Rollout: November's best new products

"Our new Del Monte organic pickles are produced using environmentally friendly farming practices, without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified ingredients," says Jeff Tuttle, chief marketing officer of M.A.Gedney Co., Chaska, Minn., producer of the pickles.

Suggested retail price for Gedney and Del Monte organic pickles ranges from $3 to $5 per 24-ounce jar.

Flavored pork options

Smithfield, Va.-based Smithfield Packing Co. introduces three new flavors to its line of Marinated Pork Tenderloin. Currently available in stores across the eastern U.S., including Hannaford, ACME, Sweetbay, Giant Eagle and Stop & Shop, the flavors include Sesame Ginger, Tangy Mustard and Smoky Grill.

All Smithfield pork is produced using a new tumbling process that improves the products' taste by allowing spices to penetrate more deeply into the meat and distributes flavors more consistently. Cooking time is 20 minutes per pound in the oven or on the grill.

"We have conducted extensive research and consumer testing to determine that these flavors are ones requested and desired by our customers." says Eric Esch, director of marketing. "What's more, our research has revealed that marinated pork users significantly prefer flavored pork using the tumbling process versus the more traditional spice application process."

To develop the new flavors, Smithfield reviewed the hottest flavor profiles and cuisine styles throughout the foodservice industry. The company then turned to the most popular flavors sold by leading brands in the bottled marinade segment. The result was more than 100 flavors for marinated pork, from which 12 finalists were selected for consumer taste panel and appearance tests.

Suggested retail price is $5.99 to $6.99 a pound.

Line up for panini sandwiches

Nestle’s Stouffer’s, Cleveland,  rolls out tasty microwaveable Corner Bistro panini sandwiches. Smoked Turkey Club; Grilled Chicken Italian; Philly-style Steak and Cheese, and Southwest-style Chicken are available from Stouffer’s, while Lean Cuisine offers: Chicken Club; Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom; Southwest-Style Chicken, and Steak, Cheddar & Mushroom.

A special grilling tray, which grills the bread in the oven while the toppings heat, prevents the bread from getting soggy.

Suggested retail price is $3.09.

Green tea with a twist

BPW (Beverage Partners Worldwide), a joint venture between The Coca-Cola Co. and Nestlé, Atlanta, introduces Nestea Green, iced tea featuring peach and diet peach flavors.

In addition, the 50-year old brand gives a flavorful makeover to its ready-to-drink iced tea product line with new Nestea Lemon and Diet Lemon formulas, and the return of the classic Nestea brand.

“Tea drinkers will really enjoy the new Nestea products, and the flavored green teas will certainly appeal to active adults who seek refreshment and healthy benefits in their beverage selection,” says Brand Manager Abigail Berens. “The green tea used to make Nestea Green iced teas has antioxidant properties which are associated with good health."

In addition to the improved Nestea flavors, Nestea will now be offered in popular 12-packs of 0.5-liter PET bottles, as well as 20-oz. PET bottles, 12-oz. cans, 12/12-oz. Fridge-Pack cans and 2-liter bottles.

Suggested retail price for Nestea Green iced tea is $6.49 for the 0.5 liter, 12 pack PET and $1.29 for the 20-oz. PET.