The aromas naturally present in honey enhanced its sweetness, with the degree varied by floral source and sweetener concentration

At a concentration that represents typical sugar-sweetened beverages, honey aromas enhanced sweetness on average by 23 to 43 percent depending on floral varietal (23 percent in wildflower, 26 percent in clover, 28 percent in alfalfa and 43 percent in orange blossom) Orange blossom honey has the most diverse aroma profile with 87 compounds characterized

t i o n s

“That’s my dream,” he said And for fans who like seeing the perfectly coiffed chef on TV, Conant announced that in March, he will be hosting a new show, “House of Knives,” with Marcus Samuelsson The Food Network describes the eightepisode series’ scenario as “talented,

“Our study indicated that honey provides more sweetness than table sugar per calorie in a simple beverage model system, and that this increased sweetness was due to honey aromas So, using an aromatic sweetener like honey can be a strategy for reducing calories and added sugar without sacrificing sweetness,” said Dr Emily Mayhew, lead researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and Michigan State University “My lab is interested in exploring how the specific aroma compounds present in honey’s impact sweetness If we identify potent sweet-enhancing aroma compounds, these can be added to foods and beverages to support sugar reduction ”

expand to 60 people in the coming years,

innovative and ruthless contenders (who) must use their cooking, strategy and survival skills to make it to the throne ”

It’s anybody’s idea what avenue Conant may take down the road – and he likes it that way

“Stay open minded,” he said “Be open to things around you

“Allow yourself to be inspired ” GN

among sensory panelists who were trained to use the Global Sensory Intensity Scale

pact of aromas on the intensity of sweetness perceptions Sweetness intensity was measured across concentration ranges including 12 5, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 g of sweetener/L

Once standard sweetness intensity curves were developed, results were translated into sweetness per volume and per kcal as these are the basis for how consumers and health professionals compare and use sweeteners

Funded by the National Honey Board,

this research found some aromas may alter sweetness intensity Honey stands out among sweeteners for having distinctive intrinsic aroma profiles, allowing individuals to select floral varietals that appeal to their personal tastes and elevate sweetness intensity to their desired preference

Future studies of honey in food and beverage mediums need to be conducted to characterize the effect of food medium on the potency of sweetness enhancement from honey aroma

GOURMET NEWS

Las Olas Co conut Patties

The award-winning Las Olas Anastasia® and Coconut Island® brands may have been transformed under the Oh!asis™ rebrand, but two things have remained the same Fans of the Coconut Patties and Coconut Cashew Crunch will be thrilled to find that while Oh!asis’s outside packaging may look different, the products on the inside are just as yummy and indulgent as ever Oh!asis Coconut Patties have retained the original recipe – and for good reason Extraordinary creamy shredded coconut is dipped in a rich chocolatey coating that is unmatched in the marketplace Every bite transports consumers to their own

NotMac&Cheese

The third product from The Kraft Heinz Company and TheNotCompany has launched: plantbased 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 plant-based mac & cheese offerings

special oasis – giving them delectable moments of sheer tropical indulgence and sending them into a vacation state of mind

The continued commitment to brand excellence combined with brand innovation and attention-getting, sales-driven support will not only fulfill your shoppers’ cravings, but will also take your sales to new heights

Please go online or call for more information

Oh!asis 407 816.9944 www ohasis com

The launch builds on The Kraft Heinz Not C

s current plantbased offerings of Kraft NotCheese Slices and NotMayo The Kraft Heinz Not Company will continue its plans to scale into several more categories and begin inter national expansion in 2024

Available in Original and White Cheddar flavors, Kraft NotMac&Cheese will continue rolling out on shelves nationwide through early 2024

S alute S anté! Fruit Oil

To differentiate a fruit oil versus a seed oil – just look at the botanical source

Grapes = Vitis Vinifera – a fruit planted for thousands of years, like olives and avocado, to generate fruit for wine All these fruits are the source of the healthiest oils going back to biblical times What makes Salute Santé! stand out, is their grapeseed oil is 100 percent upcycled from those grape seeds remaining after the wine making – utilizing an existing resource

Seeds are the source of life – a really good thing It’s where they come from and what you do with them that makes the difference Are we talking about GMO seeds planted for massive oil crop? Are they solvent extracted and chemically refined with heat? Salute Santé! does none of that Its seeds come from vineyard grapes that are fruits grown to make the best wines and not genetically modified They are verified Non-GMO by the Non GMO Project And even more importantly – they use 100 percent upcycled seeds – so no need for extra farmland, water, fertilizer and most importantly, no need for GMO seed crops

Grape vines are vigorous fruit trees, coming back every season, year after year, producing a bounty of grapes that are pressed for wine Salute Santé! utilizes the winery byproduct, to source the grape seeds And it was Salute Santé!

that developed the presses strong enough to cold press these tiny little grape seeds with 8,000 pounds of pressure

Even after it cold presses fruit oil, nothing goes to waste It mills the extra press cake to create grapeseed powder or flour

The company calls it GrapeseedEXTRA! –a new antioxidant loaded superfood additive This completes the cycle of the grape and makes Salute Santé! a true zero waste food Team Salute Santé! is admired for its 30-year commitment to creating this super heart healthy fruit oil from the grape

The name says it all: “Salute Santé! to your health!”

Salute Santé! www grapeseedoil com

Burlap & Barrel Go o d Thing for Pork & Poultry

Burlap & Barrel, a leading purveyor of single origin spices and sugars sourced directly from smallholder farmers around the world, has launched Good Thing for Pork & Poultry, a spice blend made in collaboration with Martha Stewart, in celebration of her 100th book, “Martha: The Cookbook ”

The blend of salt, pepper and herbs is an homage to Martha’s classic poultry seasoning All the spices in the blend are sourced from Burlap & Barrel’s longtime

partner farmers around the world The blend is available on its own and as part of a curated collection of six essential baking spices Two more blends will be launching in 2025: Good Thing for Beef & Lamb and Good Thing for Chicken & Seafood

Burlap & Barrel www.burlapandbarrel.com

Bob ak S ausage Comp any S ausages

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

r y A I t e c h n o l o g y t h a t h a s a p ro v e n

t r a c k re c o rd i n c re a t i n g m o u t h w a t e r i n g plant-based foods to Kraft – the beloved

Kraft Heinz Company www kraftheinzcompany com

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

Tor tuga Spirit Cakes

Tortuga, a globally acclaimed brand, stands at the forefront of the gourmet and spirit cakes industry, driven by a relentless commitment to innovation and the constant introduction of novel offerings for its loyal consumers

Since its inception in 1984, Tortuga has remained at the forefront of the market, continuously pushing boundaries and delighting consumers with an array of delectable offerings For over 40 years, the company has been a strong presence in the cruise channel, major big box retailers across North America, esteemed department and grocery stores, as well as the flourishing gifting sector Building on the triumph of its iconic rum cakes, Tortuga has ventured into new territory with the introduction of the Kentucky Bourbon Butter Cake, a testament to the brand’s unyielding spirit of exploration in the world of spirits

This jour ney led to the creation of Tortuga’s Souther n Trio range, comprising

the Kentucky Bourbon Butter Cake, Tennessee Whiskey Spice Cake and Moonshine Apple Pie Cake This exquisite trio offers a distinct and robust flavor profile, promising a truly unforgettable culinary experience

Tortuga Spirit Cake Company 786 817 6880 Ext 7311 www.tortugarumcakes.com

Ariston Tahini Spreads

I n F e b r u a r y, A r i s t o n S p e c i a l t i e s

l a u n c h e d t w o p ro d u c t s , A r i s t o n Ta h i n i

w i t h H o n e y a n d A r i s t o n Ta h i n i w i t h

C o c o a s p re a d s T h i n k o f y o u r f a v o r i t e

c h o c o l a t e - n u t s p re a d b u t n o t a s s w e e t

O t h e r s w h o n e v e r h a d A r i s t o n ’s t a h i n i

s p re a d d e s c r i b e d t h e s e s p re a d s a s

s o m e t h i n g a n a l o g o u s t o t h e i r f a v o r i t e

n u t a n d p e a n u t b u t t e r s p re a d , b u t w i t h

s e s a m e f l a v o r i n s t e a d A r i s t o n Ta h i n i i s

m a d e f ro m h u l l e d s e s a m e s e e d s

( s o u rc e d f ro m G re e c e ) , g r i n d e d t o a

creamy spread and then introduced with

h o n e y o r c o c o a t o b a l a n c e t h e n u t t i n e s s

o f t h e s e s a m e w i t h a t o u c h o f s w e e t

h o n e y o r s w e e t c o c o a – b u t n o t o v e r l y

s w e e t B o t h A

Tonnino Tuna for Kids

Urban Pie was bor n with the idea that frozen pizza shouldn’t be boring, and this

couldn’t be clearer than with its newest innovation Introducing Urban Pie PinZZa The next line of frozen pizzas from Urban Pie will defy what you expect from frozen pizza

style pizza originated in Rome

and is a staple of the Roman street food scene Pronounced “peen-sa,” which literally translates to “push the dough by hands,” this crust is known for its cloudlike interior and crispy exterior that leads to a crunchy, yet soft bite Its authentic ingredients and 24-hour fermented dough deliver an experience that will transport you from your kitchen to the streets of Rome in every bite

Urban Pie PinZZa is available in four new flavors for a suggested retail price of $13 99

• Pepperoni Burrata: Uncured pepperoni, mozzarella, burrata, parmesan and San Marzano marinara sauce

•

• San Marzano Margherita: Diced tomatoes, mozzarella, provolone, burrata, basil and San Marzano marinara sauce

• Sausage Burrata: Italian sausage, caramelized onions, mozzarella, burrata, parmesan, basil and San Marzano tomatoes and marinara sauce

For more information, contact sales@palermospizza com

Palermo Villa www palermospizza com

ChickP Protein Nutrition Bars

Plant protein pioneer ChickP Protein, Ltd is forging ahead in the active nutrition market to fill the surging demand for natural, high-protein, plant-based nutrition bars and similar on-thego, better-for-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 on-the-go

The company showcased the proteinfortified, granola-based 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

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, proteinrich, 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 eye-catching, featuring a friendly tuna character on a conveniently petite package The two standout varieties are Premium Yellowfin Tuna chunks with sweet cor n in water (3 7 ounces) and Pre-

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 ”

suggested

Because they have no added sugar or gluten, Yo Mama’s Alfredo Sauces are

of $9, Yo Mama’s Alfredo Sauces are available at retailers nationwide and on Amazon Yo Mama’s Foods www.yomamasfoods.com

mium Yellowfin Tuna with carrots and peas in vegetable oil (3 7 ounces) Tonnino www tonnino com

Pinsa

Urb an Pie PinZZa

Yo Mama’s Fo o ds Alfredo S auces

SMORGASBORD

Flowers Foods Acquires Simple Mills for $795M

Flowers Foods, Inc has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Simple Mills for $795 million in cash The addition of Simple Mills expands Flowers’ exposure to better-for-you and attractive snacking segments and enhances the company's growth and margin prospects

Founded in 2012 by Katlin Smith, Simple Mills is a market-leading natural brand offering premium better-for-you crackers, cookies, snack bars and baking mixes Built upon the belief that food has the power to spark impactful change, Simple Mills’ mission is to revolutionize the way food is made to positively impact people and the planet

The brand’s stunningly simple ingredients, pioneering use of nutrient-dense nut, seed and vegetable flours, and exceptional taste have cultivated unmatched brand love and loyalty among natural and mainstream consumers alike Simple Mills products are available nationwide across more than 30,000 natural and conven-

tional stores

Simple Mills is estimated to have generated 2024 net sales of $240 million, representing 14 percent growth compared to the prior year

o f a n e w p h a s e o f g ro w t h f o r S i m p l e

v a t i o n , i n c r e a s i n g v e l o c i t i e s , a n d g a i ni n g a c c e s s t o n e w s e g m e n t s a n d c a t eg o r i e s ; a n d l e v e r a g i n g

g ro w a c q u i

d c o m p a n i e s i n t h e b e t t e rf o r- y o u s p a c e S

t a i n a b i l i t y

“Katlin and the Simple Mills team have built a remarkable business, and we look forward to collaborating with them to generate continued growth while preser ving the brand's integrity and staying true to its unmatched quality and taste "

“ T h i s t r a n s a c t i o n m a r k s t h e b e g i n n i n g

s

s , w e w i l l b e w e l l p o s i t i o n e d t o b ro a d e n d i s t r i b u t i o n , accelerate innovation, and amplify brand awareness, while advancing our mission Flowers has a strong track record of fos-

t e r i n g g ro w t h i n i t s a c q u i re d c o m p a n i e s

w h i l e s t e w a rd i n g a n d p ro t e c t i n g t h e i r brand promise I cannot imagine a better partner for Simple Mills and the team, and I look forward to working alongside Flow-

e r s t o b u i l d u p o n o u r s t ro n g h i s t o r y o f growth ”

S i m p l e M i l l s e n h a n c e s g r o w t h

p ro s p e c t s b y a d d i n g a s c a l e d , b e t t e r- f o r-

y o u s n a c k i n g p l a t f o r m , l e d b y a s e a -

s o n e d m a n a g e m e n t t e a m , t h a t i s

s u c c e s s f u l l y p e n e t r a t i n g m a i n s t r e a m

c o n s u m e r s a n d o f f e r s s i g n i f i c a n t w h i t e

s p a c e f o r f u t u re g ro w t h ; e n a b l i n g f u t u re

g ro w t h o f t h e S i m p l e M i l l s b r a n d b y e x -

p a n d i n g d i s t r i b u t i o n , a c c e l e r a t i n g i n n o -

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approval and closing conditions and is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2025 Upon closing, Simple Mills will operate as an independent subsidiary of Flowers Foods and continue to be led by Smith and her leadership team Simple Mills will maintain its operations in Chicago and Mill Valley, Calif GN

Express Kitchen Hoods Expands Ser vices TRADESHOWCALENDAR

(dates sub ect to change)

June 1-3

March 4-7

Natural Products Expo West

Anaheim, California

www expowest com

March 10-12

PACK EXPO Southeast

Atlanta, Georgia

www packexposoutheast com

March 16-18

Seafood Expo

Boston, Massachusetts

www seafoodexpo com

March 23-25

International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York

New York City, New York

www internationalrestaurantny com

April 8-9

SupplySide East

Secaucus, NewJersey

www east supplysideshow com

May 12-15

Food Safety Summit

Rosemont, Illinois

www foodsafetysummit com

May 13-15

Sweets and Snacks Expo

Indianapolis, Indiana

www sweetsandsnacks com

Dairy Deli Bake Seminar & Expo

New Orleans,

www iddba org

June 23-25

International Society of Sports Nutrition

Annual Conference and Expo

Delray Beach, Florida

www sportsnutritionsociety org

June 29-July 1

Summer Fancy Food Show

New York City, New York

www specialtyfood com

July 13-15

School Nutrition Association Annual

National Conference

San Antonio, Texas

www schoolnutrition org

July 23-26

American Cheese Society’s Annual Conference Sacramento, California

www cheesesociety org/conference

Aug. 20-22

Newtopia Now Denver, Colorado

www newhope com

Sept 10-12

Seafood Expo Asia

Singapore

www seafoodexpo com

Express Kitchen Hoods, LLC, a leader in commercial kitchen ventilation and fire safety, has expanded ser vices across the Mid-Atlantic region With over 20 years of experience, the company now serves customers in Mar yland; Washington, D C ; Virginia; West Virginia; Pennsylvania; Delaware and New Jersey

For more than two decades, Express Kitchen Hoods has earned a reputation for excellence in hood installations and fire safety systems From new restaurant builds to renovations and upgrades, they ensure every project meets the highest safety and quality standards while staying on budget and schedule

Express Kitchen Hoods offers tailored solutions for every stage of your kitchen project, including: hood design and instal-

lation – code-compliant systems to remove heat, smoke and grease; fire suppression systems – advanced designs to handle fire hazards effectively; hood and duct supply – inventor y for kitchens of all sizes; and maintenance and compliance - services to keep systems operational and up to code By handling all aspects of kitchen ventilation and fire safety, Express Kitchen Hoods ensures restaurant owners can focus on their business

Express Kitchen Hoods is a trusted partner for chefs, restaurant owners and contractors, delivering tailored solutions to food ser vice establishments of all sizes From small cafés to large franchises, they specialize in kitchen ventilation and fire safety systems, prioritizing efficiency, safety and compliance GN

Olympian Shaun White Curates

Meal Deliver y Ser vice

u s i v e m e n u o f h e a l t h - f o c u s e d , a t h l e t e - a pp ro v e d d i s h e s t h a t f u e l y o u r b o d y a n d f i t i n t o e v e n t h e b u s i e s t o f s c h e d u l e s W h i t e w i l l s h a re h i s p a s s i o n f o r w e l l n e s s w i t h a

2 5 - m e a l s e l e c t i o n m a d e i n c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h a w a rd - w i n n i n g c h e f s f ro m a ro u n d

t h e c o u n t r y

T h i s f i r s t - o f - i t s - k i n d p a rt n e r s a t h l e t i c

e x p e rt i s e w i t h C o o k U n i t y ’ s c o m m i t m e n t

t o h i g h - q u a l i t y, re s t a u r a n t - l e v e l m e a l s W h e t h e r y o u ’ re a p ro f e s s i o n a l a t h l e t e o r s i m p l y s o m e o n e s t r i v i n g t o s t a y a c t i v e

a n d e n e rg i z e d , t h e s e m e a l s a re d e s i g n e d to support recover y, maintain energy, and m a k e s t a y i n g f u e l e d d e l i c i o u s a n d e a s y N o m o re s a c r i f i c i n g t a s t e f o r e ff i c i e n c y –S h a u n W h i t e ’ s m e a l s a re p a c k e d w i t h v ib r a n t f l a v o r s , f re s h i n g re d i e n t s a n d