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Supplier Tidbits

Mars Inc. signed an agreement to acquire Trü Frü. The whole-fruit snacking brand is seen as complementary to the health and wellness brands currently in Mars’ portfolio.

Mondelez International Inc. agreed to sell its developed-market gum business in the United States, Canada and Europe to Perfetti Van Melle Group. The deal is set to close for $1.35 billion.

Performance Food Group (PFG) created a Black Inclusion Group as part of its diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives. It is the second of eight planned associate resource groups that will help direct PFG in future endeavors.

Altria Group Inc. is conducting an equity and civil rights assessment. The audit will evaluate efforts intended to address the harm associated with tobacco use in communities of color and youth.

Warheads Pickle-In-A-Pouch

Van Holten’s, maker of the original Pickle-In-A-Pouch, expands its licensed product line with Warheads, the “Extreme Sour” candy brand from Impact Confections. Available for order now, the Warheads Pickle-In-A-Pouch comes in a 12-count display case and has a two-year shelf life. Additionally, the new product offers customers an interactive experience on social media, with the hashtag #sourpicklechallenge intended to engage consumers around the world.

VAN HOLTEN’S • WATERLOO, WIS. • VANHOLTENPICKLES.COM

Old El Paso Fiesta Twists

General Mills is bringing its Old El Paso brand to the salty snacks aisle with the new Old El Paso Fiesta Twists. The crispy and crunchy corn chips with a twist give convenience store retailers a fun snack option to meet demand for savory indulgence anchored in Mexican-inspired flavors, according to the company. Available in Queso, Zesty Ranch and Cinnamon Churro flavors, Old El Paso Fiesta Twists come in 2-ounce bags that are exclusive to c-stores. They are slated to hit store shelves nationwide in June with a suggested retail price of $2.19. GENERAL MILLS CONVENIENCE • MINNEAPOLIS • GENERALMILLSCF.COM

Flick My BIC Special Edition Lighters

The BIC Lighter is “50 and fabulous,” and the company is celebrating this milestone with a special edition Flick My BIC series of lighters. From flower power to virtual reality, the featured imagery encompasses fun, colorful and nostalgic elements from the last five decades. The 50th anniversary series is only available for a limited time. The lighters in this series have a suggested retail price of $2.09 per unit.

BIC USA INC. • SHELTON, CONN. • US.BIC.COM

ADS-TEC Energy ChargePost

ADS-TEC Energy unveiled ChargePost, a compact, battery-based charging system that enables ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging on existing power connections. The system features an all-in-one design that integrates the battery, power electronics, cooling system and charger in a compact package requiring less than 21.5 square feet of ground space. Each ChargePost is equipped with two charging points for ultra-fast EV charging, giving drivers more than 60 miles of range in just a few minutes (up to 300 kW DC power with one charging point or 150 kW with two charging points in use at the same time). The system also offers up to two optional 75-inch digital displays on its exterior surfaces that can be used for advertising space.

ADS-TEC ENERGY PLC • NÜRTINGEN, GERMANY • ADSTEC-ENERGY.COM

Punchh Subscriptions

ParTech Inc.’s loyalty software Punchh is now offering convenience store brands a way to launch and manage a subscription program. The model’s customizable platform drives recurring revenues and incentivizes frequency, leading to lifetime loyalty, the company stated. Punchh Subscriptions integrates seamlessly with mobile apps and online ordering solutions. The new offering provides subscription tracking, renewal processing, automated renewal marketing messaging, customer targeting, and custom analytics that track impact and return on investment.

PARTECH INC. • NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. • PUNCHH.COM

Fire Department Coffee Nitro Cold Brew

Veteran-owned Fire Department Coffee enters the ready-to-drink category with the release of Nitro Cold Brew. The line is anchored by Nitro Irish Coffee, a nonalcoholic canned cold brew infused with real whiskey and cream. To achieve the unique flavor, coffee beans were infused with whiskey before the alcohol was roasted out, leaving behind only the spirit’s aroma and natural taste, according to the company. Nitro Irish Coffee is now available alongside three additional varieties: Nitro-Charged Latte, Nitro-Charged Shellback Espresso and Nitro Vanilla Bean Bourbon. All come in 7-ounce single-serve cans.

FIRE DEPARTMENT COFFEE • ROCKFORD, ILL. • FIREDEPTCOFFEE.COM

Rich’s Retail-Ready Merchandiser

Rich’s introduces a retail-ready merchandiser for its gourmet Christie Cookie Co. Triple Chocolate Cookie. Operators simply remove the display from the freezer case, thaw and place it on the counter. Featuring 12 Triple Chocolate Cookies, the classic kraft merchandiser with bright red and navy blue accents emits a homemade vibe that will pop off the shelf, the company stated. The 1.4-ounce cookies come 48 per case with a shelf life of 365 days frozen and seven days ambient.

RICH PRODUCTS CORP. • BUFFALO, N.Y. • RICHSCONVENIENCE.COM

Haribo Berry Clouds

Haribo Berry Clouds are triple-layer foam gummies that come in cloud shapes to highlight their soft and fluffy texture. The mixed assortment features three flavors: blueberry, wildberry and strawberry. This new candy is rooted in innovation and inspired by consumer feedback. Haribo began dreaming up Berry Clouds in 2020 and went through multiple rounds of testing and sample production until the product reached “pillowy perfection,” the company noted.

HARIBO OF AMERICA • PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WIS. • HARIBO.COM/EN-US

MasonWays Compact Outdoor Sign

MasonWays offers a variety of sign solutions to drive consumers from the forecourt into the store. Options include poster sign frames on several different units, such as windshield service centers, locking outdoor cabinets and merchandising bases, which can be changed to reflect current promotions. The new MasonWays Compact Outdoor Sign is designed for areas that require a small footprint. Only 15 inches deep, it fits almost anywhere, both outside and indoors, the company said. Its plastic construction is durable, weather resistant and will not rust. Poster signs slide in easily, and the sturdy base prevents the sign from tipping.

MASONWAYS INDESTRUCTIBLE PLASTICS LLC • WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. • MASONWAYS.COM

NexPhase Smart EV Switchgear

Franklin Electric is entering the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure space with the launch of the NexPhase Smart EV Switchgear. NexPhase is a turnkey switchgear solution containing the entire infrastructure required between utility power and up to four 150 kW Level 3 DC fast chargers. The solution comes fully assembled, pre-wired and factory tested, requiring only the utility and EV charger connections for installation. In addition to consolidating switchgear components into a single footprint, NexPhase features advanced intelligence to protect EV charging sites. Features include EV charger crash detection, flammable vapor monitoring, flood detection, pest/rodent mitigation and E-Stop integration capabilities.

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC • MADISON, WIS. • FRANKLINFUELING.COM