Balance of crispy and tender crust
Regular thin crust pizza is the most popular crust, preferred by 61 percent of Americans, followed by thick crust and deep dish tied for second (14 percent) and extra thin crust (11 percent), according to NPD. Using a propriety formula that delivers a fresh-baked taste, Schwan’s Consumer Brands North America Inc., Marshall, Minn., introduces Red Baron Gold Edition Thin Crust Pizza with zero trans fats per serving.
Delivering a golden, crispy and tender crust straight from the oven to the table in less than 20 minutes, the new Red Baron pizza is available in six varieties: Ultimate Pepperoni; 5 Cheese; Supreme; Meat Trio; Italian Sausage & Pepperoni, and Mozzarella Tomato & Basil. Each variety includes a sauce specifically created to perfectly complement the aged cheeses and robust toppings to enhance the overall flavor profile.
“When developing Red Baron Thin Crust, we wanted to create the best thin crust pizza on the market,” says Bryan Olson, brand director. “We added the finest ingredients to our unique crispy and tender crust to create something special.”
Suggested retail price is $5.49.
Whimsical offering from Pepperidge Farm
Norwalk, Conn.-based Pepperidge Farm introduces Whims cookies, a unique line of bite-sized cookies in two varieties: Crispy Waves (crispy-thin snacks) and Crunchy Clusters (combinations of cookie ingredients all rolled up into bite-sized poppable clusters).
They are packaged in a unique canister by Sonoco, which fits in a car’s cupholder and allows for easy opening and reclosing. When the canister sits on the retail shelf, package graphics are reversed on each side so it can be stacked either right side up or upside down, a retailer’s dream.
Whims are available in six flavors -- three Crispy Waves: Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip and Toffee Chip; and three Crunchy Clusters: Chocolate Chocolate, Chocolate Cashew and White Chocolate Pecan. Each package holds 5.3 oz. of Waves snacks and 5.6 oz. of Clusters treats.
“Consumers are more selective than ever about their cookie choices,” says President Jay Gould. “For some, cookies have become an indulgence, so people want to make sure they’re enjoying the very best. “
Suggested retail price is $3.49.
Getting to the essence of the matter
Celebrity Chef David Burke of restaurant davidburke&donatella, New York, debuts Flavor Sprays, liquid extracts containing water, salts, emulsifiers and natural and artificial flavors. All contain zero calories, zero fat, and zero carbs, and the sweet sprays contain Splenda.
Classic flavors include Parmesan Cheese, Pesto, Ranch, Smoked Bacon and Tomato Basil. Coming soon are Balsamic, Buttery, Sour Cream and Onion. Exotic flavors include Hot and Sour, Ice Blue Salt, Memphis BBQ, Pepper City and Teriyaki. Soon to debut are Mustard, Sausage and Peppers and Wasabi. Kids could have fun experimenting with Sweet and Sinful flavors, such as Banana Split, Chocolate Fudge, Cookies & Cream, Marshmallow, Mochaccino, Raspberry Bubblegum, Root Beer Float and Strawberry Shortcake. On the drawing boards are Birthday Cake, Chocolate Crumb, Cola Float, Key Lime Pie and Pretzel Dough, along with a variety of fruit flavors.
“We are living in a health-conscious society where people are constantly searching for a way to a healthier lifestyle,” says Burke.
Available only online at
www.flavorspraydiet.com, the suggested retail price for a 2-oz. can is $5.95.
A fruitful endeavor
There’s no denying the surging popularity of fresh fruit. But how can consumers get that great fresh taste once the window for local fresh berries has closed? In the freezer case, of course. Montreal-based Europe’s Best (
www.europesbest.com), Canada’s leader in the frozen fruit category, launches a line of frozen fruit in the U.S., the taste and nutritional content of which rivals fruit freshly picked from the orchard.
Europe’s Best picks its fruit (all around the world) when fully ripened; the fruit is then washed and individually quick frozen (IQF) at the source and packaged in convenient 21-oz. standup, resealable pouches within hours after harvest. Its proprietary flash freezing process prevents loss of nutrients and seals in natural flavors, so no sugar, preservatives or coloring agents are added. The fruit retains its flavor for up to 24 months.
Varieties include Sunburst Mango, Select Raspberries, Woodland Blueberries, Country Strawberries, Harvest Fresh Cranberries,Tropical Blend, 4-Field Berry Mix, Summer Fruit Salad, Aloha Gold Pineapple and Sliced Strawberries.
“Growth in the fresh and frozen fruit categories has just been phenomenal,” says George Kyres, president and CEO. “Much of that increase has been a result of the exploding popularity of smoothies, which are a $1 billion business at retail in the U.S. Interest in making smoothies at home, coupled with the numerous studies supporting the antioxidant and other health benefits of berries, seems to have sweetened the taste of fruit for consumers.”
