November 2012 - Oser Communications Group
Transcription
November 2012 - Oser Communications Group
BUYERS GUIDE: UPDATE: Soups Mixes The National Chocolate Show SEE PAGE 21 SEE PAGE 13 SEE PAGE 7 GOURMET NEWS ® T H E B U S I N E S S VOLUME 77, NUMBER 11 NOVEMBER 2012 n $7.00 SPECIALTY RETAILERS n n Lazy Acres opens second store in Long Beach PAGE 9 Harry & David promotes fruit with chef collaborations PAGE 9 GROCERY & DEPARTMENT STORES n Harris Teeter debuts 201Central PAGE 10 n Kroger revamps natural range with store brand Simple Truth PAGE 10 SPECIALTY DISTRIBUTORS & BROKERS n n Tony’s Fine Foods acquires Ideal Food Products PAGE 11 Ahold Signs Saffron Road Frozen Entrées for National Distribution PAGE 11 SUPPLIER BUSINESS n Smart Balance Inc. to become Boulder Brands, move HQ to Colorado PAGE 12 News..............................................4 National Chocolate Show ................7 Ad Index .......................................26 Smorgasbord/Classifieds ..............26 www.gourmetnews.com N E W S P A P E R F O R T H E G O U R M E T I N D U S T R Y Number of specialty food consumers up by 11 percent – NASFT Chocolate, olive oil, cheese and yogurt top purchases; in-store still far ahead of online More U.S. shoppers are buying specialty foods this year, as they look to better-quality foods like chocolate, cheese and yogurt to liven up their everyday meals. According to new research from the Natl. Assn. for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFT), nearly two thirds of consumers (66 percent, projected at about 200 million people) said they purchased specialty foods within the past six months. This is a healthy 11 percent increase over 2011, and a big jump from the 46 percent who reported buying these products in 2009. Chocolate is the top specialty food purchase for the second year, but cheese and yogurt show big jumps. Men are buying more specialty food than ever before. As in previous years, the prototypical specialty food consumer (SFC) is young, has median earnings of $75,000 a year, and lives in the West or Northeast. More than seven in 10 consumers purchase specialty foods in those regions; Midwesterners are the least likely to purchase. The report, “Today’s Specialty Food Consumer 2012,” is based on an online survey conducted in August 2012 by Mintel International, of 1,500 adults aged 18 and older. After chocolate, the top foods purchased were olive oil and other specialty oils, cheese and yogurt/kefir. Younger consumers are more likely than average to buy convenient, quick-preparation foods such as beverages, salty snacks, cookies, salad dressing and cooking sauces. Those older than 65 are often the least likely to buy within these categories. name change, to World’s Best Cheeses West, Inc. Customers will be able to order from any of the four sales offices. “This acquisition is another great step in achieving our ambitious growth strategy. Combining both Uncertainty on food and supplement labeling laws did not affect strong business at Natural Products Expo East, the largest East Coast show for the natural lifestyle retail industry. Held in Baltimore from Sept. 19-22, the show reported attendance of over 21,000 and more than 1,550 exhibitors. Organizers also reported an 8 percent increase in buyer attendance. “Expo East is without question the ideal location to debut a product,” said Brandon Partridge, CEO of Skyland Foods, a producer of drinkable fitness yogurts. “Attendees want to know the stories behind the brands and connect on a deeper level.” “Expo East allows retailers the opportunity to place a face behind a voice,” said Ed Gruvman, owner of Nutrition S’mart Organic Food and Vitamin Center. “It was a busy show for us business-wise. The timing is excellent, as it reminds customers of the importance of the spice category for holiday cooking and entertaining,” said Mick Whitlock, CEO of gourmet spice company Vanns. “Our new widemouth gourmet jar was our biggest hit, followed by our extracts and flavorings. Many buyers are intrigued by the Continued on PAGE 5 Continued on PAGE 5 Social media and online usage Social media is abuzz about specialty food, with Facebook the dominant site. Both Twitter and Continued on PAGE 4 World’s Best Cheeses completes CWI asset acquisition Gives WBC a key California distribution platform World’s Best Cheeses (WBC), a leading upscale gourmet distributor based in the New York area, has acquired the assets of CWI Specialty Foods from its secured lender, after the latter company was put into foreclosure. “After seven years of ownership by financial institutions, CWI returns to being owned by a cheese entrepreneur,” said the company’s release. CWI’s Ringwood, NJ facility (now named World’s Best Cheeses/CWI) will remain operational until late winter 2013, when a sales and purchasing office will be established in New Jersey. Concurrently, warehouse operations will be consolidated in Armonk, NY. The California division of CWI will remain the same, with only a Expo East grows in attendance, exhibitors, buyers Deep in the heart of Texas, there’s Kitchenwares on the Square BY LORRIE BAUMANN McKinney, Texas is one of the best places to live in the United States. “Money” magazine has said so, and most of its 250,000 or so residents probably agree. Karen Chandler, owner of Kitchenwares on the Square, is certainly one of them. Chandler opened her store in McKinney just a year ago after a career that included more than 10 years in the kitchenware industry, including four of them as a buyer for Gourmet Catalog. When she reached a point in her life at which she decided it was time to strike out on her own and go into business for herself, she had no doubts about what that business would be. She liked the kitchenware retailers that she’d been working with so much that she wanted to become one of them, she says. “I’m just really thankful for everybody I’ve learned from. I’ve been able to learn from some of the best retailers out there for many years.” A Seattle native, she’d been living in Dallas to be close to her Gourmet Catalog job, but she’d lived in McKinney before moving to Dallas, and that’s where she decided to open her store. “This is a nicer place to raise a family,” she says. McKinney offered her a great place to live with an excellent school for Faith, her 11-year-old daughter, and a chance to buy a 111-year-old building on its historic town square. Her 1,800-square-foot shop has been a hair salon, a television repair service, a yoga studio, and for a long time, an artist’s studio, and Chandler revels in the sense that much has happened there over the years. “It’s a nice historic building, so it has a story,” she says. Among McKinney’s other attractions are that the city is only a short drive north of the Dallas metroplex, a good flow of tourist traffic during the fall and winter, and a high median income that provides her store with an upper middle-class customer base from Continued on PAGE 5 GENERAL NEWS GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com 3 General News BRIEFS Gelson’s signs Papa Ben’s Mandelbroyt California retailer Gelson’s has picked up Papa Ben’s twice-baked Mandelbroyt (an Eastern European cookie) at locations across the Los Angeles, Orange and Santa Barbara counties. The non-dairy, Pareve cookies are also available at Cambridge Farms, Valley Produce and various glatt and kosher markets throughout the LA area. “We are excited to share one of our most family cherished traditions with the Southern California market place,” said President Gail LesserGerber. “Los Angeles is our hometown and we are thrilled to kick off the launch of our Mandelbroyt here in our own backyard.” The line’s flavors include Original Family Recipe, Lemon Blueberry with Poppy Seeds, Minty Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Espresso Bean and Spicy Chipotle with Ginger and Dark Chocolate. Maya Kaimal Fine Indian Foods names new CEO Maya Kaimal Fine Indian Foods, a line of superpremium Indian simmer sauces carried by several national specialty retailers, has named Craig Decker as CEO of the growing brand. “We are excited to welcome Craig to our team,”says founder and award-winning cookbook author Maya Kaimal. “He has strong relationships in the natural, grocery and club channels, and an excellent record of helping companies our size realize dynamic growth.” Most recently Senior VP of Sales for Zola Brazilian Superfruits, Decker has helped build such natural brands as Kombucha Wonderdrink and Guayaki. The Brenmar Company takes on Midwest distribution for Bone Suckin’ Sauce Ford’s Gourmet Foods, makers of Bone Suckin’ Sauce, has announced a new distribution agreement with The Brenmar Company, a distributor of specialty foods and general merchandise based in Omaha, Nebraska. Brenmar now distributes the Bone Suckin’ Sauce Line, including the new Bone Suckin’ Steak and Seafood Seasonings. “More Midwest specialty food and grocery stores were calling and asking for Bone Suckin’ Sauce for their customers’ grilling needs. Bone Suckin’ Sauce is thrilled to be working with Brenmar,” said Sandi Ford.”We’re looking forward to reaching more stores, ovens and backyard grills in the Midwest.” Founded in 1988, Brenmar provides a “one stop shop” for independent supermarkets throughout the Midwest. The company serves all or part of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado and Wyoming. Atlanta Gourmet Market names 10 Best of Atlanta winners The husband and wife team of Jody and Debbie Chidester of Plentiful Pantry grabbed two Best of Atlanta awards during The Atlanta Gourmet Market®, Sept. 2123, at AmericasMart®. The Chidesters have been owner-operators of Plentiful Pantry since 1992. The company’s wins were for the White Bean Soup, judged Best Soup, and for the Mint Dark Chocolate De Chocolat Mix with Mint Rimmer, selected Best Beverage. The Best of Atlanta awards represent the top food items in 10 categories among all exhibitors at AmericasMart’s The Atlanta Gourmet Market. Winners are selected by independent judges. Judges called the Chidester’s White Bean Chili, “full of flavor with a nice kick of spice.” The judges said of Plentiful Pantry’s Mint Dark Chocolate De Chocolat Mix with Mint Rimmer, “As a hot chocolate, this is a smooth and cozy beverage. The hint of mint offers a cooling sensation that lightens the drink.” “The only thing better than our packaging is the food inside,” said Debbie Chidester, “because you can get average at the grocery store.” Other winners include The Orchards, for their Deluxe Milk Chocolate Pecans, named Best Chocolate; Raven’s Original, Mango Salsa, Best Salsa; Galli, 20 Years Balsamic Vinegar, Best Condiment; Columbia Empire Farms, Cow Pies Chocolate Nut Toffee, Best Dessert; Lauri Jo’s, Southern Dill Cucumber Pickles, Best Pickled Product (a new category); Gracie’s Garden, Spicy Ginger Savory Jelly, Best Jam/Preserve; Laurie’s Kitchen, Sweet Pepper Jelly Cheeseball Mix, Best Snack; and Toffeeto-Go, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Toffee, Best Candy (NonChocolate). GN Fiorucci Foods changes corporate name to Campofrio Food Group Towards U.S. introduction of Campofrio Spanish cured meats Fiorucci Foods, Inc., the widest distributed Italian specialty meats brand in the U.S., is changing its corporate name from to reflect its new identity as part of Spain’s Campofrio Food Group. Fiorucci products will continue to be sold under th name, with U.S. headquarters remaining in Virginia. The first effort will be the U.S. introduction of Campofrio, Spain’s #1 brand of traditional cured meats. Founded in 1850, Fiorucci is Italy’s topselling brand of traditional Italian specialty meats. The firm started U.S. operations in 1986, and today has the widest distribution of any Italian specialty meats brand in the U.S. “We are proud of the solid foundation established by Fiorucci and we look forward to continued success with the introduction of Campofrio Food Group America and the enhancements underway,” said Dirk Jacxsens, President of the Market Challengers Division, Campofrio Food Group. “We have a strong team in place to build upon Fiorucci’s achievements.” Headquartered in Spain, the Campofrio Food Group SA is Europe’s largest maker of processed meats. The firm’s U.S. mission is to utilize and invest in Fiorucci Foods’ existing production facilities and distribution platform, to introduce its European specialties to the American market. GN 4 GENERAL NEWS GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 Boutique tea firm changes name “While our name is no longer a mouthful, our tea still is.” Two leaves and a bud tea company, a successful provider of whole leaf tea based in Basalt, Colorado, has officially shortened its name to two leaves tea company™. New packaging for the brand’s 18 varieties will be fully rolled out by November. Building a brand in today’s competitive grocery aisles is a challenge for the largest consumer products companies. For a small business with a limited marketing budget, it is even tougher. When Richard Rosenfeld launched two leaves and a bud in 2004, he wanted “a brand name that said ‘tea,’ was unique and fun, and had character,” he says. Too much character, as it turns out. Since being founded, the company has built a successful niche brand in the U.S. and Canada. But the name presented challenges that Rosenfeld had not anticipated: “It was too damn long,” he says. Not only was the name relatively lengthy for a simple and elegant beverage like tea, Rosenfeld says all nine syllables were ripe for confusion. “There is a huge amount of brand equity in your name and how the customer knows you. When we shift that, we take a big risk,” Rosenfeld says. “But when people can’t figure out what your name is — is it two buds and a leaf? Two leaves and a butt? — that’s diminishing your brand equity as it is.” But what happens when a company risks consumer loyalty with a name change? “It is frightening,” he says. “We really don’t know if our consumers will recognize the new packaging as the same great NASFT Continued from PAGE 1 LinkedIn, are more popular with SFCs than with the general population; Pinterest draws twice as many SFCs (15 percent) as regular consumers (7 percent). But while they love to research their purchases and share their finds, these customers still prefer to buy in-store. Asked what foods they had bought online, coffee and chocolate topped the list at 13 percent of shoppers despite an abundance of gourmet e-commerce sites. This may change as mobile interest use becomes more widespread; one-fifth of the respondents use their smartphones for coupons, recipes, and restaurant searches. Retailers will especially want to be prepared for one use expected to become more common in the next five years: in-store comparison. Here are more highlights from the report, and from a webinar conducted by NASFT: • Specialty food households spend an average of $94 on food weekly (from $90 in 2011), with 22 percent of that going to specialty food. Specialty food sales are also out-pacing overall food sales, growing little tea brand they know and love.” New packaging will keep the typeface of the original logo but otherwise looks very different. “It’s more colorful and tells our brand story better,” says Christy Garfield, marketing coordinator. With no advertising budget, the company has announced the change via social media and direct e-mail blasts. A blog post on the topic garnered more reader comments than any other in the company’s history, and plenty of feedback via Facebook and Twitter. Not all the reactions were positive, with some dedicated fans expressing disappointment. “Sorry to see your unique name swallowed back into a morass of the ordinary,” one fan commented. “Do we lose our edginess?” Rosenfeld responds. “The possibility that we descend into the ordinary is there, and yet the tea we sell is still so unusual. It’s whole leaf, organic, and tastes fabulous. But it is a challenge to convey that when basically every player in the market says ‘ours is special, unique and delicious.’” “I am very aware of the challenges in doing this,” he says. “Are consumers going to recognize us? What about our fans, who are very loyal? It has blown me away, how many people have come up and said, ‘Wow, you’re dropping the “bud”?’ This is the first time I’ve had anyone come up to me and say something about any marketing we’ve done. So in terms of what the risks are, there is some significant risk.” GN 4 percent faster. • Taste is the top reason for purchasing specialty foods, followed by recommendations from a friend or relative. Young adult SFCs (18-24) purchase more often as gifts or to impress family and friends. • Impulse drives more than four in 10 consumers to purchase specialty foods – displays and demos are key! • Diet and health concerns influenced more purchases in 2012 than in 2011. • Three quarters of specialty food consumers have shopped at a farmers market within the past year, with the markets most popular among those 55 and up. • Yogurt/kefir’s growth is significant, going from #34 ten years ago to #4 now. Natural and local are two other categories that have shown significant growth. • Yet while “local” is a very relevant claim, 66 percent say they have bought ingredients from a specific country for a specific recipe – an excellent opportunity for importers. More information on the report can be found at www.specialtyfood.com, as well as at an educational session at the upcoming Winter Fancy Food Show. GN GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 Kitchenwares Continued from PAGE 1 whose members are employed by diverse industries, including a Raytheon plant and the oil and gas industry. Median household income in 2006 was $63,366 with a per capita income of $28,185. To accommodate the needs of tourists, who are often brought to McKinney by the local residents, Chandler keeps her store open evenings and all weekend, unusually for Texas, where most small businesses close on Sundays. “I do great business on Sunday,” she says. “It’s a fun place, and people like looking at gadgets.” Chandler stocks high-end kitchenware products in the cookware, bakeware, cutlery, housewares and outdoor categories as well as gadgets, gourmet mixes from Wind and Willow and tabletop, wine and bar items. Brand names from her cookware department include Le Creuset, All-Clad, Lodge, Fagor, Kuhn Rikon, Woll and Revol. Cutlery brands include Wusthof, Messermeister and Kikiuchi. Gadgets come from Cuisipro, Chef’n, Harold Import and Prepara. Le Creuset, Revol and Prodyne are represented in her tabletop department. Tourists are drawn to the store by its location on the town square, and they often buy because they enjoy buying from some- Cheese Continued from PAGE 1 businesses will allow us to serve our customers better, and continue with exceptional products. It will give us access to new product lines and a distribution platform in California. We are very excited about all the opportunities this acquisition offers us,” said Joe Gellert, WBC’s President and owner. The west coast presence will be a strong advantage for WBI amid consolidation in Expo East Continued from PAGE 1 non-mainstream, hard to find spices,” he said. “More buyers are looking at our organic range, and orders have increased.” Not only are there more buyers, they are coming from new places. “We noticed more than usual larger retailers and discount store buyers,” said Whitlock. “More non-natural retailers are beginning to carry organic and non-organic [but natural] products.” Of the exhibitors, more than 36 percent were companies new to the natural channel, which bodes well for industry growth. In addition, more than 96 countries were represented, indicating increasingly global sourcing and product inspiration. Popcorn, tea named Best New Food Products As in previous years, awards were given at this year’s Natural Products Expo East in nine categories, with many awards going to natural foods brands: Angie’s Kettle Corn (Best Packaging); Sea Sprinkles by Seasnax (Most Innovative); Parmesan and Rosemary Popcorn by Quinn Popcorn, and Coconut Tea by Dr. B’s Premium Microbrewed Tea (tied for Best New Food); Garlic and GENERAL NEWS 5 one who can educate them and tell them about their own experiences with the products, Chandler says. If they don’t want to carry their purchases home with them, Chandler will ship the items. If they might want to buy eventually, but the time isn’t just right, Chandler urges them to take a card directing them to her website and offering a coupon code so they can shop from the stock in her 7,000 square-foot warehouse after they return home. In winter, she does about half her total business through the Internet; in the summer, when temperatures are too uncomfortable for tourism, about 80 percent of her business comes from the web site. “Promoting a web business is different from promoting a storefront,” she says, “If they land on your page, it’s just a matter of whether they’re ready to buy or not.” She promotes the website heavily through word-of-mouth to the tourists, and she pays serious attention to making sure that Internet search engines will find her among the other merchants who offer many of the same products at much the same prices. A very active Facebook page and a Pinterest site managed by Faith also drive traffic to the Kitchenwares on the Square website. “I don’t have any time to spend on Pinterest,” Chandler says. “That’s all Faith. It gets her involved in the business. She works. She does a lot on the Internet. She’s a big help.” GN the specialty food distribution industry over the last year. Three years ago, WBC successfully acquired Crystal Food Import. The acquisition combined WBC’s logistics with Crystal’s industry-leading product assortment and exclusives. The CWI acquisition further increases WBC’s product selection, will provide greater savings in logistics, and open the full line of products to customers nationwide. WBC is now positioned to be one of the most efficient providers in the industry. GN Herbs Culinary Spread by Earth Balance (Best of Press); bread company One Degree Organics (one of three winners for NEXTY Editors’ Choice, together with Vega and Sir Richard’s Condom Company); and chocolate maker TCHO (a NEXTY Poll award winner, along with YouTheory, Eco Nuts, and OJO Fortified Eye Care Nectar). Other award winners included Raw Honey Face Wash by Worker B (Best New Health & Beauty); Eco Nuts Natural Laundry Soap by Eco Nuts (Best New Green Product); and Ultra Collagen Booster by Reserveage Organics (Best New Supplements/Herbs). Co-located with Expo East was the sixth annual Organic Summit on current organic industry issues. This year’s Summit was led by Gary Hirshberg, co-founder and chairman of yogurt giant Stonyfield Farm. GN 6 GENERAL NEWS GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 Trade Show Buzz Stalk Stories While You’re on the Prowl for Products BY LORRIE BAUMANN Hollywood mogul Peter Guber hit the Number One spot on the “New York Times” bestseller list last year with “Tell to Win,” which is about how and why a good story helps him sell important ideas to potential partners. The book includes some memorable stories about times when Guber lost important sales because he forgot to tell the right story to someone who needed to hear it. Peter Guber is, of course, not the only one who recognizes the importance of a good story. In McKinney, Texas, Kitchenwares on the Square owner Karen Chandler knows that customers come to her store instead of buying from a website because her store is the place where they can hear about her experiences with the products they’re buying. Read more about her and her shop in this issue’s Retailer Profile. A good story is such a powerful sales tool that you should be working on ways to use storytelling more effectively. That takes some planning. If you’re not sure how you’re going to turn your buying trip into tales for the telling (and selling), start by taking a tip from every professional writer I know and buy a notebook to take with you everywhere. These days, your smartphone counts as a notebook if you’re comfortable using it to record reminders. Then don’t forget to use it at the shows. Take notes. The funny observation you heard from a local cabbie, the riveting tale about the jeweler you met in his booth in the exhibit hall, your story about the surprising sauce you sampled — you think at the time that you’ll never forget them, but if you don’t write them down, they’ll vanish from your memory as if they never happened. Trade shows are a natural habitat for stories. AmericasMart in Atlanta has gone to particular effort for this January’s show to become a fertile environment for stories. In the Holiday & Floral Market, vendors have invited their craftsmen suppliers to show visiting retailers why handmade artistry is worth its price. In the Gourmet & Housewares Market, held at the same time, a lineup of all-star chefs will be demonstrating, including James Farmer of James Farmer Designs, Rebecca Lange of “Southern Living” magazine, Adam Richman and Chef Helen Chen. AmericasMart Executive Director of Marketing Communications Tammy Trout says that AmericasMart planned all of this to make the January 2013 Market the “ultimate retail buying and networking opportunity.” She noted that, “People like the experience of watching somebody do it and then tasting it. This teaches our buyers ways to showcase the products in their stores so they can sell it.” “It’s just more fun if they get to go to a live demonstration and then do some sampling,” she added. Of course, Atlanta isn’t the only place you can go next January to bag stories to bring home. At the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, you can attend an education session titled “Brand Storytelling with Pinterest & Social Media.” In this session, Speaker Blake Landau, Founder of www.ArtemisStrategies.com, will discuss how you can use social tools to increase your following. “The key is to share your story using only the most relevant tools in a way that makes sense for your individual brand,” he says. If your need is less for instruction on the tools of storytelling than for inspiration and ideas, consider taking the bus tour of San Francisco specialty retailers that’s offered as another of the Winter Fancy Food Show education sessions. Guides Lisa Rogovin of Edible Excursions and Carrie Sullivan of Mise en Place Consulting will be leading a behindthe-scenes tour of the city’s most popular specialty food markets to see “how they succeed in this competitive, value-driven economic climate.” The New York International Gift Fair will once again be hosting Artisan Resource in January. This new show offers access to the products of artisan enterprises from around the world. Considering the range of vendors at NYIGF and the cultural opportunities available in New York City, it would be harder to go and come home without a story to tell than to gather ideas you can share afterwards. Use your smartphone to snap pictures when you’re out and about in the city, but put your camera away before you enter the exhibit halls and display spaces. Almost all shows prohibit photography on the show floor. If you want a photo of a product you see in a booth, just ask the vendor how you can get one. Unless they need to be concerned about piracy, most vendors would rather provide you with a high-quality professional photograph to post on your Pinterest board than rely on the impression of their products conveyed by a poorlylighted snapshot. Once you’re back home, make it a priority to review your notes, look at your photos and start telling yourself the stories you want to keep. Then tell your friends and your customers. Teach them through your stories that what you’re selling isn’t a commodity they can buy anywhere — it’s the stuff of legend. GN NATIONAL CHOCOLATE SHOW GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com 7 National Chocolate Show A MONTHLY UPDATE ON THE GOINGS-ON AT INDUSTRY-RELATED SHOWS MRS. PRINDABLE’S BRINGS ARTISAN SKILL TO NEW CONFECTIONS Twenty-five years ago, in the kitchen of a suburban home, Mrs. Prindable’s Original Gourmet Caramel Apple was born and a gourmet category was created. These handcrafted, Jumbo Gourmet Apples are hand-dipped in their signature allnatural caramel and made fresh in small batches using old fashioned copper kettles. Each apple is then dipped in chocolate and rolled in delicious candies, nuts and hand decorated with premium chocolate. A variety of ribbons and ornaments help make Mrs. Prindable’s a memorable gift for any season or occasion. Over the years many other handmade confections have been created to complement the famous line of Gourmet Apples such as caramels, nut clusters and chocolate and caramel-dipped pretzels. The Mrs. Prindable’s brand established its reputation for premium quality while selling through high-end stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. At the 2012 Summer Fancy Food Show Mrs. Prindable’s unveiled a new line of handmade confections inspired by the HAMMOND’S CANDIES EXPANDS THEIR AWARD-WINNING CHOCOLATE BAR LINE artisan heritage of their Gourmet Apples. The line of specialty handmade confections includes specialty chocolate truffles, Chicago-style chocolate-covered toffee, gourmet caramel and chocolate pretzels. The truffles are all-natural, hand decorated and will be available in assorted unique and classic flavors. Included is a fresh cream line of chocolate truffles ideal for the foodservice industry. This new combination of fresh fruit-based products, as well as shelf-stable confections gives Mrs. Prindable’s both seasonal and everyday products to drive sales for their partners and customers. Their products are elegant enough to be given as unique gifts and delicious enough to be kept for oneself. “Our new line of products opens the door for many retailers who have wanted our brand for years,” said Dave Sanborn, Vice President of Sales. “We can now offer a line of products in their stores!” For more information, visit mrsprindables.com. HAND-CRAFTED TRADITIONAL CHOCOLATES FROM SWEET SHOP USA Sweet Shop USA offers a full line of traditional chocolates that are each handcrafted by skilled artisans and considered a masterpiece a delight for the eyes, as well as the palate. They begin by simmering select natural ingredients in large copper kettles using fresh whipping cream, pure butter and only the finest quality chocolate. Each decadent chocolate is then “autographed” for that personal touch and their signature Fudge Love, Famous Brags and traditional pieces receive the same attention to detail. The final creations are carefully inspected by hand before they are presented to you, the valued customer. Sweet Shop USA takes pride in their products, and they hope that you enjoy them as much they enjoy making them for you. The only problem you might have is deciding which one is your own personal favorite. Check out the bulk catalog to see a complete line of chocolates and the acrylic displays offered. Each acrylic display case includes everything you need to set up an irresistible chocolate shop in your store. For more information, .sweetshopusa.com. visit www COCO POLO RECEIVES CELEBRITY PRAISE Coco Polo, the Stevia Chocolate Company, responded to high demand and unveiled its milk chocolate line at the 2012 Summer Fancy Food Show in June in Washington, D.C. It rounds out its six flavors making up its 70 percent cocoa line and six flavors in a 39 percent cocoa milk chocolate line. While everyone knows chocolate lovers can be found everywhere, not everyone has been able to indulge as much as they might like. With this full chocolate suite of dark and milk chocolate sweetened only with stevia, everybody now can. This is made possible by a proprietary formula and method that Coco Polo has perfected to provide a gluten-free, non-GMO indulgence. Recently, New York Times bestselling Author and Beauty and Eco-Living Expert, Sophie Uliano said, “This is the best sugar-free chocolate I’ve ever tasted. It’s sweetened with natural stevia. If you had told me to try a stevia-sweetened chocolate, I probably wouldn’t because I don’t love stevia in its raw form, but the taste of this chocolate is insanely good.” Along with 39 percent Cocoa Pure Milk Chocolate, five separate flavors of the new 39 percent Cocoa Milk will be sampled at the Fancy Food Show, including Cocoa Milk with Whole Dry-Roasted Almonds, Elderberry, Tart Montmorency Cherries, Hazelnuts and Mango. The new line boasts a new package design to reflect the leadership position as being the champagne of stevia chocolates. John Cunnell, Coco Polo’s “Chief Coco” said, “There’s a method the industry has used with stevia as a sweetener that’s given stevia a bad name. It has been due to the recipes and formulas using old methods and not understanding the unique way to harness stevia’s remarkable flavor profiles. Coco Polo has achieved this; customers are blown away. Hitherto, sugar-free meant sweetened with sugar alcohols which provided questionable sweetening, a cooling sensation and, worst of all, ‘severe gastric distress.’ With Coco Polo’s Stevia Chocolate these problems vanish.” What about the 25.8 million people in the United States alone (according to the American Diabetes Association) who have diabetes? Or those with food allergies? Coco Polo solves this dilemma. It is the ultimate sugarfree chocolate for diabetics and those with food allergies. Uliano said it best when discussing the dark chocolate line: “It’s 70 percent dark chocolate, so you get all the health benefits and yet it doesn’t taste as strong/bitter as most dark chocolates. It has a smooth, creamy texture and comes in six flavors. It’s super tough to pick which is best, but the Tart Montmorency Cherry bar is beyond! The bars are also approved by The Feingold Association, so fine for anyone with allergies and/or food intolerance.” With Coco Polo’s “Chocolate Suite,” you can now have your chocolate and eat it too. Find out more at www.cocopolo.com. Hammond’s Candies hit a home run this year with the launch of their gourmet chocolate bar line, and looks forward to their continued success in the new year from chocolate-buffs across the nation. With the commended lead of Hammond’s Candies’ Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Milk Chocolate Bar, which won the industry’s Most Innovative New Product of the Year award in June, Hammond’s has since introduced the Bee Pollen Chocolate Bar™ late this summer and developed an additional three flavors to debut in early 2013. Though habitually known for their nostalgic hard candies, Hammond’s creativity goes beyond the forty-plus flavors of hand-pulled candy canes and lollipops. “We’ve created a diverse line of delicious milk and dark chocolate bars that appeal to everyone,” remarks Hammond’s National Sales Manager, Andrew Whisler. “There are classic flavors including a rich, 72 percent cocoa dark chocolate bar as well as fun-twists like the chipotle-laced Sweet ‘N Spicy bar.” Packed with vitamins, minerals, and powerful amino acids, Hammond’s Bee Pollen Chocolate Bar™ has allured health enthusiasts everywhere. “This is the first Hammond’s bar made with organic ingredients, including cocoa that’s sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms,” Whisler explains. Bee pollen, known for its potent energy and healing powers, is a key ingredient in this 65 percent cocoa dark chocolate bar. Sweetened with a touch of pure honey, it’s an indulgence you’ll only find from Hammond’s Candies. Hammond’s expects the new bar flavors to also add some excitement in the health arena, being made with all-natural ingredients including pure cane sugar, real milk and cream, and naturallysourced flavors. Visit Hammond’s in January at the Atlanta Gift Show, San Francisco Fancy Food Show and New York International Gift Fair to see the entire line of gourmet chocolate bars, caramel and marshmallow confections, and classic candies. More information is availablek.com/hammondscandies and now on Pinterest at pinterest.com/hammondscandies. BUDDY SQUIRREL OFFERS FRESH LOOK AND KOSHER CONFECTIONS As it has been from the very beginning, when Joseph Helminiak and his wife Lottie sold their chocolates on Milwaukee’s cobblestone streets, every batch was produced to order, ensuring maximum freshness. Buddy Squirrel remains committed to excellence in taste, service and quality. Two years into new ownership, Buddy Squirrel is updating the look of its retail stores and revitalizing bulk sales with new kosher confections and redesigned packaging. On the retail side, a new generation of customers is discovering longtime favorites such as Fairy Food®, Pecan Tads®, Cherry Cordials, Butter Almond Toffee, Crèmes, Nougats and Meltaways. Newly remodeled retail outlets also feature ice chocolate drinks, ice cream with toppings, coffee and dipped products. Now the ownership group is applying key lessons from retail to the wholesale division. Bulk offerings include popcorn drenched in cheddar cheese and caramel syrup, as well as the company’s renowned handmade chocolates and a legendary line of gourmet nuts. Buddy Squirrel is also now supplying a complete line of confections under the direction of Kosher Supervisors of Wisconsin. The company’s healthy snack mixes are also an increasingly popular choice. With three retail locations in southeastern Wisconsin, operations include a 45,000 square-foot manufacturing facility near Milwaukee. The firm’s handmade confections and premium nuts are offered through wholesalers across the country and can be purchased under numerous private labels. Products also are sold through the Buddy Squirrel website. The premium nuts and confections business, which started in 1916 as Quality Candy Shoppes, is committed to using the exact recipes, ingredients and made-by-hand processes developed by the family of employees nearly a century ago. Learn more at www.buddysquirrel.com or call toll-free at 414.483.4500. TASTE THE HERITAGE WITH LAMMES CANDIES Austin, Texas, home to 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats, SXSW, Barton Springs and an Austin icon: Lammes Candies. Since 1885, Lammes has handcrafted unique confections from premium ingredients. A true Austin original, Lammes is family-owned and operated by fifth generation candymakers: Pam, Bryan and Lana. Mix experience with a team of employees averaging 25 years of service and the result is world-class confections. If your reputation depends on the quality and flavor of your product line, then enhance your sales by adding Lammes Candies to your gift line. Rich, smooth and intense flavors encompass a full line of chocolates. Classics like the Longhorns are a customer favorite, with the latest creation, Sea Salt Caramels, capturing a growing trend in flavor pairings. Rich, dark chocolate and sweet, buttery caramel topped with Hawaiian sea salt will satisfy those salty sweet cravings. Lammes is famous for the Texas Chewie Pecan Praline, a sweet and nutty combination that dates back to 1892. Pralines hold top honors at Lammes Candies as the No. 1 seller and the most coveted afternoon snack. Smell, taste and feel the burn of an exciting twist on the original. The Habaero Praline is the latest mainstay that infuses nutty, sweet and spicy-hot flavors. There is something for everyone at Lammes Candies: holiday, every day and private label. Lammes Candies is the perfect addition to gift baskets, candy cases or point of purchase with individually wrapped pieces of Pralines, Peppermint Kisses and Carmelitos. Visit Lammes online at www.lammes.com, call 800.252.1885 or email [email protected]. 8 EDITORIAL GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com GOURMET NEWS ® FROM THE EDITOR WWW.GOURMETNEWS.COM PUBLISHER Stories are in the air this November: perhaps because Halloween is done, we’re in holiday prep mode and starting winter in earnest. Our Trade Show Buzz (page 6) features tips on stories as sales tools, with a focus on planning for January’s trade show season; quite coincidentally, an exhibitor at the fastgrowing show that is Expo East (page 1) specifically mentions brand stories as well. Outside these pages, the election has been about the narratives of both sides. Each has had a tale to tell, spun around issues affecting retailers that will play out in the year to come. Once it’s decided, we can put the fun novelties away and switch back to tailgating. Unless of course you’re in California, where you may or may not have some new labels to attend to. At month’s end of course, is Thanksgiving, the one day with the highest food consumption of the whole year. This year retailers are betting that pumpkins will continue to be a hot seller, with a huge crop turning up in everything from seasonal baked goods to boutique beers and ales. (Linus was right: in 2012 at least, The Great Pumpkin still flying—off the shelves.) Thanksgiving is also a holiday that’s very much about story: the founding of this country as we know it. Help people celebrate with heritage turkeys, vegetarian feasts, ideas and ingredients for the crazy creative side dishes. Here at Gourmet News, we’re loving the various small-batch ciders popping up around the country. Use some to add novelty to your Thanksgiving display and watch that ticket rise. At the end of it all, of course, is the story we create together: our businesses, customers, our family and friends. It has been a tough year for many, and it will be months before the receipts are tallied and the numbers are crunched. But somehow, if you’ve survived the year with your business intact, there is still something to be thankful for—starting with the holiday sales season to come. GN Lee M. Oser SENIOR ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Kate Seymour 520.721.1300 [email protected] – Rocelle Aragon, Editor 520.721.1300 [email protected] EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Lorrie Baumann 520.721.1300 CORRECTIONS Our October Oil & Vinegar special featured a Special Edition balsamic vinegar from Italian Products USA and award-winning balsamic producer Compagnia Del Montale. “Balsamic” was misspelled in one line, and the article was edited for space. We regret the error. Also in that section, we listed the wrong URL for Extravagonzo Foods. Find their Roasted Garlic and other oils, as well as their popular Classic White Balsamic, at www.extravagonzofoods.com. We also wrote that grapeseed oil has a higher smoke point, which it does not. This is our misunderstanding, and not a claim by the company. [email protected] EDITOR Rocelle Aragon 520.721.1300 [email protected] ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Venne [email protected] GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yasmine Brown [email protected] CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Product Wrap-up & Classified Sales Tara Neal 520.721.1300 [email protected] TRAFFIC MANAGER Selene Pinuelas 520.721.1300 PUBLISHING OFFICE 1877 N. Kolb Road P.O. Box 1056 Tucson, AZ 85715 520.721.1300 Fax 520.721.6300 SUBSCRIBER SERVICES Gourmet News P.O. Box 30520 Tucson, AZ 85751 520.721.1300 MEMBER OF: PRESIDENT Lee M. Oser Periodicals postage paid at Tucson, AZ, and additional mailing office. Gourmet News (ISSN 1052-4630) is published monthly by Oser Communications Group, 1877 North Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715; 520.721.1300. Publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or prices quoted in newspaper. Contributors are responsible for proper release of proprietary classified information. ©2012 by Oser Communications Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher, is expressly prohibited. Back issues, when available, cost $7 each within the past 12 months, $12 each prior to the past 12 months. Back orders must be paid in advance either by check or charged to American Express, Visa, or Master Card. Gourmet News is distributed without charge in North America to qualified professionals in the retail and distribution channels of the specialty foods and hardgoods trade; paid subscriptions cost $65 annually to the U.S. and Canada. All foreign subscriptions cost $150 annually to cover air delivery. All payments must be made in U.S. funds and drawn on a U.S. bank. For subscriber services, including subscription information, call 520.721.1300. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gourmet News, 1877 North Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715. SPECIALTY RETAILERS GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com 9 Specialty Retailers BRIEFS European dessert line Gu joins expanded Fresh & Easy lines West Coast retailer Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has revamped its baked goods and desserts selection with more than 60 new chefcreated items. They have also landed U.S. exclusivity for Gü, a line of indulgent desserts with a cult following in Europe. The new items follow Fresh & Easy's guidelines to omit artificial colors or flavors, high-fructose corn syrup, and added trans fats. Healthy options include Organic Chia & Flax Seed Sliced Loaves, Fresh & Easy Organic Double Chocolate or Cranberry Raisin Cookies, and gluten-free cookies in various flavors. The four desserts from Gü (a play on the French gout, or taste, and the desserts' rich texture) are affordable at $5.49 for a 2 ct. box. Items are Chocolate Ganache Pots, Hot Chocolate Soufflés, Chocolate Vanilla Cheesecakes, Key Lime Pies and Hot Chocolate Molten Lava Cake (shown). It is not known whether relationships between Gü and Fresh & Easy's parent company, British giant Tesco, contributed to landing the exclusive. Lazy Acres opens second store in Long Beach High-end natural grocer Lazy Acres has launched their first ever expansion store. The new store, located in Long Beach, Calif., opened in early November, more than 20 years after the original Lazy Acres opened in Santa Barbara in 1991. Lazy Acres has been owned by 14store, California-only retailer Bristol Farms since 2005. In 2010, it was among the stores that Bristol Farms took with it when it exited the Supervalu group (owner of Albertsons) to become an independent private company, led by COO Kevin Davis. Endeavor Capital, Bristol Farms’ major equity partner, is also an investor in the Northwest’s New Seasons Market (see below). The new location comes at a time of intense natural grocery competition in California, with Sprouts and Fresh & Easy expanding, and fast-growing Southeast-based retailer The Fresh Market having announced its plans to expand as well. GN Harry & David promotes fruit with chef collaborations Gourmet gift retailer Harry & David hopes to refresh its staple Fruit of the Month Club by partnering with three upand-coming chefs in a campaign called “Get culinary with fruit.” Running from October to December, the effort aims to generate user interest in branded produce as a culinary ingredient, with each chef creating three exclusive recipes using the Fruit of the Month. The recipes will be available on the brand’s Facebook page, so that consumers can replicate them at home. In October, chef Elizabeth Falkner will create recipes for Royal Riviera Pears. In November, chef Eric Greenspan will create recipes for Honeycrisp Apple. And in December, the Royal Riviera Pears return, as interpreted by chef Jenn Louis. GN 10 GROCERY & DEPARTMENT STORES GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com Grocery & Department Stores Harris Teeter debuts 201Central Two North Carolina locations opened Oct.17 Southeastern-based grocer Harris Teeter has unveiled a new specialty-store-like concept called 201central, featuring specialty foods, wine and beer to provide consumers “everything you need to make all your celebrations the best.” The retailer has renovated two locations, each about 30,000 square feet. Both sites are among those acquired from Lowe’s Food Stores in a 16-store swap earlier this year. Regional observers have speculated that the new format is a reaction to announcements by competitors Publix and The Fresh Market. The 201central stores stock not only specialty and international food, bulk food and gluten-free items, but also an extensive wine and beer selection (more than 3,100 varieties of wine and over 680 varieties of beer, including local brews Red Oak, Olde Mecklenburg, and Carolina Brewing). A Wine Station allows shoppers to conveniently sample featured wines by the taste, half and full glasses. Non-food items will include wine and bar accessories, party goods, appliances and kitchen gadgets, home brewing and wine making systems. Another differentiator will be related specialty services such as in-store wine consultants, catering and event coordination. The name is a tribute to one of the original Harris Food Stores, Store #201, on Central Avenue in Charlotte, N.C. The store was not only Charlotte’s first full self-service supermarket, but it was also the first airconditioned grocery store and the first to stay open until 9 p.m. on Friday nights. GN Kroger revamps natural range with store brand Simple Truth Value-priced naturals to draw highspending organic consumers Kroger has revamped its natural and organic store brand offering, collapsing previous store brands into Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic brands. The new lines have a novel claim: all are free from 101 artificial preservatives and ingredients that some customers have said they do not want in their foods.The organic products are certified as such b the USDA, and the Simple Truth brand offers several USDA-certified natural products, including meat, chicken and eggs. “While organic products are available in most conventional grocery stores, our customers told us that labels can be confusing, and there’s a general belief in the marketplace that organic means more expensive,” said Mary Ellen Adcock, Vice President of Natural Foods for Kroger. The line currently spans more than 30 product categories, including top sellers like quinoa, yogurt, fruit sodas and chips, as well as milk, salads and dried fruit. By January the full range of more than 40 categories will be available. A full launch campaign includes in-store signs and banners and plenty of online and social media efforts. GN BRIEFS A&P puts Food Emporium Up for Sale Retailer A&P has decided to sell its 16 Food Emporium stores in Manhattan, according to a statement released in September. It is the second time in two years that the chain will be for sale. “We commenced a marketing process of The Food Emporium in early September. The Food Emporium represents a unique urban footprint that requires a specific go-to-market strategy. Therefore, we’ve made the decision to market these 16 Manhattan stores to a variety of prospective buyers. The sale will enable A&P to support the company’s longterm strategic vision to be the No. 1 food and drug store in every neighborhood it serves,” the company said. New York business publication Crain’s reports that two major bidders have emerged, drawn by the chain’s enviable real estate holdings: John Catsimatidis, owner of competing grocery Gristedes, and Christian Haub, former CEO of A&P. A&P emerged from bankruptcy in March. A single Food Emporium location in Connecticut is not included in the sale. GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com SPECIALTY DISTRIBUTORS & BROKERS 11 Specialty Distributors & Brokers BRIEFS Tropical/Asian ice cream line grows northeast distribution Ramar Foods announced that their Magnolia ® Tropical Ice Cream line is now distributed in Kings Supermarkets in New Jersey, as well as Morton Williams and Gourmet Garage in Manhattan. The California-made line is already available in Whole Foods Northern California, and in many Asian groceries nationwide. The ice cream has a high 30 percent fresh fruit puree content, and comes in six flavors including lychee, coconut, mango, avocado, thai tea and ube (purple yams). A range of singleserve bars includes azuki red bean, halo halo (fruit mix), ube and red bean, coconut, mango and thai tea. Tony’s Fine Foods acquires Ideal Food Products Expands into increasingly competitive Pacific Northwest Calif.-based Tony’s Fine Foods has acquired Ideal Food Products Inc., a Portland, Ore. perishable foods distributor. Tony’s will begin operations in the Pacific Northwest from Ideal’s distribution facility in Ridgefield, Wash. “This acquisition strengthens and solidifies Tony’s growing position in the Pacific Northwest, and represents another step in Tony’s continuing strategy of providing efficient service-oriented perishable food distribution throughout the Western U.S.,” said Karl Berger, Tony’s CEO. “It will further enhance Tony’s ability to meet growing consumer demand for specialty and other food products in the Pacific Northwest. We believe vendors and customers will benefit from Tony’s greater product reach, comprehensive and con- solidated distribution and enhanced logistics and storage operations which ensure products are delivered fresh, multiple times per week.” Tony’s is a third generation familyowned company in business since 1934, providing a wide range of distribution and logistics to more than 1,500 customers throughout the West Coast. Its headquarters and principal facility are located in West Sacramento, Calif. GN Ahold Signs Saffron Road Frozen Entrées for National Distribution In an impressive sign of the mainstream potential for halal foods, Ahold, the Dutch conglomerate that is the #3 food retailer in the U.S., has authorized shelf placement of certified halal “world cuisine” brand Saffron Road in over 500 stores, including Stop & Shop, Giant, Giant Carlisle, online grocer Peapod, and Martin’s. The retailer will initially stock up to four frozen entrée products: Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Saag, Chicken Pad Thai and Lemongrass Basil Chicken. This gives Saffron Road nearly 1900 new points of distribution, bringing total store count to over 6,000. Adnan Durrani, Saffron Road’s CEO, commented, “Our sales team has been very methodical at cherry picking the elite tier of top supermarket chains and natural food markets to sell into, and our patience and diligence is now going to reap huge rewards. We are very proud of our success at securing one of the premier global retailers, Ahold, for our world cuisines.” GN 12 SUPPLIER BUSINESS GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com Supplier Business Smart Balance Inc. to become Boulder Brands, move HQ to Colorado New Jersey-based Smart Balance, Inc. will split into two business segments, move headquarters to Boulder, CO, and change its name to Boulder Brands, Inc. in 2013, towards transforming itself into a multi-brand company and the #4 marketer of natural foods. Founder Steve Hughers will continue to head the company, while former President and COO Terry Schulke will be leaving. With the acquisition of Udi’s earlier this year, the company has determined that it will establish two reportable operating segments, Smart Balance and Natural Brands. The Smart Balance segment will consist of branded spreads, butter, grocery, and milk, including the brand’s just-released line of children’s milks; the Natural Brands segment will be comprised of the Earth Balance, Glutino and Udi’s brands, which are among the most established in natural foods. Commenting on the changes, Steve Hughes stated, “The establishment of two business segments and the relocation of our corporate headquarters to Boulder—the Sili- con Valley of natural foods—is consistent with our long-term view of the company, and will allow us to plan and execute on our strategy more effectively. .... In addition, Udi’s, Glutino, and Earth Balance, combined, are expected to represent approximately 50 percent of revenue in 2013, making us the #4 marketer of natural brands. The decision to change our corporate name to Boulder Brands, Inc. completes our evolution, from when Jim Lewis and I founded the company as Boulder Specialty Brands in 2005.” Leadership for the two segments was also announced. Smart Balance will be led by John Becker, Executive Vice President. Becker has been with Smart Balance since January of 2011 as Senior VP and General Manager for the Smart Balance Brand. Prior to that, Mr. Becker was VP of Marketing for the Breyers Yogurt Company and held various marketing positions with Nestle. The Natural Brands segment will be led by TJ McIntyre, also an Executive Vice President. McIntyre has been with Smart Balance since 2009 in a variety of roles, including managing both Glutino and Earth Balance brands. Prior to joining Smart Balance, Mr. McIntyre was Brand Manager of Silk at White Wave Foods, leading up to the acquisition by Dean Foods. From 2005 through 2009, he was a specialty tea and coffee entrepreneur, co-founding Pekoe Sip House, a regional tea/coffee chain in Boulder. Regarding Terry Schulke, Mr. Hughes stated, “Without [Terry’s] tireless and inspired leadership we would not have been positioned to make the Glutino and Udi’s acquisitions. As it became clear that the best structure for the Company would comprise two business segments based in Boulder, Terry decided that he would prefer to pursue an opportunity that might enable him to run his own company. ... The Board of Directors and I deeply appreciate his many contributions over the past five years as we evolved from a single-brand, singlecategory model to a comprehensive, natural brands-based, balanced portfolio.” GN BRIEFS Dufour Pastry Kitchens debuts new box, more economical case pack Dufour Pastry Kitchens, makers of awardwinning classic all-butter puff pastry dough, has unveiled new packaging and a new case pack (featuring ten units instead of six) for more economical shipping and warehousing. Beginning October 15th, Dufour’s Classic Puff Pastry is packaged in an easy-tomerchandise box featuring the brand’s iconic look. The box is designed to present beautifully in store freezer cases, with a hand-rendered drawing that illustrates the artisanal dough process. The reverse of the package features a rustic tart recipe to spark consumers’ imaginations. Company CEO Judi Arnold commented, “We are so excited to finally showcase our awardwinning puff pastry dough in packaging that is consistent with its quality. We are confident that our new packaging will delight those searching for the highest quality all-butter puff pastry as well as serve to upgrade the experience of consumers and retailers already familiar with our brand.” Invisible Chef Cooke Tavern Miners Mix Seattle Gourmet SEE PAGE 18 SEE PAGE 18 SEE PAGE 17 SEE PAGE 15 SUPPLEMENT TO NOVEMBER 2012 GOURMET NEWS ® T H E B U S I N E S S N E W S P A P E R F O R T H E G O U R M E T Mixes 2012 UPDATE I N D U S T R Y 14 MIXES UPDATE GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com Inspiration within reach Shoppers demand more health, flavor and novelty than ever from their homecooked meals—yet have less and less time. Gourmet mixes bridge the gap. With interest and food media growing every year, specialty food consumers are more curious than ever about new flavors. Even classic comfort food—which most mixes are designed to recreate quickly and relatively easily—must live up not only to childhood memories but to food television and the Internet. The explosion in home cooking has directly benefited specialty mixes. According to NASFT figures, some $649 million in specialty baking mixes, supplies and flour were purchased in 2011; the same study shows baking mixes and supplies growing five times as fast in the specialty category as in all foods. A separate NASFT survey of specialty food consumers showed that 30 percent overall had purchased from the category in 2011, with the largest share (43 percent) being among consumers ages 1824.(These figures are separate from dinner kits, spice mixes and soup mixes, which are sizable as well.) No wonder then, that this year sees entirely new lines from Sarabeth’s and Slap Ya Mama, both successful companies in other categories that are branching out. Hopes are high for Sarabeth’s Perfect Pancake and Waffle Mix, which is based on a perennial bestseller and anchor menu item in founder Sarabeth Levine’s restaurants. Of course, gourmet mixes should be easy to prepare—but not too easy. Most specialty consumers can afford prepared foods, but cook at home for relaxation and with their children. “Our mixes help people enjoy the homemade process. It is simply satisfy- ing,” said Trisha Anderson, owner of Frontier Soups and a former chef and caterer. One key trend is “better for you” ingredients: specialty flours, sweeteners or gluten-free. A good example is JK Grain Free Gourmet, whose new line exclusively uses almond flour (specially milled for the company) and organic coconut nectar for sweetening. In addition to drawing a high-spending Image courtesy of Cisse Trading customer, the mixes generate additional sales. “We’re very clear about what is included, so that customers can buy all the ingredients on the same trip,” said Co-founder Steven Bager. The Canadian company’s business began with its own ultrafine almond flour, originally formulated for co-founder Jodi Bager’s health but now also in high demand for French macarons. Mainly in natural retailers, the line is slowly expanding into specialty stores and online. The gluten-free boom has been a success for many of the brands featured here. Mixes are particularly important for the gluten free audience, not only because of wheat flour but because those customers do a higher-than-average volume of family cooking. Sticky Fingers Bakery is doing very well with its gluten-free line, based on four of its top selling flavors. Continued on PAGE 19 MIXES UPDATE GOURMET NEWS OCTOBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com 15 Sarabeth’s launches Perfect Pancake and Waffle Mix New packaging speeds sales for Frontier Soups Sarabeth first began serving her now legendary pancakes and waffles in 1981. Using her own unique recipe, they soon became favorites of the loyal fans who lined up every morning at her little Manhattan shop. Now, after more than 30 years and 10 successful restaurants, Sarabeth is sharing the recipe, with the launch of her Perfect Pancake and Waffle Mix. Using wholesome and flavorful ingredients, maple sugar and whole wheat flour, she provides a warm breakfast that offers nutrition and great taste while indulging your craving for something rich and filling. The finished pancakes are perfectly topped with Sarabeth’s new, all-natural Strawberry or Maple Syrups. Sarabeth’s Perfect Pancake and Waffle Mix in available in 19 oz. re-sealable bags. Made in the U.S.A. and certified kosher. For more information, please visit www.sarabeths.com. Rabbit Creek has 12 soup mixes to choose from Few things are better than a bowl of hot soup on a cool fall day. Rabbit Creek Products has that covered in spades with twelve soup mixes to choose from, including cheesy broccoli, corn chowder with roasted garlic, and Italian wedding, to name but a few. Simple to make and delicious to eat, with the salivating inducing aroma wafting throughout the kitchen, Rabbit Creeks soups are enough for a whole family. In addition to the soup mixes are Rabbit Creek’s Soup for One mixes. Perfect for a quick bowl of soup for lunch, they come in five flavors and can be ready in less than ten minutes. Rabbit Creek Products, 800.837.3073 or www.rabbit creekgourmet.com Frontier Soups™ has “souped up” the look of its Homemade in Minutes™ line just in time to catch the eye of consumers looking for easy, satisfying meal options for the dozens of lunches and dinners they’ll serve up while preparing for the holidays over the next two months. “Frontier Soups are a natural choice for busy home cooks. Most have prep times of about 15 minutes and can simmer on the stove while they tend to other activities,” said Trisha Anderson, company founder. “Consumers have shown they like our colorful new packaging through faster turns Coy’s Country Northwest, by Seattle Gourmet Foods Coy’s Country Northwest is known for delicious, fun to bake mixes that are also very easy to make. The line includes eight flavors: Lemon Ginger Pound Cake, Lavender Sugar Cookies, Orange Spiced Scones, Amazing Pudding Cake, Fabulous Fudge Cake, Fruit Cobbler, Pumpkin Spice Cake, and Cinnamon Apple Crisp. Mixes have a 15 month shelf life and are sold 12 per case. For information, please contact Seattle Gourmet Foods via 800.800.9490 or www.seattlegourmetfoods.com. on the shelf.” The all-natural, shelf stable soup mixes are great for boosting sales through cross-merchandising in the canned goods, meat and produce sections, Anderson said. A variety of shelf and freestanding displays are available with orders. Frontier Soups has two lines of soup mixes based on traditional American regional recipes; 27 are gluten free and 11 have vegetarian preparations. Homemade-InMinutes soups serve four to six, with a $5.95 SRP. The Hearty Meal™ line of longer cooking soups serves eight, with a $6.95 SRP. More information is available at 800.300.SOUP (7687) or at www.FrontierSoups.com. 16 MIXES UPDATE GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 New Mix Line from Slap Ya Mama Special announcement: the Walker brothers of Slap Ya Mama Cajun Products have decided to expand their product line and step into the world of ready-made mixes. The company’s etouffee sauce, already found at local grocers, will be joined by three new additions to the Slap family: Cajun Red Beans & Rice, Cajun Jambalaya and Cajun Gumbo mix. The Walkers introduce the line with great pride, having spent an abundance of kitchen time refining their recipes to get as close as possible to the home-cooked, slow-cooked Cajun taste. With easy-tofollow instructions, it takes only 20-25 minutes for a great-tasting meal the whole family can enjoy. Over the course of Winter 2012-2013, Slap Ya Mama will be launching these products and offering them to regionspecific accounts throughout the U.S., so please be patient as the Walkers work their way into a grocer near you. The new mixes are also available online, for an instant Slap fix. Join them on Facebook and Twitter, where they continue to offer special discounts that make Slap fans the happiest customers around. For information and orders, please call 800.485.5217 or visit www.slapyamama.com. Bakeshop classics reinvented by Stonewall Kitchen Stonewall Kitchen has taken the guesswork out of creating bakeshop quality treats with its new line of cupcake baking mixes. Get ready for the cold winter months with the new Hot Cocoa Cupcake Mix. It is just as creamy and chocolaty as a hot cup of cocoa. With the addition of a few staple ingredients, you can enjoy the rich chocolate cupcake topped with a sweet marshmallow frosting, a guaranteed hit in any crowd. In addition to the Hot Cocoa Cupcake Mix, Stonewall Kitchen has also released three additional flavors for the chocolate lovers, including a Chocolate Cupcake with Coconut Frosting, Chocolate Cupcake with Chocolate Frosting and a Chocolate Cupcake with Vanilla Bean Frosting. For the holiday season, they have also re-introduced a seasonal favorite, Chocolate Cupcake with Peppermint Frosting. For those looking for classic vanilla, there is a new Vanilla Cupcake with Vanilla Bean Frosting. Please visit www.stonewallkitchen.com for details. Casarecci di Calabria’s Pasta Blends, from Po Valley Foods The town of Casarecci di Calabria is about 2,600 feet above sea level in Italy’s mountainous La Sila region. There, nature has remained so intact and untouched, that herbs, spices and vegetables are grown, harvested and meticulously processed by hand. With the addition of a few common ingredients, Casarecci di Calabria brand’s all-natural Pasta Blends, enable home chefs to quickly re-create traditional Italian dishes like Zucchini and Onion Frittata, Pesto alla Genovese and Tomato Bruschetta, as well as classic sauces, including Aglio, Olio e Pepperoncino, Spaghettata, Calabrese and All’Arrabiata. These delicious spice blends enhance recipes without adding artificial preservatives or coloring. Beautifully packaged in either the square bottom bag ($4.95) or flat pack ($3.95), they are perfect in a gourmet gift basket, displayed on the shelf or hanging on a clip rod. Imported exclusively by Po Valley Foods, Casarecci di Calabria’s Pasta blends are allnatural and all-Italian. For more information, call 516.801.4688 or visit www.povalleyfoods.com. MIXES UPDATE GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com 17 Sierra Soups: gluten free taste, health and value—in the bag Sierra Soups are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free—and they taste fabulous. The mixes are simple to make and will serve a large family, with each soup yielding eight to 12 one-cup servings. Recipes are on the back of each package, along with additional options to enhance the meal. Their soup mixes are made following recipes from the Robert Sorrenti family. Made from these treasured family recipes, the mixes come complete with vegetables (dehydrated) and a flavorful spice packet. They are nutritious, healthy and delicious! Their mission at Sierra Soups is to pro- vide a wholesome product, with exceptional food value, a heap of flavor and yet easy for the average cook to put together. With the spices and vegetables already included in the soup bag, you won’t have to make a trip to the grocery store. The hardest thing you may do is sauté an onion and sometimes not even that! In addition, once prepared, their soups can be frozen for future meals and retain their marvelous flavor and nutrition. For more information about Sierra Soups Inc., or to order our soup mixes, please visit their website at www.sierra- soups.com or call them at 800.387.6887, weekdays from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Fall in love with Java Frost’s adorable new spring collection Want to usher in spring? Look no further than Java Frost’s seasonal gift tins filled with gourmet drink mixes. There are three delicious flavors to choose from—try one or try them all. Chocolate Truffle, creamy hot chocolate fit for royalty. Double the chocolate taste, a decadent flavor right from childhood memories. Your customer will enjoy this rich and velvety cup. White Chocolate, snuggle up with this creamy classic. Smooth and velvety, enjoyed piping hot or frosty cold. Experience the delight and aroma with this rewarding cup. Caramel Crème, smooth and comforting, delivering melt in your mouth caramel candy in every sip. A delicious and rich caramel blend. This ultimate indulgence is sure to please. Each flavor is packaged in a case of eight enchanting 8 oz. gift canisters. Designed to delight, Java Frost gift canisters are the perfect items to create an easy spring display or to tuck in gift baskets. All Java Frost products are carefully crafted with quality and value in mind. Call Java Frost today for samples, 800.676.3661 or www.javafrost.com. Taste, Ease, Quality: Dassant Super Premium Baking Mixes Since 1980, NorthWest Specialty Baking Mixes (NWSBM) has supplied bestselling Dassant Super Premium Baking Mixes to many of the nation’s top retailers. Made with top quality premium ingredients, Dassant Baking Mixes are simple to make yet taste as if they were made from scratch. They are available in 12 indulgent flavors including 5 GMO-free options. Popular flavors include bestselling Classic Beer Bread, awardwinning Truffle Brownie and fall favorite Pumpkin Spice Bread. The company places high emphasis on the taste, safety and quality of their products. “All we do is baking mixes. Each Dassant mix is expertly crafted with convenience in mind so consumers can quickly and easily create a traditional home bak- ing experience without compromising on flavor,” explains company Vice President of Sales Diana Michelsen. “Additionally, retailers can increase their profitability with Dassant. Our easy-to-read, eye catching package design communicates the indulgent flavor inside. Plus, the product is priced so retailers can fill the retail price gap between national brands and ultra expensive brands, giving consumers a choice.” If you would like more information on a profitable Dassant Super Premium Baking Mixes program for your store, please visit www.nwsbm.com. New line of almond flour mixes from JK Gourmet book series The Grain-Free Gourmet. Using JK Gourmet’s own Almond Flour as a base and sweetened with unrefined organic coconut nectar, each mix is highly customizable by the customer. Contents are clearly marked, creating additional sales opportunities for eggs, fruit, baking chips and other mix-ins. The attractive packaging and dimensions enable retailers to merchandise each mix effectively and efficiently, promising great visuals for customers and steady sell-thru from the shelves. For information on the mixes and their other products, visit www.jkgourmet.com. To order, email us at [email protected] or call 800.608.0465. JK Gourmet…all grain-free, always delicious! Grain-Free JK Gourmet is excited to announce the launch of its new gluten-free line, “Our Favourite Almond Flour Baking Mixes.” With the popularity of JK Gourmet’s finely-ground Almond Flour, the mixes are a natural extension. Each is formulated to create the perfect homemade cookies, muffins, pancakes and waffles, or pies and tarts. The line is created by Jodi Bager, author of the best-selling cook- Miners Mix: Old West flavor made healthy and convenient Miners Mix gourmet products reflect the flavor and feel of traditional old west gold mining camps. Born from decades of grilling knowledge combined with competition barbecue judging experience throughout the western United States, all of our products are dry mixes or rubs that are low in salt and are all-natural. They contain no flavor enhancers such as MSG and no artificial colors. Miners Mix products blend easily with common ingredients found in nearly everyone’s pantry. Our OMGarlic! Cheese Spread Mix, Blazin’ Bean Dip, Salmon Marinade Mix, and Carne Asada/Chorizo Mix are all in a class by themselves, and are sure to elicit the eye roll and “where have you been all of my life” response we know so well from everyone who tries Miners Mix. Perfect for upcoming New Years Day and Super Bowl festivities. For more information and samples, call 209.966.6000, email info@ minersmix.com or visit us online at www.minersmix.com. 18 MIXES UPDATE GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com New savory muffins collection from The Invisible Chef The Invisible Chef has a Chef’s Promise in every box! The company prides itself on using the finest all-natural ingredients in every mix, so buyers know they are serving the very best to family and friends. Their flavor combinations include classic standbys as well as unique offerings for the sophisticated inner chef in all of us. Something worth Savoring! The Invisible Chef’s Savory Muffins Collection includes award-winning Rosemary Raisin Pecan, Bacon Cheddar Onion and Parmesan Herb flavors. Each muffin features wholesome ingredients, such as real cheeses and plump juicy raisins, and is accented with an array of herbs and spices that make every meal a celebration. Other products include Coffee & Tea Cakes, Bake It Quick Breads, Bed & Breakfast Favorites, Frosted & Fabulous Cupcake Kits, Sweet Muffin Cakes, and Cookie Jar Classics. With so many categories and flavors to choose from, your customers are sure to find a favorite. To learn more about setting up a wholesale account, email contactus@theinvisible chef.com, call 800.456.7115 or visit www.theinvisiblechef.com. Cholent Kits from Purely American offer healthy convenience to all Introducing Cholent, the newest series of creative salt-free dinner kits from Purely American Foods. What exactly is Cholent? It’s a traditional Jewish meal that, for generations, has been prepared on Friday before the Sabbath begins. Slow cooked all night, this savory stew is the main course at Saturday’s noonday meal. Now, busy health-conscious consumers of all faiths can enjoy these time saving, salt free meals any day of the week! Gluten free, all natural, no MSG, Kosher certified. Choose from four delicious mixes: Moroccan Lamb, Savory Beef, Rosemary Chicken and Middle Eastern Lentil. For information, contact Ray Leard at Purely American, 800.359.7873, email [email protected], or visit www.purelyamerican.com to see our full line of soups and dinner kits. Comfort and convenience with Wind & Willow One of Wind & Willow’s most popular lines is its “just add water” soup mixes. There are ten flavors to choose from and within minutes you have a comforting soup that can feed a family of four! Now, the company has made its soups even more convenient by introducing single serve microwave soups. The single serve soups include two new flavors and two of their classics. Homestyle Potato is loaded with potatoes in a cream and cheddar cheese base. Grilled Cheese and Tomato is a combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese. More cheese than tomato, this soup is loaded with cheddar cheese in a sweet tomato base. Broccoli Cheddar is a classic creamy, cheesy soup loaded with broccoli. Tortilla Con Queso rounds out the line with just the right amount of southwest spices in a creamy, cheesy base. Simply microwave one cup of water for one minute, stir in soup mix and microwave an additional 45 seconds. It’s that easy! Each soup is packaged in a pre-printed film and sold in a display sleeve, making it easy to place anywhere inside a store. For more information, contact Wind & Willow at 888.427.3235 or visit www.windandwillow.com. Rill Specialty Foods: Flavors of the Washington Outdoors Rill Specialty Foods, established in 1996, creates easy to prepare mixes for today’s busy lifestyles. Rich broth and wholesome flavor, all included in a decorative package excellent for gift giving, at a price affordable for the everyday shopper. Steeped in the history and lore of Washington state, each pack contains an insert highlighting the area for which the product is named. For example, new Lemolo White Chicken Chili is named after a river town, whose Chinook name means “wild” or “untamed.” All of the company’s mixes are proudly made in Washington state, in the Thorp community, hand-packed to ensure quality. The recipes originated in the kitchen of Rill Foods Grocery & Grill; after receiving many requests, they began to package them so they can now be enjoyed by everyone. To see the full line, including Cornbread Muffin Mix, or to place an order, call Rill’s Specialty Foods at 509.964.2520 or visit www.rillsonline.com. Mina’s Purely Divine: the ABC of Gluten-Free Mina Brustman, founder of Mina’s Purely Divine Gluten-Free, baked all of her life until she became severely gluten intolerant. To continue baking her favorite recipes, she designed three pure mixes for life: All Purpose Baking Mix, Bread Mix and Chocolate Cake Mix. Safety: Mixes are made in a dedicated facility, free of wheat, barley, rye, oats, soy, corn, beans, bran, dairy, eggs, nuts, their crosses and derivatives. They contain no GMOs and are all Kosher certified. Versatility: Mina’s three fundamental mixes can be baked into more than thirty classic recipes, all available online. Perfect to get customers interested and keep them coming back. Gourmet: The mixes retain moisture which keeps structure, with the taste just like regular recipes. Available in two retail sizes, 1 lb. (SRP $5.37-$5.77) and the economical 5 lb. ($18.95-$21.95), and 25 lb. wholesale size. For information, orders and recipes, call 404.508.6222 or visit www.minasgf.com. Cooke Tavern Soups Introducing the perfect soup for fall: Autumn Harvest Pumpkin Lentil. Simply add chicken broth and fresh or canned pumpkin to make a fabulous healthy meal for a family of four. Together with our bestselling Candlelight Corn Chowder, this is one of two Cooke Tavern Soups that Giada De Laurentiis singled out from more than 200 vendors as her favorites from Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show. Cooke Tavern soup mixes have been thrilling consumers for over ten years with a healthy, nutritious, easy alternative to canned soup. All of our mixes contain only natural spices, herbs and vegetables, in the exact quantities to make a fresh two-quart pot of soup in 40 minutes or less. Absolutely no salt, MSG, preservatives or fillers! By using freeze dried vegetables instead of less expensive airdried ones, our soups exceed customer expectations every time and create a loyal customer following. For more information call 866.422.7687 toll-free, or visit www.cooketavernsoups.com. GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com MIXES UPDATE 19 Tradition made easy: Holiday flavors from Sticky Fingers Bakeries Sticky Fingers Bakeries, dba SFB Specialty Foods, was founded by fraternity brothers Tom Owens and Ted Vogelman in 1987. Today they make 18 all natural mixes for English scones, plus mixes for muffins, brownies and Irish soda bread. Decadent and outrageously delicious, the line is the largest selection of nationally sold premium bakery mixes. The latest additions will enliven any holiday retail shelf. “Holiday time constraints make it difficult to even think about baking from scratch. We offer the best of both worlds―homemade taste and incredible convenience,” states co-owner Tom Owens. The latest Holiday scone, Vanilla Chai, bursts with fragrant cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Perfect with tea. Other favorites include Spiced Eggnog, Peppermint Chocolate Chip (packed with semisweet chips and real peppermint pieces), Spiced Pumpkin, Pumpkin Cranberry and Cinnamon Raisin scones. Handcrafted English Curds, Northwest Jams, Pepper Jellies and Fruit Butters go perfectly with the scones. Sticky Fingers also debuted its Gluten Free scone mixes this year. Certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization and manufactured in a gluten free facility, the scones are as delicate and crumbly as the originals. Certified gluten free, certifiably delicious. We have a reputation to uphold, after all! Choose from Original, Wild Blueberry, Apple Oat and Meyer Lemon, all naturally delectable and with no saturated or trans-fats, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Visit www.stickyfingersbakeries.com, email [email protected] or call 800.458.5826. Sisters’ Gourmet collects 10 best recipes in gift-ready line Introducing the new Sisters’ Gourmet “Crisp and Colorful” line of cookie mixes, designed to stop customers in their tracks. With 18 years of experience in manufacturing and selling cookie mixes, Sisters’ Gourmet has narrowed it down to their 10 best recipes of all time, and packaged them to stand out on store shelves. Packaged for easy holiday gift-giving, the line includes the ever popular Million Dollar Cookies and Billion Dollar Brownies, but be sure to try the new Coconut Salted Caramel Blondies, too. With each mix, customers just need to add eggs and butter, then mix and bake. From start to finish in less than 30 minutes, for fresh baked, hot-out-of-the-oven “homemade” treats. As always at Sisters’ Gourmet, each jar is carefully measured and proudly packed by hand—in the USA! Please contact 770.338.1388 or visit www.sistersgourmet.com. Inspiration on popcorn. Particularly with baking mixes, store labels are also a force to be reckoned with. Williams-Sonoma is a leader in premium baking mixes, and Wegmans introduced several gluten-free mixes early this year. Northwest Specialty Baking Mixes, makers of premium line Dassant, helps retailers maximize profits through strategic, seasonal baking mix stocking. The line offers five non-GMO options — an area definitely worth exploring for natural retailers. In soups however, classics reign. Certain flavors seem to be bestsellers across companies: tortilla soup, corn chowder, broccoli cheese. “Once [people] have a good experience, they look to soup more in their menu planning. It is such a good way to get a diverse range of foods, especially vegetables, into your diet,” said Frontier Soups’ Trisha Anderson, who expanded her production facility this year to keep up with demand. Frontier’s 33 flavors are split into two lines, differentiated by preparation time; the faster Homemade in Minutes line is stronger in groceries, while the Hearty Meals line does well in shops, such as Ohio’s West Point Market and Chapel Hill’s A Southern Season, that seek out serious cooking enthusiasts. Taking a cue from the artisan world, Anderson has suggested “beer pairings” for specific soups, in time for Oktoberfest and tailgating season—a great cross-merchandising idea that Continued from PAGE 13 Fair Trade ingredients are another differentiator, which should grow in popularity in 2013. Cisse, a new line of brownie and cocoa mixes co-founded by pastry chef and cookbook author Jenny McCoy, uses only organic Fair Trade sugar and cocoa, the latter sourced from a single project in the Dominican Republic. Response has been extremely positive, with the line carried in two Whole Foods regions. While classics are always saleable, creative flavors call out from the shelf to customers looking for something different. Georgia-based line Shortstacks has found success with pancake and waffle mixes in unique Southern flavors like banana pudding. Launched just this year, the line is in 250 stores and has added new flavors, including sweet potato, to join its top selling Bourbon Salted Pecan (made with Kentucky bourbon salt). The Invisible Chef has a unique line of savory muffins; its cupcake mix line pairs two classic flavors with two unique ones, Limoncello and Chai Latte. Coy’s Country Northwest, a line by Seattle Gourmet Foods, includes Lemon Ginger Pound Cake and Lavender Sugar Cookies. Multi-line producer Rabbit Creek adds new flavors twice a year, guided by food trends and even customer suggestions. New entrants include wine brownies, beer and olive oil breads, and Flavor It Up, seasoning mixes that can create flavored butters, used as rubs or dips or even sprinkled capitalizes on the craft beer trend, yet is a change from the usual meat-heavy pairings. Choice is also growing for entree mixes. Slap Ya Mama has debuted three mixes, which provide a great option to upsell fans of the brand’s popular Cajun seasonings and sauces. “There seems to be a growing interest in our type of cuisine, which is an American original,” says Joe Walker, one of the brothers who founded the company. “The colder weather is also perfect for gumbo, and our mix serves 15.” The new mixes have old-school Louisiana authenticity, but are updated by being vegetarian-friendly; two are microwaveable. Walker suggests cross-promoting them near the seafood and meat departments. Purely American’s Cholent dinner kits are also doing well, not only among Kosher consumers but among those who appreciate a hearty, flavorful stew without the extended simmer time. GN NOVEMBER 2012 GREEN GOLD ONLINE UNIFIES U.S., CHINESE NATURAL PRODUCT MARKET ■ An interview with Wenjun Zhang, President of Nanjing Tongrentang Green Gold Online. SUPPLY!: How did you get started in this business? WZ: I have been involved in IT business for many years. As VP of Oracle in China, I am one of the pioneers to create the e-commerce business model in China. I believe both e-commerce and natural products are the economic engine for SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE BIOENERGY LIFE SCIENCE PLANT GAINS A-LEVEL BRC CERTIFICATION Bioenergy Life Science, Inc., the only global manufacturer of pure and patented D-Ribose, recently gained a British Retail Consortium (BRC) accreditation with an A-level certification, which is the highest grade available, for its exclusive manufacturing facility in China operated by its parent Chengzhi Holding Co., Ltd. “Receiving the highest level of accreditation from BRC confirms our company’s and our parent company’s commitment to providing the highest quality products to our ever growing customer base,” said Tom VonderBrink, President of Bioenergy Life Science, Continued on Page 21 Continued on Page 21 ENGREDEA LAUNCHES FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS IPAD APP NATREON BRINGS CLINICALLY TESTED AYURVEDIC INGREDIENTS TO MODERN VITAMINS Engredea, announces the launch of the Functional Ingredients iPad app for the global nutrition industry. The app delivers news on research, industry intelligence, global market trends, videos, and dives deep into related stories on newhope360.com, the umbrella site of New Hope Natural Media, updated daily to the Apple iPad. The genesis of this free application stemmed from the industry’s demand for more accessible Functional Ingredients magazine editorial content. The app is designed to build community and Sanni Raju, Ph.D., R. Ph., CEO of Natreon, Inc., tells SUPPLY! about the traditional Indian herbal ingredients his company brings to SupplySide West. SUPPLY!: Tell our readers about Natreon Inc. SR: Natreon Inc is a 14-year-old specialized ingredient company based in New Brunswick, N.J., supplying vitamin companies with Ayurvedic ingredients for cardiovascular health, stress relief, Continued on Page 21 Continued on Page 21 BLIS K12 ORAL PROBIOTICS FROM STRATUM NUTRITION FOCUS ON CHILDREN’S ENT HEALTH MONARCH NUTRACEUTICALS SHOWCASES AMINOMIN LINE BLIS K12® and BLIS M18™ are probiotics focused on oral health and the balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. These probiotics are specific strains of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius) and are some of the most numerous and beneficial bacteria found in the mouth of healthy individuals. BLIS probiotic strains secrete powerful antimicrobial molecules called Supply! had a chance to speak with several key members of Monarch™ Nutraceuticals to learn more about what the company has to offer: Chris Clark, Sales Manager; Dr. Matt Lyon, Director of Research and Product Development; Angel Aponte, Manager of Operations; and Leslie Hammer, Inside Sales Manager. Continued on Page 6 Continued on Page 6 H2O EXPRESS FROM COSMED GROUP PROVIDES TOTAL PASTEURIZATION SWEETLEAF STEVIA CONTINUES TO PIONEER MARKET H2O Express is a patented, low temperature, dry steam-based system for elimination of pathogens and spoilage microbes from foods including nuts, spices, herbs, dried fruits and vegetables and grains. It has been approved for processing organic foods under the National Organic Program. Treatment is performed under vacuum in truck-sized stainless steel chambers using dry steam. The H2O Express process uses only gaseous steam in order to Continued on Page 19 SweetLeaf Stevia® has been doing a lot of celebrating in 2012! This year marks 30 years since James May discovered the naturally sweet stevia leaf and became the first person to manufacture and market stevia products in the United States. May has long championed stevia to governmental and commercial interests around the world. Today, May is recognized as the “Father of Stevia” and is widely acknowledged for helping to launch the burgeoning stevia industry worldwide. Continued on Page 19 PROTECT YOUR PRODUCT WITH EP CONTAINER 4 SHOW NEWS EP Container is a full service company proud to offer a full line of containers to meet a wide variety of industrial packaging needs. This year, EP Container will introduce its new line of fiber drums, as well as a line of specially treated plastic containers that replace the need for fluorination. In addition, these new plastic containers provide an oxygen barrier for greater sustainability of your products. EP Container also carries steel and poly drums, pails, absorbents, sorbents, spill pallets and more. Ask about the benefits of the Barrier Line to see how it can best benefit your needs. EP Container opened its doors in 1993 to meet the need of a “one-stop shop” for all industrial container needs. Over the last 19 years, the company has grown into a full service company to meet the needs of sever- POWDERPURE: BETTER THAN FREEZE DRYING PowderPure is setting the new standard for premium fruit and vegetable powders. Of the seven qualities that define premium powders: nutrition, color, flavor, flowability, dispersibility, solubility and bulk density, our competitors can claim several at best, but PowderPure excels at them all. The key lies in PowderPure’s pioneering technology. Using only gentle wavelengths of natural light, the company’s technology removes water molecules without disturbing any of the bioactive compounds present in the original material. Premium powders deliver all the nutrition, color and flavor of whole fruits and vegetables harvested at peak ripeness. But spray- and freeze-dried powders have proven inadequate in delivering one to all of these characteristics. For example, the freezing stage of freeze-drying often alters color. Intense heat, which is used for reducing batch times in freeze drying and as the main mechanism in spray drying, also can diminish color, as well as destroy the volatile components that convey flavor and deliver nutrients. Freeze-drying retains more nutri- ■ al industries such as food, chemical, pharmaceutical, hazardous waste, etc. EP Container has two locations in California. EP Container is a small, womanowned company operating with a simple motto: “Customer service is our goal. If we don’t have it, we’ll help you find it.” Visit the recently updated website at www.epcontainer.com. For more information, stop by booth #34020 at the SupplySide West Expo. tion than other methods, but PowderPure surpasses them all. Last year at the International Berry Health Symposium, PowderPure’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Kerry Ringer, presented the results of rigorous tests comparing the vitamin C content of freeze-dried and PowderPure strawberry powders. The freeze-dried product lost 12 percent of its vitamin C during processing, but the PowderPure product retained 100 percent. Continued on Page 19 NOVEMBER 2012 ■ SUPPLY! A SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE OF GOURMET NEWS Publisher Lee M. Oser Senior Associate Publishers Lyle Sapp Kate Seymour Associate Publisher Kim Forrester Editorial Director Lorrie Baumann Associate Editors Hayden Neeley Janet Rose Jackman Gourmet News Editor Rocelle Aragon Art Director Monica Boland Graphic Designer Yasmine Brown Traffic Managers Selene Pinuelas Ruth Haltiwanger National Account Executives Lisa Amiden Lynn Hilton Clarissa Alvarez Lauren Kelly Gourmet News is published by Oser Communications Group ©2012. All rights reserved. Publishing office: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520-721-1300/Fax: 520-721-6300 Subscriber services: Gourmet News P.O. Box 30520 Tucson, AZ 85751 www.gourmetnews.com LIPOND INTERNATIONAL INC. SERVES QUALITY INGREDIENTS 6 SHOW NEWS Lipond International Inc., a leading supplier of botanical ingredients, has been serving North American nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, functional food and cosmetic manufacturers since 1996. Lipond International specializes in supplying high quality herbal ingredients to meet customer formulas and product specifications. Lipond International is one of the world’s fastest emerging suppliers in the nutraceutical Industry. The core ingredients are raw material powders and extracts used for nutritional and botanical needs all around the globe. All of Lipond International’s ingredients are qualified GRASS, Kosher, Halal certified and FDA registered. Lipond International Inc. is consistent with batch to batch quality in terms of texture, color, taste and quality. Commercial volumes are stocked in three convenient warehouse locations, including the company’s main office in Walnut, Calif. Lipond International specializes in bulk herbs, bulk ingredients and premium raw materials for both the beverage and nutritional industries. Lipond International is committed to assisting customers with the best quality, service and prices available in the market. Lipond International is a successful resource for many small and Monarch Nutraceuticals (Cont’d. from p. 1) SUPPLY!: Dr. Lyon, what is your role at Monarch? SUPPLY!: Mr. Clark, what are your trade show objectives this year? CC: We want to reinforce our core business ... chelated minerals. This year, by highlighting our Aminomin™ line, we’re expressing our commitment first and foremost to Monarch’s key product line: the best chelates on the market. SUPPLY!: What is your sales approach? CC: We promote sales by honoring our commitment to our customers’ needs. Whether it’s a standard mineral chelate, or a unique mineral blend or formula, Monarch offers full access to a variety of resources that customers may need to create a unique and effective product. Our sales approach focuses on being as supportive as possible to ensure our customers’ success in the marketplace. BLIS K12 (Cont’d. from p. 1) Bacteriocin-Like-Inhibitory Substances that combat harmful bacteria in the mouth. Both strains have robust science support evaluating their beneficial influence on upper respiratory health, immune support, breath, and the health of teeth and gums – all of which are affected by pathogens that enter our body through the mouth. These oral probiotics are able to colonize and persist in the mouth, building on beneficial bacteria and combating bad bacteria. BLIS K12 is an oral probiotic that supports ear, nose and throat (ENT) health. A proprietary strain of S. salivarius, BLIS K12 has been shown in clinical trials and population-based studies to help provide a natural resistance to harmful bacteria such as S. pyogenes, a contributor to bacterial sore throats and ear infections. ENT infections disproportionately affect young children and are a primary cause of visits to family care practitioners. If left untreated, or inadequately treated, these infections can lead to more seri- ML: Our customers’ raw ingredient and formulation goals vary. My role is to bridge customers’ needs with Monarch’s formulations expertise, methodologies, and raw material selections. Currently, the industry is exploring the punchy delivery of mineral nutrition with organics – combinations that reduce raw material costs, physical volumes, and physical mass. Assessing such needs and delivering products that succeed for customers are some of the most enjoyable areas of my responsibilities within the organization. SUPPLY!: Monarch is highlighting the brand Aminomin at Supply Side this year, what is Aminomin? ML: Aminomins are established, wetreacted products that combine multiple amino acids, maximum chelation and enhanced bioavailability. Our Aminomin premium raw materials perform well in ous long-term complications. BLIS M18 is an oral probiotic that supports healthy teeth and gums. BLIS M18 is a naturally occurring strain that positively populates the mouth with beneficial bacteria providing a less hospitable environment for other opportunistic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to thrive. M18 is a new generation of advanced probiotic, friendly bacteria that can be used in conjunction with regular oral hygiene practices to establish a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and naturally help protect the teeth and gums from oral and dental microbes. In addition to its BLIS production, M18 has the extra advantage of producing the unique enzymes urease and dextranase that allow it to help protect against dental plaque and neutralize acid that can be harmful to teeth and gums. Stratum Nutrition, a Novus International Business focusing on nutrition through functional and specialty ingredients, launched BLIS K12 and BLIS M18 oral probiotics as part of their specialty product portfolio at ■ large distinguished companies. The company provides customer service with timely deliveries, accurate documents, new product information and effective communication. Lipond International has offices in the U.S. and Canada and warehouses in California and New Jersey, with alliances with major freight companies to assist you better. Lipond International is always ready and willing to help satisfy the needs in an ever-changing market with products and prices. The educated customer is welcome in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and flavor industries. The company is confident that it can provide excellent customer service and believes that every customer matters. Lipond International’s team works constantly both tablet and capsule products: they help simplify the formulation and delivery of both major- and minor-metal ions for customers looking to maximize such health benefits. SUPPLY!: Ms. Aponte, broadly speaking, where is your product emphasis at this time? AA: Mineral chelates. Although Monarch offers a wide variety of services and raw materials to our customers (including botanicals, vitamins, and other base ingredients), our focus and true expertise lies in the production of mineral chelates. We are concentrating our efforts in this area as we continue to refine and perfect the art of reacting minerals. Our motto is, “We do reacted minerals right!” SUPPLY!: What products do you see as being hottest right now and in the coming year? AA: Our Magnesium Citrate 16 percent the beginning of the year. These probiotics are best suited for delivery systems that allow prolonged contact in the mouth such as chewing gum, lozenges, chewable tablets, powders and the like. Consumers can find products available on the market today in the United States and Canada. NOVEMBER 2012 ■ SUPPLY! to assist with supporting your needs with safe and high quality products. Lipond International’s mission is to build on its history by providing the highest quality ingredients and excellence to its customers around the world. For more information, visit booth #16086 at SupplySide West, check out www.lipond.net, email [email protected] or [email protected], or call 909-5950050 or 909-595-0058. product is always a hot seller and a staple within the supplement industry. We’re expecting the demand for Chromium Nicotinate to be hot in the coming year, as more and more businesses look for a quality chromium product that is fully reacted. SUPPLY!: Ms. Hammer, besides direct sales, what other services does Monarch offer to customers? LH: We offer free price quotes on all our mineral products. In addition, we have a PhD chemist on staff, who is willing to answer any technical questions that may arise. We also provide co-packing on mineral blends in either bulk or encapsulated products. Finally, our prices and quality are very competitive. For more information, visit Monarch Nutraceuticals at booth #29079 at Supply Side West, check out www.monarchnutraceuticals.com, call 888-779-9922 or email [email protected]. Stratum Nutrition will be showcasing these oral health probiotic ingredients during SupplySide West in Las Vegas. To learn more about BLIS K12 and BLIS M18, visit booth #28011 or email [email protected] for more information. TECHCEUTICALS: FAST TRACK TO IMPROVED QUALITY AND REDUCED COST SUPPLY! ■ NOVEMBER 2012 SHOW NEWS ■ By Michael Tousey, President and Technical Director of Techceuticals Success is typically spelled in terms of increased productivity and reduced costs. Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) states it simply as “safe, pure, and effective,” with no regard to cost. Optimization is the key. The challenge is to increase output while improving quality, not the other way around. The following steps best describe the most effective way to improve tableting performance and optimize a product: Improve product flow, which improves weight and dosage control. Improve compressibility, which means improvement in hardness and thick- ness control. Improve ejection, which means better product integrity and reduced component wear. Reduce percentage of fines (dust), which are considered to be particles smaller than 200 mesh or 75 micron. Control temperature and humidity variations and maintain a steady state. Manufacturing tablets and capsules is a demanding business for a variety of reasons. Selecting the right machinery is just as big of a challenge as using that machinery correctly and effectively. Tablet and capsule defects are costly to manufacturing companies, and it is often difficult to get to the root cause. The challenge grows when the machinery and the process do not match. It is like putting a square RICHARDSON OILSEED SUITS OIL, MARGARINE, SHORTENING NEEDS Richardson Oilseed Limited, a division of Richardson International, is one of the largest canola oil processors in the world. Its roots trace back to 1857, when James Richardson began trading grain in southern Ontario. Today, Richardson is Canada’s largest privately owned agribusiness. With more than 1,700 employees across the country, Richardson is a worldwide handler and marketer of all major Canadian-grown grains and oilseeds. Richardson is involved in every aspect of the food and agricultural cycle; from contracting acreage directly with farmers, receiving grains at harvest, to transporting those crops to the world. Richardson Oilseed Limited has been producing canola oil since the early 1960s and producing its own zero trans fat margarines and shortenings since 2003, supplying retail, foodservice, food manufacturers and industri- al bakeries worldwide. Richardson Oilseed has two stateof-the-art canola crushing facilities strategically located in the heart of North America’s best canola growing regions. With these two packaging facilities and multiple co-pack partnerships in key locations across North America, Richardson Oilseed is able to effectively reach all its customers at home and around the world. Oils Richardson Oilseed produces multiple zero trans fat canola oils and canolabased blended oils depending on customer needs. Canola oil, with its healthier nutrition profile, neutral flavor profile, high-stability and higher smoke point, serves the needs of retail, foodservice and industrial customers. The oils are marketed under the Canola Harvest brand, as well as customers’ HEALTHFORCE: SUPPLEMENTS FOR TODAY’S WARRIORS New Friendly Force Ultimate Probotic is a natural synergy of acid-resistant, ultrastable, ultra-high potency (150 billion per serving), implantable species, plus whole food prebiotics. It contains no isolates and no fillers, and is available in powder and vegan caps. Vitamineral Green Version 5.1 is an evolution of the legendary alkaline, cleansing, whole-food, bio-nutritive superfood complex. More nettle has been added for bone-building minerals, more probiotics, and more sea veggies. The feedback includes “best version” and “delicious taste.” The new Acai Resveratrol Antioxidant Extreme Version 8.0 is an antioxidant that provides a comprehensive formula containing botanical extracts and synergistic whole foods. A complex that offers a wide-spectrum–fat and water soluable–of antioxididant support that includes herbal-absorption enhancers. Free radicals have met their match. Vitamineral Earth Version 4.1 is the perfect companion to green foods. This is the foundational, rejuvenating, primal whole food herbal tonic for deep nourishment and balance. The combination of roots, barks, seeds and spices make Vitamineral Earth a great addition to smoothies, juices and a delicious healing 11 peg in a round hole; it just does not work. There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that you have built a robust process. One challenge is the variations in the raw materials create a moving target. Manufacturers have three choices: either rely on excipients to fix the problem, improve the process, or both. Many ingredients suppliers are becoming more aware of the challenges required for tablet compression and encapsulation and are providing better particle-size profiles. They can also offer granulated components that eliminate the need for the manufacturer to process materials. Unfortunately, many manufacturers don’t see the problem until the tablet comes off the press or the capsule comes off the encapsulator, and by then it is too late. To address the process, a machine must be cleaned properly, the parts must be in good condition, and the setup must be accurate. Maintenance must have been performed properly and consistently ensuring that the machine is ready to produce. Because raw materials are extremely sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations, it also means the environment must be stable. The final ingredient is a welltrained operating technician with specific, detailed procedures. All of these variables need to be addressed correctly to ensure success. brands globally. Shortenings Just like its margarines, Richardson Oilseed also produces a wide range of functional shortenings to suit the needs of restaurants, bakers and food manufacturers. The goal is simple: Make functional shortenings that work for everything from icing to puff pastries. Richardson Oilseed’s Donut Fry-It shortening is a novel product that allows customers to produce donuts with great glaze adhesion, a longer shelf life and low oil absorption resulting in donut that tastes light and fresh compared to many other donuts in the market place. Margarines Richardson Oilseed markets a variety of Canola Harvest margarines and is a major private label manufacturer of non-hydrogenated and zero trans fat retail margarines. Whether your key driver is based on a superior nutritional profile, a specific flavor profile or a packaging design, your requirements can be accommodated. Richardson Oilseed also produces a wide range of functional margarines to suit the needs of restaurants, bakers and food manufacturers. Richardson offers products that are not only nonhydrogenated and zero trans fat, but also lower in saturated fat than many high-palm content alternatives. Many of the newest formulations are made without artificial ingredients such as colors, preservatives and flavors, which means they fit the requirements of today’s leading retailers and customers seeking cleaner labeling. broth, tea or soup. And supports digestion, immunity, internal cleansing and more. The Warrior Food Sports Nutrition line breaks new ground with no toxic chemicals or compounds. The line is a comprehensive and uncompromising nutritional therapy. The line is made up of v, raw, whole-food products called “TruGanic,” with warrior food proteins including Elite Green Protein, Warrior Greens, Warrior Core, Warrior’s Defense and Warrior Endure. This is the ultimate line for true warriors. The Warrior Food story is best told by its creator, Dr. Jameth Sheridan: “I have been into athletics all of my life. Not just sports, but hard-hitting, muscle-pumping, heart-pounding, mentally grueling, endurance-testing sports: warrior sports. I would rather die than be denied my warrior spirit. That is just who I am. Michael Tousey has provided training and technical support to companies worldwide and will soon be unveiling a new training technology. For more information, visit booth #24086 at SupplySide West or check out www.techceuticals.com. For more company information, please visit www.richardson.ca. For more product information, visit www.canola.com. To contact a Richardson Oilseed expert, call 800635-3296 or email [email protected]. “I am also hard-core into health. Unfortunately, sports nutrition products usually have nothing to do with actual health. They are notoriously unhealthy; many of them downright toxic―ultimately contributing to a warrior’s demise. I am a naturopath and herbal medicine researcher, and have embraced a hard-core healing lifestyle for 26 years, during which I have seen people who had healthy looking physiques degenerate and die much too soon due to their toxic diet, lifestyle and supplements. I have vowed to change that, and it begins here. “Warrior Food enhances your physical appearance and your performance, without sacrificing your health or your ethics. To learn more HealthForce, visit www.HealthForce.com or call 800-3572717. PINES INTERNATIONAL GROWS WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU SUPPLY! ■ NOVEMBER 2012 SHOW NEWS ■ PINES International has been in business since 1976. In recent years, PINES has committed profits to land preservation projects. The company also has made progress in its goal of bringing chemically abused farmland under organic certification. All of PINES’ farmland is maintained without the use of herbicides or pesticides, and we have brought more than 1,000 acres into organic certification. PINES also has encouraged and aided many local farmers in achieving organic certification. When PINES introduced wheatgrass to the natural food industry 35 years ago, the closest thing to a green food was sun-cured alfalfa, and it was more gray or brown than green. Within 20 years, “green foods” became a distinct segment of the natural foods industry and other companies joined PINES with the message, “Eat More Greens.” PINES reintroduced the low-temperature dehydrating developed by Dr. George Kohler and a dedicated team of scientists, who used this gentle method to dry wheatgrass, other cereal grass, and alfalfa. Those dried green foods were used in scores of medical studies that produced many of the well-known results associated with green super foods. More recent analysis shows that wheatgrass from PINES has more than twice the ORAC value per serving than servings of freeze-dried vegetables. Today there is a growing demand for lowcalorie rehydration drinks. Re-energizing or rehydration is of prime importance not only for a sportsman in any discipline, but also for people from all walks of life and age. As a result of work out, physical activity, disease, and excessive heat, the body loses fluid, which leads to exhaustion and REHYDRATE AND ENERGIZE WITH COCOCIN PowderPure (Cont’d. from p. 4) Because PowderPure’s pioneering technology avoids freezing, intense heat and other abrasive treatments, the resulting powders retain the real color, full flavor and original nutrition of their raw materials for years. Premium powders are easily flowable, dispersible and soluble and have excellent bulk density. These qualities enable a wide variety of end applications. H20 Express (Cont’d. from p. 1) prevent damage to the product, which can be caused by liquid water. To demonstrate how dry the process actually is, a box of tissues is often on top of the product prior to treatment with one tissue partly removed from the box. After treatment, the chamber door is opened to demonstrate that the box is undamaged and the tissue is just as fluffy as it was prior to treatment. Traditional steam-based sterilization technologies use high-pressure steam at temperatures over 212 SweetLeaf Stevia Sweetener (Cont’d. from p. 1) Food Trends Editor, Today Show Correspondent and “Supermarket Guru” Phil Lempert awarded SweetLeaf®’s chocolate-flavored stevia drops a 93 out of a possible 100 for “intense, versatile taste that goes a long way with just a drop or two.” SweetLeaf Stevia is USDA Organic, non-GMO certified, and has received USDA Organic certification from Quality Assurance International (QAI). Because PINES seeks to bring these nutritionally dense products to more people, it supplies certified organic cereal grass and alfalfa to other manufacturers. Although a few gray and brownish products are still sold by some companies, leading producers use PINES’ high quality cereal grass and alfalfa because of their vibrant dark green colors and their measurably high levels of vitamins, enzymes, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. PINES specializes in growing and processing wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa, and other green food concentrates. The ideal environment, organic farming methods, and careful attention to detail at every step have made the PINES name synonymous with premium cereal grass products. PINES supplies raw materials and also offers a 19 full line of products bottled in amber glass. Most products are available in tablets, whole leaf powders, and juice powders. PINES’ products and facilities are USDA Certified Organic by Quality Assurance (QAI), International Indiana Certified Organic (ICO), and the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA). The products and facilities are also Certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. For more information, visit booth #19084 at SupplySide West 2012, check out www.wheatgrass.com, call 800-MY-PINES (800-697-4637, Cindie Tong, ext. 422) or email [email protected]. fatigue. To overcome dehydration and its effect, the body needs water and electrolytes. Sabinsa offers Cococin™ as a natural, low calorie, GRAS affirmed rehydration ingredient. Cococin is obtained from the young and green coconuts. The coconut water is actually the liquid endosperm of the coconut (Cocos nucifera). The greatest amount of coconut water is present in the young stage of the coconut and it provides the nourishment for the growth of solid endosperm inside the hard shell of the fruit. It can be considered as a natural reservoir of the nutrients to promote the tissue growth. A proprietary freeze-drying process is used to prepare the Cococin from the liquid endosperm of the green coconut. Freeze-drying under controlled conditions ensures that the solids obtained at the end of the process retain the optimum nutrients and biological activity. Coconut water is a rich source of essential minerals or electrolytes that can help in maintaining acid base balance in the body. Spray- and freeze-drying not only degrade the color, flavor and nutrition of whole food sources, but also create powders with hygroscopic particles. Although these particles are easily compressible into capsules, their highsurface tension and vulnerability to moisture make them clump easily, creating difficulties with flowability, dispersibility and solubility. This limits their application to a narrow range of end products or requires carrier to accomplish more applications. PowderPure is the answer to hygroscopy. With particles that are solid and encased, and less than 3 percent moisture and low-surface tension, PowderPure powders easily flow, disperse and dissolve and can be compressed into capsules―almost always without carrier. The proof is in the premium powders. Make a private appointment with PowderPure in room M31 at SupplySide West to learn more about its technology, discover the numerous applications available for your business and hear about exclusive SSW12 offers. degrees Fahrenheit. H2O Express exposes product to temperatures no higher than required to achieve that desired level of microbial reduction. The process can therefore be used for many products, which would be damaged or destroyed by treatment at higher temperatures. Depending on the product being treated and the microbe to be eliminated, temperature can be adjusted by regulating the pressure of steam within the treatment chamber. Almonds are currently treated with this process at only 160 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that elimi- SweetLeaf Stevia has a long history of making health benefits a priority without sacrificing flavor. People who are managing diabetes, watching their weight, or simply improving their diets appreciate SweetLeaf Stevia’s commitment to producing the highest quality stevia extract available. With zero calories, zero carbohydrates, and zero glycemic index, SweetLeaf is used as an ingredient in a variety of food and beverage products and is a viable natural sweetener that can be used in soft drinks, juices, ice creams, nates any harmful microbes without damaging the almonds or the material in which they are packaged. H2O Express is a dynamic treatment process. During treatment, steam is constantly being injected through ports near the bottom of the chamber and simultaneously removed through ports near the top. This constant movement of steam ensures heat is rapidly and evenly distributed throughout the product load and those microbes will be eliminated, no matter where they are within the product. The H2O Express process works yogurts, sherbets, baked goods, cereals, jams, sauces, and desserts and candies. SweetLeaf Stevia added new flavors to its SweetLeaf Liquid Stevia product line. Coconut, Watermelon and Cola are now available along with Lemon Drop, Valencia Orange, Berry, Chocolate Raspberry, English Toffee, Vanilla Crème, Hazelnut, Peppermint, Root Beer, Grape, Apricot Nectar, Chocolate, Cinnamon and SteviaClear®. SweetLeaf is the only stevia to win nine international taste awards. SweetLeaf Continued on Page 21 Call 801-854-9399 to set up an appointment. Visit booth #34059/demo room M31 and check out www.powderpure.com for more information. well with many different packaging configurations. The company is processing almonds in 2,000-pound wooden or fiberboard bins, woven plastic super sacks and 50-pound cardboard boxes. The process works well with any packaging configuration, which is permeable to steam. For more information, call 208-8965331, e-mail [email protected], visit www.cosmedgroup.com or stop by booth #11030. Stevia Sweetener won two World Stevia Organization 2012 Best Stevia Product/Extract of the Year awards in Paris, France. The tasting committee and jury members awarded Stevia Tasteful Awards to SweetLeaf Natural Stevia Sweetener in the extract category and SweetLeaf Liquid Stevia Sweet Drops™ Chocolate in the consumer product category. To learn more visit booth #20045 or visit www.sweetleaf.com. SUPPLY! ■ NOVEMBER 2012 SHOW NEWS ■ Green Gold Online (Cont’d. from p. 1) the next decade. What could be better than these two businesses combined as one? SUPPLY!: What is your business philosophy? WZ: We are consumer-oriented business. We are dedicated to product safety, as well as product quality. As the first Chinese member of UNPA, we are highly motivated to enhance our tradition of excellence with the highest standards. SUPPLY!: Did you always see yourself in this business? WZ: Yes, as they say, I am following my bliss. SUPPLY!: What are your strongest business traits? Cococin (Cont’d. from p. 19) Minerals like potassium, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium are found in Cococin. High content of potassium in Cococin can help to relieve the cramps, which often occur as a result of high intensity workouts. Cococin is also rich in proteins, amino acids, vitamins and growth hormones. Bioenergy Life Science (Cont’d. from p. 1) Inc. “Bioenergy Life Science is responsible for setting and implementing the quality standard at our manufacturing facility. This dedication to quality, resulting in the Grade-A BRC accreditation, gives our customers security in knowing that the products produced in our facility are manufactured to the highest industry standards. This further validates our being the number one manufacturer and supplier of superior Bioenergy Ribose[R] in America and the world.” The BRC Global Standards are a leading global product safety and quality cerEngredea (Cont’d. from p. 1) deliver compelling strategic, innovative and scientific content about functional ingredients and their applications in consumer products. “Rather than simply recreating the magazine in digital form, we invested a year outlining how to make the new FI app a daily go-to resource for product developers and brand marketers so they could better stay in touch with the new ingredient innovations happening in the supply marketplace,” said Todd Runestad, Editor-in-Chief of Functional Natreon (Cont’d. from p. 1) mitochondrial energy, mineral delivery and glucose control. Our ingredients are backed by pharmaceutical quality clinical trials, to substantiate benefits for consumers for a wide variety of applications. These studies have been published in JANA and international journals, and can be used to support claims. SUPPLY!: What makes Natreon, Inc., unique? SR: Natreon is unique in that we’re-invest- WZ: We are the first e-commerce business for natural products that created an online and offline model. Online business allow us overcome geographical limitations, lower costs, locate the product more quickly, eliminate travel time and cost, provide comparison shopping, provide abundant information, create targeted communication, remain open at all times, and create markets for niche products. Nanjing Tongrentang Green Gold Online’s parent company is the Nanjing Pharmaceutical Co, LTD – a Top 500 company in China for decades. Baixin Pharmacy retailer chain is a business under Nanjing Pharmaceutical Co, LTD, which has more than 2,000 retailer stores around China. Our offline business offers an on-site service via our sister company. In the United States, we have our strategic business partner – All About Naturals CO., Inc. It also carries our business model of online and offline MZ: We are the only e-commerce business that offers online and offline service. We also have signed contract with certain local government to ensure the plant safety and quality standard from beginning of cultivation under our RNA-Phosphorus (RNA-P) content of coconut water was found to be consistently high at all the levels of fruit maturity. Used as a natural rehydration drink during hot and humid summers in Southern India, it is considered as a refreshing and nourishing drink. Cococin itself can be reconstituted as an isotonic rehydration drink just as coconut water itself. Being isotonic, Cococin contains small amounts of carbohydrates and a similar concentration of salt required in the body, helping to replenish lost electrolytes and reducing the chances of getting dehydrated during or after the exercise. Cococin is free from any artificial stimulants or preservatives and is also free from cholesterol or added sugar, making it a tification program used by certificated suppliers in more than 100 countries and is recognized as a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) benchmarked food safety scheme. The BRC standard helps promote consistency across the supply chain – encompassing food, packaging, consumer products, storage and distribution, and covers critical topics such as HACCP system, factory environment, process control, quality management system, product control and personnel. The manufacturing plant, located in China, produces D-Ribose, through quality fermentation and reliable applied extraction and refinement techniques, Ingredients magazine. “User experience is the utmost priority in developing the FI app,” said Patrick Rea, Publisher and Editorial Director of Nutrition Business Journal. “The coverage categories include latest developments in beverages, science, news, ingredients, regulatory, and international news. Users can directly post articles to LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, as well as email articles to colleagues all in an easy-to-use format.” “The rules of engagement have truly changed as people worldwide look across a multitude of media channels to acquire daily industry content. The ways that peo- ed heavily in state-of-the-art human studies to discover novel applications for these traditional Indian herbal ingredients. Natreon also patents and trademarks our ingredients to differentiate them from other ingredients in the market. SUPPLY!: What ingredients will Natreon showcase at SupplySide West and why? SR: We will be showcasing several of our patented and proprietary ingredients, including Capros® (amla extract) for cardiovascular health; Sensoril® (ashwagandha) for stress relief, cognition, and cardio- service to both manufacturers and suppliers. SUPPLY!: Why did you choose to do business in the United States? MZ: The United States and China are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 largest markets for natural products. The safety and quality control standard in the United States sets a global model. To create an e-commerce trading platform between the United States and China is critical for the entire natural products market. SUPPLY!: What do you offer that your competition doesn’t? making Bioenergy Ribose an advanced ingredient. The facility operates with ISO 22000, ISO 9001, Halal and kosher certifications. Bioenergy Ribose is the only patented brand of ribose – a unique five-carbon sugar that facilitates the natural process of energy production. Bioenergy Ribose stimulates the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the essential energy compound found in every cell in the body, improving energy levels, fighting fatigue and boosting cardiovascular functioning. While the body naturally produces ribose, physical stress can deplete the body’s natural stores, and the body’s process for ple engage with information has totally changed; the way they connect and share with the community has. too. This launch serves the needs of all levels of product development from scientists to CEOs in the natural products and nutrition industry. We are proud to take a leadership role in delivering this proposition, in a mobile format,” said Len Monheit, Executive Director of Engredea and the Nutrition Business Journal. Functional Ingredients is the official publication of Engredea – the only business media company offering a full spectrum of in-person, print and digital opporvascular health; PrimaVie® (shilajit) for energy and male sexual health; and Crominex 3+® (trivalent chromium) for glucose regulation. All are cost-effective and have demonstrated significant health benefits for consumers. SUPPLY!: What is Natreon’s current research focus? SR: Natreon has made important discoveries in cardiovascular health and cognition in very recent clinical trials. We discovered that our Capros ingredient has properties of 21 supervision. SUPPLY!: Where do you see your business five years from now? MZ: Natural products industry has grown rapidly in both the United States and China. Our business model emphasizes the safety and quality for the manufacturer and consumers. From beginning to nowadays, within two years time, our sales reached $1 billion a year. I will not be surprised if we triple our business within five years. SUPPLY!: How will you continue to succeed in this market? MZ: By remaining as strong as stone, as yielding as water and as flexible as wood. For more information, visit booth #30086 at SupplySide West. healthy choice for all ages. Sabinsa also obtained a self-affirmed GRAS on Cococin to be able to cater to food and beverage markets. For more information, visit booth #20011 at SupplySide West or check out www.sabinsa.com. replenishing ribose is very slow in muscle and cardiac tissue. Using a supplement that contains Bioenergy Ribose may help prevent the aches and soreness associated with depleted energy stores, allowing athletes and active individuals to train harder and longer. Bioenergy Ribose is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) and is affirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by the issuance of a “no questions letter.” For more information about Bioenergy Ribose and Bioenergy Life Science, visit booth #30043 at SupplySide West or visit www.bioenergyribose.com. tunities to enter, grow and succeed in the international nutritional ingredient and supply market. The Engredea trade show will be held March 8-10 in Anaheim, Calif., and is co-located with Nutracon and Natural Products Expo West, the world’s largest natural products exposition. To download the app, visit www.newhope360.com/fi_app. For more information about the Engredea Tradeshow, visit www.engredea.com and stop by the Engredea/Nutrition Business Journal booth #18084 at SupplySide West. Lipitor and Plavix, two blockbuster pharmaceutical compounds, but instead, Capros comes from a safe and natural superfruit. We’ve also seen cognition improvement in people taking our Sensoril ingredient, which is a new and novel use. Our 13-year investment in clinical research is reaping benefits for consumers and our VMS partners. Visit Natreon at booth #21055 during SupplySide West, email [email protected], call 732-296-1080 or visit www.natreoninc.com. BUYERS GUIDE GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com 21 BUYERS GUIDE SOUPS This listing is compiled from a survey conducted by Gourmet News and sent to all manufacturers known to the staff. Inclusion in this section is based on a company’s response to our request for information. Information included in this listing is provided by the featured companies. Bookbinder Lobster Bisque Miso Master Organic Traditional Red Miso Our award winning and top selling soup. Bookbinder’s Lobster Bisque is one of the thickest, best-tasting available, in a mild sherry base. Also makes a great sauce for fish, rice or pasta. 10.5 oz. can, condensed, three year shelf life SRP: $3.69 No. of soups offered: 20, including eight in our gluten free, glass jar gourmet line Miso Master® Organic Traditional Red Miso is naturally aged for one year in giant, four-ton, hand-crafted cypress, redwood, or fir vats. Like fine wines aged in wooden casks used for many years, miso absorbs subtle flavor influences from the wood. We use only the finest certified organic ingredients, producing a rich, hearty miso that gives a wonderful flavor to soups and stews. Miso Master Organic Traditional Red Miso combines the health benefits of long-term aging with a sweeter, lighter taste than other heartier varieties. Our thirty years experience in artisanal organic misomaking produces the finest miso in the world. SRP: $5.74 (8 oz.); $8.61 (16 oz.) / $26.25 (4 lb.); $81.38 (15 lb.); $203.00 (40 lb.) No. of soups offered: Five sizes: 8 oz., 16 oz., 4 lb., 15 lb., and 40 lb. Bookbinder Specialties 215.322.1305 www.bookbinderspecialties.com Ten-Shilling Sherried Mushroom Loaded with freeze-dried button mushrooms and wild rice; just add broth, cream, fresh celery and a splash of sherry for a gourmet delight. Made from family recipes with a colonial theme, Cooke Tavern Soups’ soup mixes contain all the freeze-dried and air-dried vegetables, herbs and spices to create a 2-quart pot of homemade soup with a few easy grocery additions. All mixes can be prepared in 40 minutes or less, and made vegetarian with simple substitutions. SRP: $7.99 No. of soups offered: 13. Over half are gluten free; all are free of salt, MSG, artificial flavoring and preservatives. Cooke Tavern Soups 866.422.7687 www.cooketavernsoups.com Custard Stand Chili Soup with Beef and Beans Based in West Virginia, Dee and Angie Cowger took a century-old family recipe for hot dog chili and turned it into a local sensation at a carry-out dairy bar. The Cowger family is now conquering America with Custard Stand Chili Soup with Beef and Beans, along with Custard Stand Hot Dog Chili and and franchised Custard Stand restaurants. These days, you’ll find Custard Stand products in Balducci’s, King’s, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, smaller independent retailers and grocery chains, ball parks/athletic fields, restaurants and convenience stores in more than 15 states. Comes in 2-lb. and 5-lb. tamper-evident plastic containers. SRP: $6.99 (2 lb.) / $9.99 (5 lb.) No. of soups offered: 1, in two sizes. Custard Stand Food Products, LLC 304.847.2942 www.custardstand.com Frontier Soups Homemade In Minutes South of the Border Tortilla Soup The bestseller is low carb, gluten free and warmed with vibrant Southwestern spices. Home cooks add canned broth, salsa and fresh chicken to the mix’ black beans, corn, and red and green peppers for satisfying, homemade taste in just 30 minutes. Like all other Frontier Soups shelf stable mixes, it is all natural with no added salt, MSG or preservatives. The tortilla soup is packaged in 4-ounce clear cellophane to displays the premium ingredients. It is part of the Homemade-In-Minutes™ line of 14 soups. SRP: $5.95 No. of soups offered: 33 soup mixes: 14 in the Homemade-In-Minutes line and 19 in the Hearty Meal™ line Frontier Soups 800.300.7687 (SOUP.) www.frontiersoups.com The American Miso Company 828.418.0408 www.great-eastern-sun.com Grandma’s Cranberry Bean Soup Mix Christmas at Grandma’s is a great “leftover” soup that is prepared using leftover turkey and cranberry sauce (yep, in the soup!). A space on the back of the die-cut hang tag lets you write a holiday message. Visit our site for a full menu of creative regional American soups, custom-packed for program success. Salt free, with no MSG, and made entirely by hand since 1988. SRP: $6.25 No. of soups offered: Nearly 80 Purely American 800.359.7873 www.purelyamerican.com Corn Chowder with Roasted Garlic Rabbit Creek Products’ corn chowder with roasted garlic is the perfect harbinger for the cool fall weather. Creamy and filling, its aroma conveys images of changing leaves, pumpkins on the porch and wood smoke in the air from the neighborhood chimneys. Rabbit Creek has 12 soups to choose from, perfect for lunch on a lazy weekend afternoon. Twelve to a case, with a minimum of three per flavor, the gabled 4" x 3" x 8" boxes fit smartly on the shelf. SRP: $6.50 No. of soups offered: 12 Rabbit Creek Products 800.837.3073 www.rabbitcreekgourmet.com Thorpellini Tortellini Soup Imported Italian cheese tortellinis are flavored with a selection of Italian spices and carrots in a rich beef flavored broth. Quick and easy to prepare, they are a favorite with our customers. Beautifully packaged with layered spices and hand processed in two sizes; Original size: 10 one cup servings in a 8.25 oz. package, and the size for two: 5 one cup servings in a 4 oz. package. SRP: $5.95-$6.95 No. of soups offered: 21 soup flavors, plus a corn muffin mix that is a great accompaniment. Rill Foods DBA Rill’s Specialty Foods 509.964.2520 www.rillsonline.com 22 BUYERS GUIDE GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com BUYERS GUIDE SOUPS This listing is compiled from a survey conducted by Gourmet News and sent to all manufacturers known to the staff. Inclusion in this section is based on a company’s response to our request for information. Information included in this listing is provided by the featured companies. Legendary Velvety Tomato Cream Soup Sarabeth has been serving her signature tomato soup ever since she opened her first bakery/café. A visit to Sarabeth’s is not complete without a bowl of velvety Cream of Tomato Soup. Now, at last, after 30 years, it is available for purchase. To duplicate the restaurant experience, top the soup with some grated light cheddar cheese. It is served exactly that way in every one of Sarabeth’s restaurants to this day. 24 oz. container, all natural and made in the USA. Shipped frozen and sold refrigerated. SRP: $9.49 (24 oz.) No. of soups offered: 1 Sarabeth’s Kitchen 800.773.7378 www.sarabeth.com Buckeye Beans Soups These soups are easy to make, full of heart healthy beans and whole grains. They are an excellent source of protein, certain B vitamins, carbohydrates, many minerals and fiber. With today’s trend towards highly processed, quick serve foods, many of us get emotional satisfaction from preparing and serving a nourishing, “from scratch” meal to our families. Beans and grains are not only pleasing to the palate, but when visible in our package their rich earthen colors are a feast for the eye. In 12 oz. and 14 oz. boxes. No. of soups offered: 6 - Buckeye Bean Soup, Beefed Up Barley Soup, Great Leap ‘n Lentil Soup, Veggie Bean Soup, Country Split Pea Soup and Chicken ‘n Thyme Soup. Seattle Gourmet Foods 800.800.9490 www.seattlegourmetfoods.com Sierra Soup Sierra Soups are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and taste fabulous. They are simple to make and will serve a large family, each yielding eight to 12 one-cup servings. Recipes are on the back of each package, along with ideas to enhance the meal. Our mission at Sierra Soups is to provide a wholesome product, with exceptional food value, a heap of flavor and easy to put together. With the spices and vegetables already included in the soup bag, the hardest thing you may do is sauté an onion and sometimes not even that! SRP: $4.99-$6.99 wholesale, $2.60 per unit or $31.20 per case of 12 No. of soups offered: 9, including bestselling Fresno Fog, French-Style 5 Bean and Mama Sorrenti’s Minestrone Sierra Soups, Inc. 800.387.6887 www.sierrasoups.com Grilled Cheese & Tomato Single Serve Microwavable Soup We have fond memories of Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup as kids. We’ve used that classic combination as inspiration for our rich and creamy upscale version. Ours is an updated spin on a classic that your grown-up tastebuds will appreciate—and so will your inner child. Add a cup of water and microwave for quick and easy comfort food for one. SRP: $3.50 No. of soups offered: 4 Microwave Single Serve, 10 Full Serve cook-up soups. Wind & Willow 888.427.3235 www.windandwillow.com Cream of Crab Soup Cream of crab soup is perhaps the ultimate comfort food of the Chesapeake Bay region. Traditionally served at elegant dinners, its rich and creamy consistency is highlighted by the delicate meat of the blue crab. Blue Crab Bay Co.’s Cream of Crab Soup is accented with the company’s traditional Chesapeake Bay Seasoning, giving the soup a slightly spicier flavor. Just combine the contents of the can with an equal amount of half and half and heat. If desired, garnish with fresh crabmeat and a splash of sherry. 15 oz. can. SRP: $5.99 No. of soups offered: 3 (Cream of Crab Soup, She-Crab Soup, and New England Clam Chowder) Blue Crab Bay Co. 800-221-2722 www.baybeyond.net Brad’s Organic Broths Brad’s Organic Broths exemplify the type of wholesome and delicious USDA organic products that Brad’s Organic is committed to bringing to our consumers. Brad knows they won’t be disappointed. USDA Organic, gluten free, no MSG, preservative free, all natural, and Kosher. Tetra Pak aseptic container. SRP: US$2.69 (32 fl. oz./1 quart) No. of soups offered: 3 (Chicken, Low-Sodium Chicken, Vegetable) Brad’s Organic 845.429.9080 www.bradsorganic.com Ultimate Gourmet 3 Clam Chowder This rich, delectable chowder brims with 3 varieties of flavorful clams (ocean, sea and cockle). The freshest, top-quality ingredients—red potatoes, green celery, onions and secial seasonings in a hearty, creamy broth—are incredibly delicious. A super-easy gourmet meal you simply heat, serve, and enjoy. Kevin Fortun, the original founder of the world’s largest fresh soup company, is back at it with the best recipes in over 30 years. Possibly the best on the Planet! (Size 12 oz. retail or foodservice 2/4lb) SRP: $4.99-$5.99 No. of soups offered: 8: Lobster Bisque, Seafood Gumbo, New England Clam Chowder, Roasted Tomato Bisque, Cheddar & Broccoli, Smoked Salmon Chowder, 3-bean Kobe Chili. Fortun Foods, Inc. 888.988.1045 or 503.539.1801 www.fortunfoods.com Moroccan Porcini & Green Lentil FungusAmongUs ® offers three new, delectable and certified organic soup mixes. Gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, and low cholesterol to address the weight-conscious consumer. In three unique global flavors, each featuring delicious varieties of FungusAmongUs mushrooms. 3.5 oz. = 4 servings. Easy and versatile, cooks in 20 minutes. SRP: $5.49-5.95 No. of soups offered: 3 (Moroccan Porcini & Green Lentil, Smoked Oyster Mushroom Chowder, and Spicy Shiitake & Vegetable ) FungusAmongUs 360.568.3403 [email protected] BUYERS GUIDE GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 23 BUYERS GUIDE SOUPS This listing is compiled from a survey conducted by Gourmet News and sent to all manufacturers known to the staff. Inclusion in this section is based on a company’s response to our request for information. Information included in this listing is provided by the featured companies. Gazpacho Andaluz Gazpacho is a refreshing, cold tomato soup from Andalucía, in southern Spain. This is truly authentic gazpacho from Despensa la Nuestra (Our Pantry). It tastes just like the gazpacho you would be served fresh in homes throughout southern Spain—and that is exactly what it is—made by homemakers in Córdoba. The tomatoes are actually peeled by hand! Their recipe uses breadcrumbs and lots of extra virgin olive oil, for a smooth, silky gazpacho.(24 fl. oz./680 ml. glass jar.) SRP: $9.50 No. of soups offered: 4 SKUs, including White Gazpacho (Ajo Blanco) La Tienda 1.888.331.4362 www.latienda.com African Piri-Piri Peanut Soup Mix Peanuts, sweet potato, tomatoes and our own exciting Piri-Piri blend make this soup Exotic; being from or characteristic of another place or part of the world. The definition evokes images of foreign lands, striking people and amazing foods. But… exotic soup? Montebello Kitchens’ African Piri-Piri Peanut soup is most definitely an exotic soup that is sought after and served around the world. The toasty, earthy color of the soup takes your mind to the African countryside with the warm glow of the evening sun. The aroma of the soup transports you to the open markets with mountains of spices for sale on tables, local vegetables and people calling. 7 oz. each, 6 to a case. Each mix makes 6 to 8 servings. SRP: $7.99 No. of soups offered: 4 Montebello Kitchens 800.743.7687 www.montebellokitchens.com Glace de Poulet Gold® (Classic Roasted Chicken Stock) This 20-time reduction of classic French chicken stock, with deep, rich, roasted colors is made to the exacting standards a professional chef would use in his or her kitchen. The pure and authentic flavors are created using only the finest natural ingredients, with no chemicals, preservatives or excess sodium. One ounce of this amazing product yields 2-1/2 cups of Culinary Grade™ cooking stock. Ideal for soups and sauces, you control the flavor intensity by adding more or less water. Available in two sizes. Fat free, cholesterol free, trans fat free, gluten free, lactose free. SRP: $4.85 (1.5 oz.)/ $28.50 (12 oz.) No. of soups offered: 17 classic demi-glace and stock reductions from which to choose More Than Gourmet 800.860.9385 www.morethangourmet.com Organic Tom Yum Soup Starter Pacific Natural Foods’ soup is both spicy and sour in flavor, and made with spices such as galangal and lemongrass. Low-calorie, and low in sodium and sugar, the soup base can be easily customized with ingredient add-ins such as shrimp, bell-peppers, mushrooms, green onions, and more. Like all of Pacific’s products, the soup base comes in a BPA-free carton. The Soup Starters line debuted last year with Pho (Vegetarian, Chicken and Beef) which received such positive response from media and consumers alike that the company decided to expand, adding Tom Yum and Tortilla this year. SRP: $3.69 (32 oz.) No. of soups offered: Pacific is the maker of multiple varieties of ready-to-eat soups including hearty, creamy and condensed. Pacific Natural Foods 503.692.9666 www.pacificfoods.com 24 BUYERS GUIDE GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 BUYERS GUIDE SOUPS This listing is compiled from a survey conducted by Gourmet News and sent to all manufacturers known to the staff. Inclusion in this section is based on a company’s response to our request for information. Information included in this listing is provided by the featured companies. Tortilla Soup The top seller in an illustrious line of delicious, quick and easy to prepare soup mixes, Plentiful Pantry’s Tortilla Soup won the Best of Atlanta Gourmet awards in 2010. With a rich strong south-west flavor, tasty vegetables, and a hint of spice, this is restaurant quality at its best. Simply add water and chicken for a very satisfying meal, or use as a base for your own delectable dish. Fabulous, eye-catching packaging adds to the appeal of this shelf-stable dried soup mix. Each box makes 6 one cup servings. SRP: $6.99 No. of soups offered: 10 different soup mixes Plentiful Pantry 800.727.8284 www.plentifulpantrywholesale.com Zuppa Tomato: Mamma’s Sicilian Pasta Fagioli Soup NASFT Sofi Silver Award winner for outstanding soup, Zuppa Tomato (the Italian way to say soup) is the only ready-to-serve pasta fagioli in a jar, made in the USA. This traditional Sicilian soup is a home-style recipe with white cannellini beans, pasta and spices in a hearty tomato base, just like Mamma used to make. Thats A Nice! specialty line is all-natural, vegetarian, lowsodium, Kosher and Vegan-friendly, with no preservatives, no dairy, no cholesterol and made from the finest local ingredients, freshest vegetables and spices. A great comfort food that is ready to eat in a 16 oz. jar; just heat and serve. Buon appetito! SRP: $5.49 No. of soups offered: 2: Zuppa Tomato and Zuppa Lentil (Mamma’s Sicilian Lenticche Soup) Thats A Nice! 323.644.7533 www.thatsanice.com Il Boschetto Minestrone Toscano Il Boschetto is located in the heart of Tuscany, only a few kilometers from Castiglione della Pescaia, a beautiful medieval town on the Tyrrhenian coast. They prepare with the utmost care infusions and mixtures of herbs, spices and convenient mixes for traditional Italian dishes. Always innovative with flavor, design and packaging, Il Boschetto masters the art of bringing Italy straight to your kitchen.Their minestrone soup mix is filled with everything you need to recreate a traditional and hearty classic. SRP: $9.50 No. of soups offered: 1 The French Farm 713.660.0577 www.frenchfarm.com Two Guys in Vermont Packaged in a pint-sized glass-jar, our non-traditional recipe merges fresh, natural sweet flavors of apple and butternut squash with intervals of sour, with a madras curry spice chaser! It has a crisp texture―is low in sodium, a good source of fiber, rich in Vitamin A and C. Our recipe combines tender morsels of fruits and vegetables with exotic spices and liquids. Words such as “delicious,” “pleasantly satisfying,” “surprisingly different” and “unique” are often used to describe our soup. It’s an amazing fusion of flavors! All natural, gluten-free and vegan. SRP: $4.99 - $5.99 No. of soups offered: 3 Forty-Nine Days, Inc. DBA Two Guys in Vermont 802.778.0673 www.twoguysinvermont.com MARKETWATCH GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com 25 MARKETWATCH VALENTINE PREVIEW Early orders advised for Valentine’s When it comes to February stock, don’t be afraid to commit BY ROCELLE ARAGON As we enter the make-or-break holidays, Valentine candy can be forgotten in the rush. Many big names announce their 2013 ranges by mid-year—yet many retailers put off their orders till the New Year, not only to be flexible with resources but to wait for the freshest trends and trade deals. November, after Halloween but before Thanksgiving, is an ideal time to secure your basics. “A lot of people wait to see how Christmas holiday sales perform before ordering for Valentine’s Day. What they don’t realize is that we can sometimes run out of popular Valentine’s Day candies by the time we get orders in after the New Year,” Nancy Brosnan, Director of Customer Service at Jelly Belly, said in a recent issue of the company’s trade newsletter. “Retailers that get their orders in before the rush of the holidays not only have a longer selling season, but also have a better shot at getting those Valentine’s favorites in their stores.” The company’s 2013 lineup features not only jelly beans but sours, chocolate and even pink-and-red “Cupid Corn,” all in shimmering gift bags that were introduced this year. Be my ethical Valentine Issues of chocolate origin, sourcing and labor practices are a constant presence in food page headlines. Retailers whose clients follow these issues will appreciate the line from Equal Exchange, which deals exclusively in Fair Trade for all of its categories, including chocolate. The company recently released Fair Trade “Minis,” hoping to make ethically sourced cocoa both more affordable and more accessible for daily consumption. The bars can be ordered with a set of whimsical Valentine images highlighting the cocoa’s source. Traditional chocolate hearts are available as well. Elsewhere, look for single-origin chocolate and raw or vegan candy (chocolates, marshmallows, fudge) to provide thoroughly ethical indulgence. Sugar and spice Traditional candy maker Hammond’s presents Chocolate Marshmallow Caramel hearts for Valentine’s (with an egg version for the next month). As in previous years, hard candy and lollipops in cherry and cinnamon round out the range. Artisan caramels should also hold on to their popularity, led by the ultrasaleable sea salt. Add novelty with caramels featuring cocoa butter, coconut milk, goat milk, spices and specialty salts. Brittles, barks and candy with bacon are other great options. Another good Valentine bet will be in stores early: TABASCO® Jelly Belly® jelly beans, which were previewed to a great response at the Summer Fancy Food Show. First available in bulk, the jelly beans’ retail pack debuts this December. The “hot” message should provide an option that is more adult than most, both in terms of card messages and a spicy flavor profile. GN Images courtesy of Seattle Gourmet Foods (seattle gourmetfoods.com), Kane Candy (kanecandy.com or Gourmet International, 800.875.5557), Jelly Belly (jelly belly.com), Hammond’s (hammondscandy.com), Sensational Sweets/Creative Cookie Etc. (sensationalsweets.com) and Equal Exchange (equalexchange.coop). GOURMET MARKETPLACE A Special Advertising Section For more than 100 years, the Mantova family has been dedicated to producing high quality Italian products. Recently, we have brought to market a new spray technology with only one ingredient: Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil. New Gourmet Meal Starters from Robert Rothschild Farm Robert Rothschild Farm launched four incredible meal starters. ese delicious meal starters are a great beginning to gourmet meals. ey offer bold flavors that will entice any palate plus they are all natural and kosher. Buddy Squirrel has been committed to providing customers with the finest homemade chocolates, premium nuts and gourmet popcorns since 1916. Using ingredients of the freshest and finest quality, the traditional homestyle recipes have pleased generations of customers. Fine Italian Food 630.904.0002 www.fineitalianfood.com Robert Rothschild Farm 800.356.8933 www.robertrothschild.com Buddy Squirrel, LLC 800.972.2658 www.BuddySquirrel.com 26 SMORGASBORD GOURMET NEWS NOVEMBER 2012 www.gourmetnews.com SMORGASBORD CALENDAR Nov. 11-13 Jan. 9-16, 2013 Private Label Manufacturers’ Show Atlanta International Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market Chicago, www.plma.com Atlanta, www.americasmart.com Nov. 16-18 National Chocolate Show Jan. 20-22, 2013 Chicago, www.thenationalchocolateshow.com Winter Fancy Food Show Nov. 13-14 Jan. 26-30, 2013 Kosherfest NYIGF (Winter) New Jersey, www.kosherfest.com New York, www.nyigf.com San Francisco, www.specialtyfood.com PEOPLE WATCH Chris Hopkins joins Marley Coffee as Senior VP for National Accounts Marley Coffee, a sustainably grown, ethically farmed and artisan roasted gourmet coffee, has announced the addition of Chris Hopkins as Senior Vice President of National Accounts. Hopkins, who has more than 20 years of food and beverage sales experience, will be responsible for continuing to expand distribution of Marley Coffee through specialty retailers, supermarkets and convenience stores. Hopkins was previously SVP of National Accounts for Marley Beverages, securing distributions and partnerships with 80 of the top 100 retail outlets, including 7-Eleven, Kroger and Wegmans. “With Chris’ proven track record in the industry, and more recently with Marley Beverages, we’re thrilled to have him join the Marley Coffee team,” said Brent Toevs, CEO, Marley Coffee. Jackie Ardrey joins Harry & David as Senior VP, Merchandising Gourmet gift retailer Harry & David has hired Jackie Ardrey, formerly of children’s clothing retailer Hanna Andersson, as Senior Vice President, Merchandising. Ardrey will join the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for developing and managing overall merchandising, assortment and supply strategy, across all channels of distribution (catalog, Internet, retail and wholesale). Her background includes more than 20 CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS FOR SALE Owners retiring after 15 years operating successful specialty food business in New England. Significant growth potential. Owners to mentor. Respond to [email protected] years of merchandising experience in multi-channel retail companies. From 1998 to present she worked at Hanna Andersson, most recently as Senior Vice President, Merchandising/Design/Wholesale. “We’re truly thrilled to welcome Jackie to the Harry & David family,” said Craig Johnson, CEO, Harry & David. HarvestMark taps retail veteran Kevin Shiplett as VP of Retail Sales YottaMark, Inc., provider of HarvestMark, the industryleading fresh food traceability and insights platform, has appointed Kevin Shiplett as Vice President of Retail Sales. “Seventy-two percent of shoppers select their grocer based on the quality of the produce department,” said Shiplett. “This is driving the demand to use insights that integrate data from the harvest, the edge of shelf, and the voice of the shopper to help retailers and growers optimize quality and freshness.” Shiplett has more than 36 years in the retail and wholesale industry, with companies including Supervalu and Kroger, as well as four years selling softwareas-a-service solutions to the grocery channel. HarvestMark solutions are used today by more than 400 brands, sourcing fresh food from 4,000 farms from Canada to Argentina. Customers include The Kroger Co., Driscoll’s Strawberry Associates, Sun World and Calavo. Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation ADVERTISER INDEX ADVERTISER PAGE WEBSITE PHONE American Vintage Wine Biscuits Antichi Sapori Apex Imports Ariston Specialties Arnabal International Aroma Ridge Bakery on Main Bakto Flavors Beach Plum Specialties Bemka Bookbinders Specialties Brands of Britain Buddy Squirrel Busha Browne Carolyn Saucier Cooke Tavern Soups CookieZen Custard Stand Foods Fine Italian Food Formaggio Great Eastern Sun Hye Quality Bakery Jamaican Tea Co. Java Frost Just Tomatoes Marley Coffee Mediterranean Gourmet Norseland The Nut Lady Peppadew Po Valley Foods Private Spring Water Rill Specialty Foods Robert Rothschild Farms Rubschlager SPI Westport San Francisco Herb Sarabeth’s Seattle Gourmet Foods Sierra Soup Co. Sticky Fingers Bakery Stonewall Kitchen Tao of Tea Vanns 27 27 12 27 27 3 10 20 27 27 23 27 25 11 12 6 10 24 25 20 24 27 24 22 9 12 12 4 26 5 27 20 23 25 6 10 26 2 12 27 28 8 10 4 www.americanvintage.com [email protected] www.wolfgangspretzels.com www.aristonspecialties.com www.arnabal.com www.aromaridge.com www.bakeryonmain.com www.baktoflavors.net [email protected] www.houseofcaviarandfinefoods.com www.bookbinderspecialties.com www.brandsofbritain.com www.buddysquirrel.com www.bushabrowne.com www.carolynsaucier.com www.cooketavernsoups.com www.cookiezen.com www.custardstand.com www.fineitalianfood.com www.formaggio.com www.great-eastern-sun.com www.hyequalitybakery.com www.jamaicantea.com www.javafrost.com www.justtomatoes.com www.marleycoffee.com www.mediterranean-gourmet.net www.norseland.com [email protected] www.peppadewfresh.com www.povalleyfoods.com www.privatespringwater.com www.rillsonline.com/gourmetnews www.robertrothschild.com www.rubschlagerbaking.com www.alodrink.com www.herbspicetea.com www.sarabeth.com www.seattlegourmetfoods.com www.sierrasoups.com www.stickyfingersbakeries.com www.stonewallkitchen.com www.taooftea.com www.vannsspices.com MIXES Invisible Chef Frontier Soup Java Frost JK Grain Free Gourmet Miner’s Mix Northwest Baking (Dassant) Purely American Rabbit Creek Sisters Gourmet Slap Ya Mama Wind & Willow 17 18 22 19 19 14 14 16 17 15 16 www.theinvisiblechef.com www.frontiersoups.com www.javafrost.com www.jkgourmet.com www.minersmix.com www.nwsbm.com www.purelyamerican.com www.rabbitcreek.com www.sistersgourmet.com www.slapyamama.com www.windandwillow.com Publication Title: Gourmet News Publication Number: 544-070 Filing Date: October, 2012 Issue Frequency: Monthly Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 Annual Subscription Price: Free Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: P. O. Box 30520, 1877 N. Kolb Rd., Tucson, Pima Co., AZ 85751 Contact Person: Rita Stanley, Telephone: 623-537-5310 Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 1877 N. Kolb Rd., Tucson, Pima Co., AZ 85751 Publisher: Lee Oser, 1877 N. Kolb Rd., Tucson, Pima Co., AZ 85751 Editor: Rocelle Aragon, 1877 N. Kolb Rd., Tucson, Pima Co., AZ 85751 Owner: Oser Communications Group, LLC, Lee M. Oser, P. O. Box 30520, Tucson, AZ 85751 Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or more of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September, 2012 Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months Total Number of Copies (Net Press run) 25,713 Paid and/or requested distribution Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions 14,735 In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions 0 Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS 123 Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS 0 Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation 14,858 Nonrequested Distribution Outside County Nonrequested Copies 10,308 In-County Nonrequested Copies 0 Nonrequested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail 0 Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail 178 Total Nonrequested Distribution 10,486 Total Distribution 25,344 Copies Not Distributed 369 Total 25,713 Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation 58.6% Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is Required and will be printed in the November 2012 issue of this publication. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. /s/Lee M. Oser, Publisher 10-01-2012 718.361.1003 209.295.4644 860.224.7184 949.861.8820 770.421.9600 860.895.6619 757.787.3602 954.462.0533 215.322.1305 800.646.6974 800.972.2658 201.947.1000 510.336.9403 866.422.7686 888.499.3677 304.847.2942 630.904.0002 845.436.7464 828.418.0406 877.445.1778 876.928.5863 800.676.3661 800.537.1985 866.489.8999 703.880.4236 203.324.5620 908.580.9100 516.801.4688 877.664.1500 509.964.2520 800.356.8933 773.826.1245 800.227.2830 718.589.2900 800.800.9490 800.397.6887 800.458.5826 888.326.5678 503.736.0198 800.583.1693 800.456.7115 800.300.7687 800.676.3661 800.608.0465 209.966.6000 800.666.1727 800.359.7873 800.837.3073 770.338.1388 800.485.5217 888.427.3235 No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date 26,276 14,517 0 120 0 14,637 10,858 0 0 205 11,063 25,700 576 26,276 57.0% Arnabal International, Inc. 949.861.8820 www.arnabal.com Sierra Soups are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free mixes, complete with vegetables and spices in every package. ese treasured recipes are hearty and large enough to serve a whole family as a complete meal and still have leovers. e most difficult step is to sauté an onion, and sometimes not even that. Velvety So cracker bread for foolproof sandwiches and wraps, its thin texture and flavor complement any filling. Unlike tortillas or other flatbreads the Hye Roller will not split, crack or turn soggy. Natural ingredients, unbleached flours no transfats or preservatives. Will hold 48 to 72 hours before serving. White, Wheat and Pesto for foodservice. For one hundred years, La Campofilone has used only simple natural ingredients like eggs from free-range hens fed exclusively with non-GMO cereals and non-genetically-modified, high protein durum wheat grown exclusively in Le Marche region of Italy. e result is light, delicious, high protein authentic pasta which rivals most homemade egg pastas. Sierra Soups, Inc. 800.397.6887 www.sierrasoups.com Hye Quality Bakery, Inc. Since 1957 877.445.1778 www.hyequalitybakery.com Po Valley Foods Corp. 516.801.4688 www.povalleyfoods.com American Vintage is thrilled to present our NEW BEER BISCUITS, handmade with real American beer. 3 FLAVORS: Smoky Chipotle, Lime & Beer – Mild; Smoky Chipotle, Lime & Beer – Hot Hot Hot; and Pizza & Beer. No preservatives, no cholesterol and no trans fat. Free consumer samples are included with each retailer’s order. American Vintage Wine Biscuits are cracker snacks made with wine and pepper. The striking flavor combinations and eye-catching artwork of framed grapes create customer interest and add rich color to any counter display or gift basket. Contains no preservatives or cholesterol. Beach Plum Specialties Cape May New Jersey offers unique products that will sell well in your retail store. The beach plum is a native American fruit that grows on the coast of the eastern seaboard. We make delicious jam, jelly, vinegar & vinaigrette. For more info contact Michael Craig 609.425.9057. American Vintage 718.361.1003 www.americanvintage.com American Vintage Wine Biscuits 718.361.1003 www.americanvintage.com Beach Plum Specialties Cape May New Jersey 609.425.9057 [email protected] Caribbean Dreams herbal teas are a favorite form of hot beverage for Caribbean people and Caribbean Dreams produces a wide range of unique blends. e company, based in Jamaica, sells almost one half of its products to other Caribbean markets as well as North America. Greek For the Very Best! Come try our Award Winning EVOOs & Balsamic Vinegars! Ariston’s Select EVOO just won Attendees’ Most Favourite Olive Oil at the SIAL CANADA’s OLIVE D’OR COMPETITION in Montreal & Silver in the International EVOO Competition in LA! Come visit us on at the Fabulous Food Show - Cleveland OH Nov 9-11 2012,Atlanta’s AmericasMart Jan 9-16 2013 in Building 2W-882 and Dallas Mart Jan 17-20 2013. Since 2002, Pastificio Lisa has provided all-natural pasta for a balanced diet. Our authentic homemade Italian pasta comes in 14 unique shapes and uses only completely natural ingredients. Whether durum, semolina or egg pasta, our production follows Pastificio Lisa specifications: carefully selected, strictly controlled raw ingredients of the highest quality. Now seeking distributors. Jamaican Teas Limited 876.928.5863 www.jamaicanteas.com Ariston Specialties LLC 860.224.7184 www.aristonoliveoil.com 954.462.0533 Bemka Corp. www.houseofcaviarandfinefoods.com 201.438.7100 Antichi Sapori [email protected] A Special Advertising Section Brands of Britain, LLC 800.646.6974 www.brandsoritain.com GOURMET MARKETPLACE Mix, Bake and Enjoy! e D.I.Y Granola kit includes all the necessities to create a tasty batch of homemade granola. e gi ready presentation with its pre-measured ingredients combined makes 12 servings of zesty dried fruit and natural oat granola. Great for all ages, seasons and occasions-2012 sofi™ Awards Outstanding Food Gi Finalist A Special Advertising Section If only the finest caviar will do... the House of Caviar and Fine Foods is an importer and distributor of caviar (both imported and domestic), fish roe, foie gras, truffles, smoked fish and other specialty foods, sourced from around the world by our experts. Contact us for your caviar and gift basket needs. The English Provender Co. offers fine chutneys and curds made using traditional recipes and classic cooking methods. A full range of flavorful condiments that is gluten free and suitable for vegetarians.