OCG Show Daily @ IDDBA • June 7, 2022

SHOW DAILY

Oser Communications Group

ATLANTA

JUNE 7, 2022

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH IDDBA

Oser Communications Group

Formaggio’s Expansion Plans

Cow’s Milk Cheeses from Monti Trentini BOOTH #1435

BOOTH #5315

An interview with Federica Finco, Owner, Monti Trentini USA.

An interview with Anthony Mongiello, founder of Formaggio brand.

OSD: Monti Trentini has been active in the dairy sector for almost a hundred years. How did it all start?

OSD: Tell our readers about Formaggio expanding.

FF: It all started with my granddad, who started making cheese in a small mountain hut in the early 1920s. He then had to move because of poor working conditions caused by World War II. He started working at a local cheesemaking facility and had several children. Among them, my father followed his footsteps and started working with him. He then decided to move back to the mountains and start his own company. He did that and grew every year. My brothers and I then started working in the company, which nowadays is working with more than 120 small farms around North

AM: Formaggio brand has taken some tremendous steps in growth from 20202021. We experienced a 60% increase in our volume of sales. So, in order to accommodate this growth, we had to expand our building. Our current facility is 65,000 square feet. We’re adding on another 18,000 square feet along with another 10,000 square feet of storage buildings.

OSD: To what do you attribute this increase in business?

Continued on Page 25

Continued on Page 25

Parmacotto 1978 Line & Trio Salami

STAR Ortalli Products

Parmacotto is an Italian producer of fine meats based in the Parma area of Italy. Founded in 1978, Parmacotto is proud to dedicate a new line to its roots, as well as to its future.

The 1978 line is increasingly oriented toward wellbeing and convenience. Product of Italy and sliced in the USA, top quality, selected raw materials, clean label, sustainable manufacturing methods, humanely raised, antibiotic-free and no MSG. Among the best products of the line is the Parmacotto Trio Salami: a perfect selection of Italy’s most delicious salamis, each with its own characterized flavors.

Fennel salami, Milano salami and hot soppressata in a single tray guarantee to make any charcuterie board authentic.

Parmacotto offers a whole range of typical Italian cold cuts.

Ortalli products are the fruit of sensitivity and experience. Crafted using traditional methods, this premium balsamic is IGP certified by the Modena Consortium and evaluated to achieve “leaf” definitions, reaching up to five leaves – the highest in the ranking.

Ortalli is produced from concentrated grape must from seven diverse types of Italian grape varieties (Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Ancellotta, Fortana and Montuni), with no other added substances.

As proof of authenticity and transparency, Ortalli includes blockchain technology accessibility on its label. Such technology provides information on the origin of the raw material, manufacturing dates, organoleptic profiles and more!

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

For more information, email customerservice@borgesusa.com, or go to www .borgesusa.com or www.starfinefoods.com.

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Tuesday, June 7, 2022

OCG Show Daily

Crave Brothers Chocolate Mascarpone Wins World Dairy Expo Cheese and Butter Grand Champion Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Chocolate Mascarpone placed first in its category and was named the Cheese and Butter Grand Champion for the 2021 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association.

The Chocolate Mascarpone was chosen from a field of more than 1,400 entries.

Brothers Chocolate Crave Mascarpone is the latest specialty from Crave Brothers. This rich cheese is made by combining fresh sweet cream from the Crave Brothers own dairy herd with chocolate Irish crème. The alcohol-free flavor of classic Irish cream liqueur makes Chocolate Mascarpone an ideal dessert ingredient for guests of all ages.

With its velvety texture and chocolaty flavor, you can simply add it to dessert

cheese boards with berries and cookies or create specialty desserts such as Chocolate Mascarpone Pie. “We are so honored to receive this prestigious award. Our chocolate mascarpone has become a favorite among our consumers and has received top awards in other contests,” said Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese’s founder, George Crave.

Crave Brothers’ new Chocolate Mascarpone received a fourth place in the flavored soft cheese category at the 2022 World Championship Cheese Contest, a first place award at the 2020 Wisconsin State Fair and the 2019 American Cheese Society Competition and was named one of the Top 20 cheeses at the American Cheese Society event.

Several factors set Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese apart. Licensed cheese maker George Crave oversees the making

of all the Crave Brothers handcrafted artisan cheeses, using milk from the family’s own dairy herd. Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese is sustainably produced in the family’s farmstead cheesemaking facility that practices water conservation, recycling and uses 100 percent green power. Their anaerobic biodigester produces enough electricity to power the Crave Brothers Farm, the farmstead cheese-making plant, and more than 300 homes in their community.

Every pound of cheese made by Crave Brothers is made with milk from the family’s herd. Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese produces Fresh Mozzarella, Mascarpone, Part-Skim Mozzarella, Oaxaca, Farmer’s Rope String Cheese and Fresh Cheddar Cheese Curds.

Oser Communications Group

SHOW DAILY AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH IDDBA Kimberly Oser Publisher Anthony Socci Vice President of Sales Yasmine Brown Production Manager/Art Director AJ Flick Senior Editor Jeanie Catron Associate Editor Heather Albrecht Customer Service Marcos Morhaim Senior Account Manager Alisha Dicochea Account Manager Tara Neal Director of Operations Iszac Saetieo Show Logistics & Distribution Enrico Cecchi European Sales OCG Show Daily is published by

For more information, visit booth #2223, go to www.cravecheese.com or call 920.478.4887.

Oser Communications Group ©2022 All rights reserved.

Executive and editorial offices at: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520.721.1300/Fax: 520.721.6300

Mama Geraldine’s Cheese Straws Cathy Cunningham will tell you everything she did wrong on her way to becoming a 2021 Small Business Rock Star honored by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The founder and CEO of Mama Geraldine’s Bodacious Food Co. in Jasper quit her day job too soon, racked up soul-crushing debt and by her own admission didn’t know squat about the food business.

But she had a couple of important things going for her.

“No one can sell this brand better than me, that’s it,” she says. “That’s my superpower. And we make the best damn cheese straw because we use the best ingredients. We scrimp on nothing.”

Cunningham was a sales whiz in the Atlanta radio market, but by the 1990s, she was burned out. So, armed with her mom’s recipe – hence the name – she decided to cash out in the mid-90s and “introduce the world” to cheese straws. After moving to Jasper, buying a manufacturing facility and securing financing (which involved talking to 18 banks) she got her big break.

“The Kroger Co. chose me to be the first packaged cheese straw they were going to sell,” Cunningham says.

There were little bumps and sensational jolts (such as the Great Recession) along the way, but Cunningham clung to her belief in her recipe, using high-

quality ingredients and her own abilities. Mama Geraldine’s underwent a rebranding in 2016 that didn’t move the needle in sales until 2019.

March 2020, COVID hit and had a very positive impact on the business.

Apparently, while folks were sheltering at home, they were discovering and enjoying M a m a Geraldine’s Cheese Straws. Fortunately, that trend has continued.

Who knew a 25-year-old snack brand could suddenly become an ontrend, keto-friendly savory snack, with 5 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar?

Through online influencers and in-store POP, Mama Geraldine’s has also become a go-to snack for including in charcuterie trays: “Cheese Straws make the board.”

Cunningham has no time for barriers as a woman entrepreneur. “I blow through barriers, and sometimes not in a fashionable or likable way,” she says.

“You can’t be timid.” And there’s a lot to be said for staying power.

Today, Mama Geraldine’s Cheese Straws are the category leader in this savory baked Cheddar snack.

For more information, visit booth #2233, go to www.mamageraldines.com or email cathy@geraldines.com.

Introducing Folios Cheese Wraps Mozzarella The original cheese wrap on the market is adding a new flavor to its delicious line-up – Folios Cheese Wraps® Mozzarella.

Made with 100% all-natural lightly baked sheets of cheese, Folios® are lactose and gluten free, grain free, and have only 1g of carbs – ideal for a lowcarb diet. No matter what sweet or savory recipe you crave, Folios Cheese Wraps has you covered. These flavorful, keto-certified wraps can be stuffed, rolled, folded, melted, crisped and

European offices located at Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 11, 50125 Florence, Italy www.osercommunicationsgroup.com

Lee M. Oser Founder

baked into most anything you could ever imagine: chips, tacos, burritos, nachos, pizza, wraps; the list goes on and on.

The flavor and versatility of the brand-new Folios Cheese Wraps Mozzarella is perfect for sandwiches, pizza, wraps, lasagna and so many other delicious options such as chicken parm, eggplant parm and crispy breadstick dippers with marinara. Let your imagination run free; the recipe possibilities are endless!

“With the ever-growing popularity of Mozzarella cheese on the market, we’re optimistic that the launch of our all-new Mozzarella flavor will allow us to gain a competitive advantage in the fast-growing alternative wraps market and build stronger customer loyalty by offering even more variety to the diverse Folios collection,” says Brand Manager Valerie Liu, Folios Cheese Wraps.

Folios Cheese Wraps are also available in Parmesan, Cheddar and Jarlsberg Cheese.

For delicious Folios Cheese Wraps recipes, visit www.cheesefolios.com/ recipes-landing-page.

For more information, visit booth #1420.

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Tuesday, June 7, 2022

OCG Show Daily

Front Row Seat: Trendspotting

By James G. Riley, VP Media Formaggio Brand I have the rare privilege of working in the office across the test kitchen from Anthony Mongiello, the president, founder and guiding force of Formaggio brand. In his Hurleyville, N.Y., office, The Big Cheese™, as he is affectionately known, contemplates the

future while picking up a small transparent plastic package from his desk.

He examines it like a jeweler might scrutinize a gem, turns it around under the light and considers every contour, each compartment. His aim this year is to bring snack products to a higher level, and packaging is his preoccupation at the moment. I roll the voice memo: “The product has to be seen. At Formaggio Brand, we use only the finest meats to wrap around our award-winning cheese. The quality that goes into each of these products, both in terms of ingredients and production, is staggering. Every single fresh mozzarella stick is wrapped with the finest meats – by hand. This product, Artisan Wraps™, has been doing very well over the last several years and it was time to crank it up a couple notches.”

When Mongiello insists on cranking things up, he usually ends up creating trends in the dairy and deli cases as a rule.

Competitors arise immediately and the space battles begin.

We’ve seen this since his earliest days in the early ’90s with his introduction of the meat & cheese roll. He changed the

shape of the classic hockey puck to a chub and BOOM! The ability for people outside of the Italian ethnic enclave to cook with it in a practical way became obvious and is now nearly ubiquitous in middle-class homes. The appearance of the meat on the outside drove sales up.

This created a SKU that is still with us and with many more players on the field. That field was created by Mongiello.

“I like to see a progression in the case and over my many years in business we have seen countless steps in the right direction and incredible growth within the category in general. I like to keep things fresh, growing.

In my profession, I walk the store aisles, spot the trends, forecast new ones, but most importantly, I notice where the holes are in product offerings and then develop products to fill those voids.

“In recent years, I’ve seen a huge upsurge of snack products industry wide. This category is a natural next step for our case, too. Our Artisan Wraps products have been doing very well across the country and I was looking to bring them to the next level. Then it hit me. Let’s put a dipping sauce together with the cheese and meat sticks and

package them to-go. Let’s combine fresh mozzarella and charcuterie style meats and package them so they are within the grasp of everyone everywhere. If for no other reason than to create a healthy, complete snacking experience that you can put in your pocket or purse.”

Artisan Wraps – these cheese sticks that almost look reminiscent of the famous cheese stick Mongiello’s dad pioneered famously back in the 1980s, wrapped in deli meats – are found in stores all over the country now under a number of names, brands and of varying quality. As usual.

And as usual, the battle in the deli case rages on. But while I watch from my front row seat, I’m not eating popcorn, and I leave the cookies behind.

The trend shows an inclination towards healthy snacks and a gourmet charcuterie experience. Rely on Anthony Mongiello and his team of research developers at Formaggio Brand to change the face of the case yet again.

He spots the trends, sets some new ones and he appreciates those of you who recolonize that. You can count on him for it.

For more information, visit booth #5315.

FrieslandCampina Debuts Royal Hollandia Entry Packs Royal Hollandia Entry Packs launches an entire new size of cheese for the deli.

This new entry point allows consumers to try cheeses in smaller sizes and at smaller price points.

Entry Packs are available in six varieties that are perfectly portioned in 3.54 oz. exact weight pieces. All product ships in shelf-ready packaging that is easy for retailers to stock and easy for consumers to shop. These are the perfect addition to any cheese case and all varieties in the case take up just over one foot of space.

Royal Hollandia Entry Packs are avail-

able in five varieties: Mild Gouda, Creamy Swiss, Smoke Flavored Gouda, Chili Pepper and Mediterranean Herb; Parrano Originale is available as the sixth item in the lineup. All Entry Packs have clear descriptors with pairing suggestions and a flavor profile scale allowing ease of purchase into the specialty cheese category or trial of a new cheese type.

For more information and flavor profiles on each of the Royal Hollandia cheeses, go to www.royalhollandia.us.

For more information, visit booth #4443 or go to www.royalhollandia.us.

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

OCG Show Daily

U.S. Consumers Expect More of Brands They Buy, Research Shows U.S. consumers are judging companies based on their health and safety standards and how well they treat their employees and customers, according to research from Qualtrics.

Consumers expect brands to go above and beyond recommended safety standards, according to the research.

Thirty percent of consumers started buying from new brands over the past 18 months because they liked new safety measures that brands adopted, such as curbside pickup or delivery.

Conversely, 22 percent of consumers have stopped shopping with a brand because they felt their health and safety measures were insufficient.

The results underscore a trend among U.S. consumers who expect more of the brands they are doing business with, and who will switch brands if they feel they don’t share their ethical and social values.

During the pandemic, J. Dawgs, a Utah gourmet hot dog restaurant, began selling do-it-yourself gourmet hot dog kits and launched a number of food trucks to safely reach their customers outdoors. Many customers said this move increased the likelihood they’d continue to purchase from the restaurant and now are making those changes permanent because of continued customer demand.

“We found that 72 percent of our customers who purchased DIY hotdog kits said they would not have purchased from the restaurant during the pandemic otherwise and were keen on

seeing the kits continue, even after we reopened,” said J. Dawgs founder Jayson Edwards. “We also discovered that our new food trucks were massively popular with customers and that they wanted to see them more often, which completely changed our strategy long term.”

Consumers not only care about how they are treated, but also how businesses treat their employees.

Nearly half of consumers (47 percent) said they would trust a brand more if they took care of their employees, which was just behind taking care of customers (66 percent).

Consumers care about how brands approach societal challenges and whether they fulfill their brand promises More than half of consumers (57 percent) said they are aware of the brand values of the products and services they purchase or use. A third (36 percent) said they would likely stop purchasing from a brand if they felt disconnected from the company mission, values or stance on societal issues. Only 27 percent of respondents felt that the companies they do business with were doing enough to address environmental and societal challenges.

Consumers are also quick to ditch brands that underdeliver on their promises. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of consumers have switched brands because their experiences did not live up to an advertised brand promise (such as “fast delivery” or “great cus-

Better Tasting, Better-For-You Cookies with Prune Ingredients Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, prunes have long been associated with health and wellness. When used in baking, prunes can also sweeten with less sugar, reduce fat and calories, and replace artificial caramel coloring.

This can be especially beneficial when making better-for-you baked goods, like breakfast cookies, bars, and healthful snacks.

Because of their unique chemical composition, prunes act as functional ingredients in baked goods. The dried fruit has sorbitol and pectin, which bind

moisture, interrupting gluten networks and mimicking fat. All of this yields cookies, brownies, and cakes that are tender and rich while still being lower in total sugars and fat.

Sunsweet harnesses the properties of prunes in a versatile line of ingredients, including puree, powder, and concentrates.

The ingredients are also rich in phenolic compounds, which helps suppress rancidity and off flavors. Adding only 1 to 2% of a prune ingredient can be enough to give a product a flavorful, healthful boost.

For example, if the goal is to make

tomer service”). When asked what factors would cause them to stop purchasing from a brand, 69 percent said poor customer service – ahead of product quality (50 percent) or price increases (42 percent).

“A brand promise needs to be the North Star for every experience an organization delivers,” said Bruce Temkin, head of Qualtrics XM Institute.

“Organizations that continuously listen to their customers and employees and find new ways to deliver on their brand promise will create a long-term competitive advantage.”

A majority of consumers (78 percent) look at customer reviews before buying from a new brand. When considering a new brand, 83 percent said they were somewhat likely to purchase a new product if it has good reviews – compared to just 16 percent who said they may still purchase from a brand with poor reviews.

In addition to online reviews, consumers were also heavily influenced by their friends, family and colleagues when considering whether to purchase from a new brand. Two-thirds of consumers said they were at least somewhat likely to purchase a new brand if recommended by a friend, family member or colleague. As it turns out, more than two-thirds have purchased from a new brand recommended by someone they know in the last year.

This Qualtrics study asked more than 2,000 U.S. consumers what they thought about customer and brand experience. Participants were selected from a randomized panel and considered eligible if they live in the United States and are at least 18 years of age.

This study was fielded in Q4 2021. breakfast cookies that are high in fiber and protein and low in butter and sugar, a small amount of prune puree can help boost moisture in the cookie dough to bind together ingredients. This enables the results to still taste rich and satisfying. And if the goal is to make vegan cookies, prune puree can take the place of eggs and butter while creating a dough that bakes up chewy and tender.

The results are baked goods that any cookie lover would be happy to eat.

Prune ingredients can also boost color, especially in gluten-free products that don’t naturally caramelize on their own. For these applications, fresh plum concentrate can be used to give a lightcolored baked good a richer, golden appearance without interfering with flavor.

Prune ingredients from Sunsweet are subtly sweet, doing just enough to enhance the flavors that they’re paired with without overpowering the result.

They can do all this while lengthening shelf life of baked goods, allowing cookies, cakes, and bars to last a little longer in a pastry case.

For more information, go www.sunsweetingredients.com.

to

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L&S Packing Company Today, premium private label products and organic products are surging in popularity among shoppers, with more than half of consumers claiming loyalty to a specific store due to its high-quality private label brands.

L&S Packing Company is a leading private label importer and manufacturer of premium quality sauces and condiments for supermarkets, restaurants and celebrities. Products include a wide variety of premium pasta sauces, pizza sauces, salsa, horseradish, cocktail sauces, borscht, Asian sauces, condiments and imported and domestic olives. Along with product development many of the products are available with a list of certifications including: kosher, non-GMO, USDA Organic SQF and QAI Organic.

The same team who develops the company’s premium brands – including Paesana, Gold’s, Fox’s U-bet and Asian Fusion – works with clients on product innovation from start to finish. For added convenience, the company offers label design and printing for all private label products.

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

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Tuesday, June 7, 2022

OCG Show Daily

Global Consumer Trend Report Advises Businesses to Stay Agile to Survive Global market research company Euromonitor International says access and action are driving its top 10 global consumer trends in 2022.

“Change was the only constant over the past two years,” authors Alison Angus, head of lifestyles, and Gina Westbrook, director of consumer trends, wrote. “Radical lifestyle shifts motivated consumers to make intentional, mindful and ambitious decisions. Now, the world is on the road to recovery. Consumers are putting their plans into motion, taking chances and seizing the moment.”

Agility is the key for businesses, they wrote.

“Traditional business models and logistics networks are being challenged,” they wrote. “Businesses need to evolve as quickly as consumer behavior is changing. In today’s world, past purchasing habits do not necessarily imply brand loyalty.

“Successful businesses will meet consumers on their terms. Customer relationships can no longer be transactional. Developing deep, supportive connections will push companies beyond the purchase to be seen as allies.

Consumers will prefer and trust brands that are humanized. The customer experience needs to be multifaceted.

Businesses could lose customers if the experience is not seamless and tailored.

“Businesses should consider partnerships with other players across sectors to share resources, expand reach and achieve objectives beyond their current operational capabilities.

Customers are moving. Businesses must move with them or risk losing them, the authors wrote.

The 10 consumer trends identified are: Backup Planners “Faced with challenges in securing their usual or desired products and services, Backup Planners are looking for ways to purchase similar items or finding creative solutions to obtain alternatives.

Supply chain shortages are forcing businesses to pivot and provide new solutions for customers to access products and services.”

Nearly one-third of consumers in Euromonitor’s survey said they tried to buy locally sourced products and services in 2021.

“Backup Planners are getting ahead of the crowd, taking control and using technology to move to the front of the queue when supplies are threatened.

Certain consumers are relying on subscription services or community group buying to secure deliveries. When thwarted, Backup Planners are reverting to the next best option, seeking alternatives and in some cases, delaying purchases or changing shopping habits. Two extremes are influencing

shopping behaviors of Backup Planners – paying a premium or switching to cost-effective options, such as buying secondhand or renting.”

Climate Changers “Consumers expect brands to step up and are taking action through the products they purchase as concerns over the climate emergency escalate,” according to the report. “To win over Climate Changers, companies should offer products that are carbon footprint certified.

Transparent labeling of carbon-neutral products builds trust and enables consumers to make informed choices.”

Sixty-seven percent of consumers polled said they tried to have a positive impact on the environment through their everyday actions in 2021 and nearly 80 percent of professionals said climate change will affect consumer demand, changing behaviors, needs and preferences.

“Digital innovation is reshaping how retailers, manufacturers and consumers transition to a new era of environmental transparency,” the authors wrote. “Tech tools, such as digital product labeling and mobile tracking apps, help consumers trace ethical claims, their carbon footprint and recycling habits on their phones.

“The more offerings that align with expectations of Climate Changers, the more brands will see their products and services resonate.”

financially in the next five years.

The Great Life Refresh “The pandemic triggered consumers to make The Great Life Refresh, resulting in drastic personal changes and a collective reboot of values, lifestyles and goals,” the report states. “Businesses should innovate goods, services and experiences that respond to this oncein-a-generation moment, coupled with marketing that acknowledges and embraces the upheaval.

Four million Americans quit their jobs in July 2021 and another four million in August, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Metaverse Movement “The digital world is evolving beyond virtual hangouts to immersive 3D realities,” the authors wrote. “Consumers are embracing these digital spaces to socialize with communities. Brands at the center of The Metaverse Movement can build equity. These immersive environments can drive e-commerce and virtual product sales as access expands.”

Digital Seniors “Older consumers were forced online as the world shut down,” according to the report. “Now, familiar and comfortable with technology, Digital Seniors are empowered to make purchases and use services through this channel. Businesses have an opportunity to tailor their digital experience to target and meet the needs of this expanded online audience.”

Almost half of consumers aged 60 and older used a banking service on mobile at least once a week and 80 percent owned a smartphone, according to the report.

However, the report cautions that if products or services are confusing, Digital Seniors will move to competitors with easier paths.

Pursuit of Preloved “Thrifting is trending,” the authors said.

“Consumers are moving from an owning to an experiencing mindset.

Sustainability and individuality are removing the stigma associated with secondhand shopping and driving peer-to-peer commerce. Businesses need to do more with less. Investing in circular economy initiatives, such as recycling, rental or resale programmes, will drive value whilst positively impacting the environment.”

One-third of consumers polled said they buy used or secondhand items at least every few months and nearly 70 percent of professionals said their company had responsible consumption and production in 2021.

“Pursuit of Preloved has been prevalent in the apparel industry for years but is expanding into other fastmoving consumer goods,” the report states. “Business models are evolving to include buy-back programs, reusable packaging initiatives, refurbished product offerings and peer-to-peer marketplaces. Gift cards, store credit and loyalty points are perks that encourage consumers to participate in these programs.

Businesses that find opportunities to tap into the Pursuit of Preloved can benefit from an additional revenue stream.”

Financial Aficionados “Consumers are gaining confidence in investing and becoming savvy savers to strengthen financial security,” the authors wrote. “Financial Aficionados take control of their money and use services to track their transactions. Financial literacy is no longer restricted to Wall Street. Companies should provide tools and easy-to-use solutions to make any consumer feel financially empowered.”

More than half of consumers polled said they believe they will be better off

Rural Urbanites “Businesses that strengthen e-commerce distribution, expand sustainable product lines and cater to Rural Urbanites will emerge as winners,” the authors wrote.

“Last year, consumers were searching for an Outdoor Oasis, relocating to rural areas temporarily or spending more time in nature. Now, Rural Urbanites are making this move permanent.”

Business opportunities are emerging as consumers move to rural areas

and also work remotely, according to the report.

“Scaling e-commerce distribution is vital. Establishing micro-fulfilment centers and increasing last mile delivery can better serve rural communities and expand the customer base. Parcel couriers are also boosting geographic coverage,” the authors wrote.

“Incorporating more sustainable initiatives into metropolitan areas will resonate with Rural Urbanites. Indoor farming and rooftop gardens could bring locally sourced produce within walking distance for city residents.

Repurposing vacant or unused infrastructure into public parks and green spaces positively impacts these densely populated communities. Businesses and governments are striving to create mini cities where shops, restaurants and schools, among other establishments, are within a 15-minute commute.”

Appear Here, an online platform, brings businesses and property owners together to rent and list brick-and-mortar space for short-term periods in the United States and select European countries.

Self-Love Seekers “Acceptance, self-care and inclusion are at the forefront of consumer lifestyles,” the authors wrote. “Self-Love Seekers prioritize their happiness, feeling comfortable in their own skin and indulging in goods and services that elevate their sense of self. Businesses need to create deep connections with customers.

Products that evoke physical, emotional or spiritual wellbeing will resonate and enhance the lives of Self-Love Seekers.”

More than half of consumers polled said they believe they will be happier in the next five years, according to the report.

“Consumers crave comfort and love as life returns to normal. No longer in survival mode, these consumers are embracing the future and are proud of overcoming hardships,” the authors wrote. “Products and experiences that empower these consumers to be their best version will drive purchase decisions and loyalty.”

The Socialization Paradox “Consumers are approaching a return to pre-pandemic life in different ways based on their comfort levels,” according to the report. “Certain consumers are eager, whilst others are hesitant, to resume their normal activities, creating The Socialization Paradox. Companies should provide seamless solutions and multiple options across channels without sacrificing the experience.”

More than 75 percent of consumers took health and safety precautions when leaving their homes in 2021, according to the report.

Nearly half of professionals surveyed said exploring new business models such as marketplaces or direct to consumer is a strategic priority for their company in 2022.

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

OCG Show Daily

Coconut Products from Franklin Baker Franklin Baker, Inc. is the largest processor of coconut ingredients in the Philippines and the premier supplier of coconut ingredients to the global food and beverage market. It has been in business for over 125 years, taking pride in long standing customer relationships, many of which exceed 65 years. Its products are produced from the freshest nuts available, at one of its three manufacturing facilities, where proprietary processing is utilized to ensure freshness and long shelf stability. Franklin Baker controls the process from tree through shipment, allowing customers to have the highest level of safety and confidence in the product supply chain.

Franklin Baker offers processes and provides services that competitors cannot. Some of the major differences with Franklin Baker Coconut include: • Wet steam pasteurization of all the coconut. No other competitor pasteurizes their product.

• BAX testing for salmonella, which is 10,000 times more sensitive than the competition’s BAM method.

• Reliable and proven service levels for all products including specialty items.

• R&D and technical support direct from the Philippines.

• Franklin Baker guarantee of satisfaction.

• Three U.S. warehouse distribution centers.

Franklin Baker offers an extensive portfolio of coconut products (conventional and organic) to include: desiccated coconut (sweetened and toasted), coconut water - single strength and concentrate, coconut milk and cream, coconut concentrate, virgin coconut oil, coconut flour, coconut sugar, and other coconut products.

Franklin Baker holds extensive third-party certifications, including Non-GMO Project Verified, Fair Trade USA, BRC, USDA Organic, ISO 9001:2000, ISO 22000:2005, HACCP, FDA Philippines, GMA-SAFE, AB PAO Accredited Testing Laboratory, SEDEX, Kosher, Halal certified.

Franklin Baker also holds the Award of Excellence, 2016 - 2022 American Master of Taste & Gold Medal Endorsement for Superior Taste as well as the 2018 - 2022 Beverage Champion

by Chefs In America.

Franklin Baker's levels of product certification are unrivaled and provides customers with confidence in the quality, safety, and sources of what they are buying. Franklin Baker holds itself to the highest product standards, which makes Franklin Baker, A Cut Above the Rest.

Franklin Baker offers bulk, foodservice, and retail packaging options to meet your business needs to forge a trusted coconut supply chain partnership.

Formaggio (Cont’d. from p. 1)

we put into making the product day in and day out. The majority of the buyers have come to appreciate this. The main thrust of our expansion is the enormous demand for these core products, thanks to the intelligence of these buyers.

AM: That comes down to the buyers – who I want to thank wholeheartedly.

The ones who realize that Formaggio brand does indeed make a superior product as compared to the others in our category. Formaggio brand is the leader when it comes to fresh mozzarella specialty items. This is what we’ve done for over 31 years. Business is continuing to grow. Artisan Wraps, Charcuterie Bites, Charcuterie Rolls and of course, our flagship, the Marinated Fresh Mozzarella Salad has proven to be the best of the best because of the care Monti Trentini (Cont’d. from p. 1)

Italy, collecting milk every day and making the best cheese in the Alps.

OSD: You have a very close connection to your territory. Have you pursued any actions to sustain the environment around you?

FF: Yes, we have. We have always supported our territory and the people who live in it. When we talk about the respect of the environment, we always take into consideration also the social

For more information, email info-us@ franklinbaker.com.

OSD: These products sound more like snacking items or appetizer items than recipe components, which is what Formaggio brand was known for, say, a decade or so ago. Would you agree?

AM: These are items that are geared towards entertaining and holidays, but mostly they are perceived as every day. I

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Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Bread from Food For Life Baking Co. Food For Life Baking Co., makers of the incredibly delicious and nutritious Ezekiel 4:9® Sprouted Grain Bread, has been committed to the health of its customers since its inception over 50 years ago.

Among the many natural sprouted grain breads are its widely popular Ezekiel 4:9 and Genesis 1:29® breads, English muffins, tortillas, buns and cereal. Sprouting maximizes digestibility and nutrition while lowering the glycemic index in its flourless bakery products.

Beyond the commitment to superior nutrition, there’s also a commitment to a balanced and protected pH in every loaf. Why is a balanced pH so important? Because Food For Life recognizes that a balanced pH is absolutely essential for optimum health. This is why Food For Life meticulously chooses its ingredients, and refuses to use acidifying agents such as cultured wheat starch, vinegar, calcium propionate and ascorbic acid – all preservatives.

As an amazing benefit of sprouting, grains actually become more alkaline as water and oxygen support the growth of the new plant and naturally balances the pH. While a balanced pH is great for health reasons, a higher pH does tend to shorten shelf life. This is why the company primarily sells Food For Life breads frozen.

Since its Ezekiel breads have become so popular, Food For Life is seeing more competitors now releasing sprouted grain breads, though using acidifying agents like vinegar and cultured wheat starch to extend their shelf know in my house, once I open a tray of Artisan Wraps, in a matter of moments it disappears. I guess others are starting to experience that same type of reaction.

life. Unfortunately, these ingredients lower the pH by increasing the acidity, which Food For Life feels often defeats the purpose of sprouting in the first place. To be a truly healthful product, Food For Life strongly believes in protecting the pH level of its sprouted grain bread, targeting a balanced pH. Because of the company's commitment to health, you can be assured that Ezekiel 4:9 Bread is the pinnacle of nutrition. By adding pure filtered water to certified organic grains, legumes and seeds, Food For Life is able to maximize nutrition and digestibility. Enzymes, like amylase and protease, are released naturally, helping to break down carbohydrates and protein, making them easier to digest while maximizing nutrition and lowering the glycemic index.

Food For Life’s slow baking technique means that every sprouted grain loaf is baked at lower temperatures to help preserve important natural vitamins and minerals – never “flash browned,” which can often trap active yeast.

Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Bread is loaded with both important natural soluble and insoluble fiber to help your body function at its peak.

Aren’t all breads just carbs?

Amazingly, Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 breads often contain just as much protein as the stuff you put on your sandwich, from all plant-based sources.

For more information, email info@ foodforlife.com or call 951.279.5090.

Mozzarella Salad? That has been around for decades.

AM: They’re finger-sized sticks of our hand-stretched soft and silky fresh mozzarella paired with authentic Italian meats. They have proved superior to our competitors who use pizza cheese and different quality meats.

AM: Our Marinated Fresh Mozzarella Salad, being handmade and hand tossed, has surpassed the sales of our competitors in every market. Whether it’s our salads or our Artisan Wraps, Charcuterie Bites or Charcuterie Rolls or other products, our dedication to quality never wavers. The buyers recognize this and we thank them. It’s rewarding to know that your efforts are recognized by your industry.

OSD: What about the marinated Fresh

For more information, visit booth #5315.

OSD: Tell our readers more about Artisan Wraps.

aspect of sustainability.

Through our daily milk collection activity, we are able to support many small farms, safeguarding our pastures and taking good care of the mountain area where we live.

Through the years, we also decreased our water consumption; we are equipped with a purification plant, a photovoltaic system and a trigeneration plant, which has been able to save 4,103 tons of CO 2 from entering the atmosphere.

manufacture?

IDDBA 2022?

FF: We manufacture a wide range of cow’s milk cheeses, from the famous Grana Padano PDO and Asiago PDO to other lesser known regional cheeses such as the Lagorai and the Vezzena.

We also produce a soft Truffle Caciotta and an aged one, harder in texture but with the same full flavor. Our strength is that we are able to serve very different clients, from retail to industry and foodservice.

FF: At this edition of IDDBA, we are looking for new partners while strengthening our existing connections. We are thrilled to participate and to meet everyone again in Atlanta. 2022 began with the re-opening of many trade shows and we hope that the industry will continue to push in this direction as new business opportunities are coming up.

OSD: What type of products do you

OSD: What are you looking for at

For more information, visit booth #1435, go to www.montitrentini.com, or follow the company on social media.