Gourmet News - Special Issue at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2011

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Terrapin Ridge Farms Introduces New Line Of Epicurean Chocolate Sauces

Fever-Tree: Superior Cocktail Mixers From Brands Of Britain

Sarabeth Wins NASFT sofiTM Silver Award For Outstanding Cookie

SEE PAGE 1 / VISIT BOOTH 5621

SEE PAGE 24 / VISIT BOOTH 1601

SEE PAGE 54 / VISIT BOOTH 307

JULY 2011

Sticky Fingers Bakeries Takes A Leap With New Line Of Specialty Jams

Tom Owens, Co-Founder and President of SFB Specialty Foods (dba Sticky Fingers Bakeries), talks about the evolution of the company’s line of jams, jellies, curds and fruit butters.

GN: You’re known for highquality scone mixes, but this new line comes as something of a surprise.

SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE

PARTNERS’ MiaDolci Gourmet Cookie Crisps Receive Enthusiastic Response

Family owned, simply delicious: for nearly 20 years, PARTNERS, a tasteful choice company, has produced awardwinning gourmet crackers and granola made exclusively with all natural, wholesome ingredients. Last October, PARTNERS extended its all natural family of products with the introduction of MiaDolci, a line of gourmet cookie crisps. Delectable bites of divine goodness, these crispy treats are lower in sugar than regular

Gourmet News sat down with Jim Donnelly, Vice President Sales for Twinings North America, Inc. Jim manages sales for the entire U.S. business, which includes all channels such as Grocery, Mass Merchandising, Drug, Specialty, Internet, Club and Food Service. He has successfully built the business, making Twinings of London the fastest growing specialty tea company in the U.S.

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Coconut Takes Terrapin Ridge Farms Chocolate Sauces To The Next Level

New line of Epicurean Chocolate Sauces introduced at Summer Fancy Food Show

Leading Premium Tea Company Brings Exciting New Offerings To SFFS 2011

Innovation Drives Sales At Dave’s Gourmet, Inc. Dave’s Gourmet, Inc. Founder Dave Hirschkop sat down to discuss his company’s line of condiments and spices.

Ferrara Pan: The Gold Standard Of Imported Belgian Chocolate Bars

Coconut is an increasingly popular flavor and ingredient, according to Mary O’Donnell, CEO of Clearwater, FL based Terrapin Ridge Farms™. “The most likely reason is growth in demand of international flavor profiles with today’s consumers,” continues O’Donnell, “Coconut is a common ingredient in many countries’ traditional dishes.” Coconut

DH: Really, we are a specialty food company whose focus is on creating fantastic tasting, innovative foods. It happens that

Premium imported Belgian chocolate bar sales are up nine percent vs. YA,* and chocolate bar count good sales are at $3.1 billion, up eight percent vs. YA.* To help leverage these trends and growth, Ferrara Pan has applied its more than 100 years of confectionary experience to create a European-inspired line of premium chocolate bars, as well as chocolate-covered delicacies and chocolate balls. Ferrara Pan’s 3.52-ounce Imported Belgian Chocolate Bars (milk chocolate and milk chocolate with almond nougat) are

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Leonard Mountain Goes Private ... Label, That Is

Have you ever wondered how so many specialty shops have suddenly become famous with their very own brand of something or other? Or, how in the world did everyone get on the bandwagon with their very own brand of their mom or grandmother’s Secret Recipe of this or that? Well here’s a big secret―they came to a company like Leonard Mountain and found that they could very easily and quite simply have their label created any way they would like. They could even have a recipe tweaked and turned a bit so that it had little unique flair, then, all of sudden, they Continued on Page 66

GN: Are you a hot sauce company that makes pasta sauces or a pasta sauce company that makes hot sauce or some combination?

Crystal Noodle Soups Continue To Innovate With Two New Flavors

Fischer & Wieser Dishes Up New Palate-Pleasing Flavor Profiles

Approximately three years ago, Long Kow Foods introduced a new product called Crystal Noodle Soups to the market. Many consumers wondered what was special or unique about this new Asian noodle bowl, and often assumed it was just another quick hunger fix. Little by little, however, they started realizing that Crystal Noodle Soup was not only different, but a true breakthrough in the instant noodle soup category. Combining a low calorie, non-fried noodle with gourmet freeze-dried toppings,

Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, Inc., makers of The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce®, announce several new products as they expand their Gourmet line to create old-fashioned flavor sensations as well as cutting edge palate-pleasers. Tipping their hats to their Texas roots and answering the cries of customers, the delectable additions include Texas Pit BBQ Sauce, Hibiscus & Ancho Chile Grilling Sauce, Hatch Chile & Pineapple Salsa, Almond & Cherry Jubilee Jam, Pumpkin Pie Butter and Old Fashioned

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A Day With Belmont Peanuts By Kevin Pittman

Driving down US 58 through Southampton County, Virginia, what you will notice is there is plenty of farmland. Considered “the Heart of Peanut Country,” this area is well known for producing the largest and finest “Virginia Type” peanuts grown in the USA. Just outside of Capron, about a half mile off of US 58, is the farming operation of Marks Farms. Marks Farms is currently owned and operated by Mike and Bob Marks. The two brothers farm over a thousand acres of land, growing cotton, soybeans, peanuts, corn, wheat and watermelons. Each crop is grown under their watchful eyes, with careful attention given to good environmental practices. When arriving on the farm, being the peanut connoisseur that I am, the first thing I was looking for was the production facility for Belmont Peanuts. I have tried almost all of the peanuts cooked in the Virginia/Carolina area, and, I must confess, Belmont was on top of my list of favorites. Every time I have had the

chance to enjoy their products, the first thing I’ve always noticed was how fresh and crunchy their Gourmet Virginia peanuts are. After passing by the peanut-drying trailers and sheds, and the farm maintenance shop, I arrived at a small building at the back end of the farm. I was warmly greeted by Patsy Marks and David Peck. Patsy started this small operation out of her home. As her business grew, she wanted to insure the freshness and quality of what was being sent out under her name was the best. She, her husband Bob and David decided at that point to work together and create this small manufacturing facility on the Marks Farm. Upon entering this facility, the first thing you notice is the overwhelming aroma of peanuts being fresh cooked. Though this operation is considered small by most standards or comparisons, the attention to detail and quality control of their product was very impressive. According to Patsy, “David and I firmly believe that what we want to bring to the table is the freshest Virginia Peanut on the market. We do not cook any order in advance;

Meet The Ambriola Company, Inc. Ambriola is the sole importer of both the Locatelli and Auricchio branded cheeses in the United States. Ambriola markets the Locatelli branded Pecorino Romano, Ricotta Salata and Saracino table

cheese as well as the legendary Auricchio branded provolone Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano cheeses across the United States. Ambriola also markets its own brand of top

everything we produce is done after the order is received so that we know when the customer opens up our package they will get the freshest peanuts available to them!” And may I be the first to inform you, she is not kidding. During the morning I was there, I watched Darrell and David cook and prepare three different types of flavored nuts during my short visit. According to David, “The process of cooking in small batches is becoming a lost art. I am glad that we continue to produce our peanuts in this manner; there is no question that if you compare our peanuts to anyone’s, you will be able to tell the difference.” When asked about life on the farm, Patsy informed me “Farming is more than an occupation―it’s a way of life and plays a critical role in global economics and food systems. The Marks family, along with other farmers in our surrounding area and nationwide, are committed to providing the absolute best from our great American soil. We are so fortunate to see nature and its amazing beauty unfold everyday. From a tiny seed to a mature plant that helps feed the nation is Continued on Page 70

quality Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano. Luppi Brand Prosciutto di Parma along with Colombo brand Gorgonzola and Fontal are also imported and distributed by Ambriola. They will be sampling their many fine cheeses, including Auricchio Le Provolizie, a fonduta melting cheese imported from Italy. For more information, visit them online at www .ambriola.com or stop by booth 1040.

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GOURMET NEWS

A SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE OF GOURMET NEWS

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Gourmet News is published by Oser Communications Group ©2011. 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

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Introducing The Taste Of Austria If you are not yet a lover of their awardwinning wines and chocolates, Austria wants to win you over. If you already cherish the natural taste and varied flavors of their cuisine, then it is time to discover something new. Have you ever tried a salad finished with pumpkin seed oil? And did you know

that Austria’s best cheeses are made from premium cow’s milk straight from the Alps? Austrians worship the timeless beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of life. They take pains to find out where the best wild berries grow and consider it an immeasurable treasure to share a glass of wine together

Savory, Sweet Or Salty, With Natural Ingredients And Bodacious Taste Jaxn’s Twice-Baked Potato Stix® are the latest brand offering from Natural Snack baker, Bodacious Food Company. This tasty snack was developed in-house as a salty snack offering to complement their successful Geraldine’s® brand of Savory Cheese Straws and Gourmet Cookies. The company bakes three varieties of Jaxn’s Twice-Baked Potato Stix, Sea Salt &

Cracked Pepper (a gluten-free offering on AirTran and Quantas Airlines), Sour Cream & Chive, along with the latest, Sweet Potato. All flavors are gluten-free and bursting with flavor. Jaxn’s is quickly picking up distribution nationwide, driven by airline sampling and an aggressive social marketing campaign. Retailers looking for gourmet-quality

Casa Pons Olive Oil: Alive With Mediterranean Spirit Casa Pons is a family-run company specialized in the production and marketing of highquality olive oil. The Pons Family dedication to the olive oil originated in 1945, from the ancestral tradition of four family generations, and has won recognition in more than 100

countries all over the world. Casa Pons is located in Lleida, 140 Km from Barcelona, in the heart of the Catalan olive oil production area. Tradition, quality, research and technology guide each of our steps to product excellence and customer service.

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with friends and family. This love for living life in a natural way is reflected in the passion they have for high-quality food. Whether it is fresh herbs grown in the sunny, southern climate or their gourmet mustards and vinegars, chefs around the world have come to cherish Austrian specialties. With 20 percent of their farming being organic, Austria is also considered to be the number-one “organic country” in Europe.

When it comes to fruit juices or our beloved pastries, their motto is: If you don’t understand what the ingredients are, don’t buy it. They are passionate about our food, and they’re certain that you are too. To speak with an Austrian Trade Commission representative and learn more about Austria’s culinary offerings call 212-421-5250, email newyork@ advantageaustria.org or visit the Austrian Pavilion in Hall E (booth 4956-4937).

natural items for the cookie aisle have discovered Geraldine’s Key Lime, Italian Wedding and Pecan Cini-Minis fit the bill for a reasonably priced package with incredible taste. Customer loyalty plays a big part of this cookie line’s success. The unique flavors and bold taste generates repeat sales and strong word-of-mouth marketing. For over 16 years, the cornerstone of Bodacious Food Company has been Geraldine’s Aged Cheddar Cheese Straws. These delicious cheese snacks are loaded with real cheddar, which gives five grams of protein

per serving, a terrific cheese taste, and is also sugar free. The classic Southern savory, Cheese Straws are being discovered as the perfect party snack nationwide. Savory, sweet or salty, Bodacious Food Company has the snack portfolio that your customers crave. Entertaining friends since 1995! For more information, call Director of Sales Brian Myers at 561-601-3283 or company founder Cathy Cunningham Hays at 800-391-1979, email bmyers@bodacious foods.com or cathy@bodaciousfoods.com, visit geraldines.com or jaxns.com, or stop by booth 5720.

In the small village of L’Albages, Spain, Casa Pons cultivates 1000 acres of Arbequina olive trees under the strict regulations of certified organic farming. An extreme continental climate with cold winters and extremely dry and hot summers are the defining identity signs of the olives that are ground in our mill. The tiny Arbequina olives are handpicked on our terraced lands and ground in our three-granite-stone mill on the same

day they are harvested in order to preserve their maximum essence and freshness. Respecting traditional processing methods, these oils are cold-extracted through a double centrifuge spinner. The result is an extraordinary green-gold liquid with high density, aroma and fruity flavor, which will be bottled under their “Selección Familiar.” For more information, visit www .casaponsusa.net or stop by booth 2741.




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Johnston County Hams: The Perfect Cure Johnston County Hams are the epitome of a very Southern tradition. They are the result of a curing process developed, perfected and handed down from generation to generation. Back in 1946, Richard Edmonson of Smithfield, N.C. had an idea of producing country hams for retail sale at his commercial freezer locker business. However, it was in 1967 that he found the secret to Johnston County Hams success: Curemaster Jesse Brown. Jesse’s dedication for the perfect cure was uncompromising―consistently producing the aged yet delicate, nottoo-salty flavor they’re known for around the country. Sadly they lost Jesse Brown in 1996, but his legacy lives on through his son Rufus Brown, who, after working with his dad for over 14 years, carries on the winning traditions as cure master and plant manager of Johnston County Hams. Featured in Esquire, Southern Living and many other publications, Jesse’s Country Hams have become living legends. Merle Ellis, famous butcher and syndicated columnist, acclaims Johnston County Hams as the best country ham in the business. Brand new for 2011, Johnston County Hams is now offering a true masterwork of nostalgic dry-cured domestic hams from the famous Mangalitsa Pig (Wooly Pig). By

appearance alone, it impresses and dominates. The big bonus is the intense yet buttery flavor you will never surpass with any other ham. These Mangalitsa hams are a European style classic whole-leg hoof on ham product. They are also making a Mangalitsa shoulder and bacon. Johnston County Hams products are known for quality and consistency. They sell through distributors and also ship direct. As Curemaster Rufus Brown says, “We are very excited about our new Mangalitsa product line and would like for everybody to come by our booth for a sample.” Johnston County Hams can be found at booth 2631.

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GOURMET NEWS

The Latest Food Trend: Getting Sauced If sell-through is the truest measure of gourmet store success, then the team at Barhyte Specialty Foods has learned one thing about your customers: They’re all getting sauced. With Saucy Mama, that is. Saucy Mama―the company’s signature brand of marinades, mustards, dressings and other condiments released in 2009―has been selling out at stores nationwide, thanks in part to its growing popularity. Barhyte credits a few major national awards, online and in-store promotions, and plenty of wordof-mouth chatter for its meteoric growth. In just the last few months, Saucy Mama has scored recognition from some of the nation’s most prestigious national food competitions, including a 2011 Grand Prize Scovie

Award (recognizing achievement in spicy foods) and four medals from this year’s World-Wide Mustard Competition. Thanks to its increased emphasis on locally sourced, organic ingredients and the company’s dedication to continually expanding its allergy free offerings, Barhyte takes great pride in receiving recognition for its flavorful, satisfying recipes. The Oregon-based company took the gold medal in the Organic category with its Barhyte Select Organic Yellow Mustard and nabbed a second gold for its private label Henry Weinhard’s Pub Beer Mustard. The gourmet food experts further took home silver awards in the Continued on Page 34



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Day-Lee Foods Brings Authentic Asian Cuisine To The U.S.A. A Passion for Gyozas Leads to the Birth of a Leading Asian Frozen Food Brand

For over 30 years, Day-Lee Foods―a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan’s largest meat supplier, Nippon Meat Packers, Inc. (a.k.a. Nippon Ham)―has been producing restaurant-quality frozen Asian dishes that marry authenticity with value and convenience. Today a leader in authentic Asian cuisine, Day-Lee Foods began by launching one of the

first mass-produced lines of potstickers to the U.S. market under its Day-Lee Pride brand. In the last decade, Day-Lee’s gyozas spurred the creation of a host of other authentic delicacies, such as Teriyaki Chicken, Mandarin Orange Chicken and exotic Tangerine Beef, under the company’s Crazy Cuizine brand. Created with authentic Asian flavors, specialty sauces, and quality ingredients― 100-percent natural breast meat chicken

Abdallah Candies Introduces New Boxed Chocolates—Brand Strengthens Abdallah is now introducing new packaging for their everyday boxed and specialty chocolates. Rich, soft finishes contrast highly with brilliant color graphics that will make your candy display pop. Consistent graphics create a display that will grab your buyers’ focus. Dozens of varieties and sizes offer a selection for all tastes and purposes. The new boxed chocolate program completes the already successful single-serve chocolate and wrapped caramel impulse-buy program that Abdallah offers. The company focuses on both prepackaged and bulk chocolates. Packaged candies consist of wrapped caramels, wrapped chocolate singles, boxed chocolates, bagged candies and sugar free.

Abdallah not only has complete seasonal selections but they pay particular attention to their everyday chocolates. Non-seasonal purchases not only strengthen upcoming seasonal sales, but also mean increased sales year round. Abdallah’s offerings makes this work by offering chocolates that are not only great gifts, but at the same time have an appearance and a retail price that is unintimidating and entice buyers not to forget themselves and to reward their own indulgence. Bulk chocolates consist of more than 200 varieties including chocolates, truffles, toffees, nuts, clusters, crunches, chews, bulk caramel and sugar free. Selections include traditional and jumbo sized chocolates for repacking or for your candy case. If you’re

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processed with batter or steamgrilled, along with extremely lean beef from hand-trimmed top round pieces treated in a pure vegetable oil process―Day-Lee Foods’ products are high in protein, easy to prepare, and free of the preservatives trans-fat and MSG. Day-Lee Foods is also now launching a new Purely Asian Brand, which combines fresh vegetables with its premium-quality meat selections. Currently the number two Asian frozen food brand in Southern California, and one of the top Asian frozen food brands in the country, Day-Lee Foods is proving to be a

significant force behind the rapid growth of the frozen Asian cuisine category. Day-Lee Foods, Inc. is based in Santa Fe Springs, California and ships products nationwide to both retail and foodservice customers. All Day-Lee Foods’ ingredients are U.S. sourced and the dishes are made at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Southern California, which has received four consecutive “Gold” standard awards for food safety and quality practices by Silliker. To learn more about Day-Lee Foods, visit crazycuizine.com or by booth 231.

looking for a custom refrigerated case they have that too—complete with free chocolates! If you don’t know about Abdallah, a 102year old manufacturer of chocolates and candies located in Minnesota, you’re missing an opportunity that will change your strategy when it comes to having superior quality at an affordable, everyday price that will boost sales quicker than any manufacture in its category. High quality, vast selections of prepackaged and bulk candies, and their commitment to products that sell day in and day out are all a result of more than a century of experience and their primary business objective: high quality should be affordable and the combination will grow your sales. “Superior chocolates and confections have become our vocation, not a business plan,” stated Abdallah Candies CEO Steve Hegedus. The fourth generation owner added, “as others compromise quality by cutting costs,

we set ourselves apart by asking ourselves how we can make our candy better.” It is difficult in today’s business climate to not take this simple idea for granted. Take their fresh cream truffles, for example. Abdallah has just completed an upgrade to its traditional line of truffles that are second to none when it comes to a traditional rich chocolate truffle ganache center. Offered in two sizes, truffles come in nine flavors and growing. Abdallah Candies manufactures at its 65,000-square-foot facility in Burnsville, Minn. More than 100 employees work two shifts to produce its chocolates and caramel for its wholesale operations. Manufacturing capabilities include enrobing, shell molding, bar forming, depositing, piston filling, extruding, and continuous caramel and toffee cooking. See them at Summer Fancy Foods booth 2005, or contact Abdallah Candies at 800348-7328 or visit www.abdallahcandies.com.





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Meet the Master Cheese Maker: Joe Widmer, Widmer’s Cheese Cellars Entering Widmer’s Cheese Cellars in the tiny town of Theresa, Wis. is like stepping back in time. Adorned with the flags of Swiss cantons on the outside, the plant inside affords visitors a close-up look at the making of some of the Dairy State’s best, most classic cheese varieties. Just a step down from a small retail area sits the “make room,” its traditional open vats being carefully tended, curds being stirred or hand-scooped into forms, or the famous Widmer bricks being gently placed atop the forms to press the whey out of the signature Brick cheese. The plant itself, purchased by the Swiss immigrant John O. Widmer in 1922, has been home—literally—to three generations

of Widmer cheesemakers. “It’s a classic Wisconsin cheese plant,” says current owner Joe Widmer, who, like his father before him, grew up in the rooms above the plant and who raised his children here, as well. “Very little has changed in the 80-plus years that my family has been making cheese here,” he says. For Widmer, growing up in a cheesemaking family instilled in him great pride in producing top-quality cheese and a reverence for doing things “the old-fashioned way.” “From the time I was 6 years old, I remember helping out in the plant,” he says. “I’d come down in the morning and do my job before going to school. At the end of the day,

Buddy Squirrel Looks New, But Ingredients, Recipes Haven’t Changed The chocolate confections business launched on the cobblestone streets of Milwaukee, Wis. continues to delight today’s customers with treats like Fairy Food™, Pecan Caramel Tads™, cordials, butter almond toffee, crèmes, nougats and meltaways―as well as a legendary line of gourmet popcorns and premium nuts. In 1916, Joseph Helminiak and his wife,

Lottie, introduced their handmade chocolate confections, naming their business Quality Candy Shoppes to reflect their commitment to using the finest, freshest ingredients. The business grew to multiple retail locations and, in the 1960s, the Buddy Squirrel nut roasting and snack mix operation was acquired. In 1985, Quality Candy/Buddy Squirrel opened a 45,000-

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I always took pride in the fine products my father had made and in his commitment to always be the best he could be. That’s what keeps me going and makes me believe that sticking to tradition—not taking any short cuts—is the way to go. The way I see it, it’s like comparing Grandma’s donuts to Dunkin’ Donuts. I’ll take Grandma’s every time.” Widmer left the family business after high school to pursue other dreams, but eventually came back to cheesemaking. Today, Widmer’s cheese is widely hailed for its authenticity, handcrafted quality and consistency. The company makes a wide range of cheeses, but is best know for its traditional stirred-curd Wisconsin Colby, award-winning aged Cheddar and, of course, classic Wisconsin Aged Brick. “Brick, particularly the surface-ripened, foil-wrapped version, has always been our calling card,” Widmer says. “It’s a Wisconsin

cheese original and is one of the finest cheeses we make. Because it’s a washed-rind cheese that’s aged longer, it develops robust flavors. We’re seeing demand for it increasing as consumers seek out more distinctive artisanal cheeses.” Following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, Widmer says he’ll continue to maintain and grow his family’s cheesemaking traditions. And, like his father, he strives to never stop learning. He’s one of a handful of cheesemakers in Wisconsin to have earned the title of Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker, having completed a rigorous three-year advanced training program for veteran cheesemakers. Widmer has completed the course not once, but twice, earning Master certification in Brick, Cheddar and Colby varieties. To learn more about Widmer’s fine selection of cheeses, visit www.widmers cheese.com.

square-foot facility in St. Francis, Wisconsin, adding a 15,000-square-foot distribution center in 2001. The tradition of excellence started by Joseph and Lottie continued under family ownership for the next two generations. In June 2010, Milwaukee-based investors led by Trevor D’Souza and Richard Koenings bought the firm’s assets and renamed the company Buddy Squirrel, LLC. The new owners have updated the Buddy SquirrelTM logo and look, but inside the packaging are the same products customers have always loved. The firm is committed to using the precise recipes, ingredients and made-by-hand processes developed over

nearly 100 years in the business. Today, Buddy Squirrel operates three retail locations in the Milwaukee area, with plans to open more. The firm’s handmade confections and premium nuts are offered through wholesalers across the country and can be purchased under numerous private labels, as well as the Buddy Squirrel brand. Products are also sold through the Buddy Squirrel (www.buddysquirrel.com) website. As always, each batch is produced to order, ensuring maximum freshness. And as it has been from the very beginning, the Buddy Squirrel commitment is to excellence in taste, service and quality. Stop by booth 1010 to learn more.


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Old Amsterdam Wins Superior Taste Award Plus Crystal Award In Brussels, for the third consecutive year, the ITQI has awarded Old Amsterdam the Superior Taste Award. The ITQI is an independent organization of chefs, sommeliers and drink experts, focused entirely on the assessment of high-quality food and drinks. The culinary expert jury carries out blind tests. Apart from its flavor, Old Amsterdam cheese is also tested for its smell and structure. The Superior Taste Award is like a Michelin star for the food and drinks industry. Old Amsterdam won the Superior Taste Award with three stars. This means that the cheese has been qualified in the highest category: exceptional products with more than 90 percent out of the total points. In addition, Old Amsterdam also won the Crystal Taste Award. The Crystal Taste Award is awarded to products that are crowned with three stars for three consecutive years. It is the highest recognition for continuous proof of excellent taste.

International Character Previously, Old Amsterdam won the gold medal in the aged gouda category at the Wisconsin World Championship Cheese Contest in 2010 and achieved gold eight times at the Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft international food competition. Senior Brand Manager Rogier Snoeks: “Again, we’re extremely pleased to have won such a prestigious award. And three years in a row no less. To me, it’s solid proof that we deliver constant quality with Old Amsterdam and that the food professionals too appreciate us.” Old Amsterdam is a premium imported Aged Gouda with an irresistible smooth, rich and robust taste. To learn more about Old Amsterdam, visit www.oldamsterdam.com or stop by the Westland Holland Cheese booth 5649. Exclusively imported by Norseland Inc.

Mantova Spray Extra Virgin Olive Oil Mantova Spray Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a new concept in the olive oil industry. There are a lot of other sprays in the market, and this makes them all look alike. In reality, this item is totally different from other sprays. There are differences in how this item is produced, in the ingredients and in where it can be used. Let’s explain how it works: this product uses a new Bag In Valve spray system; inside the can is a bag that keeps their quality olive oil separate from compressed air, so there is no aerosol, water or any other ingredient mixed with the olive oil. Another difference between Mantova Spray Extra Virgin Olive Oil and other sprays is that Mantova has only one ingredient: Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Other sprays on the market have a mix of ingredients, including propellant, water and other artificial substances.

Mantova Spray Extra Virgin Olive Oil isn’t a “no-stick cooking spray”―Mantova is a finishing, and it is used wherever extra virgin olive oil is used: grilling, pasta, pizza, toasted bread, salad, meat, poultry and more. Here are some advantages of this product: • All natural Ingredient: 100 percent extra virgin olive oil • Spread better in dishes • More taste when you use Mantova brand • Use less oil than when you use bottle of oil • As oil is not in contact with light, the oil stays fresh Join Fine Italian Food at the Fancy Food show, where they’ll be presenting Mantova Spray Extra Virgin Olive Oil with garlic, truffle and chili. For more information, call 630-904-0002, email info@fineitalianfood.com, visit www .fineitalianfood.com or stop by booth 1746.

Getting What You Pay For: 100% Tunisian Olive Oil Quality Assurance With U.S. food and nutrition quality under more scrutiny, selecting a 100% Tunisian olive oil makes more sense than ever. Evidence of adulterated and mislabeled olive oils have been reported in the news with disturbing regularity, making consumers more cautious and, worse, more confused about a product that contributes significantly to healthy eating. “Which olive oil should I buy?” is a frequent question consumers ask when they are faced with dozens of olive oil brand choices from all over the world. As the world’s fourth largest olive oil producer, Tunisian olive oil has earned a reputation for outstanding quality and purity. In fact, Tunisians have been olive oil experts since the 8th-century B.C. Until recently, most of the olive oil produced there was exported to Italy and Spain, where it was blended with their native oils to enhance quality and flavor. In the past few years, Tunisia has been successfully

exporting its unique varieties of olive oil to the U.S.A., Europe and Asia as 100% Tunisian olive oil from a number of regional producers. Increasingly, Tunisian olive oils are becoming more common in leading U.S. specialty-food grocers, and a stringent quality assurance statement backs up each one. For a Tunisian olive oil to qualify as 100% Tunisian, each grower must carefully monitor the entire production process in order to meet government testing through chemical laboratory analysis, statistical reviews by quality control engineers and, of course, pass the taste tests of a panel of olive oil experts. Only the very best oils receive the necessary certification and documentation that allows for export with the 100% Tunisian label. 100% Tunisian olive oil is available in unique cultivars such as Chétoui, Oueslati, Continued on Page 34


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Braswell’s Celebrates 65th Anniversary With Two sofi Award Nominations For 65 years, Braswell Food Company has matched outstanding recipes with innovative, attractive packaging and has become the leader in the specialty condiment and preserve industry. In 2011, Braswell’s is building on the success of the new, distinctive glass serving carafe packaging with the introduction of its Braswell’s Select Mustards and Relishes. These products are made with premium, hand-crafted ingredients and flavors. They are packaged in distinctive reusable French juice glasses that are as attractive as they are Earth-friendly. At the Summer Fancy Food Show

Braswell’s will also be featuring its extremely successful line of Carafe Dressings. These beautiful carafes are filled with the all-natural and popular dressing flavors that have made Braswell’s a leader in the gourmet salad dressing category, including Peach Vanilla, Vidalia Onion & Summer Tomato, Vidalia Onion Peppercorn, Raspberry Vinaigrette and Balsamic Vinaigrette. The embossed carafes also feature beautiful hang tags that are full of recipes and serving suggestions. Braswell Food Company has been selected as a Silver Finalist in two categories

Flamous Brands Offers Health And Taste In Every Bite Sam Shehayeb, CEO of Flamous Brands, discusses his company’s products and outlook.

GN: Tell our readers a little about your company. What’s your main line of business?

SS: Flamous Brands, Inc. was developed out of a need to make products that are healthy and delicious. We will only produce a product that we would feel comfortable serving

to our families. Our main focus is finding the right blend of both health and taste, because there’s really no point if you don’t have both! GN: What would you say makes your company unique?

SS: Flamous engages in innovating foods that are first in the market: the first Falafel Chips and the world’s first Hummus Dressing. Our uniqueness is based on a Mediterranean diet that has been proven for centuries to be balanced in nutrition, balanced in taste, sustainable, and has low or no allergens.

GN: Are you introducing any new products?

SS: We are always looking to expand our line of products. Our main focus is branching out into different sizes. Right now, our main staple is our eight-ounce Organic Falafel Chips (available in Original and Spicy flavors), but we’ve seen such a huge demand for other options that we’ve developed an All Natural variety. It’s the same amazing product in a convenient, ready-to-eat package. We are also continuing research and development on our line of Hummus Dressings and Dips.

GN: What products do you see as being hottest this year?

SS: Clearly, the trends have been geared towards healthy, innovative products that offer a

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in the 2011 NASFT sofi Awards Competition. Braswell’s Select Smoky Chipotle Mustard was selected as a finalist in the Outstanding Condiment category and Braswell’s Select Balsamic Sweet Onion Jam was selected as an Outstanding Jam, Preserve, Honey or Nut Butter Finalist. As a Silver Finalist in the competition, Braswell’s will be featured in a red-carpet awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. that will be hosted by noted Iron Chef and television food personality Cat Cora. The Braswell’s Select line consists of gourmet teas, seafood accompaniments, dressings and dipping sauces that are made in small, hand-stirred batches using only the finest ingredients. What makes them unique beyond their exquisite taste is that they are packaged in fine European, reusable glassware that consumers enjoy collecting and using again and again, year after year. Perfect for everyday use as well

as entertaining, this glassware is a throwback to the jelly jar glasses we so fondly remember, but they have a distinctly modern look and elegant flair. In a time when most things aren’t made to last, Braswell’s Selects are a treat for the senses and an environmentally conscientious choice. The Braswell’s Select line also includes more than 20 delicious preserves, jams, honey and fruit butters―all made with the finest all natural ingredients in small hand-stirred batches. They come in 15- and 13-ounce highball and old-fashioned glasses, and 7.75-ounce tumblers. Popular flavors include Peach Apricot with Sauterne Preserves, Blueberry Preserves and the ever popular Fig Preserves. For more information about Braswell’s products, visit them at www.braswells.com or in person at the Washington, D.C. Fancy Food Show, booth 5639 or at AmericasMart Atlanta, Building 2, Floor 2, booth number 319.

combination of healthy, delicious and convenient items. Organic and Non-GMO products have really gained momentum lately, and more and more consumers are realizing just how important it is to support companies that work hard to ensure that delicious and healthy food is being produced in a way that is not harmful to our families or our planet. Gluten-free products are another major trend in the marketplace as people are discovering an intolerance. Making sure that people with Celiac Disease can live and eat without a sense of deprivation is incredibly important. Certainly, our products fall in line with all of these trends.

objectives, plans, products, promotions, etc.

GN: What distinguishes your products from the competition?

SS: We were the world’s first creator of Falafel Chips, and we are incredibly proud of that fact. We’ve noticed many other companies and products trying to imitate the offering, taste, flavor, etc. We like that our mission and our product is a positive trend on the snack market. Our products are 100percent USDA Certified Organic, Certified Gluten Free, Vegan, Kosher, GMO Free, and they taste out of this world. Containing over 23 different herbs, vegetables and spices, Falafel Chips are the perfect (healthy) vehicle for hummus, bean dips, salsas and guacamole. And this one really sets us apart: the vegetables and spices included in each single one-ounce serving of our Falafel Chip recipe contain the equivalent antioxidant potency to a 3.3-ounce glass of vegetable juice or a 3.3-ounce cup of green tea. Love that! GN: Tell our readers about your trade show

Bertie County Peanuts: A Family Tradition Bertie County Peanuts was launched in 1992 in Windsor, North Carolina by Powell & Stokes, Inc. Powell & Stokes is a farm supply and bulk peanut buying company that was founded in 1919 by the Powell and Stokes families. The families have been producing peanuts since at least 1898. Bertie County Peanuts was founded on the simple principle that consumers deserve only the best peanut product. Thus, the company produces peanut products that are made only

SS: Each show presents its own unique opportunities, and the Fancy Food Show has always been great for us. We plan to reinforce our organic line, while at the same time developing interest in our newer products. Promotions are offered to both first time and repeat buyers, with an emphasis on in-store promotions and sampling because it really does help spread the word about our growing company and our delicious products.

GN: What is your outlook in general for this product line?

SS: More and more companies will follow the tasty, healthy trend. Consumers today are very savvy and requiring not just tasty, healthy and readily available snacks. They do not even accept a compromise. What consumers want is all of it. We responded, and others will do the same.

GN: To what do you attribute your company’s success?

SS: Hard work, dedication, a fantastic team, and great timing and commitment to quality. Granted the economy and many of us are struggling, we remain positive and focused on the positive trend with our nation geared towards healthy eating and building happy, healthy families with a total-value line of products.

For more information, please call Flamous at 626-551-3201, email info@flamous brands.com or stop by booth 5333.

from Super Extra Large Virginia type peanuts. Super Extra Large peanuts are the largest peanuts on the retail market and because of their size and taste are considered a true gourmet peanut. The peanuts used by Bertie County Peanuts are locally grown and then packaged in recyclable plastic jars so that the products are visible to the consumer. Bertie County Peanuts began as a small retail arm of the larger farm supply business. However, due to the outstanding quality of the award-winning peanut products, the business has experienced tremendous growth over the past 19 years. Continued on Page 34



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Looking For Superior Cocktail Mixers? Look For Fever-Tree Fever-Tree is a cocktail mixer company that has two strategic business advantages. They saw a void in the mixer market and successfully filled it, and they have gone to extreme lengths to hunt down premium ingredients around the world for their range of cocktail mixers. In 2004, two entrepreneurs realized that the mixers used to make their favorite gin and tonics were abysmal. Dominated by low quality offerings that show little regard for taste or enjoyment, the mixer market is defined by synthetic colors and cloying flavors. They hit upon the idea to create a luxury mixer that would enhance the flavor of premium spirits rather than drown it. And so grew the seeds for the product called Fever-Tree. Replacing artificial flavors with the highest quality natural ingredients, sourced from small specialist suppliers around the world, has set the Fever-Tree mixer range apart. The brand name, Fever-Tree, was chosen due to “Fever-Tree” being the colloquial name for the cinchona tree in which quinine, the key ingredient for tonic, is derived. Quinine is an ingredient well documented for its curative powers from treating malaria to reducing fevers. The Fever-Tree range consists of Indian Tonic Water, Naturally Light Tonic Water, Ginger Ale, Bitter Lemon, Club Soda and

Ginger Beer. Also available outside of the US is a Naturally Light Ginger Beer, Lemonade and a Mediterranean Tonic Water. The range is made with premium ingredients sourced from around the world, including quinine from Congo; gingers from the Ivory Coast, Cochin and Nigeria; lemon oil from Sicily and orange oil from Tanzania. Worldwide sales have doubled in the past year, and more upscale hotels and restaurants, as well as premium retailers, are bringing Fever-Tree on board. FeverTree’s range of premium natural mixers has pioneered a new drinks category worldwide and is changing both customers’ and the drinks industry’s perception of the importance of the mixer. Fever-Tree is imported to the U.S. by Brands of Britain, LLC, a source for key food & beverage brands from the United Kingdom. The company provides US retail and distribution partners an efficient method to source category leaders and innovative products from Britain. Brands of Britain’s fine family of foods include: Taylors of Harrogate Tea, Fever-Tree Mixers, Dean’s Oat Cookies and Shortbreads, Eat Natural Bars and Highland Spring water. For more information about Fever-Tree’s line of products, visit fever-tree.com or stop by Brands of Britain at booth 1601.

Got Wine? Get Cookies & Corks Cookies & Corks is a creative cookie line from CookieZen™, offering sweet and savory bite-sized cookies made with distinctive ingredients that are packaged to be paired with dry wines. Apricot, espresso, sage, lemon and sea salt are a few of the unexpected flavors in Cookies & Corks’ cookies that create a surprising complement to a variety of wines. Cookies & Corks have a six-month shelf life, yet contain no artificial preservatives. They are packaged in three separate boxes to be paired with red, white or sparkling wine. Each box contains three cookie types. The vibrant Cookies & Corks packaging includes a tailored wine and cookie pairing guide, offering suggestions of wine varietals to be paired with the specific cookie flavors. Fifteen cookies come in each box―five of each of the following cookie-types in the boxes listed below. Suggested retail is $7.95. Red Wine Pairing Box: Espresso Chocolate Peanut Butter, Shortbread and White Cheddar Rosemary White Wine Pairing Box: Peanut Butter Chocolate, Ginger Molasses and Apricot Sage Sparkling Wine Pairing Box: Zesty Lemon, Sea Salt Chocolate Oatmeal and Parmesan Thyme

Debuting at the 57th Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington DC are Single Flavor Packs. Retailers asked, we delivered―now the consumer can buy their favorite Cookies & Corks cookie in a box with five of one cookie type including a wine pairing guide for each wine type (red, white and sparkling). It’s a great “grab & go” item for

merchandising throughout stores, wineries and gift baskets. Six flavors are available: Apricot Sage, Ginger Molasses, Zesty Lemon, Sea Salt Chocolate Oatmeal, Espresso Chocolate Peanut Butter and White Cheddar Rosemary. Suggested retail is $3.00. Cookies & Corks’ cookies are a thoughtful gift for anyone with a taste for gourmet treats, wine or both. The company also suggests using the cookies as an accessible, fun food and wine pairing experience at a dinner party, shower, picnic, book club or simply a Cookies & Corks tasting party with friends. Customers can find a downloadable expanded pairing guide on their website that pairs each cookie with several different wine types. They encourage people to “Sip Your Wine, Bite Our Cookie, Sip Your Wine, Enjoy!”

About the Founders Leah Kuo and Laura Englander are the creative minds who blended their creative culinary talents and savvy marketing sense to create Cookies & Corks. The duo also tapped into wine columnist and Le Cordon Bleutrained Amy Reiley, one of the foremost educated women in food and wine, as their official Cookie & Wine Pairing Advisor. Cookies & Corks launched in 2010. Their Cookies are available in several locations across the country including Amazon.com, Whole Foods and BevMo! stores. For more information, or to become a retailer, please call 703-389-9274, visit www.cookies andcorks.com, contact Laura Englander at lenglander@cookiezen.com or visit them at booth 2833.





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Caribbean Pavilion Filled With Flavorful Treasures More than 100 authentic Caribbean products featured

For three days, it will be easy to get a taste of the Caribbean. More than 100 products will be available in the Caribbean Pavilion at this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C. More than 30 exhibitors will present authentic products from Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago. Innovative foods and beverages include sauces, syrups, spices

and seasonings, condiments, honey, candy, snacks, baked goods, tea, juices, rum, homemade fruit wine, rum, sodas, and beer made with distinctive Caribbean ingredients and methods. Among the featured products is awardwinning Banks Beer, from Banks (Barbados) Breweries Ltd. Banks Beer has consistently been the #1 choice among beer drinkers in Barbados and Guyana since it was first produced in the early 1950s. The premium pilsner style lager is brewed from a pure classic blend of two-row British and Canadian

Cave-Aged Cheeses From America’s First Blue Cheese Plant Within the sandstone walls of the caves of Faribault, MN lies a great history of cheese making, dating back to the early 1900’s when the caves became the site of the first blue cheese plant in America. Today, the Caves of Faribault®, formerly known as Faribault Dairy, continues the legend by curing and aging its cheeses exclusively in sandstone caves. The company’s Amablu® branded cheeses are hand-crafted on site at the Faribault plant before making their way into the caves, and the amount of time spent in the caves determines each cheese’s flavor profile. AmaBlu

Blue cheese is aged 75 days to create a tangy, not-too-sharp flavor. Its cohort, AmaGorg® Gorgonzola, is aged 90 days and displays more sharpness, in addition to being sweeter and drier than the blue. Both are excellent additions to a steak or hamburger, or crumbled over a salad. AmaBlu and AmaGorg are available in wedges, crumble cups, crumble pouches, crumble bags and whole wheels. The premium variety, AmaBlu St. Pete’s Select®, is aged over 100 days and exhibits a creamy, slightly peppery, complex flavor worthy of its signature status. St. Pete’s Select is available in wedges, crumble bags

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malted barleys deliciously flavored by Galena and Styrian Goldings aroma hops. Naturally filtered water, along with a special strain of yeast, gives Banks Beer its exceptional Caribbean character and distinctive quality. Barbados Breweries also produces Guinness Stout, one of the most recognizable beer brands in the world, under license by Banks Breweries. Caribbean food and beverages are known for being healthy, natural and made primarily from locally grown ingredients. Jamaica is well known for its fresh, spicy peppers, especially the Scotch Bonnet, as well as fresh tamarind and other spices. Some products on display, like ginger mint from Trinidad and Tobago, boast medicinal qualities. Refreshing beverages boast

exciting citrus blends and exotic flavors like coconut and grapefruit. Caribbean Pavilion will also promote several items not associated with island life, such as bubble gum, cereal and hot chocolate, exotic wines, and frozen ready-to-eat meals. A new twist for this year’s showcase is a daily prize giveaway by the Caribbean Export Development Agency, organizers of the Caribbean Pavilion. Food industry insiders will learn more if they follow the Caribbean Pavilion on social media, like Facebook and Twitter, according to Sam Kruiner, Grant Advisor to the Agency. All told, a Caribbean treasure trove awaits discovery in the nation’s capital. For more information, visit www.caribbeanpavilion.com and Fancy Food Show booths 4241-4354.

and wheels. Caves of Faribault also produces seasonal varieties of Blue, such as Verdant™, which owes its unique flavor to lush Minnesota pasture grazing. This deliciously creamy Blue is then cave-aged for over 100 days and pairs well with a crisp apple or a dessert wine. It is available in wheels. Another seasonal delight is Faribault’s Blues and Brews™ series, a delightful combination of St. Pete’s Select Blue cheese bathed in Summit Brewing® beer. Weeks of this beer bath intensify the natural blue flavor and give this cheese an earthy, clean finish. These cheeses are available in half-wheels. In addition to Blue varieties, Caves of Faribault also ages specialty Gouda and

Cheddar. St. Mary’s™ Gouda, made in Wisconsin, responds beautifully to cave-finishing and displays a smooth, buttery sharpness with a hint of caramel. Jeffs’ Select Gouda, made in Wisconsin, is a full-bodied cheese that displays subtle caramel notes and a classic European nuttiness. Both Goudas are available in wheels. After two years of conventional aging, Wisconsin-made Fini™ Cheddar makes its way into the caves where cave-finishing accentuates the floral nuances and gives this cheese a smooth, yet sharp flavor profile. Fini is available in loaves. For more information, visit www.cavesof faribault.com or sample these cheeses at booth 5965.



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Figi’s Business Services Offers Quality Products To The Specialty Gift Market Figi’s Inc. has been a leader in the direct-toconsumer food, gift, and specialty gift business for over 65 years and is a dominant player in the $18 billion food gifting market. Figi’s Business Services, the wholesale division of Figi’s direct-to-consumer food and gift business, has built upon the success of its parent company by upholding the brand’s enviable reputation for quality products. As with the direct mail division, retailers

offering Figi’s gift sets and bagged chocolates recognize they are offering their consumers premium taste and value. Figi’s Business Services also emphasizes customer service and loyalty, with its broad variety of high-quality, distinctive food products. Sensitive to the fact that every family’s gift buying needs are different, Figi’s offers its retail consumers gifts across a wide range of affordable price points from $6.99 to

Consumers Enchanted By A Better Chocolate Experience Of Artisanal Belgian Chocolate Truffles When it comes to gourmet chocolate, Belgian chocolate delivers the world’s best experience. It is the meticulous attention to detail and true, old-world artisanal craftsmanship used by Belgian Master Chocolatiers that creates the superior gourmet chocolates Belgium is known for. Whether consumers want to reward themselves with a personal treat or to give an elegant gift loved by everyone, Belgian chocolate truffles enchant consumers. This enchantment is driven by a better chocolate experience, one that comes from the Belgian attention to detail, their selection of the finest ingredients, the use of 100-percent pure

cocoa butter and the exacting production standards that deliver a maximum fineness resulting in a heavenly creamy chocolate texture. Fortunately, consumers living in the USA don’t have to travel abroad to find authentic Belgian chocolate truffles. Guylian, The World’s Favourite Belgian Chocolate, is currently launching their artisanal chocolate truffles in the USA. Guylian, the maker of the original seashell chocolates, has a Belgian chocolate heritage. Guy Foubert was a passionate Belgian Chocolatier making handmade chocolate truffles in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. In 1958, Guy and Liliane joined their names, both in marriage and in their

Meaty Bolognese Sauce ... Without The Meat Consumers who crave an authentic, meaty Bolognese sauce, without the actual meat, now can have a healthier organic, vegetarian version of the classic dish. Italian Foods Corporation, an importer of traditional regional Italian foods, is introducing its new LaPiana® Vegetarian Bolognese Pasta Sauce, along with a number of other new delicacies. The vegetarian Bolognese sauce is USDAcertified organic and made in Italy with a traditional recipe and methods, substituting the beef with soy, according to Francesca Lapiana-Krause, Sales Director. “We have wanted to introduce an organic, vegetarian Bolognese sauce for a long time,” LapianaKrause said, “and now we finally have found

one that retains the authentic flavor of the traditional sauce. It is so delicious you wouldn’t know it does not have meat in it.” The new sauce combines organic tomatoes, onion, carrots, celery and extra virgin olive oil with ground-beef-like crumbles of soy to give the sauce its traditional meaty texture. It may be served over pasta and rice or as a meat sauce for lasagna. The sauce also may be used as a condiment in sandwiches and for dipping with crusty bread. Other new products that Italian Foods will be featuring at the show include LaPiana Tomato & Garlic Bruschetta, LaPiana Grilled Cipolline Onions, and its line of higher-quality balsamic vinegars from Mod-

DeBrand Chocolatier Brings Fine Chocolates To Wholesale After constant requests from gourmet retailers, DeBrand Chocolatier has begun selectively branching out into wholesaling. Having garnered an elite reputation, DeBrand continues to produce fine chocolates that are second to none in taste, beauty and presentation, which remains the foundation for everything they do. Tasting Bars: Wrapped in stunning packaging that reflects the quality of the chocolate within, DeBrand’s delightful “Tasting Bars” are molded

with varying piece sizes for a “nibble,” “bite” or “chunk.”

Classic Collection & The Classics: Classic favorites make up DeBrand’s most popular collection, “The Classic Collection,” giving it a wonderful broad appeal. Included are luscious caramel variations, all-natural fruit creams that burst with flavor, and more. Conveniently and attractively packaged, “The Classics” offer an ideal price point and presentation of DeBrand’s most coveted

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$39.99. So whether your customers are looking for tasty, high-quality Wisconsin cheeses, meats, or bagged chocolates, they know that Figi’s will offer the best in quality AND value! Serving retailers nationwide from its headquarters in Marshfield, Wisconsin, Figi’s Business Services’ retail team is consistently focused on innovation for their brand and consumers. The team recently introduced a completely new retail packaging design, plus additional offerings for its meat and cheese gift sets and bagged chocolates that has met with widespread approval from retail buyers.

The Bagged Chocolate assortment has just been increased with the addition of Moo Mix, a sweet assortment of caramel popcorn and nuts. The Boxed gift line has added a seasonal look to the current everyday designs. Figi’s and Figi’s wholesale division only offer food products that are made in the U.S.A. With distinctive and high-quality products and a focus on great service, Figi’s Business Services should be your partner to grow your food-gifting business for 2011 and beyond. Learn more about Figi’s Business Services by stopping by booth 5060.

company name, creating Chocolaterie Guylian: a small, artisanal chocolate maker. Today, Guylian crafts the finest authentic Belgian chocolate truffles, selling them to chocolate lovers in Belgium and in more than 100 countries across the world. “Belgian chocolate is magically sensorial. It is a product that allows consumers to treat themselves with an indulgent escape every day,” said Michael Cobb, President of Guylian USA Inc. “Belgian chocolate, to the consumer, is a luxuriously rich & creamy reward.” “The Guylian experience is truly remarkable,” Cobb continued. “It is a full sensorial journey that is best when shared and slowly savored.” Guylian stands apart from other domestic premium chocolates. As an imported artisanal chocolate truffle, the entire Guylian experience is unique for the specialty chocolate category. The Guylian chocolate truffles are visually

stunning, with their crafted seashell shapes and the glow of the unique marbling of pure, silky smooth milk, dark and white Belgian chocolates. As the truffles are selected, the consumer feels the 100-percent cocoa butter, the magical ingredient in premium chocolates, as it begins to melt on the fingertips. Next, the sensuous chocolate aroma and hints of roasted hazelnuts envelopes the mind. Then, the consumer is enchanted as they taste the luxuriously rich and creamy Belgian chocolate truffle. Given the Belgian expertise, the quality ingredients and the artisanal approach for creating artisanal chocolate truffles, it is no wonder more consumers are slowing down to savour a better chocolate experience. For more information about authentic, imported Belgian chocolate truffles from Guylian, please visit the new Guylian U.S. website at www.guylianbelgian Chocolate.com or stop by booth 3517.

ena with increased densities and new packaging. In keeping with European Union requirements that no longer allow labels to indicate how many years of aging, Italian Foods labels the vinegars with gold, silver and bronze to help consumers differentiate the qualities of the vinegars, Lapiana-Krause said. Its highest-density LaPiana Romantica Gran Riserva Balsamic Vinegar also has new red metallic labeling dramatically presented against a black bottle. Produced in the Liguria region of Northern Italy, the new Tomato & Garlic Bruschetta is filled with fresh tomatoes and flavored with fresh garlic, extra virgin olive oil, basil and a splash of wine vinegar. The Tomato & Garlic Bruschetta is the most traditional of the toppings typically served atop grilled bread. LaPiana Grilled Cipolline Onions also are imported from Northern Italy. The flavor of the

small, flat cipolline borettane onions is intensified by grilling, and then they are lightly flavored with spirit vinegar, garlic, parsley and chili pepper. They can be used for antipasti right from the jar or drizzled with balsamic vinegar for an appetizer or side dish and make a great addition to soups, casseroles, sandwiches, salads or pizza, says Lapiana-Krause. LaPiana Vegetarian Bolognese Pasta Sauce is packaged in 19.4-ounce jars with a suggested retail price of $9.49. Suggested retail prices of the vinegars, which come in 8.4-ounce decorative bottles, are $9.99 for the Bronze, $18.99 for the Silver, $26.99 for the Gold and $33 for the Romantica. The new bruschetta and the cipolline onions are packaged in 10-ounce jars with suggested retail prices of $6.99 and $7.49 respectively. For more information, call 888-5167262, visit www.italianfoods.com or stop by booth 2815.

pieces: The Nutcracker, Dark Raspberries & Cream, Chocolate Silk and Rose Carmella.

Chocolate Indulgences: Milk or Dark Chocolate Deluxe Nuts, Peanut Butter Cups, DeBrand Mints, Toffee & Almonds, and Milk or Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordials. These individual boxes are the perfect treat when customers want to indulge in their favorites or give as gifts.

Chocolate Thoughts™: Solid milk or dark chocolate bars enclosed in beautiful GoldPaks™ or CopperPaks™ packaging. Paks offer convenient slots to hold your store’s gift card, note card or business card. Excellent add-on sales!

Faces of the World: Appealing to the chocolate connoisseur, “Faces of the World” features unique ingredients in creamy chocolate blends that represent cultures from around the world. Rich, elegant packaging highlights the beauty of this collection and includes five flavors: Tahini, Ginger, Java, Hazel and Caliente.

Unique Chocolates: Metallic and realistic, DeBrand’s “Pennies from Heaven” and “Chocolate Race Cars” are ever-popular novelty items. Each milk chocolate shape is molded to fit the threedimensional package surrounding it. For more information, call 260-969-8335 and ask for the wholesale division, email wholesale@debrand.com, visit www .debrand.com or stop by booth 5130.





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Ferrara Pan (Con’t. from p. 1)

wrapped in elegant gold packaging and are available in a 12-count display tray and 48count shipper, as well as a 48-count power panel for incremental sales. Because consumers are seeking portion control and “affordable indulgences,” Saucy Mama (Con’t. from p. 14)

Herb/Veggie as well as the Fruit Categories with its Willamette Valley Dill Mustard and its Saucy Mama Apricot Ginger Mustard, respectively. Saucy Mama Hot Wing Sauce also took third place in the Scovie Awards’ traditional hot wing sauce category. Currently, Saucy Mama offers 27 different condiments, including its latest tasty introducTunisian Olive Oil (Con’t. from p. 21)

and Chemlali that are the product of a long, frost-free growing season that is found only in this Southern Mediterranean, North African countryside. Retailers are also warming up to 100% Bertie County Peanuts (Con’t. from p. 22)

The product line is diverse and includes as its focal point and largest seller Super Extra Large Blister Fried Cocktail Peanuts. Sweet products are best sellers and include: Chocolate Covered Peanuts, Butterscotch Covered Peanuts, Chocolate Covered Pecans, Chocolate Covered

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Ferrara Pan is now also offering its 3.52ounce Imported Belgian Chocolate Bars in three new, smaller-sized portions: • 1.76-ounce milk chocolate • 1.76-ounce milk chocolate w/almond nougat • .44-ounce milk chocolate The 1.76-ounce chocolate bars are

showcased in either a 20-count display tray or a new four-count display pack vs. the sixcount option. The .44-ounce bars are featured in a 60-count “change-maker” gravity feed display. Available in a variety of packaging options, there’s a sinfully delicious Ferrara imported Belgian chocolate to satisfy and

delight the senses of any chocolate lover. For more information about Ferrara Pan’s Imported Belgian Chocolate Bars and other premium imported chocolate delicacies, contact a Ferrara Pan representative at 800323-1768 or stop by booth 3710.

tions. Already gaining a fan base with the help of its current “Fabulous with Five” food blogger competition and other ongoing promotions, some of the newest releases include: • Saucy Mama Tarragon Lemon Mustard • Saucy Mama Dijon Mustard • Saucy Mama Apricot Ginger Mustard • Saucy Mama Sweet Heat Marinade • Saucy Mama Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing • Saucy Mama Sante Fe Chipotle Dressing

Using the best of Oregon’s fresh and locally sourced ingredients, Saucy Mama’s new condiments are infused with real apricot, ginger, lemon, tarragon and other rich components. “Your customers may not be able to afford dining at the most exotic restaurants or traveling to the remote corners of the earth,” explains Suzie ‘Saucy Mama’ Barhyte, “but we can create with taste profiles that bring the international experience

home. Our new Saucy Mama creations were inspired by Asian, Mexican, and even Peruvian ingredients and are fused with some of our Pacific Northwest sensibilities to create complex yet very approachable flavors.” For more information, visit the company online at www.barhyte.com or check out Saucy Mama’s full line (MSRP: $5.00―6.00), plus the company’s in-store POP options, at booth 3307.

Tunisian as well as their customers. This increasing awareness has been made possible by the combined efforts of U.S.A -based Hamman Marketing Associates (HMA) and Packtec, the Tunisian government’s product testing department. HMA is a full-service international marketing company dedicated to

helping governments, NGOs, trade associations, and Chambers of Commerce introduce products and services to the U.S.A. market. HMA’s 100% Tunisian campaign provides consumer and retail advertising support, websites, trade missions, public relations, social media buzz, in-store demos, trade shows and

more. As of 2010, HMA and Packtec’s three year campaign increased Tunisian olive oil exports by 10 percent. For more information about HMA, visit hammanmarketing.com. For Tunisian olive oil wholesale and retail information, visit 100percenttunisian.com or facebook.com/TunisianOliveOil.

Cashews, Peanut Brittle, White Chocolate Pecans, a 67-percent Dark Chocolate Bar with peanuts and sea salt, and Chocolate Covered Peanut Brittle. Savory and spicy blends are also in high demand and include: Sea Salt and Black Pepper Peanuts, Batchelor Bay Crab House Seasoned Peanuts, Goobers & Stix, Goobers & Kickn’ Stix, Red Hot Hexlena Peanuts, and

Hot ‘n’ Spicy Roasted-in-the-Shell Peanuts. New to the product line is a fiery-hot peanut recipe that includes flavor from the hottest peppers on earth: Weeping Mary’s Ghost Pepper Peanuts. Rounding out the product line are three trail mixes, boiled peanuts, raw peanuts, roasted-in-the-shell peanuts, all-natural peanut butter, cheese straws, pecans

and cashews. The Bertie County Peanuts gourmet peanut line is found in specialty food stores, restaurants, hotel gift shops and travel destinations across the United States. For more information, write to 217 US Hwy 13 North in Windsor, North Carolina 27983, call 800-457-0005, visit www.pnuts.net or stop by booth 2623.

*IRI f/d/m 52 wk ending 3/28/11.



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Fabrique Délices: The Art Of Artisanal Charcuterie Founded in 1985 by co-owners Marc Poinsignon and Antonio Pinheiro, Fabrique Délices has grown from coast to coast with commitment to quality, tradition, service and constant innovation. From Rosette de Lyon to pork-free truffle mousse, Fabrique Délices has established themselves in the marketplace as the leader of Artisanal Charcuterie. Over 100 products are developed in their plant everyday, allnatural pâtés, mousses, magret, duck confit, duck rillettes, sausages and other specialty items, for restaurants, hotels, airlines, cruiseline and specialty food stores. Although principals Marc Poinsignon, Executive Chef Antonio Pinheiro and Sébastien

Espinasse hail from regions of France known for artisanal charcuterie, they have become successful in the American marketplace by placing a strong emphasis on innovation, coupled with an understanding of the growing trend in America towards all-natural meats and chemical-free food. Fabrique Délices, the leader in artisanal charcuterie, opened up a new market for themselves in 1996 by the decision to incorporate only all-natural raised meats & poultry in their mousses, pâtés, sausages and other delicacies. The creativity and commitment of the team is evident. “We need to generate new recipes and new ideas every year,” says Chef Antonio Pinheiro, who brings a wealth of

Bakto Flavors: What’s In Your Bottle? Bakto Flavors, LLC, is a flavor company focused on the production, commercialization and distribution of natural products. These include various vanilla products, natural flavors, spices, herbs, teas and natural preservatives. Bakto Flavors offers a line of vanilla and other natural flavor products to gourmet retailers and food services. The company is science-based and offers a wide range of consultancy, education and services. Bakto Flavors and Rutgers University carried out a study to evaluate the quality and authenticity of vanilla extracts in the marketplace, because Bakto and other companies take pride in the value of their vanilla products, and because of a desire to protect authentic product and secure value for the consumer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the composition of products sold in retail stores as “vanilla extract”. Labeling of vanilla extract is regulated by the FDA Standard of Identity. Accordingly, a package that carries the name “vanilla extract” has to be at least one-fold. The ingredients have to be listed from the highest to the lowest amount, appearing in the following order: water, alcohol, vanilla bean extractives. If other

permitted optional ingredients (sugar, glycerin, propylene glycol, corn syrup, dextrose) are added, they should follow the same consistent order. Samples were collected from all over the United States sold in various retail stores. The samples were analyzed for the four major components commonly associated with vanilla extract. From these analyses, it is clear that many of the products do not adhere to the standard of identity or to their own labeling specification. The study also revealed that large reputable companies that produce and assign their own name to the label do adhere to the standard of identity and provide consistent products. A sensory evaluation test revealed that vanilla samples, labeled as being from the same sources, were vastly different. When a vanilla extract carries a label “100-percent Pure Madagascar Bourbon,” one expects that the taste will be similar due to common origins of the beans, even when obtained from different companies. The dissimilarities in products, presumably from common bean origin, hints that there is no standardization of vanilla extracts in the retail business.

Pepper Creek Farms’ Award-Winning Flavors Pepper Creek Farms is a family-owned business founded in Lawton, OK in 1984. They originally produced eight products which were sold locally. However, because of their award-winning flavors and small-batch production concept, they now produce over 200 different products distributed worldwide. It seems consumers have an appreciation for the quality of their products. The team at Pepper Creek Farms is dedicated to quality control in every aspect of the production process. They are extremely selective when purchasing their fruits and vegetables, many of which are acquired from local growers. This allows them to bring in the best ingredients at the peak of their perfection. Because of this, they are able to consistently produce superior quality products for very discriminating palates. Pepper Creek Farms competes in a variety of popular categories, including flavor-

packed Pepper Jellies, Award Winning Red Pepper & Carrot Relish, Spicy Pickled Beets, Creamy Gourmet Honey Mustard, Salsas and BBQ Sauces, great-tasting Dip Mixes, Organic Baking Mixes, Old Fashioned All Natural Jams, Premium Peppercorns and Sea Salts, smoked and flavored from around the world, and honey from local apiaries. They also offer a selection of sweet spices, bread-dipping seasonings, cocktail mixers and rim dippers, gourmet cocoas, and a wide assortment of sprinkles and dessert toppings for every season, reason and holiday. Additionally, Pepper Creek Farms offers a broad selection of delicious jams that bring out the true taste of freshness. Using only fully ripened fruit, evaporated cane juice and natural pectin, they hand craft each recipe in small copper kettles to preserve the color, texture, and flavor and

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experience to the charcuterie arena. Having graduated from the French chef school L’école Lenotre in Plaisir, France after an apprenticeship in Paris’ most prestigious charcuterie Fauchon, Chef Antonio Pinheiro comes to America with a deep understanding of this traditional French charcuterie method. Great taste and consistency is our goal at Fabrique Délices, achieved through our strict suppliers guidelines that include ensuring that farmers treat animals humanely, feed them all-natural feeds, and allow them to mature naturally. This commitment has established our reputation for the best-tasting Artisanal Charcuterie available. For wholesale accounts for your restaurant, catering or other food-related business, call Fabrique Délices direct at 510-4419500, and ask for Sébastien Espinasse, visit Fabrique Délices online at www .fabriquedelices.com or stop by booth 1923. Having a blend of extracts from beans of different origins or quality is allowed and can often result in a better product. However, it is expected that the products are accurately labeled. For example, an extract labeled 100-percent Madagascar Bourbon should include only beans from Madagascar (only Vanilla planifolia). In addition, although the quality of the beans is the main factor that affects the extract quality, there are no specific regulations regarding bean quality―a loophole that is exploited to label vanilla extract as top of the line. From our analysis of the flavor components in a large sample of vanilla extracts, it is obvious there are many companies that have very little knowledge of the subject or the FDA regulations regarding proper preparation or labeling. Retail vanilla extract is like expensive perfumes; for some, it is more important that the bottle looks gourmet without paying enough attention to the product. It is advised that retailers request more information before they purchase vanilla extract. A complete version of this article can be found in Handbook of Vanilla Science and Technology, 2011, by Blackwell Publications, Ltd. To learn more about Bakto Flavors, call 732-991-3462, visit www.baktoflavors.com or stop by booth 5033. ensure superior quality. This assures freshness and consistent high quality in all their jams, sauces and salsas. Pepper Creek Farms products can be made available in handsome wooden gift crates; They’ll handle all details of packaging and shipping, including enclosing a gift card with a personal message. Many exciting new products have been launched this past year, like Shimmer Sugars, Smoked Sea Salts from around the world, two new salsas, colorful, Candy Coated Chocolate “Dimples” and their Victory Garden Pickle Kit with more on the way. Pepper Creek Farms also offers copacking, private labeling and custom blending services. All products, with the exception of Cocktail Mixers are either manufactured or filled at their plant in Lawton, OK. For more information, visit Pepper Creek Farms at the Summer Fancy Food Show booth 212 in Washington DC. They can also be reached at 800-526-8236, 580-536-1300 or by e-mail at sales@pep percreekfarms.com. Or visit them online at www.peppercreekfarms.com.



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Va-Va’s Artisan-Crafted Vegetable Products Bring Ancient Traditions To The Modern Table Va-Va vegetable products are a pioneer in all natural, homemade Mediterranean specialties. Their current line of gourmet vegetables, pickles, and spicy spreads have gone from a successful leader in ethnic markets and grown into mainstream supermarkets, natural food stores, delis and specialty gourmets. Through it all, their products have maintained a consistently high level of quality alongside an unbeatable taste. Va-Va products are produced in a familyowned factory in Macedonia, just north of Greece. The vegetables used in their products are grown in local farms using high grade

unaltered seeds and soil. Trained Va-Va technicians, alongside the farmers, monitor the vegetable field’s health throughout the season so that only the best batches will be used in the final product. The vegetables are then picked and processed by hand. It is this attention to detail that, year after year, yields the highquality products that VaVa brings to market. The Va-Va product line ranges from family-size jarred vegetables and salads (83 ounces) to their signature “amphora” products (19 ounces), which are gorgeously packaged in the stylized, classical Greek form. The recipes for these spreads are centuries old and,

Bone Suckin’ Yaki Now 100-Percent Gluten Free Ford’s Gourmet Foods, makers of the internationally acclaimed line of Bone Suckin’ Sauces, announced their Yaki sauce is now 100 percent gluten free. Bone Suckin’ Yaki is a great alternative to traditional teriyaki sauces. It has a richer flavor because it is made with real Italian Balsamic Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and it is lower in salt. And now it is also made with premium Tamari soy sauce. Tamari is naturally fermented with no wheat, making the sauce 100-percent gluten free and even more smooth and balanced than ever before. “Bone Suckin’ Yaki was always considered gluten free (less than 5 PPM) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but that wasn’t enough for us, or for our customers who suffer from Celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities,” said Patrick Ford, Vice President of International Marketing for Ford’s. “We believe our customers deserve the best … best-tasting and best for your health and the health of your family.” Ford’s continues to focus on and demand all natural and gluten free ingredients in new

product development and brand extensions. In 2008, Ford’s Gourmet Foods was recognized for their efforts to provide gluten-free products by Columbia University’s Celiac Disease Center, one of the leading research centers in the field. Adds Ford: “We all take simple, all-American things like enjoying great barbecue on the Fourth of July for granted. When you have an eight-year-old Celiac disease sufferer tell you that they were able to enjoy this simple pleasure for the first time because of one of your products? Well, then it’s all worth it.” Ford’s Gourmet Foods is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based, fourth-generation family business. They are known for creating some of the world’s greatest tasting all-natural, gluten-free foods, including Wine Nuts and Fire Dancer Jalapeño Peanuts, and the internationally acclaimed Bone Suckin’ Sauces―the only barbecue sauces rated #1 by Newsweek, Food & Wine and the United Kingdom’s Restaurant Magazine. For more information, call 919-833-7647, visit www.bonesuckin.com or stop by booth 4604.

even though the methods in agriculture and production have improved since then, the rustic, homemade flavor remains the same. The most popular of these products are the roasted vegetable spreads, continually praised by customers for the “freshly roasted” taste that the Va-Va vegetable spreads exhibit. Their lutenica (a chunky blend of roasted peppers, carrots and tomatoes) and ajvar (a creamy mix of roasted peppers and eggplant) are a perfect addition to sandwiches or side dishes, and make exquisite, healthy dips, spreads and toppings. Especially wonderful about Va-Va products is that they are all natural, containing no preservatives or additives, other than a bit of salt. They are also low in both carbohydrates and calories (per serving), as well as being naturally gluten-free. Considering that these products contain no meat, they are also perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike.

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Success in the American mainstream market has given consumers this great new choice for both their dietary needs and their palate. Many have started to incorporate VaVa into everyday meals such as “lutenica pizza” (Lutenica spread on some fresh bread and drizzled with mozzarella and pepperoni) and ajvar quesadillas (flat bread grilled with ajvar, Monterey jack cheese and with fresh vegetables in the middle). Taken together, Va-Va products are a wonderful new addition to the broad range of American foods. These recipes, and more, can be found on the company’s website, www.vavafoods.com, alongside an online store that boasts more than three hundred different products. All VaVa products are exclusively imported by FastPak Trading out of Garfield, NJ. To find distribution or retail locations, please call 973925-1111, e-mail info@fastpakstore.com or stop by booth 3926.

The J&M Tradition Continues Family owned and operated J&M Foods has a great tasting line of gourmet treats including delicious cheese straws, traditional cookies and tea cookies. And, in keeping with their 100-year-old family recipe that inspired their great tasting Original Cheese Straws, J&M Foods continues to introduce new products. Colorful though refined, J&M’s cartons and gift tins showcase their wonderful treats and are perfect gifts for any occasion. Bright and eye-catching colors differentiate their flavors on the shelf and provide visual interest in baskets. They’re committed to your satisfaction, maintain the highest standards of product quality and use only the finest all natural ingredients to create their award-winning products. For more information, contact J&M Foods at 800-264-2278 or visit www.jm-foods.com.

Why J&M Foods? 1. Award-winning flavor made with the finest all-natural ingredients. 2. Fresh look and multiple sizes to inspire gift baskets and shelf sets alike. 3. Baked to perfection and contain no trans

fat. 4. Long shelf life and beautiful package ideal for wine-based gift baskets. 5. Perfect upscale snack and look to crossmerchandise with wine and beer. J&M Foods Product Line — Cheese Straws: • Original • Asiago • Bleu Cheese • Dave’s Insanity • Jalapeno

Traditional Cookies: • Chocolate Chip • Chocolate Chip Pecan • Triple Chocolate • White Chocolate Macadamia Nut • White Chocolate Key Lime

Tea Cookies: • Chocolate Orange • Holiday Spice • Raspberry • Key Lime • Lemon





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Hammonds Candies Delivers Pure, Sweet Goodness Hammond’s Candies in Denver, Colo. has been handcrafting and twisting the finest everyday and holiday confections for more than 90 years. The company is world-famous for its oversized candy canes, beautifully spun ribbon candy and stunning lollipops. Ham-

mond’s still makes candy the old-fashioned way, with the same tempting recipes and careful craftsmanship on which it was founded. Hammond’s ribbon candy is handcrafted by true candy experts, and comes in a variety of flavors, from pure peppermint to old-fashioned

Ferrara Pan Extends Line With Imported Belgian Chocolate Seashells New Imported Belgian Chocolate Seashells from Ferrara Pan are a perfect indulgent treat for premium chocolate lovers to enjoy by themselves, share with family and friends, or give as gifts on any occasion. Each elegant gold package contains 12 individual seashells, which are meticulously crafted with milk, dark and white chocolate that surrounds a luscious, pure hazelnut filling. “This latest chocolate offering from Ferrara Pan is a natural addition to the company’s ‘Escape to Chocolate Ecstasy’ strategy,” says Zel Peterson, marketing manager for Ferrara Pan. “We made sure that both the product and the packaging are absolutely top-shelf.” “In our continuing effort to provide unique flavors and experiences,” says Peterson, “these new Imported Belgian Chocolate Seashells offer consumers an unforgettable taste and texture treat that can only come about with the great combination of rich,

creamy chocolate and crunchy hazelnut.” From a packaging standpoint, Ferrara Pan has created an elegant presentation with 4.4-ounce and 8.8-ounce boxes featured in a 6-count display tray. For incremental sales, an 8.8-ounce box is also available in a 48-count shipper. For more information about Ferrara Pan’s Imported Belgian Chocolate Seashells, contact a Ferrara Pan representative at 800-3231768 or stop by booth 3710.

Java-Gourmet: Think Coffee Outside The Cup ... Coffee is an extraordinary culinary partner. It has not only been a “secret ingredient” of many chefs, but it was probably used by your grandmother as well. It has a long history in the kitchen. You will be amazed at what the addition of coffee can do to your everyday cooking. Java-Gourmet is the first company to bring a complete, award winning product line to market with this unique culinary spin. And, besides being unique, the products are all natural and gluten free. Small batch produced using original recipes created by partners Susan Atkisson and Brian Friguliette, Java-Gourmet is also committed to roasting their own exceptional coffees and sourcing as many local ingredients as possible to produce each delicious creation at their production facility overlooking Keuka Lake, New York. When the company launched its first Java Rub in 2005, people were surprised to find out that coffee is the primary ingredient in every product. Since then, food lovers have become much more familiar with the concept through increasing media attention to this culinary phenomenon. There are many excellent culinary reasons why coffee is a perfect partner in the kitchen or on the grill. First and foremost, coffee enhances and intensifies the flavors of everything you cook, naturally. Coffee

also helps to caramelize the surface of what you are cooking and the caramelization from the coffee helps to seal in juices creating tastier and juicier entrees. This is especially impressive when grilling. Additionally, coffee helps build and create a depth of flavor rather than stripping flavor as adding water in cooking can do. Lastly, coffee pulls out subtle toasty notes and flavorful mocha hues from the roasted qualities in the coffee beans themselves. It is important to understand that adding coffee to savory flavors such as herbs, spices and salts makes coffee a “natural flavor enhancer.” You will not experience a coffee/mocha taste unless there is a sweet component, as in desserts. Using coffee in cooking is as loved by non-coffee drinkers as coffee lovers, and there is no need to worry about caffeine effects, as they are broken down through the cooking process. Once you begin cooking with coffee, you too will become a believer in coffee’s inherent cooking benefits! THINK COFFEE OUTSIDE OF THE CUP …TM It’s javalicious! For more information about JavaGourmet, call Susan directly at 315-5367843, email susan@javagourmet.com, visit www.java-gourmet.com or stop by booth 2027.

clove. Hand fed through a classic ribbon crimper, the candy is made in small batches, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. Hammond’s is one of the last companies in the United States to make ribbon candy by hand. No two pieces of ribbon are alike, which makes for a very special gift at the holidays. Hammond’s packaging dresses up a classic piece of candy with modern charm. Their ribbon candy is packaged in a gift box that protects the ribbon and keeps it from break-

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ing in transit. Each case pack holds 24 pieces (2-12ct displays), at an MSRP of $4.95. Hammond’s Candies has been making candy by hand in the United States since 1920. The candy is traditional, classic and nostalgic, made with pure, simple ingredients and time-honored recipes. For more information, visit www.hammonds candies.com, call 800-CANDY-99 (800-226-3999) or visit booth 4911 at the Summer Fancy Food Show.

Frontier Soups Celebrates Anniversaries In Style And Taste Starting in the early 1980s with one bean soup mix packaged in a brown paper bag, Trisha Anderson has built the kind of business that is a food entrepreneur’s dream. Frontier Soups™ is celebrating its 25th anniversary in August and its 20th anniversary as an exhibitor in the NASFT Summer Fancy Food Show. As a thank you for the customers who have helped Frontier Soups grow over the years and to celebrate its 25th anniversary, a commemorative stainless steel “soup lovers” thermos will be included as a gift for 10-case orders placed at the show, along with a sliding scale of discounts up to 25 percent for 25-case requests, said Trisha Anderson, company founder. With a focus on distribution, Frontier Soups’ expects 2011 growth to exceed 30 percent. That successful performance is due in large part to the teamwork exhibited by everyone connected with the business. “I’m very proud of everyone here whether they are in the office, warehouse or production. We work very hard to attract those who have respect for others and enthusiasm for the product,” Anderson says. “What makes work not feel like work is that it is an enterprise in which everyone in the company is involved.” Since incorporating with three gourmet soup mixes in 1986 and exhibiting at its first Fancy Food Show with six mixes in 1991, Frontier Soups has grown to 36 all natural soups, stews, chili and chowders with no salt, preservatives or MSG; 31 of the mixes are gluten free. The company also has been a long-time specialty producer for Stonewall

Kitchen and other foodservice companies. “The intention was to provide home cooks with easy to follow recipes and all the dry ingredients needed to make a healthy, satisfying meal for today’s busy lifestyles,” Anderson said. “We want to live up to our claim that it’s ‘soup so good you’ll call it dinner’.” Each of the soup mixes is a faithful reproduction of traditional regionalAmerican flavors, including the top-selling Illinois Prairie Corn Chowder™ and the newest mix Colorado Campfire Chicken Stew™. Over the years, the company also has added a line of soupaccompanying cornbread mixes and a line of Party Starter Mix™ meal maker and dip mixes. The initial long-simmering soups to feed a crowd became the Hearty Meal™ line, which has performed strongly in the specialty food trade, Anderson said. As consumers’ quest for quick and easy meals gained momentum, the grocery-oriented Homemade in Minutes™ line was introduced in 1991 to offer more convenience with quicker cooking times and a lower price point. “We have always tried to stay in close contact with home cooks to understand their evolving needs,” Anderson said. “Being responsive to those needs―like going gluten free, revamping our packaging with eyecatching brick-red headers and innovative fold-out recipe labels, and positioning ourselves in natural food and gluten-free sections as a healthy meal solution―continues to be an important part of our future plans. For more information, visit www.frontier soups.com or stop by booth 5012.

Rabbit Creek Products Offer Quality Straight From The American Heartland Located in the middle of America’s heartland, in the little town of Louisburg, Kan., Rabbit Creek Products has been making gourmet breads, brownies, muffins, soup mixes and more for over 25 years. With the products being made-to-order, there is never a question of freshness or quality. Being in a smalltown atmosphere has generated a priority first and foremost to the customer―namely being, they always come first. For 2011, Rabbit Creek Products has come out with a new “Bucket” bread line consisting of three different tin pails. The breads are able to bake right in the bucket; these breads offer an enticing take on an entirely self-contained product. In addition to the pails being safe to bake in, they are dishwasher safe as well and offer a myriad of uses after baking your Rabbit Creek bread in them. With two different color

choices (red and gold) for year round, one for the holiday season and over 50 different breads to choose from, they are sure to always be a winner. They boast over 12 new items so far for 2011 that include breads, brownies, desserts, fudge, scones, cheeseballs, dips, no-bake cheesecakes and even more delicious things to come in the next month. There is a new granola category with three flavors: chocolate chip, fruit, and fruit and nut, the latter two being all-natural. Having won several awards for outstanding product over the years, some of which were NASFT’s sofi awards, Rabbit Creek stays on the cutting edge and listens to what the customers want. For more information, call 800-837-3073, visit www.rabbitcreekgourmet.com or stop by booth 2522.



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Quality Jams, Jellies, Chutneys And Seasonings: Introducing Sunrite Select Central Food Packers Limited is proud to announce the addition of its gourmet line “Sunrite Select”, a range of tropical jams, jellies, chutneys and seasonings made with the absolute finest Jamaican ingredients. Central Food Packers Limited has a long history of providing quality products made with highquality authentic Jamaican ingredients, and their new Sunrite Select line is ideal for specialty food and gift stores. The name Sunrite evolved out of their conviction for using ingredients grown and ripened under the warm Jamaican sun, ultimately making their products “Just Rite.” Founded in 1985, Central Food Packers is one of Jamaica’s leading agro-processing manufacturers and exporters of canned, bottled and baked products, and is both HACCP

approved and ISO 14001 certified. Central Food Packers is committed to Jamaica’s socio-economic development and plays an active role in the community development of Central Village, employing over 220 persons from the community and its environs. Just over two decades ago, Central Food Packers started out with one product, canning Jamaica’s national fruit “Ackee.” Today, the company boasts a range of over 22 products, all produced at their factory in Central Village. Inspired by the many tropical flavors home to Jamaica, they are currently working on a number of new products which they plan to bring to market in the near future. The new Sunrite Select line includes: Tropical fruit jams and jellies: • Guava

Let’s Talk Packaging: Mid-Atlantic CEO Herb Glanden Thinks Inside The Box Mid-Atlantic Packaging provides custom printed and stock packaging products (bags, boxes, labels, tissue) to retail establishments and product manufacturers. With regional sales representatives from North Carolina through New Jersey, and with an experienced inside sales team, Mid-Atlantic Packaging is helping customers create innovative and functional packaging that furthers their brand recognition. In addition to custom designed packaging, MidAtlantic Packaging ships stock products nationwide and offers local delivery to the Baltimore, Washington DC, and Philadelphia, Pa. metro areas. We sat down with Mr. Herb Glanden, President and CEO of Mid-Atlantic Packaging, to talk about Mid-Atlantic Packaging and get his thoughts on packaging.

GN: What makes Mid-Atlantic Packaging unique?

HG: We are a full-service packaging distributor. We can provide a retail store with their basic, everyday, plain stock needs along with helping them design printed materials such as bags, boxes and labels to better promote their brand marketing. Our sales team has over 130 years of combined sales experience and, along with our graphics design department, is there to help create the image the client desires.

GN: What are customers looking for in packaging today?

HG: They are looking for earth-friendly packaging made of natural or recycled materials. In the past, some of the recycled packaging materials costs were 30-percent higher than goods made of virgin material, so very few retailers chose to use the Green option. Today, recycled paper shopping bags and boxes made of recycled paper board are similar in price to regular products. Even plastic bag manufacturers have the capability to put

• Sorrel Spicy fruit jellies and chutneys: • Pineapple Ginger Pepper Jelly • Lime Pepper Jelly • Mango • Sorrel Condiments: • Honey Thyme Glaze • Jerk Seasoning

Their traditional Sunrite product line includes a range of: Jerk condiments: • Seasoning • Marinade • BBQ Sauce • Table Sauce Spicy pepper sauces: • Scotch Bonnet Sauce • Hot Pepper Sauce • Red Crushed Pepper Sauce • Yellow Crush Pepper Sauce

degradable additives in their bags that accelerate the decomposition process. One of the most exciting products we see in the market place is natural fiber bags―cotton, jute and hemp bags. European countries have used these bags for many years for grocery shopping and, because they are a sustainable product and naturally decompose when discarded, they are the ideal bag for many applications.

GN: What are your tradeshow objectives and what are you doing to promote your company?

HG: We have been in business for 30 years and one of the wonderful things about the Fancy Food Show is that we get to see and meet with long standing customers. Many of these accounts have bought stock shrink film, cello, bows and ribbons, and also custom printed bags, labels and boxes. The opportunity to showcase new products and colors is also exciting, because buyers can actually see and touch what they might have seen in a catalog. The show gives us the chance to help customers and prospects solve a problem or fill a need with our packaging products. In addition to presenting new

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Canned fruits and vegetables in brine: • Ackee (Jamaica’s National Fruit) • Callaloo Baked Cassava: • Bammy Beverage: • Roots Wine Condiments: • Browning Pâté: • Solomon Grundy

Be sure to visit Central Food Packers at booth 4353-D in the Caribbean Pavilion, for a real taste of Jamaica. Their product range is great for the upcoming summer grilling season. For more information, call Natalie Grandison at 876-342-9381, email centralfoodpackers@gmail.com or visit their website at www.centralfoodpackers.com. Central Food Packers currently distributes in the United States through P East Trading Corporation: 718-991-6070 or email peast1@gmail.com. products, we also offer show discounts to show attendees. Also, we offer periodic promotions to customers and prospects who provide us with their email address. I must add that we take great pride in assuring customers and prospects that their information is not shared or sold to other vendors, and that their online information is secure. GN: What is your outlook in general for Mid-Atlantic Packaging?

HG: We are very excited about our opportunities in the specialty food marketplace. We have built a strong, knowledgeable sales team that is focused on meeting customer’s needs and building long-term relationships. Additionally, we have expanded our local delivery area to include the Washington DC, Baltimore, Md. and Philadelphia, Pa. metro areas. We are also known for promptly shipping products nationwide from our facility in Delaware. We stock thousands of items and our staff takes great pride in getting orders out the door in 24 hours or less. Another great resource we offer is our e-commerce website, Continued on Page 46



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Lammes Candies: Delicious Flavors Since 1885

Les Trois Petits Cochons Charcuterie Product Line Growing

Family-owned and operated in Austin, Texas, Lammes Candies handcrafts only the finest confections. Fifth-generation candy makers Pam, Bryan and Lana direct a team of employees averaging 25 years of service. Mix experience with premium ingredients and taste the heritage of over 125 years of rich, smooth and intense flavors. Lammes Candies offers a full line of chocolates along with the world famous Chewie® Pecan Praline. Lammes Pralines have a one year shelf life with no added preservatives. Try the nutty, gooey original, the decadent chocolate covered or the new Habanero Praline that starts off sweet and finishes with a burn. Available in Point of Sale displays and gift boxes. Lammes candy makers are buzzing about a new addition to the line. Buttery buttons of caramel and chopped almonds are all wrapped up for individual enjoyment and were named in a contest earlier this year. Lammes customers were invited to submit

Les Trois Petits Cochons presents the newest addition to its ever-growing line of charcuterie products at the 2011 Summer Fancy Food Show. The Jambon de Paris Fumé is an eightpound ham naturally smoked over hickory wood. It is a smaller, smoked version of LTPC’s original Jambon de Paris and is sure to please deli customers with its subtle smoked flavor and hearty texture. It will be the perfect addition to any charcuterie board or dinner table. Les Trois Petits Cochons has also expanded their line of Saucisson Sec by adding three new flavors: Saucisson Sec aux Herbes de Provence, Saucisson Sec aux Cèpes and Chorizo. These new Saucissons have created quite a stir in the retail market since their release last fall and are selling fast. Building on the success of their original Saucisson Sec, a traditional dried French-style sausage, Les Trois Petits Cochons has once again delivered a quality product for customers with discerning taste. Each of the new Saucissons have their own distinct flavor profiles. The Saucisson Sec aux Herbes de Provence, Dried Sausage with Herbes de Provence, delights with a bouquet of carefully selected French herbs. The Saucisson Sec aux Cèpes, Dried Sausage with Porcini Mushrooms, delivers the subtle and nutty taste of porcinis. While the Chorizo, a traditional, Spanish-style cured sausage, provides an intense flavor with just enough heat for a pleasing finish. All of Les Trois Petits Cochons’ Saucissons

MidAtlantic Packaging (Con’t. from p. 44)

www.midatlanticpackaging.com that can be used 24 hours per day. The site is constantly updated with new products and it has a link to our Facebook page. These tools, along with our dedicated team, help to make MidAtlantic Packaging a leader in the packaging industry and a wonderful company to do

their ideas with the chance of winning a year supply of candy. The result: Carmelitos. Lammes also introduced the Hexagon boxes designed specifically for the Kisses and Carmelitos. Kisses are flavorful taffy pieces packaged in the eight-ounce Hex box, which are perfect for baskets or a gift line. In addition to Divinity and the Sherbet Mints, bulk and boxed chocolates round out the line with the chocolate Longhorns making the list … Oprah’s favorite things! What’s better than large pecans and caramel smothered in rich milk or dark chocolate? There is something for everyone at Lammes Candies whether it’s the perfect addition to a gift line, gift baskets, private label, bulk chocolates and individually wrapped pieces. With Lammes, there are never any long lead times and you can expect the very best in customer service. To learn more about Lammes Candies, call 800-252-1885, visit www.lammes.com or stop by booth 1104. business with for packaging needs.

For more information, please visit MidAtlantic Packaging at booth 622 on the main level. The phone number is 800-284-1332 and you can also send e-mail to sales@midatlanticpackaging.com. Their new 2011 catalog can be requested by phone or on the Mid-Atlantic Packaging site.

are all-natural and available in eight-ounce retail and three-pound foodservice sizes. Pick one and add it to a charcuterie board or choose all four to make a Saucisson tasting plate. Other excellent charcuterie selections available from Les Trois Petits Cochons are Smoked Chicken Breast, Smoked Duck Breast and Duck Leg Confit. All three are fully cooked and all-natural with no preservatives. Whether simply slicing and serving with other meats on a charcuterie board or using as an ingredient in a recipe, both the trained Chef and home cook will appreciate the ease in which these products can be used. Available in single serving, vacuum sealed bags. Les Trois Petits Cochons has been producing award winning, all-natural pâté and charcuterie for over 35 years by crafting small, handmade batches using high-quality ingredients. Recognized for its excellence as a leader in the specialty food business, an industry it helped to create, Les Trois Petits Cochons began as a small charcuterie in Greenwich Village, NYC in 1975. Today it leads the pâté and charcuterie industry, offering a complete line of all-natural pâtés, terrines, mousses, cornichons, petits toasts, mustards, saucissons, sausages, smoked meats and other French specialties. For more information, please contact Les Trois Petits Cochons at 1-800 LES PATES, email info@3pigs.com or visit www.3pigs.com. Visit them at the Summer Fancy Food Show booth 905.



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Authentic Yukon Salmon Is As Easy As Kwik’Pak Ruth Carter, Marketing & Sales Manager for Kwik’pak Fisheries, gives us an inside look at the Alaskan Native-American fishery.

GN: Tell our readers a little about Kwik’pak Fisheries. Where are your fish harvested?

RC: Kwik’pak Fisheries is a communityowned business that was founded in 2002 to provide economic opportunities to local communities in Western Alaska along the Lower Yukon River. Today, these communities primarily include Yupik Eskimos, whose ancestors settled in the region some 10,000 years ago. Our fish are harvested at the mouth of the more than 2,000-mile-long Yukon River. Yukon River translates to “Big River,” “Great River,” the “River That Provides All” or “Provider for Our Life.” We are the last Native American fishery left in Alaska and the

only fish processor left on the river.

GN: What does your company produce?

RC: Kwik’pak Fisheries is a wild salmon producer. Our product line includes wild salmon from the Yukon River, which we sell fresh, frozen and smoked. We are launching a new line of smoked products at Summer Fancy Foods 2011. Because they are made with Yukon salmon, they are moist, delicious and full of Omega-3s. Kwik’pak smoked products maintain their high oil content even through the smoking process.

GN: What makes Kwik’pak products unique? What distinguishes your products from the competition? RC: Our wild Yukon Keta salmon are unique

The Crispy Conversation Gets Louder At The Fancy Food Show Lesley Stowe, Owner and Creator of Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps, fills us in on the goings-on at her company. GN: Tell us about the raincoast crisps, and what makes them stand out from the competition?

LS: We always tell people they just need to try them because it’s the taste that really sets them apart. For anyone who hasn’t, raincoast crisps are artisan style crackers that are ideal for entertaining or a great snack during the day. We now have six flavors, which are made using a variety of all-natural ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, pumpkin seeds and honey. GN: What’s the story behind the first batch of raincoast crisps?

LS: In 1990, I opened a catering business in

Vancouver, British Columbia, and the crisps actually originated from a loaf of bread we made to serve with smoked salmon. We decided to try slicing one of the loaves very thinly and dried and baked the pieces to serve as crisps. It was a huge hit and within a few years, the raincoast crisps became so popular that we closed the catering business to devote all our time to them. We were very lucky to get Whole Foods as our first national retailer, and now all six flavors are available across North America. GN: Are you introducing any new products at the show this year?

LS: Yes, this is the first time we’re introducing our newest flavor, cinnamon raisin, at the Fancy Food Show. It’s our first “sweet” crisp which can be enjoyed any time of day as part of a delicious breakfast or paired with aged

in one very key aspect: they have roughly three times the Omega-3s of any other wild salmon in the world. That’s because the Yukon River is over 2,000 miles long. In preparing for their journey upriver to spawn, these fish must store up vital nutrients and fats including beneficial Omega-3s. When they’re caught just as they enter the river, that’s when their oil content is at its peak. Our facility is strategically located at the mouth of the river.

The other key to our product uniqueness is the fact that they are 100-percent traceable to the source. In 2009, Kwik’pak entered into a pioneering partnership with the global food traceability company, Trace Register, LLC, to develop a full traceability system that would give consumers the ability to trace their salmon back to the area where it was caught on the Lower Yukon River.

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GOURMET NEWS

Alaska; we have offices in Anchorage and Seattle.

GN: How do you market your products? Do you sell your products on the Internet?

RC: We market our fresh, frozen and smoked products through direct sales to retailers and distributors. We are also launching an Internet program that will allow restaurants to purchase small quantities of “special” salmon via an e-commerce site. We also attend and exhibit at various trade shows.

GN: To what do you attribute your company’s success?

RC: Great products, great support from all levels of the company―starting with the fishermen, processing workers and management.

GN: Where are your offices and facilities?

To learn more about Kwik’pak Fisheries, call 206-443-1565, visit www.kwikpak fisheries.com or stop by booth 4521.

cheddar, manchego or asiago cheese. My favorite breakfast right now is Greek yogurt and fresh fruit, topped with crumbled cinnamon raisin crisps and fresh cinnamon.

is fantastic.

RC: Our processing plant is in Emmonak,

We’re also introducing a new quantity of raincoast crisps at the show―a larger box that is more suitable for hotels and restaurants to purchase.

GN: What were the most significant events affecting your company in the past year?

LS: Last year we moved to a new location that has provided more space to create and expand the product line. This has improved every aspect of our operations from actual production to shipping, storage and overall convenience for staff.

GN: What type of product do you think will be the hottest this year?

LS: I think anything with salt is really hot. Salt with caramel, salt with chocolate―the combination of sweet and salty together

GN: What is the best flavor raincoast crisp for the summer and what would you pair it with?

LS: Salty Date and Almond would have to be my number one choice to serve at a patio party. The sweet-salty combination pairs nicely with fresh hummus, a soft mild cheese such as camembert or a white bean dip. Add a crisp white wine like a pinot grigio, and you have the ingredients to a perfect summer evening. GN: You’re also the author of a cookbook, Lesley Stowe Fine Foods Cookbook. Can you share one of your favorite recipes?

LS: One of my favourite recipes is the LSFF Dungeness Crab Cakes with Lemon Tomato Aioli, which is available at our booth (5055). According to my husband, this recipe is great because it’s chock full of crab unlike many of the crab cakes you find in restaurants or grocery stores that contain lots Continued on Page 50



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Musco Food Corporation: Origins, Current And Future Success … The history of Musco Food Corp. is both interesting and inspiring. In the late 1800s, the Musco family business was started in Italy. Local cheeses were purchased from farmers, aged and cured, then distributed throughout Italy. In the 1920s, family members immigrated to America, importing these cheeses and many other specialty Italian foods for distribution in the United States. Musco Food Corp. has been a true pioneer from its inception and continues to search the world for the most viable products available. For three generations, Musco’s commitment has been to offer the best quality, while maintaining competitive prices and a high standard of customer service. Musco has always favored and focused on classics instead of trends. Owner Phil Musco comments, “There are still plenty of fabulous products that have been produced for centuries that are not recognized in the U.S.A.!” Musco Food Corporation is extremely well known as one of the premier importers of Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano,

Pecorino Romano, Provolone and Prosciutto di Parma. The company is now being recognized for importing a wider variety of international products to satisfy the needs of an evergrowing customer base. Musco now looks forward to servicing its new customers and introducing them to the products it pioneered and set the highest standards of quality for. It also looks forward to offering its existing customers new items that are amongst the best products Imported from Spain, France, Switzerland, Holland, Denmark, England and, of course, Italy. Musco is also renowned for imported Italian products from nearly every category including Olives, Marinated Seafood, Grilled Vegetables, Canned Tomatoes and Pasta. Salumi or Deli Meats is a strong and growing category for Musco. Prosciutto di Parma has always been the best recognized product in the category, but Musco’s selection continues to grow in both imported & domestic products. Musco

Manuka Honey from Pacific Resources: Pure, Delicious and Healthy Pacific Resources is an exclusive importer of high-quality New Zealand products from the clean New Zealand oceans and countryside, including the “Healing Honey” Manuka honey. UMF Manuka honey has extra components and has been shown to be effective in helping with digestive conditions and topically for burns, wounds, diabetic skin ulcers and bed sores. Manuka is not only naturally healthy but also has a deep rich flavor―that is so good for you. Pacific Resources imports an extensive selection of both bio-active (5+ to 30+) and UMF® (5+ to 20+) – both of which are independently certified to confirm the activity rating. Pacific Resources also has a range of pure New Zealand honey that in-

cludes Native Flora, Multiflora and Clover honeys. From the clean seas surrounding New Zealand, a perfect sea salt is harvested by drying with the wind & sun for 13-22 months. It still contains all the natural trace elements and does not contain free flowing or anti caking agents. The only ingredient is sea salt. Most sea salts come from dirty oceans, so the ocean water has to be pasteurized, leaving only the sodium chloride. Sodium chloride in this form is harmful to good health. They also contain a number of other ingredients that are not helpful for a healthy lifestyle. Pacific Sea Salt, in its clean, natural form, helps to lower blood pressure, promote sleep

Slap Ya Mama: The Walker Brothers Keep On Keepin’ On Well, here we go again … Is this round three or four for the Walker Brothers and their Slap Ya Mama Cajun products? Either way, Slap Ya Mama has been drastically making a climb in the market. Through constant expansion of their product line and ambitious marketing efforts, The Walker Family continues to exceed their growth margins with every year. The construction of their new Central Distribution Center is underway and the plans to follow are just as exciting as their past 10 years in business. “We will be introducing several new products at the turn of 2012, allowing us to present a more complete, stronger line of products to new markets and buyers when approaching them throughout

the beginning of the upcoming year,” says Joe Walker. These young men have a very strong vision of which avenues the occupancy of this new facility will open for them. Their marketing efforts will be able to expand across different regions, and all aspects of distribution will be quicker and more efficient, leading to more success amongst their accounts far and wide. During the upcoming several months of construction, the Walkers intend to continue pushing their latest products, the Cajun pepper sauce, fish fry and etouffee sauce. “There are still markets out there who have not heard of our newest products, and we intend to make them fully aware by the close of

Lesley Stowe (Con’t. from p. 48)

the west coast.

of filler. It was so popular we could never take it off our catering menu—true taste of

For more information about Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps, email info@

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GOURMET NEWS

recently introduced Culatello, which has created much excitement. It is the most expensive, highest quality Italian Salumi product, with fantastic flavors and a texture which almost melts in the mouth. When it comes to cheese, there is a true, deep-rooted passion and connection. According to Mr. Musco, “Our family has been involved in the cheese business for many years, and it’s where it all began!” We still take pride in being one of the few importers to offer the cheeses from our native Sicily, like Incanestrato and Ragusano, which were favorites of the early Italian Immigrants when they arrived in the United States. We now proudly introduce Tuma Persa (a rare cheese made by one producer). For years we have taken pride in providing the finest selected Parmigiano Reggiano from Ambrosi and are now proud to introduce a Bufala Parm/Sovrano and a Sheep Parm/Brigadore. Phil Musco proudly comments, “What truly makes us different and contributes to our ever-growing success is our staff, a group of knowledgeable food professionals who are passionate, dedicated and interested in offering our customers the best food the world has to offer!” and balance blood sugar. A healthy body needs all the perfectly balanced trace elements found in a clean ocean harvested sea salt. It actually tastes sweeter and can be used with any of your favorite foods. Improve your health and celebrate the good healthy tastes of these great products from New Zealand, the healthy breadbasket for the world. To learn more about Pacific Resources International, call 805-684-0624, email pri98@earthlink.net, visit www.shoppri.com or stop by booth 200. 2011. We have to make them known amongst our customers before we start the new wave of products in 2012.” says Jack Walker. Slap Ya Mama’s customer base spans all 50 states as well as Canada, the U.K. and Australia. Therefore, introducing their new products to every market in which they are currently doing business is of high importance. All the while, they are also pushing their products in new markets by attending international food shows. “This is the first year that we really step out and attend shows internationally, attempting to capture a whole new clientele in various parts of the world,” states Jack Walker. These young men are nonstop, I tell you! If you would like to visit the Walker Brothers during your time at the show, they can be found at booth 5242. Pass by for a brief moment to see what they have to offer today’s world of cooking.

lesleystowe.com, visit lesleystowe.com, check them out on Twitter (@lesleystowe) and Facebook (Lesley Stowe’s Raincoast Crisps) or stop by booth 5055.



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Purely American Presents Kosher Dinner Kits For The Jewish Sabbath Purely American, an Athens, Ohio-based manufacturer of dried bean soup mixes, organic blends and convenient dinner kits, is excited about launching its new line of dinner kits specifically designed for those who practice the observation of Shabbos (the Jewish Sabbath), during which observant

Jews do not light or extinguish fire or electricity after sundown on Friday evening. Salt-free, gluten-free, no MSG and koshercertified, these dinner kits are perfect for preparing for the Sabbath. The new line includes four flavors: Beef Cholent, Chicken Cholent, Split Pea with

Leeks and Middle Eastern Lentil. Each comes with easy to follow instructions, a vegetarian version, as well as several creative variations. Each also offers two slow simmered ways to prepare, in a slow cooker as well as in a casserole baked on low heat in the oven. For those looking to become more aware of traditional Jewish foods and traditions, the side panel illustrates a brief history and origin of this longtime Jewish tradition of preparing the meal for Saturday on Friday evening. To retailers looking to offer their

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customers a healthy, time-saving solution to meals on the Sabbath or at any time their customers do not have time to cook the meal from scratch, our new dinner kits are the perfect solution. In addition, expanding retailers looking to grow their own brands by private labeling will find that our new CHOLENT line to be the perfect addition. For more information, please call 800359-7873, visit www.purelyamerican.com or stop by booth 5426.

For The Best In Organic Italian Spreads, Go With Rigoni di Asiago

Savory and Distinct Gourmet Sauces From Robert Rothschild Farm

In a class of its own, Rigoni di Asiago offers only the highest quality, 100-percent organic Italian spreads: Nocciolata chocolate hazelnut spread and Fiordifrutta, a line of organic fruit jams and raw varietal Honeys. Its bestselling product, Nocciolata is healthier than others in the market with no artificial ingredients, flavors or colors, no palm oil, zero trans fats and 15-percent fewer calories. Rich in taste, creamy in texture, soft and scented with the flavor of Italian hazelnuts, Nocciolata is perfect as an accompaniment to cakes, crepes or ice cream, a topping for fruits, a spread on toast or muffins and can be used in a variety of baked goods. Or best yet, right out of the jar! Recognition for Nocciolata was achieved with its selection as a 2010 sofi ™ Awards Silver Finalist in the Outstanding Jam, Preserve, Honey or Nut Butter category by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFT). Fiordifrutta is a line of 100-percent organic fruit spreads. Fiordifrutta is produced from over three pounds of organic fruit in each 8.82-ounce jar and is made using a patented low-temperature fruit cooking process which conserves the vitamin and mineral content of the natural fruit. In addition, Rigoni di Asiago Fiordifrutta fruit spreads contain no added sugar and are sweetened with organic wild apple juice. This recipe doesn’t alter the nutrients of the fresh fruit and is low in calories and sugar. Fiordifrutta organic fruit spreads are available in a range of flavors, including strawberry, apricot, plum, peach, cherry, Seville orange, lemon, blueberry, raspberry,

Flavor Profiles for Every Palate

blackberry, cranberry, rosehip, black currant, fig and wild berries. Pomegranate and pink grapefruit are the latest fruit flavors to be added to the Fiordifrutta family. Rigoni also features a line of 100-percent Organic Raw Honeys. The honey is processed using high-quality nectars and flowers with beehives located in unpolluted territories. The honeys come in a full range of varieties: Italian Forest Honey, Wild Flower Honey, Acacia Honey, Chestnut Honey, Orange Honey, Eucalyptus Honey, Pine Honey and Lime Honey. What sets Rigoni di Asiago apart from others in the marketplace is the specially selected, high-quality ingredients from the finest organic farms, the careful attention to detail and slow processing methods to preserve flavor and nutrition and, best of all, the fresh, sweet taste of all Rigoni products that is beyond comparison. In addition, the rich history of the Rigoni family, who have spent more than half a century in perfecting the art and science of making its fine products in the Venice region of Italy, is now available nationally in the U.S. The offering is superior to any others in the market today and for consumers looking for high quality, betterfor-you, and incomparable taste, Rigoni di Asiago is the only choice. Pricing for Rigoni di Asiago products are as follows: Nocciolata, $4.99-$5.99 (9.52ounce jar), Fiordifrutta, $4.99-$5.99 (8.82ounce jar) and Raw Honeys, $8.99 (14.11-ounce jar). For more information and to place an order, call 305-470-7583, visit www .rigonidiasiago.com or stop by booth 5448.

Stonewall Kitchen Tastefully Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the internationally recognized, award-winning specialty food manufacturer Stonewall Kitchen. Based in York, Maine, the company was started in 1991 by entrepreneurs and New England natives Jim Stott and Jonathan King. Today, both men continue to be actively involved in the privately held company. Operating out of their home in Hampton, N.H., the two gardeners, waiters and “foodies” first started out in 1991 bottling products at night on an apartment-sized stove that they would sell at local farmers’ markets in the morning. Response to their products was overwhelmingly positive and soon the pair was wholesaling their handmade specialty

foods throughout New England. Customers were, and still are, struck by the unique flavor combinations, creative and well-designed packaging, and consistent quality for which Stonewall Kitchen is known. Throughout the 20 years, Stott and King have created a strong, recognizable brand that is displayed on shelves in specialty food stores throughout the nation and is beginning to be distributed throughout the world. The company is the most highly awarded specialty food manufacturer in the United States by the National Association of Specialty Food Trade. Along with dozens of individual awards, Stonewall Kitchen products have earned the Outstanding Product Line Award three times, as well as several notable awards

Robert Rothschild Farm has announced the addition of eight new gourmet food items, spanning three categories. The new products are a complement to their array of awardwinning dips, sauces, salsas, spreads, preserves and sweet toppings. Robert Rothschild Farm continues to introduce products that allow the busiest consumer to create gourmet meals with the simplest number of ingredients and cooking technique. “Our new product launch for this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show reinforces our commitment to ‘Entertaining Made Simple.’ We continue to create gourmet products that allow our consumer to easily prepare and cook for any entertaining occasion,” said Jim Gordon, President and CEO of Robert Rothschild Farm. “We seek ways to be in touch with our consumers. Their input provides valuable insight into the creation of new products. Our consumers are in search of easy entertaining solutions, delicious recipes that can quickly be created with minimal ingredients and unique flavor profiles that appeal to their guests.” Robert Rothschild Farm’s new products will be showcased at the 57th Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C. from July 10-12, booth 2305. To help introduce these new products, culinary chefs will provide cooking demos at the Fancy Food Show. They will be cooking recipes with the new products throughout the day along with providing appetizer and sampling ideas. This specialty foods manufacturer is debuting five gourmet sauces, one gourmet for Maine-based businesses. As part of the 20th-anniversary celebration, Stonewall Kitchen introduced a new celebratory jam, Wild Maine Blueberry Champagne Jam. This incredibly flavorful jam is inspired by the company’s numberone selling product, Wild Maine Blueberry Jam, and is a limited reserve product. As it has been from 1991, the company prides itself on introducing new and exciting products every year. This year is no exception, with the already awarded Roasted Peach Whiskey Grille Sauce that leads the list of more than a dozen new products. Baked doughnut mixes and decadent dessert sauces such as Pumpkin Caramel Sauce have already garnered attention. Owners Jonathan King and Jim Stott experience continual growth with their 20year-old company, which, from the start, always focused on producing high-quality and unique food products such as those they

snack food and two seasonal dips.

Gourmet Sauces Every entertaining occasion provides an opportunity for excellence. As a leader in the industry, Robert Rothschild Farm launches five NEW gourmet sauces to add to their line of award-winning products. These savory and distinct sauces include Harvest Apple & Maple Sauce, Mushroom Marsala Sauce, Korean Barbecue Sauce & Marinade, Cranberry Merlot Sauce and Sweet Pepper & Fennel Sauce. These new sauces are full of flavor with a variety of applications that will delight the palate.

Gourmet Snacks Crisp, sweet or salty, yet always deliciously baked, They offer snack foods that are the perfect accompaniment to their award-winning line of gourmet foods. One of their new additions is Baguette Bites. They are light, crisp and elegant, pairing well with many of their gourmet products. Top these crunchy Baguette Bites with a few simple ingredients for delicious party appetizers.

Seasonal Dips New dips, exclusive for the Fall and Winter season. They are available from August through December. The Cranberry Pomegranate Chutney is full of sweetness from cranberries, pineapples and pomegranates combined with savory notes from bell peppers. The autumn inspired dip, Spiced Maple Pumpkin Dip, has rich pumpkin, sweet fig and maple syrup. Continued on Page 54

originally sold at the local farmers’ market in 1991. In 2011, having doubled production capacity in the past seven years, it was decided that upgrades to Stonewall Kitchen’s 11-year-old kitchen must be made to support growth. The production team and executives worked closely with Dutch engineers to fabricate state-of-the-art vacuum kettles that integrate functionality such as touch screens, an automatic flow system, and mechanisms that allow for increased fruit distribution and enhanced brightness in the finished products. Owner Jonathan King states, “Our major manufacturing upgrades will not only continue to improve our award-winning product line, but also provide Stonewall Kitchen with the tools to continue to grow our business for the next decade, which is something we all look forward to.” For more information about Stonewall Kitchen, please call 888-326-5678, visit stonewallkitchen.com or stop by booth 5500.



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Sarabeth’s Legendary Spreadable Fruits have been delighting people since 1981 and are recognized as some of the finest products in the gourmet industry for their unique flavor combinations and their outstanding taste and consistency. Other products in the Sarabeth’s line are Hot Chocolate Parisienne, Morning Crunch Granola, Velvety Cream of Tomato Soup and an assortment of gift boxes. Her creations have won numerous awards from

products are distributed nationwide in grocery stores, specialty retail outlets and discount clubs in the United States and Canada. In addition to being mindful of what goes into their all natural products, PARTNERS, a tasteful choice company, takes pride in its reputation as an environmentally friendly and responsible company. 100 percent of the company’s purchased energy comes from green power sources and is safe, clean and renewable. Product cartons are made using sustainable paperboard materials that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, all food waste is sent to a local chicken feed producer, and nearly all material waste is recycled. For more information about PARTNERS, a tasteful choice company, visit Fancy Food booth 5515, call 800-632-7477 or e-mail service@partnerscrackers.com. You may also find PARTNERS on Facebook at facebook.com/partnerscrackers.

Cookie and is a finalist for the sofi Gold. It is one of only four cookies offered to the wholesale trade at the present time. The artisan Classic Shortbread cookies are 100percent natural, made from unbleached flour, pure white cane sugar, creamery butter and real lemon zest. In addition to the Classic, other flavors are Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Shortbread and Oatmeal Raisin. Each cookie is hand-cut, baked to perfection and packed snugly in a crystal clear, sturdy, re-useable lucite jar. Other shelf-stable baked products are under development. The cookies and other recipes can be found in Sarabeth’s new book, Sarabeth’s Bakery―From My Hands to Yours, published in October, 2010 by Rizzoli, Inc. and available in bookstores, department stores, specialty retailers and online. Following her tradition of garnering awards for her work (she is a James

Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef), the book was nominated as the James Beard 2011 Cookbook of the Year in the Baking and Dessert Category. This important addition to the baking book canon has been anxiously awaited by Sarabeth’s countless fans. It features over 100 inspiring recipes for her signature baked goods. Step by step photographs teach those baking techniques that make Sarabeth stand apart in a city filled with fine bakers. Wisdom collected over a 30-year career is presented in this user-friendly primer. The exquisite photography of the scrumptious desserts, pastries and breads will show the home baker creative ways for sharing these wonders with friends and family. Sarabeth will be personalizing and autographing her cookbook, which will be on sale in booth 307 at this Summer’s Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C.

Gingerly, he bit into one. It had a unique, delicious taste―both peppery and sweet, but with a distinctive flavor. Rightly believing that he had hit upon something really new, he saved seeds, cultivated the seedlings, developed the secret recipe to process the fruit and named the result PEPPADEW®.

Worldwide research, global registration of the trademarks and international sole rights, setting up farms and a dedicated factory followed. Now the little mystery fruit is being savored by discerning palates in 27 countries, from South Africa to Britain, Europe, Canada and as far away as Australia. Delicious on sandwiches and salads, stuffed with cheese to

make a truly unusual appetizer, and used as a pizza topping―we say “Put them on EVERYTHING!” For more on Peppadew and Peppadew Fresh Farms, the new 15-acre North American farm, culinary and education center, visit www.peppa dew.com and www.peppadewfresh.com. And be sure to stop by booth 3323 to find out firsthand what the fuss is all about.

company in Urbana, Ohio, is the purveyor of award-winning specialty foods including dips, preserves, mustards, International sauces, salsas, gourmet sauces and sweet

toppings. Recognized for bold flavors and expert blending, Robert Rothschild Farm’s open and serve products are ideal for busy, yet discerning hosts and cooks. Robert Roth-

schild Farm products are available in more than 5,000 specialty food stores nationwide and at www.robertrothschild.com or by phone at 800-356-8933.

traditional cheeses and soups to the most exotic dips and spreads. While the previous packaging served the Organic Blue Star Farms crackers well, it was time to move forward with a fresh new look in order to create more consumer appeal. The same great-tasting crackers are now in boxes that are more sophisticated, more appealing and more quickly identified as PARTNERS Blue Star Farms products. Even though the overall look has changed to freshen up the packaging, the size (five ounces), UPC and nutritional information all remain the same. The color-coded boxes now make it easier to distinguish between the three delicious flavors: Stone Ground Wheat, Stone Ground Rye & Flax and Stone

the NASFT such as Outstanding Jam, Preserve or Spread; Outstanding New Product; Outstanding Product Line; Outstanding Classic and Outstanding Hot Beverage. Six sofi™ Gold statues adorn her shelves. Lesser known to the wholesale industry, but renowned by aficionados around the globe, are her fresh baked breads, muffins, pastries and cookies. The lines of customers who wait for tables at her eight Sarabeth’s restaurants in New York, Key West and Lord & Taylor stores on Long Island attest to the devotion they have for the delicious food and baked goods she serves. This year, Sarabeth’s Legendary Classic Shortbread Cookie has just won the coveted NASFT sofi Silver Award for Outstanding

A New Flavor Experience With Peppadew The first truly new fruit to be launched since the kiwi, the story of the Peppadew is as intriguing and endearing as its taste. Only 15 years ago, businessman and farmer (J.S.) was in the garden of his holiday home in South Africa, when he spotted an unusual bush laden with small, bright-red fruit. Robert Rothschild (Con’t. from p. 52)

About Robert Rothschild Farm Robert Rothschild Farm, a family-founded

GOURMET NEWS

Ground Multigrain. All three Blue Star Farms flavors are made with whole grains, yet they have their own unique attributes. Stone Ground Wheat contains 13 grams or more of whole grain, Stone Ground Rye & Flax provide 590 mg of Omega-3s per serving, and Stone Ground Multigrain is made with flax, quinoa and amaranth. As with all PARTNERS products, they contain no hydrogenated oils or preservatives. Look for PARTNERS other all natural products: PARTNERS flatbread, hors d’oeuvre, and bite-size crackers; Wisecrackers® flatbread and bite-size crackers; Get Movin’® snack crackers and cookies; PARTNERS Gourmet Granola; or MiaDolci® Gourmet Cookie Crisps. Choose from over 20 delicious flavors, including Rosemary & Garlic, Olive Oil & Sea Salt, Everything & More, Chocolate Vanilla Swirl, Toasted Hazelnut, Multigrain and Harvest Fruit. PARTNERS

industry honor. “sofi” stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation. The new window tin design was one of 110 Silver Finalists selected by a national panel of specialty food experts from 1,657 contenders across 31 Awards categories. Gold Winners will be announced in a

Sarabeth’s Kitchen: Simply The Best “The only jams I have in my house are Sarabeth’s. I love every flavor she makes, but the Orange-Apricot Marmalade is the one I reach for first.” - Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine, December 2008 issue.

established in 1952 with more than 2,900 members throughout the U.S. and abroad. For more information on the NASFT and its Fancy Food Shows, go to www.specialtyfood.com and for complete coverage of the 2011 sofi Awards, visit foodspring.com/sofiawards. “The field was the most competitive yet, with more than 1650 entries across all 31 Awards. The innovation and quality of the finalists are a true testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of our members,” says Ann Daw, president of the NASFT. To learn more about Victoria Gourmet, call 781-935-2100, email vtaylor@vgourmet.com, visit www.vgour met.com or stop by booth 5401.

Same Great Taste, Fresh New Look For PARTNERS’ Organic Blue Star Farms Family owned, simply delicious: Everyday, more of us are paying closer attention to the type of food we choose to eat. Many of us want all natural, organic foods that taste great, and we are actively seeking them out. PARTNERS, a tasteful choice company, has provided products in line with this philosophy since the business started in 1992. In 2002, PARTNERS introduced their Organic Blue Star Farms crackers to the public, and, in 2004, Blue Star Farms were officially certified organic when the process became available. These organic crackers quickly became one of PARTNERS’ top selling brands for good reason. They are wholesome, healthy, and hearty and taste great alone or complement everything from

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red-carpet ceremony July 11, 2011 at the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C. hosted by noted chef Cat Cora. “I am so excited that the judges picked our new design as a finalist. The industry recognition is so important and just being nominated is great for us,” says Victoria Taylor, founder of Victoria Gourmet. The new innovative window tin delivers the three most important things consumers are looking for: 1) taste, 2) freshness and 3) the ability to see the product. The side view window allows a look inside―but minimizes direct exposure to light―keeping the product fresh and flavorful. The sofi Awards are open to members of the NASFT, a not-for-profit trade association

Victoria Gourmet Named 2011 sofi Silver Finalist For Outstanding Innovation In Packaging Design Or Function Victoria Gourmet’s new window tin has been selected as a Silver Finalist for Outstanding Packaging Innovation in the 2011 sofi™ Awards from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. The sofi Awards recognize excellence in specialty foods and beverages and are a coveted



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Vision Pack Gift Basket Product Selections Vision Pack Brands—26 years of awardwinning experience in designing, producing

and manufacturing quality, wholesale gift basket products. Vision Pack has been

Duff Goldman to Dazzle Fans With New Items From Duff Goldman By Gartner Studios Baking Product Line Some of the industry’s hottest, most innovative baking products will be showcased during the 2011 Summer Fancy Food Show by Charm City Cakes founder and star of Food Network’s Ace of Cakes, Duff Goldman, who will get up close and personal with fans, with live demonstrations at the Gartner Studios booth 201, Hall A. Duff’s demos will be done with products from the Duff Goldman by Gartner Studios line of bakeware and cakedecorating products―designed

to allow everyday bakers to unleash their inner artist and easily create masterpiece cakes of their own at home. The product line was codesigned by Goldman to create a trend-forward, high-quality collection of products never before available outside of professional bakeries. Designed to make creative expression easy and fun, items are priced from $2.49 to $129.99 and include: Cake Graffiti; Fondant; Cake tattoos;

Frantoia Extra Virgin Olive Oil From Sicily Now Imported And Distributed By Musco Food Corporation Musco Food Corp. has been importing and distributing products from Sicily since 1926 and have always had a love and affinity for products from this region of Italy. Musco currently imports many of Sicily’s finest products: Olives (Castelvetrano, Noccellara), Cheeses (Caciocavallo, Ragusano, Primo Sale, Pepato, Incanestrato, Tuma Persa), Pasta, Anchovies, Tuna and of course Extra Virgin Olive Oil! Musco Food Corp. has a long-standing relationship with producer Manfredi Barbera

and has imported the Primagoccia Range of Extra Virgin Olive Oils for several years. Musco will soon add several new products under this brand. “Donna Carolina” (a phenomenally priced Extra Virgin Olive Oil that offers both quality and value) will be introduced at the same time as the wonderful new White Truffle and Black Truffle Oils. Musco is also extremely happy to announce that they will also begin importing and distributing several products under the renowned Frantoia Brand, including a wide variety of

Les Trois Petits Cochons: Pâté For Everyone Previously available exclusively during the holiday season and in a three-pound size, Les Trois Petits Cochons’ game pâtés are now available year-round and also in an eightounce retail size. The Venison Pâté with cranberries and pistachios and Wild Boar Pâté with chestnut can be enjoyed during any season of the year and at all special occasions.

Also available: Pâté de Lapin et Porc a l’Armagnac was re-introduced to Les Trois Petits Cochons’ game pâté repertoire this holiday season. This traditional Rabbit Pâté with Armagnac is the original recipe used during the early days of Les Trois Petits Cochons. Available in three-pound bulk. Les Trois Petits Cochons presents the

Get Sensible On-The-Go In a car, on a plane, in a bus, on a train―Sensible Portions brings you new choices for delicious on-the-go snacking. From the popular flagship item, Veggie Straws, this better-foryou brand has expanded its straw line to include more delicious flavors to please every palette. Sensible Portions straw snacks contain 30-percent less fat than the leading fullfat snack, contain no cholesterol or trans-fat, and are made with all natural ingredients.

Even better, these tasty snacks are offered in single-serve one-ounce bags, the perfect nomess treat for any snacker on-the-go. Rush hour requires a snack that won’t leave crumbs or greasy fingers. Put down those full-fat potato chips and pick up a bag of Sensible Portions Potato Straws. Try all five favorite flavors, including Smooth Cheddar, Sweet BBQ, Salt & Pepper, Salt & Vinegar and Original Sea Salt.

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recognized as a pioneer in the specialty food industry. Their unique, wholesale product line of more than 65 upscale gourmet gift basket items combines award-winning artistry with brand-name products, giving gift-basket designers and retailers many options from which to choose … from gourmet

crackers, snacks confections, candy, cookies, cheese and beverages. New items for 2011 include Sonoma Jack Cheese, Hot Fudge Brownies among others; please call 877477-8500, email visionpack@verizon.net, visit www.visionpackbrands.com or stop by booth 310.

Texture Tiles; Fondant Cutters and Smoothers; Premium Cake and Brownie Mixes; Cake Wires; Food Color Gels; Icing; Nonstick and Professional-Grade Aluminum Bakeware. New items debuting at the show include: • Cake Pop Kits―everything you need to make this POP-ular treat at home • Complete Cake Decorating Kits―rockin’ theme cakes all in one kit • Premium Red Velvet and Zany Zebra Cake Mixes • Flavored Sprinkles • Cake Charms • Cake Glitter • Airbrush Machine • Stencils • Brownie Tattoos • Brownie Pans • Candles • Cupcake Wires and Charms • Cupcake Liners

• Cupcake Tattoos • Fondant Multipack

Duff Goldman by Gartner Studios is available at Michaels stores nationwide, at select Party City, Wal-Mart, Giant Eagle and Market Street stores, at KeHE Distributors, and at www.duff.com. For more product information or to place an order, email duffsales@gartnerstudios.com or call 888-522-9722.

naturally-infused Extra Virgin Olive Oils. We suggest the following varieties for the following applications: Orange-on Steamed Squid or any Seafood and Raw Fish, Lemon-on Spaghetti with Botarga, Mandarin-on Grilled Tuna Steaks or Sashimi or Pork, Basil-on “Caprese” Salad, Garlic-on Linguine, Red Chilli Pepper-on Broccoli Rabe, Sage-on Tortelloni or Beef, Rosemary-with all Poultry Dishes, Oregano-on Pizza and Tomatoes. Each of these new items are certainly exciting, but the most significant product will certainly be the renowned “Frantoia” Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil. “Frantoia” was created in the early 1980s and has become one of the most popular “Gourmet Olive Oils” available. The name “Frantoia” is derived from the Italian word for oil mill, which is pictured on every bottle, which

makes the products easily recognizable. “Frantoia” is the perfect blend of three varieties of Sicilian Olives: the delicate Biancolilla, the tasty Nocellara and the robust Cerasuola. These varieties create a beautifully fragrant and extremely pleasant-tasting oil. This phenomenal oil has a delicate yet fruity flavor that is reminiscent of fresh olives and has nuances of artichokes and sweet almonds. The oil is wonderfully thick and dense, that is bright green in color with golden yellow reflections. “We at Musco Food Corp. are very proud to offer one of the widest selections of quality products from Sicily and are glad we can now offer these new items under the Frantoia and Primagoccia Brands. We hope all our customers join us in our appreciation for the history, culture and wonderful flavors of Sicily!”

newest member in its line of pâté slices: Pâté aux Champignons. At 5.5 ounces, this Pork and Chicken Liver Pâté with Mushrooms is slightly coarse in texture. The melange of mushrooms is balanced by the shallots and Sauternes wine to create a delightful contrast of earthy and sweet. Les Trois Petits Cochons has been producing award winning, all-natural pâté and charcuterie for over 35 years by crafting small, handmade batches using high quality ingredients. Recognized for its excellence as a leader in the specialty food business, an

industry it helped to create, Les Trois Petits Cochons began as a small charcuterie in Greenwich Village, NYC in 1975. Today it leads the pâté and charcuterie industry, offering a complete line of all-natural pâtés, terrines, mousses, cornichons, petits toasts, mustards, saucissons, sausages, smoked meats and other French specialties. For more information, please contact Les Trois Petits Cochons at 1-800 LES PATES, email info@3pigs.com or visit www.3pigs.com. Visit them at the Summer Fancy Food Show booth 905.

Looking for a sweeter fix? Cinnamon Apple Straws combine the taste of fresh apples and cinnamon for the perfect blend to satisfy that sweet tooth. Cutting calories doesn’t have to mean cutting flavor. Enjoy this crispy snack that tastes just like a mini churro, with no added guilt. Sensible Portions is making its mark in the snack aisle with innovative products and unparalleled flavor. The brand continues to expand into various channels of distribution from grocery and club channels to sports and theatre venues, in an attempt to reach every

kind of snacker. Sensible Portions aims to provide more better-for-you alternatives to the full-fat snack. They encourage consumers to “Snack Sensibly,” a decree that is more than a motto, but a lifestyle change. By providing a delicious snack set with allnatural ingredients, generous portion sizes and unbeatable flavor, a Sensible lifestyle has never been easier. Swing by booth 5567 for an Ex-STRAW-dinary snack! Find them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and check out the Sensible Portions YouTube page for monthly promotions, giveaways and more!

Sample tastings from the product line will also be offered, including: • Flavored Sprinkles: 12 innovative shapes and flavors like Chocolate Rocks, Banana Split, Cookies & Cream, Orange Dreamsicle, Mini Lollipops and more • Cake Pops: the hottest trend in treats―made easy with complete kits • Fondant: discover how delicious and decadent Duff’s fondant tastes



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Coffee Review Rates White Coffee’s Primaveral “Outstanding” The Coffee Review has rated White Coffee Corporation’s new Primaveral Coffee with a score of “90”, which is considered “outstanding” by the largest and most respected coffee buying guide in the world. The review was completed through a series of blind, expert cuppings―or tastings―of coffees. The findings are reported in the form of a 100point rating system, similar to that of the wine industry. According to Kenneth Davids, noted coffee expert, author and co-founder of the Coffee Review, the November 2010 blind assessment offered an “orange, raisin, roasted nut, dark chocolate in aroma and

cup.” In addition, the cupping imparted a “dry … medium body, silky mouth feel. The raisiny dark chocolate carries into a rich finish.” The review recommends that “lovers of crisp, discreetly (and naturally) dark-chocolatetoned breakfast coffees” try this brew. “We are seeing a return, especially in café/food service, to the medium-roasted cup … from darker-roasted brewed coffee,” says Davids. The complete review of Primaveral Coffee is located online at: www.coffeereview.com/allreviews.cfm?find=White+Coffee. White Coffee imports Asociación Primaveral Cooperative Coffee from the rich, deep

Discover The Taste Of Smoked Basmati So you think you’re a gourmet?! If you are, then you’ve probably heard of smoked rice before. You have not? Then introduce yourself to a one-of-a-kind taste. The story of smoked rice reaches far into the past and tradition. The root of this recipe actually comes from two small towns in the old Persia where many fishermen and rice growers had their home. In order to make a healthy living, growers not only consumed rice for themselves but also started to trade the valuable commodity. Whatever was left over from the trade was smoke dried until the next

harvest. The local wood blessed the rice with a special flavor, which was soon to become a real delicacy of that region. Today, only a handful of people know the real recipe of smoking rice. Founded by Persians, Basmati Rice GmbH Europe has worked over many years to perfect this special smoking process and is proud to be able to offer, probably, the most delicious, international award-winning Smoked Basmati on the market. Their Smoked Basmati soon reached a high level of popularity among Michelin star chefs all over the world.

Byrd Cookie Company, Where Tradition Meets Innovation Byrd Cookie Company, a Savannah bakery since 1924, proudly announces the transfer of ownership from Benny Curl to his daughter, Stephanie Lindley. Stephanie returns to Byrd with over 20 years of gourmet and retail experience and a unique perspective, with both a respect for the steep history of her family’s legacy and a tireless commitment to exploring new ground in the future. In addition to baking such classics as

Benne Wafers, Key Lime Coolers, and Cheddar Pecan Biscuits, Stephanie is taking the company in new directions and back to the basics. The first step is a new look—inspired by the classic cookie jars that made Byrd’s Famous Cookies a staple of southern culture in the mid20th century. “My great grandfather built this company by placing these wonderful cookie jars in all of the corner stores throughout the Southeast.” says Lindley. “He would fill them up weekly

Conifer Specialties Makes Home Cooking Healthier, More Delicious Harry Forsberg, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Conifer Specialties, told Gourmet News about the strategies and challenges of selling quality foods in today’s marketplace.

GN: Tell us a little about Conifer Specialties.

HF: We manufacture Canterbury Naturals artisan soup mixes and hand-crafted baking mixes for grocery and retail. Our most popular mixes include Classic Crepe, Roasted Garlic Potato Chowder, Coconut Macaroons and Northwest Apple Cake. The products are all-natural and free of trans fat, hydrogenated oils, and artificial ingredients. We also offer

the Fisher line of baking mixes including famous Fisher Fair Scones.

GN: Consumers continue to move toward natural foods and home cooking. How do Canterbury Naturals products fit into today’s marketplace?

HF: We’ve seen tremendous success over the last decade as more consumers turn to the types of all-natural, artisan products that Canterbury Naturals offers. Consumers are looking for healthy, natural ingredients in flavorful products that are simple to prepare at home. They are also looking for a good value.

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volcanic soil of south Huila. “Huila is probably the most admired of Colombian coffeegrowing regions,” says Davids. The Huila main harvest is concluded in early December. “We are very proud of the outstanding rating provided by Coffee Review,” says Alejandro Renjifo of Fairfield Trading, LLC, the Colombian exporter and Primaveral Cooperative Coffee coordinator. “We are privileged to offer superlative beans that yield a delicious, mediumbodied coffee with intense fragrance, sweet notes and a lasting flavor. We are very excited and optimistic about the early interest in this fine brew.” Coffee Review’s goal is to entertain and educate coffee drinkers, foodservice professionals and the coffee trade with a credible and easy-to-use coffee guide based on objective, blind reviews from some of the most

experienced individuals in the specialty coffee industry. The publication can be found at http://www.coffeereview.com. Asociación Primaveral is a non-profit cooperative, registered in the Chamber of Commerce in Huila, Colombia. Fairfield Trading, LLC is the Colombian exporter and coordinator of the cooperative program with the growers. White Coffee Corporation is based in Long Island City, N.Y. and is a third-generation family-owned coffee importing and roasting business, in operation since 1939. As a core part of its coffee offerings, White Coffee is proud to feature products that are certified “organic” by Quality Insurance International and “fair trade” by Fair Trade USA, and are available on-line at www.whitecoffee.com. You can also call 800-221-0140 for more information or stop by booth 916.

Even internationally known rice specialist chef Rainer Mitze from Germany, who has cooking schools all over the world, was overwhelmed by the unique taste of this Basmati: “This rice is unbelievable in both taste and aroma. You can serve it with almost every fish and even chicken.” But to be honest, the Smoked Basmati is that tasty that you can eat it as a main course. Simply add some butter and onions to the rice and you are good to go. The ATRY Smoked Basmati rice was

awarded the Superior Taste Award by the International Taste & Quality Institute, which is the leading independent chef- and sommelierbased organization dedicated to testing and promoting superiortasting food and drink from around the world. Basmati Rice North America, LLC. now offers you this precious innovation. See them at the German National Pavilion for your own tasting experience. For more information, call 8777-BASMATI (227-6784), visit www.basmatirice.de or stop by booth 2441.

with cookies that the stores would sell two for a nickel, and Byrd and the store would split the profit.” Lindley seeks to create that sense of nostalgia with the launch of Cookies by the Ounce—an experiential shopping experience where you get to scoop your Byrd favorites out of great oversized cookie jars, reminiscent of the ones of her greatgrandfather’s era. Byrd Cookie Company President Geoff Repella states, “Since we launched Cookies by the Ounce in our factory store, we’ve seen traffic and sales increase by double digits. It’s a family experience, enjoyed by cookie lovers of all ages. It’s fun to see a new way to put a smile on our shopper’s face.” Lindley has also launched another great cookie experience with the introduction of Byrd Cookie and Savory Dough. “It’s been a

Savannah tradition for decades to come to Byrd on Wednesdays for Hot Oatmeal Cookies. I wanted to share that with everyone so they can have their favorite, sweet or savory, fresh out of the oven. I love the convenience of being able to serve my guests hot cheddar biscuits in 15 minutes. I just scoop, bake and serve.” Byrd Cookie Company continues to offer the best in innovative food gifts and the best cookies made from the finest ingredients. Former CEO and proud father Benny Curl states, “Byrd is in great hands with Stephanie and her team. I’m excited to see where we go under her leadership.” Byrd will be showing the new Cookies by the Ounce Program, Byrd Dough, and a new line of holiday-themed gifts, as well as the classic tins and jars that make them favorites. For more information, stop by booth 1531.

Canterbury Naturals soup, bread, breakfast and dessert mixes deliver. They are tasty and economical, and they balance home cooking with the daily time crunch. The natural products just have a few ingredients and are easy to make with one or two added items from your pantry. GN: And that has translated into sales, even in the down economy?

HF: Absolutely. Canterbury Naturals is a brand consumers have grown to trust and it’s shown in our sales. Last year, some retailers saw sales increases of more than 125 percent on our artisan soup mixes, and we’ve added more than 1,500 new points of distribution in approximately 700 stores.

We’re supporting that sales growth with

excellent fulfillment, customer service, national marketing representation for retailers and national distribution through premier channels including UNFI and Kehe.

GN: Is Conifer making changes to capture even more of this market? How do you respond to an increasingly crowded sector, like natural food, in a down economy?

HF: We’ve been making natural specialty foods for more than 30 years, so we haven’t made an enormous shift, but we are constantly looking for ways to make our Continued on Page 60



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Mokk-a European Coffee Blends: A Tale For All Coffee Lovers This is the story of Mokk-a, a group of American coffee lovers determined to bring Europe’s finest coffees home. Introduced as “The Most Innovative New Product on the Market,” Mokk-a has been charming the hearts and coffee palates of coffee lovers everywhere. Company Founder Karen Glavimans’ search began while traveling in Sweden with some friends. As she tells the story, “We stopped at a café, and it was there that I fell in love. The coffee’s flavor was exquisite. I lingered in that café until they told where it

came from. It was the divine creation of a very small local roaster. I searched for him, spoke with him and fortunately for me, he loved my ideas & American creativity. He agreed to work with me and Café Svenka was born.” Karen’s journey took her next to Italy. “After sampling a number of coffees, I arrived in Naples in early February 2008. There I met Angelo, the son of the owner of a small roasting facility. We drove one hour outside of Naples to the small village where his family lived. I told them how truly

GRANAROLO Introduces Its New Frozen Mozzarella To U.S., Canada, Mexico And Brazil In February 2010, MAXCO INTERNATIONAL, the renowned representative and brokerage company, started offering to the North American market the all new GRANAROLO frozen mozzarella product line, the original 100 percent made in Italy, fresh mozzarella with a shelf-life of 12 months! GRANAROLO SPA is headquartered in Bologna, Emilia Romagna, Italy. GRANAROLO has developed a new technology in order to offer to customers all over America the possibility to eat original Italian fresh mozzarella. The extensive GRANAROLO product line includes Frozen Traditional Cow’s Milk Mozzarella in a 100 gram bag, Frozen Traditional Cow’s Milk Mozzarella in cubes in a 2000 gram bag, Frozen Traditional Cow’s Milk Mozzarella Fiordipizza (made exclusively for the

high-end foodservice and pizza industry) in a 1000 gram block and Frozen Traditional Mozzarella di Buffalo, made with buffalo’s milk only, in a 200 gram bag.

About GRANAROLO A frozen mozzarella importation and distribution network in North America, MAXCO INTERNATIONAL & GRANAROLO SPA is looking for new selected exclusive importers-distributors for both retail and foodservice product lines. For additional information on GRANAROLO Frozen Mozzarella information, please call 949-336-7512 or 949-230-6866, send an e-mail to info@maxco international.com or visit www.maxcointernational.com. GRANAROLO frozen mozzarella is already imported and distributed in Los Angeles by Pacifica Foods Company (info@pacificafoods.com; 888-937-2762), in Canada by Whyte’s Food Corporation (kshelderup@whytes.ca;

Balsamic Vinegar: A Natural Extension For One Of Canada’s Largest Fresh Grape Juice Manufacturers Gourmet Mondiale is a division of Mosti Mondiale, a winemaking kit manufacturer located in Ste-Catherine, Quebec. Gourmet Mondiale produces balsamic vinegars at its warehouse, 10 minutes from Montreal, from raw materials imported directly from Italy and California. Originating from Italy and dating several hundred years, balsamic vinegar is made by cooking white grape juice and blending it with wine vinegar. The result is a vinegar Conifer Specialties (Con’t. from p. 58)

products both more more sustainable.

appealing

and

We’ve introduced products like our Harvest Whole Wheat Olive and Garlic Flatbread Mix which features wheat that’s

that tastes slightly sweet, for which its uses in traditional and modern cuisine are countless. From the obvious use of salad dressing to the unexpected: topping for vanilla ice cream! While commercial balsamic vinegars may be used for countless dishes, the original Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena (Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena) is a time-prepared concoction that is highly valued by the most discerning food lovers grown using sustainable practices through a partnership with Shepherd’s Grain. Our soups, like On the Bayou Jambalaya, are now GMO-free, and we reduced the packaging by 60 percent. GN: Are you adding any additional product lines?

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unique I thought their coffee was and asked if they would sell me the recipe. Angelo, turned in his chair and promptly responded, ‘You must be crazy!’ This conversation continued until June of that year when he signed the contract. Finally! Café Italia was mine!” Karen’s next coffee-quest destination was Puligny-Montrachet, in the beautiful Burgundy region of France, where she met with an elderly roaster she had heard about there. He was over 80 years old and his recipes had been passed down through generations. “Entering his very small shop (which looked like something out of a Harry Potter movie) I

explained that I had tried his coffee and found this particular one lovely. Would he also consider selling me the recipe?” In early 2009, Café Svenska, Café Italia and Café France had their official launch in the U.S. market, and the journey has only continued from there. Karen continues searching for the coffees that many call “The Charm of Europe,”and the results of her quest are sure to enchant and delight your customers. To learn more about Mokk-a European Coffee Blends, call 409-299-3768, visit www.mokk-a.com or stop by booth 2527 and join us for a Cuppa Mokk-a!

905-624-5065 ext. 321), in San Francisco by Italfoods Inc. (info@italfoodsinc.com; 650877-0724) and in Saint Louis and Detroit by Grand Prix Trading Corp & Europa Market Import Foods (info@europa-market.com; 314-631-7288). GRANAROLO is looking for few selected partners for the importation and the distribution in the US, Mexico and Brazil.

About GRANAROLO Frozen Mozzarella GRANAROLO, leader of traditional Italian mozzarella. Based in Bologna, Italy, GRANAROLO was founded in 1957 as a cooperative. GRANAROLO is today one of the most important producers of typical and

traditional cow and buffalo mozzarella in Italy. The secret of GRANAROLO’s success is its perfect balance between experience, tradition, advanced technology, guaranteed hygiene and passionate to the product. Learn more at www.granarolo.it. The activity of the group is based on four main business areas: milk and cream (61 percent turnover), yogurt (13 percent), cheese (17 percent), and others, eggs included (9 percent). The production covers all types of milk and dairy products (fresh milk, Uht milk, high pasteurization milk, organic milk, yogurt, mozzarella, stracchino, ricotta, fresh and mature cheeses) and also eggs. Starting from October 2011 Granarolo will offer three new traditional Italian products, PANNA DA CUCINA/CREAM SAUCE 500ml, BESCIAMELLA 500ml and MASCARPONE 500ml, all 100 percent made in the traditional Italian way, the original recipe the Italian Chefs use all over Italy! Very soon available in the U.S. & Canada. For information concerning the Granarolo range of products, the distribution network in North America and for inquiries regarding the direct importation and distribution in the available areas, please contact Massimo Cannas, North America & Brazil Granarolo Exclusive Agent by calling 949336-7512 or e-mailing info@maxcointer national.com. For more information, visit www.maxcointernational.com.

and used sparingly by chefs. Gourmet Mondiale first introduced its aged balsamic vinegar, Pizzico 1997, in 2010 at a local tradeshow. The company recently launched another line of balsamic vinegars, Modena Selection, which puts a unique twist on this timeless ingredient: flavor infusion. The starting line-up includes the raspberry and blackberry flavors as well as white versions of the product. All the Modena Selection products are manufactured using 100percent natural ingredients. No artificial coloring or flavors, just wine vinegar, grape juice concentrate and berry concentrates. While we tend to think of balsamic vinegars

as salad dressings, the Modena Selection white balsamic lends itself to marinating and brazing on white meats (veal, chicken, etc) without any discoloration of the meat as with regular balsamic vinegars, yet maintains that perfect sweet and tart balance. The raspberry and blackberry Modena Selection balsamic vinegars may be used on desserts to decorate and tantalize. Their smooth sweet and tart flavor is in perfect harmony, which allows for the berry flavors to linger on the palate. Gourmet Mondiale invites you to taste these wonderful products at the Summer Fancy Food Show, booth 4728.

About GRANAROLO SPA Italy’s leading dairy supply chain has 300 feed producers, approximately 1,300 dairy farmers, a collective network of 70 milk collection centers, seven dairy processing plants―two for yogurt and one for fresh cheeses―1,200 distribution refrigerated trucks/vehicles and more than 750 thousand tons/year of transported goods. Granarolo is a story of genuine quality. In a ranking of most respected companies in Italy in 2009, Granarolo ranked No. 12. In a ranking of best-seller items in grocery markets, Granarolo ranked No. 1. Granarolo has been exporting its products all over the world for many years and is today present in more than 40 countries.

HF: We’ve expanded our Fisher Scone line to include all-natural Biscuit, Cornbread, and Pancake and All-Purpose Baking Mixes. We’ll be introducing a sustainably-grown Fisher Flour this year as well. Fisher is celebrating our 100-year anniversary this June, so we’re excited about adding more choices.

We will continue to add options for the home cook interested in time-saving natural cuisine from both Fisher and Canterbury Naturals.

For more information on Canterbury Naturals and Fisher Baking, contact 800-5889160, email pgimness@conifer-inc.com, visit www.conifer-inc.com or stop by booth 1922.



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Parmigiano Reggiano: Born Of Nature, Perfected By Man Parmigiano Reggiano® cheese is a delight. Before you even taste it, unique poignant aromas put your senses on alert. Then, its slightly crystalline texture melts on the tongue into buttery and fruity notes. There is only one cheese that can be called Parmigiano Reggiano, and it is produced exclusively in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of the provinces of Mantua and Bologna, on the plains, hills and mountains that lie between the Po and Reno rivers. This very special part of the world is home to 3,500 small farms, where the cattle feed on locally grown forage that must comply with strict specifications that ban

the use of silage and fermented feeds. Parmigiano Reggiano is never mass-produced, but rather it is handmade using traditional techniques and all-natural ingredients. Each cheese is given a unique, progressive number, and this number remains with it during its maturation process and beyond, just like an identity card. In addition, a marking band impresses the month and year of production onto the cheese, as well as its cheese dairy-registration number and the unmistakable dotted inscriptions, which guarantee authenticity, around the complete circumference of the cheese wheel. The amount of time Parmigiano Reggiano

Quality Reigns Supreme In Sticky Fingers Bakeries’ New Product Line Fresh eggs, not frozen. Wild Maine blueberries. Handpicked Northwest raspberries. Cane sugar, not high fructose corn syrup. Nothing artificial, ever. The quality standards for Sticky Fingers Bakeries’ new line of 12 jams, jellies, curds and fruit butters were lofty, but company President Tom Owens wouldn’t have it any other way. “We’ve worked hard to establish a reputation for using premium, all-natural ingredients and having exacting quality standards, and this product line needed to meet these standards or we would have walked away

from the project,” said Owens. Made in small batches in the Northwest, the products join a well-regarded family of scone mixes, bread mixes, brownie mixes and muffin mixes from one of the leading sellers of scone mixes worldwide.

The product line includes: Curds: Lemon Curd, Orange Curd, Cranberry-Orange Curd. Jams: Wild Raspberry, Wild Blueberry, Marion Blackberry, Chipotle Red Raspberry. Jellies: Tomatillo Pepper Jelly with Fire

Earth Family Dip Mix And Seasonings Raleigh, North Carolina-based Ford’s Gourmet Foods is announcing a re-launch of Earth Family Foods. The re-launch of this gluten-free, all-natural and/or organic product line includes several new products as well as a new look to the packaging. The Earth Family Foods (EFF) product line already includes Sea Salted Peanuts and Asian Sauce, a teriyaki-inspired sauce for grilling and marinating. The line extensions expand the offering to include several new peanut flavors, cashews, and a brand

new collection of dip and seasoning mixes. “While we love all of the products, I think we are most excited about the dip and seasoning mixes,” said Sandi Ford, President of Ford’s Gourmet Foods. “Roasted Garlic, Chipotle … eight great flavors that are the perfect tool to help even kitchen novices be successful.” Ford has a long tradition of creating allnatural products. So what makes Earth Family unique? Ms. Ford says that it goes beyond their

Musco Food Corporation: La Dolce Vita … When one mentions Musco Food Corp., Cheese and Salumi usually come to mind, but recently Musco’s involvement in two different categories (Espresso Coffee and Confections) has generated a considerable amount of business and has brought them a wider customer base. Espresso coffee from two of Italy’s most famous producers Lavazza and Kimbo are now being widely distributed by Musco. “The quality and brand recognition for these two brands are welcomed by our existing and new customer base!”, explains Phil Musco, owner of Musco Food Corp. Both Lavazza and Kimbo have an extensive range of products suitable for Espresso, Cappuccino or even “Caffe Americano.” When it comes to Confections or

Dolcumi, as they are known in Italy, Musco has added several renowned brands such as Loacker, Bauli, Doria, Pan Ducale and Balconi, to our previously existing Dora 3, Bonomi and Vantia Brands. The producers of these products represent the most popular brands sold throughout Italy. Loacker is a family-owned company established in 1925 and is now the leading brand with the most comprehensive selection of wafer cookies in Italy. Loacker is dedicated to producing the highest quality cookies available, with less sugar and using higher-quality ingredients, resulting in a more intense, genuine and more natural tasting product. The Quadratini are the bite-sized selection, and Gran Pasticceria are the chocolate-covered

is aged produces different desired effects. A cheese which has been matured for at least 18 months has a rather pronounced milky flavor, with aromatic notes such as herbs, flowers and fruits, which make it ideal for snacks and aperitifs. Over 22 months of aging produces decidedly fuller aromas and the notes of fresh and citrus fruit can be detected, along with a hint of nuts. And a

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GOURMET NEWS

cheese which has been matured for over 30 months has the most distinctive flavor and complex aromas, with a higher nutritional element concentrated over its long maturation. During maturation, Parmigiano Reggiano gains its typical granular structure, and, when cut it into slivers, it becomes crumbly and soluble. Delicious, easy to digest and with a host of nutritional benefits, Parmigiano Reggiano always exceeds expectations. Made without additives, with its concentration of proteins, vitamins, calcium and minerals, it is perfect for all ages and for all situations and is a ready source of useful energy for everyone. Parmigiano Reggiano has been guaranteed for over 70 years by the Consorzio del Formaggio, Parmigiano-Reggiano and, above all, has been loved for over nine centuries for its excellent and incomparable flavor.

Roasted Jalapenos, Red Pepper Jelly. Fruit Butters: Cranberry Apple Fruit Butter, Pear Fruit Butter, Pumpkin Spice Fruit Butter.

“There’s incredible variety in the product line,” Owens said. “We’ve got the traditional jams covered, along with some fresh takes on fruit butters and a couple of varieties like the Tomatillo Pepper Jelly that pair perfectly with savory foods like grilled foods.” In addition to the new jam products, the company is also introducing two new scone mixes at the Summer Food Show: Strawberry and Raspberry White Chocolate. Both are available for sampling at Sticky Fingers Bakeries’ booth 4507. SFB Specialty Foods, dba Sticky Fingers

Bakeries, was founded by fraternity brothers Tom Owens and Ted Vogelman in San Diego in 1987, initially as a thriving retail bakery. The two then worked to develop a scone mix that would enable customers to recreate the bakery’s popular scones at home by just adding water. Today the company’s products include its popular all-natural scone mixes in 18 flavors (the largest selection of English scone mixes sold worldwide), muffin mixes, an Irish soda bread mix and several brownie mixes. Mixes contain no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, trans fats or saturated fats. For a taste of the new products, stop by booth 4807, call 800-458-5826 or visit www.stickyfingersbakeries.com to learn more.

commitment to creating high-quality, goodfor-you products. It also allows them to give back. In fact, a portion of every sale of Earth Family Foods products is put toward nutritional education in the United States. Adds Ms. Ford: “Earth Family Foods was founded out of a simple, fundamental belief that foods that are good for you should also taste great. We love being able to share that message with our customers through our products and hope that the nutritional education we are able to support through the sale of EFF will extend the reach of this message across the

United States.” Earth Family Foods products are available online at www.earthfamilyfoods.com. Ford’s Gourmet Foods is a fourth generation family business. They are known for creating some of the world’s greatest tasting all-natural, gluten free foods, including Wine Nuts and Fire Dancer Jalapeño Peanuts, and the internationally acclaimed Bone Suckin’ Sauces―ONLY barbecue sauces rated #1 by Newsweek, Food & Wine and the United Kingdom’s Restaurant Magazine. For more information, call 919-8337647, visit www.bonesuckin.com or stop by booth 4604.

fanciful selection. Bauli began as a small bakery shop in Verona, Italy in 1922. Today, they are still a family-owned company that has expanded its sales in 60 countries. Bauli’s delicious Mini Filled Croissants are available in chocolate, custard and apricot. Doria is a company founded in the 1800s that produces a beautiful and delicious selection of Italian cookies made with healthy and natural ingredients: free of additives, no artificial coloring, no GMOs and no hydrogenated fats. One taste and American customers convert to the cookies that most Italians know and love. The Zoodoria Cookies are an item perfect for children. They are Italy’s version of the animal crackers with chocolate chips. Pan Ducale produces Cantuccini and Biscotti that are produced using an ancient family recipe. They are first cooked, then cut and baked again until they are crunchy

and golden brown. Pan Ducale still uses artisan manufacturing techniques and only the best, fresh ingredients: no additives, no preservatives, no artificial flavorings and no GMOs. The Cantuccini are small Biscotti available in traditional almond, whole wheat with almond, chocolate chip, raisin and chocolate-hazelnut. Balconi specializes in the production of sponge-based cakes and individual snack cakes that are prepared from traditional recipes and all natural ingredients. Products include a range of cakes/torta including tiramisu, chocolate, vanilla, lemon and “gianduia” (a traditional Italian favorite made with chocolate and hazelnut cream). Phil Musco comments, “We are very excited about the continued growth and the ability to continually offer new products in nearly every category!” Musco happily invites their existing and new customers to the authentic Italian flavors of “La Dolce Vita.”



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About Pastificio Felicetti Importation And Distribution Network In North America MAXCO INTERNATIONAL & Pastificio Felicetti is looking for NEW selected exclusive importers-distributors for both retail and foodservice pasta lines. For additional information on Felicetti pasta, please call 949336-7512 or 949-230-6866, contact customer service at info@axcointernational.com, or visit www.maxcointernational.com or www.felicetti.it.

About Pastificio Felicetti Factory Since 1908, Pastificio Felicetti, a beacon of Italian quality and passion, has experimented with new flavors and rediscovered the old ones by presenting them with a modern twist. The company continues the tradition of its forefathers by selecting those raw ingredients that give a balanced and perfect flavor and combines quality and character in a unique and incomparable partnership. Pastificio Felicetti was founded in 1908 in Predazzo, Trento. Felicetti is today one of the most important producers of high quality conventional durum semolina pasta in Italy.

DeLallo Presents Innovations In Deli Convenience: Smart Ways To Experience Gourmet Appeal In Your Deli With over 60 years of experience, DeLallo has led the industry in olives and antipasti, offering the best-quality specialty food items with the careful selection, consistency and convenience of a family passionate about good food. Excited about their newest Olive & Antipasti program, DeLallo has found a way to give retailers an opportunity for big sales with the smallest footprint. The PPS (PeelPlace-Sell) program provides disposable, sealed, plastic trays filled with top-selling olives and antipasti, merchandizing racks and PPS material.

An innovative highlight of the program is its adaptability. PPS is customizable, letting retailers choose which products and set-up work best for their deli case. The compact merchandizing units are a practical way for delis with limited space to sell popular gourmet items. And DeLallo provides everything needed to get started, instantly, with minimal initial investment. Brighten the appeal of your deli case and give customers more grab-and-go options for their entertaining needs. Encourage antipasti pairings with complementary flavors, such as specialty meats, cheeses and bakery

The Taste Of Tradition Created in small batches, using time-honored techniques, Michael’s of Brooklyn puts all the good things you enjoy at the restaurant

GOURMET NEWS

breads. The DeLallo PPS program allows your retail location to increase gross profits and sales potential with minimal labor and investment. Along with the recent inception of the Olive & Antipasti PPS program, DeLallo is introducing two new lines of product: the Bruschetta Collection and toasted Bruschetta Crisps. A perfect partnering in the deli, these two are motivated by the consumer’s demand for convenient antipasti options with restaurant appeal. DeLallo’s Bruschetta Crisps are made of toasted slices of fresh Italian bread and come in a variety of flavors, including Asiago, Roasted Garlic and Multigrain, to inspire a myriad of pairings and creations. From classic bruschetta toppings, salsas and

creamy dips to specialty cheeses and hummus, Bruschetta Crisps complement nearly any deli feature, making them an asset to any fine retailer. To top their Crisps, DeLallo is presenting a collection of bruschettas in re-sealable deli cups. With a practical versatility, each variety captures true, fresh flavor without overpowering spices― perfect for topping grilled meats, boosting sauces, sandwiches, salads and more. With five flavors―Olive Artichoke, Italian Tomato, Muffaletta, Sicilian Style and Artichoke―there is no telling what the Bruschetta Collection can accomplish. Visit www.delallo.com for articles, product info, recipes and more, or, for more information, call 800-433-9100 or stop by booth 3523. ternational, Bayside Foods, Bozzuto’s and Nassau Candy.

into a jar: imported Italian tomatoes, pure imported olive oil, hand-chopped fresh basil, parsley, garlic and onion. All slowly simmered to perfection and artfully crafted to enjoy on favorite pastas and in recipes.

Unique in the Marketplace • All sauces are produced and packed at the restaurant by family members. • All natural. No preservatives. Gluten Free. • Never dried onion or pre-peeled garlic―only fresh. • Our 32-ounce jar is 33-percent larger than almost all other brands. • Economical! The 32-ounce jar easily feeds an average family of four, as opposed to a 24-ounce jar, which requires the average family to purchase two jars.

Today, Felicetti is the leading producer in Italy―and in the world―of organic pasta. All the organic pasta is USDA-approved and certified. Felicetti is the indisputable No. 1 producer of bio-organic pasta today in Italy. Felicetti uses two semolina mixtures for their pasta, one of which is organic. With one mixture they produce 12 Enriched Durum Wheat varieties. With the organic semolina, they produce seven Organic Durum Wheat varieties and five Organic Durum Whole Wheat varieties. They meticulously select Durum Wheat mixtures to produce pasta with high protein and gluten content. Their accurate selection and production process creates an incomparable type of pasta for its fragrance and balanced flavor. Its complex carbohydrates and precious vegetable proteins make it the cornerstone for healthy eating, and its fresh and natural flavor enhances any recipe. Felicetti pasta is the favorite pasta by many celebrated Italian and international executive chefs.

Michael’s Of Brooklyn: The Taste Of Italian Tradition At the Heart of Michael’s of Brooklyn Family owned and operated since 1964, Michael’s of Brooklyn offers three generations of pride and excellence at their restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. Loyal customers visit from near and far to enjoy generations-old family recipes, lovingly handed down as a legacy of Italian tradition. The most prized of these have been their pasta sauces. Everyone is always welcome at the restaurant, but consumers can also enjoy these creations at home with Michael’s of Brooklyn Gourmet Pasta Sauces.

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Felicetti and Monograno Felicetti recently have been awarded as one of the very best quality Italian pastas produced today in Italy. Monograno Felicetti is the third-best pasta produced today in Italy for quality and flavor (from Dove Magazine, an insert of Corriere della Sera, October 2010). Felicetti is also Organic and Kosher “K” certificated. Available in onepound and 500-gram packs. Also available in a foodservice bulk pack. The secret of Felicetti’s success is its perfect balance between experience, tradition, advanced technology, guaranteed hygiene and passionate dedication to the product. A pasta flavor that is immediately discovered and never fails to surprise! Felicetti offers the purest of flavors, unique simplicity of nature, Old World quality in modern times. Enjoy Felicetti every day with your family and with your loved ones! Learn more at www.felicetti.it. For information concerning the Pastificio Felicetti range of products, the distribution network and for inquiries regarding the direct importation and distribution in the available areas, please contact Massimo Cannas with MAXCO INTERNATIONAL at www.maxcointernational.com, info@maxco international.com or call 949-336-7512.

MAXCO INTERNATIONAL Brings Pastificio Felicetti To The Americas MAXCO INTERNATIONAL recently announced that beginning in December 2010, the renowned representative and brokerage company started the official, exclusive collaboration with the worldwide renowned company Pastificio Felicetti Srl. MAXCO International will offer to the United States, Mexico and Brazilian markets the all-new line of this Italian pasta, 100-percent proudly produced by the Felicetti family in Predazzo, Trento, Italy. The product brand name is Felicetti by Pastificio Felicetti Srl, headquartered in the beautiful Predazzo, a real piece of “paradise” in the middle of the Dolomites Alpine Mountains. The Pastificio Felicetti is absolutely unique in the pasta industry in Italy. For more than a century and four generations, in the heart of the Dolomites, the Felicetti family has been creating and producing pasta which is made of carefully selected flour, fresh clean air, mountain spring water and constant striving for excellence. Massimo “Max Cannas is the Exclusive Agent, Director of Sales & Marketing for Pastificio Felicetti Srl in the United States, Mexico and Brazil.

• Currently available at large retailers such as Whole Foods, HEB Supermarkets, Kings Supermarkets, D’Agostino, Bristoll Farms, Earth Fare, Fairway Markets, The Fresh Market, Food Emporium, A & P, & Roche Brothers and Key Food. • Also available independent gourmet and specialty markets throughout the country. • Distributed by Haddon House, Kehe Foods, Chex Finer Foods, Gourmet Merchants In-

Five Authentic Varieties: Marinara: A classic blend of imported Italian tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, oregano and spices. Serve over spaghetti or linguini, simmer with your favorite seafood, or add to sautéed zucchini or eggplant for a new and fresh flavor. Fresh Tomato with Basil: The simplicity of imported Italian tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil and spices makes this a consummate favorite. Ideal with any pasta. Also delicious in traditional parmigiana and lasagna recipes. Filetto di Pomodoro: This beloved sauce features imported Italian tomatoes, onions, prosciutto, fresh basil, olive oil and spices. Especially nice over penne with lots of parmigiano cheese. You’ll love it! Continued on Page 72



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PARTNERS (Con’t. from p. 1)

cookies, but will still satisfy the sweet tooth without the added preservatives, calories and artificial flavors. After MiaDolci’s debut on the market, sales continue to climb as consumers respond positively to the innovative cookie alternative. PARTNERS estimates the MiaDolci line will soon be one of its top sellers. Sweet, but not too sweet, the cookie crisps are superb alone or paired with your favorite coffee, tea, sorbet or ice cream. They are available in four delicious flavors: Chocolate Vanilla Swirl, Toasted Hazelnut, Cinnamon Crisp and Lightly Lemon. As Leonard Mountain (Con’t. from p. 1)

could call it whatever they wanted to. Leonard Mountain has become a niche for those little companies, and now not so little companies, to have something that is simply show-stopping and all their own. Leonard Mountain has always been known for its very delightful and wide ranging product line. Today, they are sharing those recipes with everyone through their own personal labeling. This new project is called―Our Label or Yours. While they are

GOURMET NEWS

Onion―and can be found in the deli section in both six-ounce bags and boxes. This is one reward snack that your waistline can afford. Bye-Bye Muffin Top, Hello Bagel Tops! Sensible Portions continues to make its mark in the snack segment as consumers seek out healthier alternatives. The brand continues to expand into various channels of distribution from grocery and club channels to sport and theater venues, in an attempt to reach every kind of snacker. Sensible Portions aims to provide more better-for-you

alternatives to the full-fat snack, encouraging consumers to “Snack Sensibly,” a decree that is more than a motto, but a lifestyle change. By providing a delicious snack set with all-natural ingredients, generous portion sizes, and unparalleled flavor, a Sensible lifestyle has never been easier. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter, and even check out the Sensible Portions YouTube page, or stop by booth 5567, for breakfast on-the-go and start Snacking Sensibly!

dark chocolate-covered espresso beans, with SRPs of $1.99 to $2.29. Twenty-three percent of chocolate category sales are driven by displays,* and because peg bag programs offer high margins in what is often unused or under-utilized merchandise space, Ferrara Pan has created an eye-catching display case with the 4.75ounce to 7.0-ounce peg bags featured in a

48-count display tray to support sales at retail. “Customers prefer the convenience of bagged candy,” says Zel Peterson, marketing manager for Ferrara Pan, “and this packing option offers an attractive entry price that will attract purchasers, especially those who are watching their discretionary spending.” “Everybody deserves a few moments of pure, self-indulgent pleasure,” says Peterson.

“With tantalizing flavors, sensuous textures, and unique combinations of the highest quality ingredients like premium roasted almonds, peanuts, cashews, macadamias, pistachios and robust espresso beans, these chocolates of distinction are to be savored by the senses.” For more information about Ferrara Pan’s new premium panned chocolate peg bags, contact a Ferrara Pan representative at 800-323-1768 or stop by booth 3710.

*IRI f/d/m 52 week ending 3/7/11

with all PARTNERS products, MiaDolci are certified kosher and contain no preservatives, hydrogenated oils or trans fats. Since the gourmet cookie crisps are distinct in concept, the MiaDolci packaging needs to set itself apart as well. Designed with versatility in mind, MiaDolci are available in 6.5-ounce or two-ounce boxes. Each box has two front faces, allowing for horizontal or vertical display. The rich, earthtoned packaging with easily identifiable flavors looks appealing grouped together on a shelf, in a display rack or in a gift basket. If your taste buds are craving something less sweet, more savory, try some of PARTNERS other all natural products: Organic

Blue Star Farms® bite-size crackers; PARTNERS flatbread, hors d’oeuvre and bite-size crackers; Wisecrackers® flatbread and bitesize crackers; Get Movin’® snack crackers and cookies; or PARTNERS Gourmet Granola. Choose from over 20 delicious flavors, including Rosemary & Garlic, Olive Oil & Sea Salt, Everything & More, Stone Ground Wheat, Stone Ground Rye & Flax, Multigrain and Harvest Fruit. PARTNERS products are distributed nationwide in grocery stores, specialty retail outlets and discount clubs in the United States and Canada. In addition to being mindful of what goes into their all-natural products, PARTNERS, a tasteful choice company, takes

pride in its reputation as an environmentally friendly and responsible company. 100 percent of the company’s purchased energy comes from green power sources and is safe, clean and renewable. Product cartons are made using sustainable paperboard materials that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, all food waste is sent to a local chicken feed producer, and nearly all material waste is recycled. For more information about PARTNERS, a tasteful choice company, visit Fancy Food booth 5515, call 800-632-7477 or e-mail service@partnerscrackers.com. You may also find PARTNERS on facebook at facebook.com/partnerscrackers.

always delighted to sell Leonard Mountain under any one of their many labels, they have found that labeling for stores under their label is quite big business for them. With the design team that Leonard Mountain has on staff, they are able to take the logos and ideas from their customers and turn around custom design work in a very short time frame. This allows the customer to have their artwork quickly and product readily available. All the product is made quickly for the customer, so that usually they can turn around an order in 7-

10 business days, depending on the season of the year. Leonard Mountain keeps records of all the Private Label work, so that they can refer to the critical points used in each file, making the process seamless and very efficient for each customer. With many customers, Leonard Mountain inventories some part of their packaging, keeping track for the customer of what they have on hand. Private Label is big business. It builds customer loyalty. It causes customers to return to your shop because that product is not sold else-

where and therefore cannot be price compared. You then can bring that customer into your shop to purchase other items while they buy the Private Labeled items. Leonard Mountain offers a very easy, very simple private label program. Contact one of their salespeople at 800-822-7700 or visit www.leonardmountain.com and click on the Private Label tab to read about their Private Label Program. Stop by their booth during the Fancy Food Show―booth 4223―to have someone help with this exciting program.

other product can be used in different applications to create an appetizer, main course or dessert. Some of the most popular products from Robert Rothschild Farm are Raspberry Honey Mustard Pretzel Dip, Buffalo Bleu Cheese Dip, Dirty Martini Dip, Pineapple Coconut Mango Tequila Sauce, Hot Pepper Raspberry Chipotle Sauce, Caramelized Onion Balsamic Spread and Hot Pepper Peach Preserves. They are also launching five new gourmet sauces, which are savory and distinct and allow the host to cook a delicious meal with few ingredients and minimal preparation time. The host can review hundreds of recipes at www.robertrothschild.com

problem: Bagel Tops are baked to just the right crunch. The best part about this versatile snack is that each cracker is stiff enough to dip, delicate enough to top and tasty enough to munch all by itself. It’s the ideal snack for any time of day. Sensible Portions Bagel Tops are currently offered in three great-tasting flavors―Everything, Garlic and Toasted

Ferrara Pan Introduces Premium Panned Chocolate Peg Bags Ferrara Pan is now offering four of its popular premium panned chocolate products in new peg bags to help retailers satisfy consumers’ desire for an indulgent, yet affordable, chocolate experience. The new peg bag products include milk chocolate-covered and dark chocolatecovered bridge mix, classic milk chocolatecovered almonds or peanuts, and gourmet

the recipient has a terrific appetizer that everyone is sure to love. A full size jar of one of their tasty dips with the perfect pretzel accompaniment for dipping is available in a boxed Grab-N-Go Set. A gingerbread house was the inspiration for the festive Holiday Dip Set. It includes sample size jars of their very popular holiday dips. Each of these gifts plus others are ideal for holiday gift-giving. The entire collection coordinates and will make a festive display for your store. Robert Rothschild Farm can simplify the holidays from preparing to cooking to giftgiving. They offer what the consumer desires during this busy time of year. Visit the Robert Rothschild Farm booth 2305 at the 2011 Summer Fancy Food Show. For more information, call 800-356-8933, email info@robertrothschild.com or visit their website at www.robertrothschild.com.

Start Your Day The Sensible Way It’s the best part of a bagel in a snack―Sensible Portions Bagel Tops are the newest snack innovation to hit the deli. Like the rest of the Sensible Portions lineup, Bagel Tops are made with all-natural ingredients and contain no cholesterol or trans fat, for guilt free snacking. These little snacks are packed with flavor and ready to shake up your morning commute. No time for the toaster? No

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and choose the perfect recipe for their entertaining occasion. During the holiday season, try sampling some of these recipes in-store to tantalize the taste buds of your consumer. Whether you are hosting a holiday party, a guest or looking for a gift, Robert Rothschild Farm also offers gift sets that are perfect for any gift-giving occasion. From the food enthusiast to the entertainer to the sweets lover, they have something for everyone. They offer a wide assortment of gift sets at various price points. Some of the new ones for this season are a Cheese Set featuring two of their most popular dips that pair perfectly with cheese along with a bonus cheese platter and spreader. The Triple Dip Dish Set includes three “open and serve” dips and the ideal serving dishes. Simply fill the bowls with their gourmet dips, add Robert Rothschild Farm crackers, pretzels or chips, and

Robert Rothschild Farm Adds Flavor To Holiday Entertaining The holidays are a busy time of year for the retailer and consumer. Retailers have a fantastic opportunity to inspire their consumer by demonstrating ways to decorate, set the table and prepare a meal for their upcoming party or event. This time of year, a host is seeking ideas and inspiration from many sources. Why not be their source of information? Gourmet food manufacturers can help with the food preparation. Robert Rothschild Farm focuses on “Entertaining Made Simple.” They create and produce gourmet products with high-quality and complex ingredients, which taste like your favorite restaurant dish. Each dip, sauce, spread or



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essential amino acids in the most delicious and natural form possible. With the functional drink category among the fastest growing in the beverage industry, ALŌ Drink has distinguished itself as an all-natural standout. Offering Americans a blend of wholesome purity and delicious flavor unlike any comparable beverage on the market today, ALŌ Drink last year earned a Silver Finalist for Best Cold Beverage in the 2010 sofi™ Awards from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, as well as the coveted BevStar Bronze Award in the Functional/New Age Drink category from Beverage World magazine.

For Fine Salumi Products, The Word To Remember Is “Licini” Musco Food Corp. has been distributing Licini products for eight years. Owner Phil Musco proudly states, “Our sales have increased considerably on this product line every year since we became involved.” Mr. Musco believes, “The three main factors that contribute towards the ever increasing sales are 1) an increasing demand and awareness for artisanally produced Salumi products in general, 2) the acknowledgement and appreciation that Licini products are among the finest Salumi products produced and 3) the retailers’ realization of the value of the return sales on this product line.” Licini Brothers produces artisanal Salami, Pancetta and Coppa in the Italian tradition. In the 60 years since the company was

founded by the three Licini Brothers, the recipes and methods have hardly changed. Their products are simple in production with elegant results. Their love of honest work, respect for the farm, and desire to present ancient flavors to the modern world are the strengths of the Licini process and are evidenced in the finished products. By producing in small batches, Licini is able to maintain many of the characteristics of great Salami that commercial producers can’t. They only use all natural casings for every product. The rich flavor of Licini products comes only from the slow curing process and the addition of simple spices. Because Licini is a USDA facility, they maintain the highest standards and criteria so

Texas Tamale Company And Brazos Legends Have A Tasty History Texas Tamale Company and Brazos Legends are brands that have been a part of Texas culture for over 25 years. Both companies were started with family recipes. The founders of Texas Tamale Co. were looking for a healthy alternative to the traditional Tex-Mex tamale made with lard. They came up with a great tasting tamale made with vegetable shortening. Soon friends and neighbors were offering to buy the homemade tamales and salsas, and Texas Tamale Sticky Fingers (Con’t. from p. 1)

TO: We’ve been working on getting the flavors and product mix right for a couple of years. We’ve had a lemon curd and a couple of jams for some time, but we never really marketed them in any significant way. We decided it was time to develop this side of our product family with the expansion of the line to 12 jams, curds, fruit butters and jellies. GN: You must have some confidence in the economy to be making such a move.

TO: I think there’s a sense of optimism within the specialty foods industry. I feel as if we’re waking from a collective economic hibernation. Companies that were perhaps

Co. was born. The founders of Brazos Legends came from a heritage of Brazos County cowboys. Their original recipes came from chuck wagon cooks on the trail rides. Some of the original recipes included bloody mary mixes, BBQ Sauces and enchilada sauce. Both companies moved from their home kitchens into state-inspected commercial kitchens, established their brands and won awards for their products. In the mid-’90s, the current owners purholding back on introducing anything new while focusing more internally as the economy righted itself seem to be now moving outward toward the increasing demand for new items. I would put us in that category.

GN: You’ve got some traditional flavors like Blueberry Jam and Lemon Curd, but there are some decided departures from what you might think pairs with scones.

TO: If you only think of these products as toppings for scones or toast, you’re missing out! Our Tomatillo Pepper Jelly with Fire Roasted Jalapenos makes a terrific base for a marinade or a filling for burritos or omelets. The other day my family and I took out some crackers and cream cheese and paired it with

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GOURMET NEWS

While some drinks labeled as “aloe vera juice” in reality contain little aloe vera and even less nutrition, ALŌ honors nature by making its beverages with chunks of pulp direct from the leaf rather than reconstituted from powder. What’s more, the company utilizes the inner aloe pulp derived from the hand-filleting method and not from the “whole leaf” process in which the nonnutritious green outer skin is ground up along with the main pulp. By capturing nature in a bottle so

meticulously, ALŌ has created a refreshing change from the ordinary―a pulpy, chunky, exotic, unexpected, oddly translucent yet utterly compelling and nutritious drink unlike anything the average consumer has ever seen or tasted before. ALŌ Drink is available in seven refreshing flavors, including ALŌ Exposed, made with real aloe vera pulp and honey; ALŌ Awaken, mixing aloe vera and wheatgrass; ALŌ Enrich, blending pomegranate, cranberry, and real aloe vera; ALŌ Allure, a tropical fusion of mangosteen, mango and aloe vera; ALŌ Appeal, a citrusy blend of pomelo, pink grapefruit, lemon and real aloe vera; ALŌ Enliven, mixing 12 different fruits and vegetables with aloe vera; and ALŌ Elated, marrying brewed olive leaf tea and green tea with aloe vera. Visit www.alodrink.com for more information.

that their products continue to be old-world without being old-fashioned. Salami is aged in temperature-controlled environments. Pancetta is hand-rolled and all of the ingredients are ground and mixed on-premise. By controlling all aspects of their small-scale production, Licini guarantees that every product comes to you with the consistency of a manufactured product, but with the character of a hand-made one. Musco offers the complete Licini line. Cacciatore Salami is fine in texture and diminutive in size, for family-style antipasto. Dry Sausage and Sopressata are two New York favorites―rich in texture, with delicately aged flavors. Pancetta is produced from fresh, hand-selected, trimmed pork bellies that are cured and seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper producing a marbled, tender finished product. Coppa is distinctly Italian in style, never perfectly round and maintains the character of the pork shoulder

in shape. Coppa’s dry-aging produces a sweetness that makes it unique in the marketplace. Two cooked Salami are Zampino and Salami Cotto, which are rarely seen delicacies, smooth in texture and complex in flavor. Licini Brothers continues to produce the finest artisanal Salumi in the U.S.A. It does so with little recognition, fanfare or publicity (although it is sold coast to coast). Licini has the rare capability of offering a private-label program to distributors and large retail chains. Licini is a USDA inspected and approved facility. Musco Food Corp offers their customers a convenient sample box that will certainly win your heart and business. Phil Musco proudly assures that, “You’ll soon see the potential the Licini products have to offer, and I’m certain that the quality is beyond compare!”

chased Texas Tamale Co. to expand its regional market beyond the Houston and Dallas areas and, a short time later, added the extensive product line of Brazos Legends products to the Texas Tamale Co. The combination of the two companies is an ideal mix of both Tex-Mex, BBQ and hot and spicy pepper sauces. Today, all frozen items are made in a USDA-inspected kitchen, and all shelf-stable items are made in state-inspected commercial kitchens. Texas Tamale offers their frozen line of tamales in five flavors―Beef, Chicken, Pork, Spinach with Cheese and Black Bean. Frozen Homestyle Chili and Chili con Queso are the favorite toppings for the tamales,

along with the signature salsas and Hot Tamale Pepper Sauce. The tamales are available primarily in grocery distribution in an ever-expanding market in the U.S.A. and foodservice, as well as on the company’s retail website. Brazos Legends items and the Bull Snort line of pepper sauces are found in specialty stores throughout the United States and are now available in parts of Canada, the U.K. and Australia. In the last few years, Texas Tamale revised the tamale recipes to eliminate vegetable shortening, and now all tamales are zero trans fats per serving and all tamales are

ALO Drink A Category Leader In Less Than Three Years Going up against some of the largest beverage companies in the already-crowded functional drink category in 2009, San Francisco-based ALŌ Drink had a distinct advantage: a line of all-natural aloe verainfused beverages, similar to those that were popular in the Far East. Less than three years after debuting in the United States (and Canada), ALŌ is already the number one ready-to-drink aloe vera beverage in the domestic natural channel. Recently awarded the 2011 InterBev Beverage Innovation Award for Best Natural Functional Drink, ALŌ Drink delivers aloe vera’s powerhouse blend of vitamins, minerals and

the Raspberry Chipotle Jam, and it was amazing. I think people are going to be pleased at how versatile the line is. For instance, we’ve come out with some unique and some more traditional takes on the fruit butter category, like Cranberry Apple and Pumpkin Spice. GN: Back to your scone line for a moment. Any news?

TO: Yes, we’re introducing a raspberrywhite chocolate scone mix at the show, in addition to a strawberry scone mix. The raspberry-white chocolate scone is probably our most decadent one yet; sales at World Market have been very robust for the past year, and now we’re ready to unveil it to a larger market.

Continued on Page 72

GN: You’re entering a crowded marketplace with the jam line. What’s the thinking?

TO: There are some extremely good and very established companies in the marketplace, and it’s exciting for us to try and compete for even a small portion of that market. We know that retailers and their customers associate us with high quality standards on our scone, muffin, bread and brownie mixes, and I think they will see that our new line measures up. If it weren’t up to the same quality people know us for, it wouldn’t have our name on it. For a taste of the new products, stop by booth 4807, call 800-458-5826 or visit www.sticky fingersbakeries.com to learn more.



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Twinings (Con’t. from p. 1)

GN: Can you tell our readers about Twinings?

JD: Twinings is a specialty tea company that was established in 1706 in London by Thomas Twining. Today, 305 years later, the passion remains strong, and we remain faithful to Thomas Twining’s exacting standards, still selecting only the finest handpicked tea leaves from premium tea gardens. Globally, Twinings is sold in 115 countries, offering over 200 varieties of tea and is the number-one specialty tea company in the world. Here in the U.S.A., we offer over 50 tea varieties, and we are the fastest growing tea company for the past five years (20072011). We have been on a great role, and this year will be better than the last five. GN: Can you tell us what makes Twinings such a unique company?

JD: Twinings focuses only on premium tea. We offer a full range of tea in black, flavored black, chai, green and herbal. We currently have 8 flavor varieties of K-Cup® for Keurig® Brewing Systems, Cold-Brewed Iced teas and the only company that carry 100-percent Organic and Fair Trade Certified teas. Our expert tea blenders taste more than 4,000 cups of tea every week, so you can be sure the next cup you taste will be as satisfying as the last. In fact, Twinings was granted its first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1837. The Royal Warrant, a mark Terrapin Ridge Farms (Con’t. from p. 1)

became a natural choice to add to Terrapin Ridge Farms™ new line of epicurean chocolate sauces and dips. Creamy Coconut is blended with bittersweet chocolate and chocolate liquor to create an undeniably rich chocolate sauce and dip. This is sure to become a bestseller. Along with the Chocolate Coconut Sauce /Dip, Dave’s Gourmet (Con’t. from p. 1)

we started out making hot sauces, like our Insanity Sauce, and that most of our sales are now from pasta sauces, like our Butternut Squash Sauce or our Organic Red Heirloom. We also have many other sauces and spices and have the capability and desire to expand into other categories. GN: What is the reason that your company exists?

DH: Our company exists to make people’s lives incrementally better in one or more of several ways. We want to either bring them more pleasure from their food, amuse them and/or make them healthier. We accomplish this by making natural and organic products that taste better, have new and interesting flavors, and sometimes by making funny products like Lucky Nuts (every tenth nut is Belmont Peanuts (Con’t. from p. 4)

an amazing journey and one that we are proud to be a part of year after year. Belmont Peanuts is designated a “Virginia’s Finest” company which carries

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of excellence bestowed upon Twinings, is in recognition of our teas’ demonstrated premium quality as a supplier of tea to Queen Victoria and her Royal households. It’s been a tremendous honor for Twinings to supply every successive British monarch to date.

Also at Twinings, people are our greatest asset. I feel I am blessed with the best sales and marketing team in the industry. The hard work and dedication is second to none! GN: Please tell us about an exciting event that’s affected Twinings this past year.

JD: We are happy to announce the success we’ve been having with our K-Cup and Chai line. K-Cup products, Keurig’s innovative single cup brewing system, lets people brew the perfect cup in less than a minute, without the wait and mess. It’s as simple as it gets. To date, our K-Cup business represents 20 percent of our sales. We currently sell to special retails such as Bed Bath & Beyond and Macy’s and all major groceries. In addition to the K-Cup success, our new lines of Chai teas have soared this past year. Increases in specialty black sales are being driven by flavored black teas. Consumers are better understanding the connection between what one eats and one’s health. Tea has become a more popular alternative to coffee. We hope to replicate drinking experiences at coffee cafes (i.e. sophisticated flavors and ingredients) to consumers’ homes by producing a great line of flavored black teas. Drinking specialty tea Terrapin Ridge Farms is introducing a Double Chocolate Sauce /Dip at the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington DC. Double the chocolate, double the decadence, rings true with this luxurious sauce and dip. Using chocolates as dips and sauces adds versatility to the product and convenience for customers. According to O’Donnell, “serving these chocolate sauces right out of the jar with salty hot but they all look the same) or the Adjustable Heat Hot Sauce.

GN: What do you anticipate to be your greatest challenge in the year ahead?

DH: Our company lives and dies on our products and our R&D. We are now launching a huge R&D initiative to find/create the best possible sauces anywhere. We are working with our inside R&D and outside contractors. We are collaborating with other producers. We are launching contests for both home cooks and professional chefs.

GN: What is your company’s place in the market? DH: In the hot sauce world, we are the creator and one of the leaders of the super-hot sauce niche. In the pasta sauce world, we are

a approval from the Virginia Department of Agriculture, and they also carry the Virginia/Carolina Grown Peanuts logo on their products, insuring the consumer that their products are, in fact, grown locally. If you are also a connoisseur of peanuts,

has become more fashionable.

GN: Can you tell us briefly how Twinings is distributed?

DW: There are various ways to supply our tea to our consumers/customers. We supply retailers through regional and national distributors and also direct. Whether you’re a local area favorite or a large multi-unit chain operation, Twinings has a tea program to fit all needs. Twinings prides itself on excellent customer service, so we’re an easy company to do business with. Plus, we offer multiple distribution solutions. GN: Tell us about an exciting new product that’s brewing at Twinings.

DW: Twinings offers four varieties of coldbrewed iced teas: English Classic, Mixed Berry, Lady Grey and Green with Mint. It’s a proprietary process that actually allows you to brew a refreshing, cool glass of tea without the added step of boiling the water. All varieties brew in regular room temperature water, so a delicious glass of fresh-brewed ice tea takes only minutes. In line with Twinings’ dedication to quality, you’re brewing tea from tea leaves―not mixing a powdered or diluted version. You can even enjoy the delicious, cold, refreshing iced tea on the

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GOURMET NEWS

go, since our special cold brew tea bags can be added to your water bottle.

GN: Does Twinings offer any seasonal items?

JD: Yes, Twinings has a great line of teas that evoke the spirit and warmth of the season. Available in Pumpkin Spice Chai, Winter Spice and Christmas Tea, these seasonal varieties are a great way to welcome the excitement of the holidays. Coming soon are two additional flavors as an extension to our Chai line: Hazelnut Chai and Almond Chai. We’ve found that retail chains, restaurants and other channels are excited to present the seasonal items, which prompts consumers to try something different. GN: Please tell our readers how they can experience Twinings while at SFFS.

JD: I’d like to invite all to visit us at our Twinings booth. Please stop by and experience first-hand what Twinings has been brewing for the past 305 years. You’re sure to discover a blend that’s just right for you! We will be serving hot tea and Cold Brewed Iced tea samples, so be sure to stop by our booth. I look forward to meeting you. Visit Jim and the Twinings team at booth 923. More information can be found online at www.twiningsusa.com.

pretzels, graham cracker sticks or vanilla wafers makes a quick and easy treat.” • Double Chocolate Sauce/Dip: 11 ounces, MSRP $7.50 • Chocolate Coconut Sauce/Dip: 11 ounces, MSRP $7.50

About Terrapin Ridge Farms, LLC Terrapin Ridge Farms, LLC is a creator, marketer and seller of gourmet food products headquartered in Clearwater, Fla. The company’s product line consists of dips, sauces, dressings, gourmet condiments and jams which can be found in high-quality specialty food and gift stores across the U.S.A. and Canada. For details, visit www.terrapinridge.com.

one of the leading, and maybe the fastest growing, specialty pasta sauce brand. Our innovative flavors and great taste helped us win the Sofi for Best Pasta Sauce in both 2009 and 2010.

of economy, sales and product evolution?

Sample these new sauces at the Summer Fancy Food Show booth 5621.

GN: Once you have these great products, how does a smaller producer like you effectively promote and sell?

DH: When you are small, you can’t afford consumer direct advertising and end up focusing a great deal on trade marketing and driving distribution. We know that this is not enough. Our PR efforts have always been a focus and have always been really effective. This is still not enough, so we are really pushing to expand our in-store promotions through creative demo programs and pushing more off-shelf display promotions.

DH: The irony of the last couple of years is that everyone has been pushing discounting and value, but some specialty segments have done really well at premium prices. This is where you can really see for what consumers are willing to pay more. This is also where retailers can focus and make more profits. I guess that consumers value our innovative items because we have been growing quickly during this period. We don’t focus on what the economy is doing, but on developing items that consumers really like and value. We will continue to do this, and we anticipate good growth over the next few years.

GN: How do you see the next year in terms

For information, call Dave at 415-4019100, email dave@davesgourmet.com, visit www.davesgourmet.com or stop by booth 5224 at the Fancy Food Show.

and are looking for another product to add to your offerings, or want to have a fundraiser, do yourself a favor and give David and Patsy a call or check out their website. I promise you will be glad you did! They offer quantity discounts, as well as wholesale and

distributor pricing. The motto around here is, “We believe in Fresh, Fresh, Fresh!” “Taste the Difference and You Decide!” For more information, call 800-648-4613, visit www.belmontpeanuts.com or stop by booth 3024, located in the Virginia Pavilion.



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Terrapin Ridge Farms™ will introduce three new dip mixes at the summer Fancy Food Show in DC in July. “Our initial launch of dip mixes were overwhelmingly

many other gastronomic products. Their specialists continuously travel around the world to select and bring the best caviar and fine food to your table. They are proud and honored to supply the most famous, high-end and gastronomic chefs from around the world. They are devoted and dedicated to serving you: Their customer’s satisfaction is their principal goal. They are fully committed to their outstanding quality and look forward to being of service. For more information, visit www.houseofcaviarandfinefoods.com.

blends are salt-free and USDA Certified Organic, No MSG or GMO. Finally, The Spice Hunter Quick And All Natural™ Soups offer a combination of flavor,

health and convenience with a new look and a line of 40-percent reduced sodium varieties―just add water. The Spice Hunter soups are 100-percent natural and contain zero grams of trans fat and no MSG. The new label calls out the nutritional information on front. Six 40-Percent Reduced Sodium soups will join twelve bowls of other flavors covering three segments: Classics, Made with Organic Ingredients and High Fiber. All are available at select retailers, on-line at www.spicehunter.com or by calling 800444-3061. Visit them at booth 4800.

handcrafted, farmstead Gouda is available in a variety of aging stadiums from two-to-four month Young to ‘Overjarige’, a two-year-old aged Gouda. The onion and garlic flavors blend nicely with the smooth, creamy Gouda. Paprika, ginger and horseradish add a more robust, complex flavor without overpowering the natural Gouda taste. All of

Marieke’s authentic Dutch cheese is made from raw, farm-fresh, rBGH-free milk

crafted in a cheese vat from Holland. The 18-pound wheels are carefully aged in a special curing cellar on Dutch pine planks. MariekeTM Onion Garlic Gouda melts well and is excellent on a grilled cheese sandwich. Give cheesy potatoes a tasty twist by using this flavored Gouda, or grate some on top of tomato soup. Mmm, comfort food! Visit their online store, where you can ship their cheese anywhere in the continental U.S., at www.hollandsfamilycheese.com or give them a call at 715-669-5230. Wholesale and distributor pricing available.

dles are freeze dried toppings of the highest quality. Consumers are often surprised by the abundant quantities and freshness of the gourmet mushrooms, silken tofu, bok choy, cabbage, carrots and green onion. Each of the four varieties (six kinds of Mushrooms, Spicy Tofu, Vegetables, Spicy Sesame) come alive with uniquely authentic flavors that are sure to satisfy. This year, Crystal Noodle has taken their

creativity to an entirely new level. Not only is their line completely vegetarian and MSGfree, they have also developed two exciting new flavors to draw further appeal from their customers. First off is Savory Shoyu, a truly authentic soy sauce-based broth inspired by the soul-warming aesthetic of Japanese ramen. Added to this soup’s robust flavor are bountiful amounts of green onion, corn and carrots. Second up is Hot and Sour, a tangy broth

steeped in tradition that is sure to excite the taste buds. Even more exciting are the unique textures created by the soft tofu, mushrooms and carrots. As the Japanese say … oichii! Crystal Noodle truly strives to be the innovator of bringing quality Asian soups to the mainstream market, and with their constant innovation, they are proving themselves to do just that. Crystal Noodle will be located in booth 5026.

olives, capers, anchovies, parsley, basil and spices. Adds passion to any type of pasta! Arrabbiata: For those who like it spicy, this is your sauce. Imported Italian

tomatoes, hot peppers, fresh basil, olive oil, parsley and spices are simmered to create a zesty partner to pasta and seafood. For more information, please write to 2929

Avenue R, Brooklyn, NY 11229, call 718-9987851, fax 718-645-9406, email michaelsof bklyn@aol.com, visit www.michaelsofbrook lyn.com or stop by booth 5655.

including Cantina, Sugar Free, Peach, Blue Raspberry and Mango, as well as Michalada, a Mexican beer mix that is becoming very popular. Texas Tamale/Brazos Legends can be seen at the Fancy Food Show in Booth

1123, can be contacted by email at sbailey @texastamale.com or by phone at 800-TTAMALE (800-882-6253). Its websites are www.texastamale.com and www .brazoslegends.com. The company is in the process of designing a new website

that will combine all the products in one website. They hope to have the new site up and running by August 2011. New features will include nutritional information, a list of gluten-free items and more recipes and specials.

Traditionally the finest and most famous caviar were produced by Iran, Russia and all other countries surrounding the Caspian Sea basin. Since 2010, all of the countries around the Caspian Sea decided to stop production of wild caviar. As a result, aqua farm caviar is now the principal source of caviar. Their experts and specialists travel around the world

Peppercorn Medley, Brazilian Sea Salt and Citrus Pepper. All blends are salt-free. The Spice Hunter 100-percent organic spice and herb line also has five exciting salt free blends, that add lots of flavor without sodium. Varieties include, Curry Seasoning, Herbes de Provence, Italian Seasoning, Mexican Seasoning and Poultry Seasoning. All

Marieke Onion Garlic Gouda: An Authentic Dutch Gouda Owned and managed by Marieke and Rolf Penterman, who emigrated from the Netherlands in 2002, Holland’s Family Cheese company offers an extensive range of awardwinning, artisan Gouda. Marieke’s Onion Garlic Gouda won its first blue ribbon at the American Cheese Society Contest held in Seattle, Wash. this past August 2010. Their Crystal Noodle (Con’t. from p. 1)

Crystal Noodle provides a nutritious and truly authentic Asian meal within minutes. Crystal Noodle’s namesake stems from the dried (not fried!) mung bean noodle which acts as the foundation for their soups. Because it is not fried, the soup remains low in calories while still providing a filling dose of authentic Asian taste. Added to the nooMichael’s of Brooklyn (Con’t. from p. 64)

Putanesca: A hearty recipe combining imported Italian tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, Texas Tamale (Con’t. from p. 68)

gluten free. The newest items being introduced at the Summer Fancy Food show include a new six-pack gift set of pepper sauces and new flavors of Margarita Mix

GOURMET NEWS

in search of the best environmentally friendly aqua farms producing the finest caviar. Actually, you can find at the House of Caviar and Fine Foods the finest and freshest caviar such as: River Beluga/Kaluga, Royal Imperial, Imperial Ossetra, Crown Russian Ossetra, Royal Siberian, White Sturgeon and much more. Along with more than twenty different assortment of caviar, they also offer the most delicate, fine and specialty foods such as smoked fishes, gourmet seafood, Foie gras, Truffles, Wild mushrooms, fine spices and

successful,” states Mary O’Donnell CEO, Terrapin Ridge Farms, “Therefore it made sense for us to continue to launch new items in this category.” Each product has two pouches to allow the consumer to make two bowls of dip. Horseradish lovers will love the Sweet Onion Horse-

Salt-Free Seasonings Are The Focus Of The Spice Hunter The Spice Hunter® is putting a new twist on seasoning with its Fresh Twist Grinder™ line of spice blends, with built-in grinding caps with a choice of coarse or fine grinds. Fresh Twist Grinders have six fresh combinations guaranteed to get your taste buds dancing. Varieties include Tellicherry Peppercorn, Garlic Herb Sensation, Fiery Chile Fusion,

makes a terrific dip for graham cracker sticks, salty pretzels or vanilla wafers. It can also be made into a cheese ball. • Sweet Onion Horseradish Dip Mix: MSRP $3.99, 1.6 ounces. • Parmesan Peppercorn Dip Mix: MSRP $3.99, 1.6 ounces. • Raspberry Key Lime Dip Mix: MSRP $3.99, 2.3 ounces.

Welcome To The House Of Caviar And Fine Foods A symbol of distinction and perfection since 1984, House of Caviar and Fine Foods―located in the USA and Europe―is a specialized importer/exporter and distributor of caviars and gastronomic products. Our experts select, prepare and pack a wide range of sophisticated, fine food products under the control of CITES, FDA and HACCP.

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radish Dip Mix. It balances intense horseradish flavor with sweet onions and savory herbs and spices. Terrapin Ridge Farms Parmesan Peppercorn is loaded with fresh flavor. It has a medley of Parmesan & Romano Cheeses, spices and three types of peppercorns: pink, green and black pepper. It is terrific as a veggie dip or with chips and pretzels. Mouthwatering Raspberry Key Lime Dip Mix combines tangy key lime with sweet raspberries. Mixed with cream cheese, it

Terrapin Ridge Farms Adds Three Dip Mixes To Their Dip Mix Line-Up Launch is result of overwhelming success in the category

To sample these dip mixes, visit us at Summer Fancy Food Show booth 5621.



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Sweeties Tastylicious Cookies, All-Natural Like Mom Used To Bake Lemonettes, Chip Chip Hooray, Cherri Treasures, Choco Madness, Punkin Doodles and Powder Cloud are the new indulgent cookies sure to evoke those sweet childhood memories in us all. Sweeties tastylicious cookies are the newest addition to Aunt Gussie’s family of great-tasting cookies and crackers. Inspired by traditional homemade recipes, they are made with the same commitment to using only all natural ingredients to achieve its unique rich taste. Sweeties tastylicious cookies are made with creamy butter, rich and decadent choco-

late chips, delicious red cherries, lemon zest, pumpkin puree, cashews, and pecans and sweetened with organic evaporated cane juice, wholesome ingredients that, mixed together, bring Sweeties perfect taste. With its cheerful presentation, each bag contains six ounces of scrumptious bite-size cookies that may be aligned both seasonally or year round. Lemonettes and Cherri Treasures are great summer fun, Punkin Doodles are an autumn must have, Powder Clouds are the perfect winter treat, and Choco Madness and Chip Chip Hooray are everyone’s

Yes, 1986 Was A Year Of Great ‘Firsts’ There were the first inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The first megabit chip created by IBM. There was the first American to win a Tour De France race. And in 1986, after years of debating who made the best barbecue in the family, the three King Brothers―George Jr., Barry and Darryl, along with their dad, George Sr.―decided to have their first family BBQ cook-off. Each was to create an original BBQ sauce. It was after that competition that many friends and family members told Barry that his sauce was the best they had ever had. Those responses inspired Barry to continue making batches of his mesquite-flavored

sauce and giving it away over the next 20 years. In early 2007, Barry knew that with his 30+ years of mass-marketing and advertising experience, the time had come to bring his proven gourmet sauce to market to the people of Texas and beyond. Barry approached his brother Darryl, who as a chef had over 28 years in the food preparation and recipe design business, about starting a gourmet sauce business for the consumer market. The brothers officially established a partnership in February 2007, and Brothers Sauces of Fort Worth, Texas was born. The first product was Barry’s original barbecue sauce, which they named Brothers GOLD.

Spring Brook Farm: Vermont’s Version Of The Land Of Oz Pay no attention to the man and woman behind the curtain—they are merely the masterminds behind bringing the Farms For City Kids Foundation to fruition, as well as bringing cheese making to Spring Brook Farm in Reading, Vt. While Jim and Karli Hagedorn have shunned the spotlight, for more than a decade now, they have helped show thousands of city kids how to “follow the yellow brick road” to Spring Brook

Farm. It’s a program that educates city kids from New York City, Boston and other urban areas (free of charge) about the life on a farm and where the food we eat comes from. They learn what it takes to care for pigs, chickens, and cows and, over the last three years, learn about how world-class cheese is made. In 2008, the making of Tarentaise cheese came to the farm. Following centuries-old

What’s Cooking At Good Eats Foods? Good Eats Foods is pleased to announce the introduction of several new items at the Summer Fancy Food Show. All of their products are easy to use, natural, kosher and fat free. Their

new “Memphis City Slow Cookin Sauce” adds a delicious taste to pork, beef, chicken or meatballs in the traditional way of Southern cooking. “Carmen’s Enchilada Sauce” is an

Nunes Farms: Distinctive, Quality Almonds Nunes Farms, the almond-growing family farm, located at the base of the coastal range in California’s fertile Central Valley, is still going strong after more than 25 years of selling direct to retailers. The company has maintained their place among customers by offering consistently fresh and high-quality products and friendly, professional customer service with that personal touch. Their philosophy is that almonds are re-

ally good the way they are, so you don’t need to do much to improve on what Mother Nature has provided. That being said, their oven roasting brings out a pleasant crunchiness, and a little salt always enhances flavor. The seasoned varieties are lightly coated, and the almond candies are divine. Premium chocolate, farm-fresh cream and butter, and pure cane sugar are used to produce Almond Caramel Chews, Choco-

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GOURMET NEWS

favorites year round, but who’s to say when is the perfect time to enjoy your Sweeties? These fun-loving indulgent cookies are for the young and the young at heart. For over 30 years, Aunt Gussie’s has been ahead of the curve, specializing in alternative products for consumers following restrictive diets. The company is better known for its premium selection of sugar free, spelt sugar free, and gluten free cookies and also for its unique big & crunchy Cracker Flats. Consumers, retailers and distributors as well, know that Aunt Gussie’s products are a must have; they know that these superior cookies and crackers are not simple snacks, they are healthier alternatives for consumer craving rich taste and premium quality in every bite. The company was founded by Marilyn

Caine, who started baking cookies in her home kitchen with only one thing in mind: healthier treats made with only all-natural premium ingredients. She was a woman ahead of her time, always looking into healthier ingredients and nutritional solutions to adapt and improve her family recipes. Her son David carries on Marilyn’s vision, keeping up to date with fast-changing market trends, ingredients innovation and state-of-the-art facilities. Aunt Gussie’s facilities are Kosher-certified under Star K, dairy/parve. Its dedicated glutenfree facility is also GFCO certified. They follow HACCP good manufacturing practices audited by Silliker, Inc. For more information, write to info@auntgussies.com, visit www .auntgussies.com or stop by booth 1623.

Coming up with the first part of the company and product name was obvious to them. It was simple since it was their company and they were brothers. They also believed the name Brothers would be easily remembered by the public—since most people have one or know one or are one. The name GOLD came from a friend of Barry’s named Steve, to whom Barry had given containers of the sauce throughout the years. Steve loved the sauce and would only serve it to his family if he poured it on their plates. He didn’t want a drop wasted. One day, Steve’s nine-year-old son told him that he acted like the barbecue sauce was made of gold! Barry remembered that story, and he knew that word was as natural as anything he and Darryl would come up with as a name.

In early 2008, Brothers HEAT, a Texas Peppery-Sweet Gourmet Chicken Wing Sauce, was introduced, followed by Brothers Spicy Brown Mustard GOLD, a Texas Hickory-Sweet Gourmet Barbecue Sauce, in June 2008. In the Summer of 2010, Brothers Sauces launched a new dessert sauce— Granny Georgia’s Brown Suga, The Original Dessert Sauce. It is near and dear to their heart because it’s an original recipe created by the King Brothers great, great grandmother in 1895. It’s a brown sugar-based sauce that’s great over bread pudding, cheesecake, ice cream, gingerbread and more! Now the King Brothers are excited about another “first”—bringing their products to their first Fancy Food Show. Their booth number is 2729.

traditions with origins in the French Alps, Spring Brook Farm Tarentaise has quickly become world renowned, with awards such as First Place in its category at the American Cheese Society competition in 2010, Best U.S.A. Cow’s Milk Cheese at the 2010 World Cheese Awards and Best of Class at the 2011 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest. Tarentaise is a raw cow’s-milk cheese made using a natural aging process, in which the cheese makers encourage the growth and development of beneficial live cultures on the rind. This lends to its complex flavor and imparts a warm caramel color to the rind, which develops over at

least 10 months of aging. More recently, Reading Raclette is being produced at Spring Brook as well. This is a semi-soft cheese ideally suited for melting over vegetables, breads or meats, yet can stand alone on any cheese plate. It offers a creamy, nutty flavor unique to the Jersey cows that graze in the Vermont pastures of Spring Brook Farm. Aged for over three months, Reading Raclette is a great compliment to the award-winning Tarentaise, with all funds from their sale going to support the Farms For City Kids Foundation. For city kids, a trip to the farm is just like putting on their own pair of ruby slippers.

authentic Southwestern cooking sauce. “Bubbie Jeanne’s Brisket Sauce” makes the world’s best tasting brisket, it’s Brisket Magic. For the gourmet chef in all of us, don’t forget about their new Ginger Sesame Cooking Sauce; and finally, perfect for your fall and seasonal programs, Good Eats Foods is introducing three

new sweet and fresh tasting Fruit Butters. When you think of easy to use, natural, kosher and fat free foods, think Good Eats Foods. For more information, stop by www.good eatsfoods.net or visit booth 412 at the Fancy Food Show, where their new products will be shown in the Avenue Gourmet booth.

late Dipped Almond Chews and Chocolate Truffle Almonds, to name a few. Nunes Farms offers a unique variety of packaged as well as bulk almonds, pistachios, mixed nuts and almond candies. Starting with the single-serving snack sizes and working up to gift boxes and tins, there is something for everyone and every occasion. Since freshness is a high priority, Nunes Farms roasts their nuts as needed and stores the raw nuts in cold storage with low humidity, the optimal situation. Almonds contain a high percentage of delicate oils (the good alpha tochopherol, vitamin E type) which must be

treated properly or their shelf life deteriorates quickly. This company is in charge of their product from the ground to the customer. They farm, roast, season, package and ship. In doing so, they take great pride in offering the best they can with each order that ships out. Nunes Farms maintains a distinctive quality all its own. Whether choosing almonds for snacking, cooking or gift giving, you can be assured that you are getting the best, fresh from the source. For more information about Nunes Farms, call 209-862-3033 or visit www.nunesfarms.com.



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Pereg Transforms Healthy Foods Into Gourmet Dishes Pereg Gourmet Natural Foods has launched a new “super-food” line that combines major health benefits with international flavors. Known for more than 60 varieties of “pure” natural spices, spice blends, herbs, and a wide array of foods, mixes and condiments, Pereg and its Quinoa-Rice-Couscous Mix line have exceeded the bounds of wholesome, flavorful food production. Recently rediscovered, Quinoa, with its

fluffy, crunchy texture and nutty flavor, is an excellent source of tasty nutrition. Once called, “the gold of the Incas,” Pereg decided to make this South American super-grain a staple. Whether it is Quinoa Organic Whole Grain Plain or tossed with a variety of specially selected blends, it is a powerhouse of savory nourishment. In addition, Pereg also features Basmati Rice, known for its fine texture and nuanced

Villars, Master Chocolate Maker Since 1901 A century of tradition At Villars, the love of Swiss chocolate began in 1901, when an eminent Chocolate Master, William Kaiser, settled on the outskirts of Fribourg, close to the region of Gruyères, renowned for its double cream and alpine milk. Thus was born a high end chocolate, whose reputation very quickly spread abroad: within a few years, Villars became the supplier to several European courts. Fidelity to Swiss home-produced ingredients Villars has always relied on the best homeproduced ingredients. Even today, their

chocolatiers use only 100-percent Swiss milk. They therefore form a part of a small group that scrupulously respects the great Swiss chocolate tradition. If Villars has chosen Swiss milk, it is because the flora of the alpine pastures gives it a unique flavor, and because it is creamier than ordinary milk.

A label, which guarantees tradition and Swiss quality All Villars chocolates carry this label which guarantees respect of the Villars tradition and of the proverbial Swiss quality, which starts with that of the ingredients, beginning with Swiss milk.

The Tao Of Tea Introduces Eight New Bottled Tea Beverages The Tao of Tea®, one of nation’s true pureleaf specialty tea companies, has launched two lines of bottled, ready-to-drink teas and herbs. Freshly brewed at its own tea brewery in Portland, Oregon, both lines―Iced Tea and Tulsi―are organic, unsweetened and without any added juices or flavorings. The Iced Tea line includes five classic varieties: Darjeeling, Osmanthus Oolong, Lapsang Souchong, Lemon Myrtle (caffeine free) and Cape Town Rooibos (caffeine free). SRP $2.99.

The Tulsi line offers Tulsi Pure, Tulsi Lavender and Tulsi Ginger. Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a sacred, caffeinefree Ayurvedic herb from India that has been gaining familiarity and popularity in the United States. Stores in the Pacific Northwest are reporting excellent sales of Tao of Tea’s bottled Tulsi. The Tao of Tea grows Tulsi in parts of India by supporting small and marginal farmers and promoting organic cultivation. “We wanted to be totally transparent and, as such, after many years of

The Freshest Fruits And Vegetables Can Be Found In The Frozen Aisle Did you know that there are many advantages of frozen produce over fresh?

Stahlbush Island Farms harvests their fruit at peak ripeness, when the fruits and veggies are at their fullest potential of nutrients, natural flavor , color, size and sugars. Their Northwest Strawberries are red throughout, their Marions are the best of all blackberries,

and their blueberries are plump and sweet. All of Stahlbush’s fruit products are individually frozen the day they harvest, because with fruit picked that ripe, it could never make the 15+ day journey through the traditional fresh fruit distribution chain. The normal distribution chain has a typical two-day transport to the packing house where the product remains for two to three days. Add

Indulge Yourself With Award-Winning Mrs. Weinstein Toffee Sweet Shop USA’s very own Mrs. Weinstein Toffee has done it again this year with her gourmet toffee! This three-time award-winning All

Natural Almond or Pecan Toffee recently added another honor to the record books. Winning Best Chocolate & Best Candy at AmericasMart

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flavor, as a healthy rice choice. People who enjoy rice find it far more preferable to other types. It has been grown in the foothills of the Himalayas for thousands of years and has attracted the highest premium because of its long grain and aroma which enhances the flavors it is mixed with. Pereg also introduced a variety of blends to bring added life to the Quinoa and Basmati Rice. These include nutritious and delicious lemon combined with herbs, diverse and piquant flavors from Italy, a health hero medley of carrots, bell peppers and potatoes, and mushrooms. The international “super-food” line

continues with Couscous, a North African dish and Israeli Couscous, known as Pearl Toasted Pasta for its subtle, nutty flavor and exquisite texture. Traditionally served with meat or vegetables, Pereg takes couscous to the next level with a gourmet twist. Whether it is mixed with the sweet-tart taste of currants and the tangy-tart taste of cranberries or choice ripe tomatoes combined with a blend of herbs and a delicate balance of spices or mushrooms, Pereg has set a new standard for wholesome, delicious food. For more information, call 718-261-6767, visit www.pereg-gourmet.com or stop by booth 2411.

As for the cocoa, Villars’ chocolatiers use only those beans selected from the best lots from Ecuador or Ghana: the Villars buyers inspect the beans at the plantation, in order to ensure that the Villars quality remains true to itself and to your expectations. Finally, in order to ensure respect of its own principles, Villars has chosen to carry out all manufacturing in Switzerland. Only 100-percent Swiss production can guarantee 100-percent Swiss quality.

low temperature, so as to preserve the taste of the cocoa intact. Grinding and refining are very thorough, in order to develop the subtlety of the chocolate as much as possible. The paste is conched (kneaded) slowly to guarantee an unequalled smoothness and to develop flavors which are more fruity, more spicy and fuller.

Quality is the art of letting time do its work The best traditional Swiss chocolate requires top quality ingredients, great expertise and a lot of time, so that the ingredients can impart all their flavor. Villars therefore allows quality all the time it needs: the beans are roasted slowly, batch by batch (never continuously), dry and at

Tradition, innovation, perfection Blending innovation and tradition has been in Villars’ DNA since the beginning. This year, they are adding to their line, presenting Dark Chocolate with Stevia (the first chocolate bar in the world with no sugar added and naturally sweetened with extracts from the Stevia Plant) and Chocolate bars with Coffee Crispies. For more information about Villars, call 8000-592-4337, visit www.villarschocolate.com or stop by booth 5244. the Osmanthus Oolong and Darjeeling varieties were amongst the top three winners in the Ready-to-Drink category.

work, are introducing Tulsi directly from farm to consumer.” SRP $2.49. Unlike most tea companies using third party co-packers, The Tao of Tea brews all bottled products in-house and in small batches crafted from full leaf teas. Bottles are 11.5 fluid ounces and shelf-stable. All drinks have zero sugar and zero calories. More flavors are expected to be added in the near future. Both lines are currently available at select Whole Foods Market stores, Zupan’s Market, New Seasons, independent co-ops and other natural foods stores in the Pacific Northwest, and soon in Northern California. The Tao of Tea ready-to-drink iced teas won Best Packaging at the 2011 North American Tea Championship this year, while

About The Tao of Tea The Tao of Tea, founded by Veerinder S. Chawla in 1997, is one of the eminent tea purveyors in the country promoting organic loose leaf teas, handcrafted teaware and organic, pure leaf bottled teas. Their mission is to promote true tastes of origin and tea beverages without any added flavors, juices or sugar. All bottled varieties are USDAcertified organic and most teas are Fair Trade Certified™. For more information, call 503-736-0198, visit www.taooftea.com or stop by booth 5049.

on another day back to a distribution house. It will take another few days to get that fruit distributed to the grocery store. The fruit then has the potential of sitting on the shelf for anywhere up to five-to-six days before it is sold. Add it all up and before it even gets to your home it can be up to 15 days old. Stahlbush Island Farms are the FARMER and the PROCESSOR. All of their fruit products are individually frozen the day they harvest. Frozen fruits and vegetables are available year round. No more ignoring your favorite recipes because an ingredient is unavailable

in the produce section. Berry smoothies become a year round staple. Frozen fruits and vegetables also reduce waste. Use what you need, close the top and place the product back in the freezer until you need it. You can hold the product in the freezer for up to 1.5 years. Many worry about buying frozen berries, but rest assured that Stahlbush frozen berries will be firm, brilliant in color, full of flavor and the best that Mother Nature has to offer. Taste the flavor and trust their family’s commitment to quality. Visit booth 3313 to learn more.

in Atlanta and the Silver sofi award at the International Fancy Food Show just wasn’t enough for her, so she proudly took home Best Candy award at the summer Dallas Gourmet Show. It’s really no wonder Mrs. Weinstein keeps it up year after year, because everyone who tries her yummy English Toffee instantly falls in love with its buttery goodness. While many of

us simply buy it as our own little guilty pleasure, it also makes the perfect gift for any season or occasion. Make your loved ones happy with a gift that says it all with just one bite, or go ahead and let yourself indulge a little. Mrs. Weinstein’s Toffee is a guaranteed hit! For more information, visit Sweet Shop USA at booth 1117.



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Terrapin Ridge Farms Introduces Ethnic Inspired Salsas New line of Salsas uses flavors consumers love in foods they love to eat.

Inspired by the growth trend in ethnic flavors, Terrapin Ridge Farms™ has created two salsas with non-traditional flavor profiles. Chinese five-spice and water chestnuts give its Asian Sweet Pepper Black Bean Salsa its distinct flavor. Mediter-

ranean flavors & ingredients, such as capers and kalamata olives, are the essence of the Spicy Mediterranean White Bean Salsa. “Today’s consumer craves exotic and ethnic flavors,” states Mary O’Donnell, CEO of Terrapin Ridge Farms. She continues, “We wanted to use the flavors that consumers love and use them in foods they love to eat. Salsas are a leading condiment, and

Urban Accents Gourmet Popcorn: All Natural, Healthy Snacking For Gourmet Tastes Urban Accents presents Non-GMO, premium popcorn kernels and MSG-Free, all-natural popcorn seasonings to satisfy healthy-snacking cravings for all. The Chicago-based company took what they loved about snacking and bumped up the sophistication and interest with new flavors and pop-art inspired packaging. “Popcorn is such a popular snack,” says Tom Knibbs, President, “We knew our incredible spice technology would elevate it

into a more gourmet experience.” Tom continues, “Our team put together a very interesting and flavor-forward collection.” Three unique kernel varietals sourced from Midwestern USA farmers include: White Gold Kernels that pop up fluffy with a light taste, Indigo Blue Kernels that are crunchy with a rich flavor, and Ruby Red Kernels with a hint of sweet. The six all natural popcorn seasonings are gluten-free, MSG-free and

KMO Coffee Launches New Brand That Hearkens Back To Simpler Times While Embracing Green Effort Kaffé Magnum Opus has launched a new coffee line that hearkens back to simpler times. This distinct line, aptly named “Café 1945,” features more than 270 different flavored coffees and straight blends in light, medium or dark roast. By creating this line, KMO has affirmed its commitment to bringing the highest quality coffees to resellers at prices designed for these extraordinary

economic times. KMO has a passion for coffee on every level and their uncompromising standards continue with the Café 1945 line. This coffee speaks for itself. In fact, Café 1945 won a blind taste test over three nationally recognized roasters and replaced Green Mountain on the shelves of a major supermarket in Pennsylvania, which will sell an estimated 50,000 pounds annually. Additionally,

Handcrafted 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 simmer-

ing 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

Gluten-Free Products Abound At Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, Inc. 62 of Fischer & Wieser’s 80 Gourmet Offerings are Gluten Free

Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, Inc. has long been on the cutting edge when it comes to trend-setting products, and has not lagged behind in the gluten-free category. With 62 gluten-free products (out of 80), spanning nine categories, many of the company’s best selling products are gluten free. Going back to the founding of Fischer & Wieser in 1969, their original product, Old

Fashioned Peach Preserves, is among the gluten-free bestsellers, as is the company’s signature product, The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce®. Twelve of their top 13 bestselling sauces fall in the glutenfree category. Second bestseller in the sauce category, Mango Ginger Habanero Sauce, a glutenfree Scovie Award winner, contains sweet mangos, ginger, honey and just a dash of habanero pepper. It’s great as a basting sauce on bacon-wrapped shrimp!

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we thought it is a great way to deliver these wonderful flavors.” These unique flavors are great right out of the jar with tortilla chips or pita chips. Additionally, they are perfect for creating incredible and sophisticated side dishes by tossing with rice, pasta or steamed vegetables. A third salsa was created using the tropical Mango, combining mellow Mango with feisty Habanero. This salsa does not contain tomatoes. “Many Mango Salsas on the market today are traditional tomato based salsas with added Mangos. We wanted the full-flavored Mango to be

the hero of our salsa,” states O’Donnell. Consequently, the Mango Habanero Salsa from Terrapin Ridge Farms has simple ingredients allowing the juicy mango flavor to shine. • Asian Sweet Pepper Black Bean Salsa: MSRP $6.99, 13.5 ounces. • Spicy Mediterranean White Bean Salsa: MSRP $6.99, 13.5 ounces. • Mango Habanero Salsa: MSRP $6.99, 13.5 ounces.

contain NO artificial flavors or colors. The line has a flavor to suit cravings for savory, spicy, sweet and cheesy alike. Cheese-lovers will enjoy traditional White Cheddar or sophisticated Cracked Pepper Asiago. Cravings with a sweet tooth are satisfied with Buttery Caramel Corn or Sweet & Salty Kettlecorn. And for the adventurer there is Tangy Dill Pickle and Spicy Chili Lime. “Our popcorn seasonings were developed not only to be great on popcorn,” says Lisa Kamerad, VP of Marketing, “but we also love them on baked potatoes and corn-onthe-cob. They’re just so versatile.” The company recommends moistening the freshly popped kernels with oil or a little bit of butter and then shaking on the flavor.

“Drenching these kernels will mask the natural flavor and add unnecessary calories” says Knibbs, “A light spritz of grape seed or canola oil lets the kernels shine through and helps our unique seasonings stick.” Urban Accents designed the line to reflect what’s great about popcorn―the light, natural taste. Relaunched this year in fresh, white, modern packaging, retailers can brighten up the snack aisle with a clean color block. To view the line and get a taste of the unique flavors, visit Urban Accents at the 2011 Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington D.C. at booth 5718. For more information on products or to find recipes, please visit www.urbanaccents.com.

this retailer will brew and serve about 5,200 pounds of our exclusive Café 1945 varieties in its in-store café annually. With over 19 years in the wholesale coffee roasting business, KMO understands the needs that arise out of economic adversity and environmental change. This is why they are in the process of implementing a new coffee roasting method that will reduce their carbon footprint by 80 percent. This new method will drastically reduce air pollution and preserve natural gas supplies in the most efficient and cost-effective way

possible while focusing on quality of roasting. This in-plant change is only one of the ways that KMO is committed to being a true business ally and friend to the environment for generations to come. KMO is not only committed to roasting the highest quality straight coffee blends but also to the development of proven revenue-producing flavored coffees that comprise a large portion of their resellers’ sales. For more information about KMO Coffee, visit www.kmocoffee.com or stop by booth 6171.

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, visit Sweet Shop USA during the Summer Fancy Food Show at booth 1117.

Pomegranate & Mango Chipotle Sauce, another gluten-free award winner and third bestseller in the company’s lineup, blends antioxidant-rich pomegranates with sweet mango and spicy chipotle peppers, making a gourmet sauce that is great on grilled chicken, roasted pork and baked fish. Roasted Blueberry Chipotle Sauce, fourth best seller, boasts plump, juicy, Northwestern blueberries blended with zesty chipotle peppers, creating a taste explosion that’s perfect over cream cheese or Brie, and adds artisanal flair to grilled or baked chicken. Fifth on the bestseller sauce list, Charred Pineapple Bourbon Sauce turns any meal into a tropical getaway. The hand-roasted, tropical pineapple and Tennessee bourbon

whiskey combo is great when used as a glaze on ham, or as a dessert sauce. Smokey Mesquite and Sweet Heat Mustards, all salsas, all pie fillings, six out of seven dressings, 11 out of 12 jams, four out of five appetizers, and 10 of the 16 Mom’s products claim the gluten-free mantra. The number one selling Mom’s product, Mom’s Original Garlic and Basil Spaghetti Sauce, is not only gluten free, but was named Outstanding Classic of 2010 in the 38th annual sofi™ Awards from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. The sofi Awards recognize the best in specialty food and beverages and are a coveted

To sample these Salsas, visit us at Summer Fancy Food Show booth 5621.

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Carolina Select Brands, LLC: Mingo River Pecans & MoonPie Direct “A collaboration of favorite Southern Treats”

Carolina Select Brands, LLC, covers those classic Southern treats we all love, from MoonPies to pecans. Mingo River Pecans have been making pecans and specialty nuts available to wholesalers and specialty retailers for generations. They offer a wide range of flavors and packaging to allow customers to pick

and choose what works best for their stores, merchandising strategy and seasonal occasion. Their variety of sweet and savory pecan flavors are vast and sure to reach everyone’s taste buds. Butter Roasted & Salted, Double Dipped Chocolate, Honey Crisp and Praline Pecans are among the most popular. They also sell in bulk! This is a great way to give retailers the ability to choose from a variety of flavors to

New From The Kitchens Of Wind & Willow Wind & Willow expands its legendary line of Cheeseball Mixes with this summer’s new White Cheddar & Herb. The White Cheddar really comes through and, combined with the fresh taste of herbs, conjures up images of an English cottage garden.

Hot Dips are a hot new category from Wind & Willow, and the fifth dip to be introduced is Caramelized Onion & Pear. The savory flavor of caramelized onions marry perfectly with a hint of sweetness from the pears, for what the experts in the Wind &

Celebrate Christmas With Truffles On A Stick From Sweet Shop USA Make the season jolly with all of Sweet Shop USA’s yummy treats! No matter what time of the year it is, Sweet Shop is sure to have the perfect seasonal item for everyone. Their

skilled artisans customize special handmade truffles, chocolate-covered Oreos, praline pops and truffles on a stick to fit any season. There special personal touch makes a one-of-a-kind

A Holiday Delight from Laurie’s Kitchen Looking for a novel addition to a Mediterranean-themed basket? The Tuscan Herb Cheeseball from Laurie’s Kitchen blends of traditional Italian herbs, spices and a touch of olive oil to create a delightful holiday favorite. Old World Spices & Seasonings is a family-

owned business of three generations’ experience in the upscale gourmet food and seasoning industry. After 60 years of developing delicious, homemade-tasting products and ingredients for the dairy, deli, bakery and food service industries, the Jungk family decided to

Mrs. Renfro’s Salsas: Flavors For All Tastes And Occasions For 71 years, award-winning Mrs. Renfro’s Salsas has been providing its delicious and innovative products at affordable prices. As solid market watchers, Mrs. Renfro’s product line of salsas entertain consumer palates of all heat levels, from the meek to the hardcore. Varieties include fruity flavors

like Peach and award-winning Pineapple; sweet heat like Mango Habanero and Raspberry Chipotle; mild and medium flavors like Black Bean, Garlic and Roasted; and innovative flavors like Pomegranate and Tequila, all the way to the intense and extreme heat found in Green, Habanero and Ghost Pepper,

Tulocay & Co Crafts High-Quality, All Natural Products For Every Consumer “Creators of Innovative Artisan Foods” the Napa-based natural food manufacturer Tulocay & Co, with five house brands have won more than 20 awards, including the coveted Outstanding Product and Product Line Awards from the National Association of Specialty Food Trade (NASFT). Napa is known worldwide for its high-quality wines, so why did Tulocay & Co choose to produce food in this setting? Founded in 1993 with a single product— etched olive oil decanters sold to wineries, hotels

and private label customers—Tulocay & Co made a name for itself. The success of this business led to their first foray into food manufacturing with an array of dipping oils and flavored vinegars for leading specialty food retailers. In 2001, Tulocay & Co took a significant leap forward when it created the Made In Napa Valley brand, a line of high-quality, all natural specialty food products. Enthusiastically received by gourmet food lovers across the country, the line was recognized as the NASFT Outstanding Product Line in 2004.

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fill in their own special packaging. MoonPie Direct offers an entire line of MoonPie foods and merchandise. This historic cookie, consisting of marshmallow sandwiched between a soft graham cracker cookie covered with chocolate or other flavors, has continued to prove its popularity since 1917. Now, MoonPie Direct brings you a wide variety of MoonPie flavors and merchandise to offer to those who remember or just enjoy this nostalgic treat. Year after year, Carolina Select Brands, LLC has offered best sellers for gifts, entertaining and personal enjoyment. They are

committed to supplying wholesalers and retailers with the highest quality products and gifts and with courteous, professional service. Between their delicious products and competitive pricing, you can’t go wrong with this company. These delectable southern staples will be sure to satisfy those from all regions. For additional information, please contact Mingo River Pecans at 800-440-6442 or visit their website at www.mingoriverpecans.com. For MoonPie Direct, contact 423-8770592, visit their website at www.moon pie.com or stop by Summer Fancy Food Show booth 1925.

Willow kitchens believe may just be the best hot dip to date. The latest additions to Wind & Willow’s line of Baking Mixes are two new Brownie Mixes. Double Fudge brownies are everything the name implies: rich, chocolatey, decadent. The Amaretto brownies are infused with just the right amount of amaretto to make them absolutely addictive. But that’s only half the story: just add water and bake! The perfect fit for busy people who still want

a luscious, freshly baked chocolate dessert. As with all Wind & Willow products, the alternate recipes are worthy of attention themselves. Try easy cookies like Almond Amaretto or Peanut Butter Brownie Cups. With these new products, Wind & Willow continues to lead in developing exciting new flavors. Contact them at 888-427-3235, on the web at www.windandwillow.com or stop by booth 308 at the Fancy Food Show in Washington, DC.

design that everyone will be sure to enjoy. This Christmas Sweet Shop has created Mr. and Mrs. Claus truffle pops, which are actually a dense dark chocolate center made with fresh whipping cream. They are then dipped in white chocolate. Next, each is hand-decorated giving them their very own personality. They aren’t just cute—they are absolutely delicious! Sweet Shop also offers decadently decorated

chocolate-covered Oreos that are sure to make any mouth water. These one-of-a-kind masterpieces make the perfect little treats that are just oh so sweet. They are always top sellers and practically fly off of the shelves each season. So go and indulge in all the yummy things Sweet Shop USA has to offer. Visit them online at www.sweetshopusa.com and stop by booth 1117 during the show.

bring its gourmet recipes right to the table for upscale culinary enjoyment. In 2000, Old World, under the direction of the Jungks’eldest daughter, Laurie, produced its first line of soups, dips, cheeseballs, meat rubs and desserts for the specialty gourmet retail market place. Today, Old World’s gourmet products have been expanded and refined to create the new Laurie’s Kitchen line, named for Laurie

who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 37. Our corporate chef and research team select the finest ingredients from around the world to offer the richest flavors, most healthful ingredients and the best value to our customers. To view the full line of Laurie’s Kitchen products, please visit or call customer service at 816-861-0400. And be sure to stop by booth 5441 to see for yourself.

its newest and hottest salsa. Ghost Pepper is not only an award-winning salsa, it is also the company’s fast-growing new item in its 71year history. With recipes right on the label, consumers are encouraged to be creative cooks and explore salsa as an innovative ingredient and marinade to bring out the very best flavor in food, from snacks and hors d’oeuvres to tasty dinner entrees. And by providing gourmet flavor at an affordable price, you’re able to enjoy delicious meals while getting the best value for

your money.For health-conscious consumers, and who is not these days, all Mrs. Renfro’s salsas are gluten-free, fat-free and made only with natural ingredients. Mrs. Renfro’s Salsas are made by thirdgeneration, family owned Renfro Foods in Fort Worth, Texas. Its 30-item product line of salsas, sauces and relishes are distributed through leading supermarkets, gourmet food stores and gift shops in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean and the UK. For more information, visit www.renfrofoods.com or stop by booth 1708.

With the change in the economy, it became clear that there was a need for the same high-quality, all natural pantry products with a value component. But the unique flavors could not be sacrificed in the process. Vineyard Pantry was created to meet the needs of the retailer looking for high-quality, valuepriced condiments and sauces, but with a unique flavor profile. March of 2010 marked the exciting relaunch of Kingslake & Crane Nature’s Harvest Granola and Granola Trail Mix with its fresh new look, name and flavors. The new name reflects the all natural, healthy ingredients used in the products, while the fun packaging highlights the ingredients, and the active lifestyle associated with granola. In

taste tests with the national granola brands Kingslake & Crane Nature’s Harvest Granola wins three to one. Good Housekeeping Good Food was born out of a partnership with Good Housekeeping magazine, a brand that has been delivering good information and advice to consumers for nearly 125 years. Good Housekeeping knows the American consumer and their desire for healthy, flavorful foods that are reasonably priced. The pantry collection is inspired by favorite recipes from the Good Housekeeping test kitchen. Each product label features a 30-minute, tripletested recipe and the Good Housekeeping Continued on Page 82



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Stahlbush Island Farms Shows Commitment To Sustainability Stahlbush Island Farms is a real family farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In August 1985, company founders Bill and Karla Chambers planted and harvested just two crops. Today, Stahlbush Island Farms has become a diverse farm and food processor with a commitment to the customer and sustainability. With a full

industrial, retail and foodservice line, Stahlbush can offer more than 300 product options. Along with their product diversity, Stahlbush has a full R&D, custom-processing facility with the ability to create unique products specifically for your needs. With dedication to the customer,

Talking To The Nantucket Pasta Goddess Gourmet News spoke with Liliana Dougan, founder of Nantucket Pasta Goddess, about her growing start-up company. GN: Tell our readers a little about your company. What’s your main line of business?

LD: Nantucket Pasta Goddess is a glutenfree pasta company. We make fresh and frozen gluten-free pastas, currently selling in the northern New England area. I have been making the pasta for about a year and have received excellent feedback from all my stores and clients. I wanted the pasta be more authentic and similar to the traditional pastas, so I developed a recipe that I believe reflects this concept. After a few months of testing recipes, I launched NPG at the 2010 Nantucket Wine Festival―it was hugely

successful, which encouraged me to start selling at the local farmer’s market. After a summer of selling out all my pastas every week, I decided to get a wholesaler’s license and sell my pastas in stores. I sold to my first store in December of 2010. NPG products are now being sold in 18 stores and growing.

GN: What would you say makes your company unique?

LD: My pastas make the company unique, the gluten-free market is rapidly expanding, however, the specialty pasta segment has

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GOURMET NEWS

Stahlbush also has a strong commitment to sustainability. Stahlbush has created a delicate management system for all parts of the farm including the water, soil, air and wildlife. The newest addition to the sustainability commitment is a biogas plant, the first in North America. This plant produces electricity from fruit and vegetable byproduct, and will be able to supply approximately 1,100 homes, nearly double what the farm and processing facility uses in a year. From biogas to biodegradable, Stahlbush Island Farms recently launched the newest

type of packaging for their frozen retail line of fruits and vegetables. This new biodegradable bag is the first of its kind for freezer packaging, proving that Stahlbush Island Farms continues to be a leader in innovation. Stahlbush Island Farms is a real farm, on a real place, with a real family. Twenty-five years after its founding, the farm continues working to find innovative ways to care for the land while producing high quality fruits and vegetables. So please stop by booth 3313 to see how they can meet your needs.

room for growth. I guess it is the right product at the right time.

over 6 million people in the U.S.A. alone who’ve been diagnosed. This does not take into account the undiagnosed and people who have made this their life choice. It’s all about supply and demand. There is a need for gluten free products and the market is responding to this need.

GN: What was the most significant event or series of events effecting your company in the past year?

LD: I think the most significant event was the incredible feedback I received from people who are gluten-free and had not eaten fresh pasta in years due to their illness. It made me realize that I had something people really want and need. I had one person come up to me and say “I’ve been starving for years.” She literally could not stop eating my ravioli. I hear these stories every day from complete strangers. It fuels my desire to see my products sold regionally and, eventually, nationally. GN: What do you anticipate to be your greatest challenge in the year ahead?

LD: My greatest challenge is building the company. There are so many details to tend to and decisions to make. Fortunately, I surrounded myself by an amazing board with the skills and talents that I need to help make this business successful, and we are working very closely together to nurture NPG’s growth. GN: What products do you see as being hottest this year?

LD: I absolutely see gluten-free products as the hottest products in the market. As more celiac diagnoses are being made and more people have decided to eliminate glutens from their diet for other health reasons, I see this market exploding. Large food producers are spending millions redesigning their packaging so it includes GF, companies have developed the GF alternative to many popular products. We are looking at Fischer & Weiser (Con’t. from p. 78)

industry honor. “sofi” stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation. “With the health concerns that many have today, we are very proud to offer so many excellent products to those with gluten intolerances,” states Ashley Seelig, Director of Quality Assurance/ Product Development. “It makes a world of difference to those with such intolerances to have a source for great products―available to them

Tulocay & Co. (Con’t. from p. 78)

Seal of Approval. Over 10 years Tulocay & Co has built an impressive reputation for creating awardwinning, high-quality, all natural condiments and pantry products. Each of its five

GN: Who are your target end-users?

LD: My target users are people who have celiac or have been instructed to go gluten free by their doctors. However, I have clients who do not have gluten problems, yet they choose to eat my pastas simply because it tastes great and it does not weigh them down. So in the end, my target users are people who like a good plate of pasta.

GN: Tell our readers about your trade show objectives, plans, products, promotions, etc.

LD: My objective is very simple. To give Nantucket Pasta Goddess and products as much exposure as possible.

GN: To what do you attribute your company’s success?

LD: The pasta is exceptional, it has taken on a life of its own and growing in leaps and bounds. I have exhibited at two of Nantucket Wine Festivals and both times my sampling table was the busiest and most popular. I’ve had people approach me and say “I’ve been waiting all year to have your pasta again,” my response to them is they don’t have to wait a whole year any more. For more information, call Liliana Dougan at 508-494-5209, email liliana@nantucket pastagoddess.com, visit www.nantucket pastagoddess.com or stop by booth 2327B. so conveniently through our website and throughout the country in specialty, club and grocery markets around the world.” For a complete listing of all of Fischer & Wieser’s gluten free products, go to www.jelly.com/glutenfree. For more information on all of the fine Fischer & Wieser products, visit www.jelly.com, or contact Jonathan Pehl, Director of Marketing and Branding, at jonathan.pehl@jelly.com or 800-369-9257. And, of course, be sure to stop by booth 5112. brands is designed to target a specific consumer. Retailers have the opportunity to look to Tulocay for all natural quality pantry items that fulfill the needs of their specific customers, at a variety of price points. For more information, visit www .tulocayandco.com.









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www.gourmetnews.com

Eat Like An Emperor And Enhance Your Health Before the introduction of high-yielding rice varieties in the 1960s, Thailand had about 16,000 distinct rice varieties. Yet today, according to experts at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), only 37 are grown on a large scale and 50 percent of rice lands are cultivated to just two varieties! Where did all that diversity in Thailand and other countries go, and why is it important? When it comes to rice biodiversity, the value is in the taste, cooking quality and health benefits. Take for example Lotus Foods’ Forbidden Rice®, also called ‘longevity’ or ‘tribute rice,’ reserved for the emperors to ensure their good health and Fischer & Weiser (Con’t. from p. 1)

Cherry Pie Filling.

Texas Pit BBQ Sauce Texas is known for its legendary barbecue joints and Fischer & Wieser honors those traditions with their authentic Texas Pit BBQ Sauce. They spent years sampling authentic pit barbecue and have formulated the perfect blend that pays homage to those smokehouses and showcases a unique chile―the Pasilla Chile―from the Oaxacan region of Mexico. This sauce is ideal for grilling.

Hibiscus & Ancho Chile Grilling Sauce

long life. Since introducing this wonderful grain to U.S. markets over 15 years ago, Forbidden Rice has become a staple in many restaurants and households, appreciated for its roasted nutty taste and striking plate presentation. Recently, it’s become clearer why Chinese emperors reserved this special rice for themselves. Research reported in the fall of 2010 reveals that black rice bran contains anthocyanins, which act as powerful antioxidants that have been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer, improvements in memory, and other health benefits. Other plants rich in anthocyanins include blueberry, cranberry and bilberry, acai and others. Fischer & Wieser has merged one of the hottest flavor trends on the market today, hibiscus with ancho chile to create a versatile grilling glaze. The smokey ancho chile is combined with the sweet tanginess of the hibiscus flower to create a unique, smokey, sweet heat ideal for grilling and baked meats.

Hatch Chile & Pineapple Salsa Native to Hatch, New Mexico, the hatch chile is a slightly milder version of a jalapeño pepper that is grown in limited production on small farms throughout the Hatch Valley. Fischer & Wieser has combined this unique pepper with pineapple and

JULY 2011

GOURMET NEWS

“Just a spoonful of black rice bran [equivalent to 10 spoonfuls of cooked black rice] contains more healthpromoting anthocyanin antioxidants than are found in a spoonful of blueberries, but with less sugar and more fiber and vitamin E antioxidants,” said Zhimin Xu, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Food Science at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, where the research was carried out. Thanks to Lotus Foods, you can eat like an emperor every day. Lotus Foods Cofounder and Co-owner Caryl Levine notes that “Providing a market for heirloom varieties can contribute to their preservation as well as the rural communities in which they are still cultivated.” In a recent acknowledgment of Lotus Foods’ efforts to preserve rice biodiversity, the company received Honorable Mention for a major biodiversity award by the Union for Ethical

BioTrade (UBET). Introduced for bulk, wholesale and foodservice in 2010, and about to debut in 15ounce retail bags in 2011, Lotus Foods has received nothing but raves for their Madagascar Pink Rice™, Volcano Rice™ and Mekong Flower Rice™. Madagascar Pink Rice is delicious, partially milled long grain red rice with hints of cinnamon and clove. Volcano Rice is a colorful blend of nutrient-dense brown and red rice grown on mineral-rich volcanic soils in Indonesia. Reputed to restore vitality due to its high mineral and fiber content, it is the only rice to be certified as Fair for Life by the Institute for Marketecology (IMO). Mekong Flower Rice is a fragrant whole grain from Cambodia that cooks up quickly, and will add flavor and nutrition to any rice dish. All of the packaged rices will be certified organic.

created a delicious sweet-heat salsa that is ideal for dipping or topping grilled meats.

pumpkin butter infused with bits of pecans. This spreadable delight is ideal for biscuits, pancakes and even ice cream.

Almond & Cherry Jubilee Jam Plump, juicy cherries are combined with hearty almonds to create one of the company’s favorite jams. This delicious jam is versatile enough for breakfast pastries and even dessert toppings with its sweettart finish. Pumpkin Pie Butter Two fall favorites, pumpkins and pecans, are combined to create one unique spread. Fischer & Wieser’s Pumpkin Pie Butter is a classic Southern staple with rich, smooth

Old Fashioned Cherry Pie Filling Homemade cherry pies have been favorites at picnic, holiday and dining tables for years. Fischer & Wieser has created the ultimate, old fashioned cherry pie filling without the fuss! All you have to do is pour it in a pie crust and bake. It’s convenient and delicious and can be used in pies, turnovers, tarts, cobblers, kolaches and more. Discover your new favorite at jelly.com or booth 5112 at the NASFT Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C.








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