Gourmet News • August 2021

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VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 8 AUGUST 2021 • $7.00 • Global Natural Sweeteners Market Shows No Sign of Souring

B U S I N E S S

N E W S P A P E R

• MYX Launches Lower Calorie, Single-Serve Wines PAGE 6

• New Beverage Products Soaked Market During Pandemic PAGE 8

• Famed Nashville Brands Team Up PAGE 8

• Jabil Reimagines Water Bottle PAGE 10

• Salmon Cultivating Facility Begins Operations PAGE 10

The global coronavirus pandemic brought innumerable uncertainties into the world, but one thing is certain: Our world has changed permanently, everywhere. We’ve gone from “We’re all in this together,” to “How do we all deal with this together?”

The global food shopping market depended on online sales as people socially distanced and quarantined. And now that restrictions are being lifted, shopping trends are changing.

During the pandemic, about half of grocery shoppers began buying online and picking up items at a store, but only half of

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• Coffee, Tea & Comfort PAGES 22 & 23

• Editor’s Picks PAGE 24

• Ad Index PAGE 26

G O U R M E T

I N D U S T R Y

In a country where the foundation of democracy talks about the “pursuit of happiness,” how refreshing is it when nine out of 10 people surveyed said fresh food makes them happy? As with so many of our current trends, the fresh food frenzy was driven higher by the pandemic, with providers deemed essential workers.

The findings late last year

by Deloitte’s fresh food consumer survey have held true and the

Companies Monitor Events in Afghanistan

those plan to continue buying that way, according to a new report by ChaseDesign.

Although online shopping might be slowing, it’s not fading away, according to a new report posted on www.researchand markets.com, “Online Grocery: Grocers Meet the Challenge of Digital Demand, But Can They Do It at a Reasonable Cost?” Online grocery growth outpaced the rest of the e-commerce segment during the pandemic, the report said, but growth will remain strong.

Shoppers want to be in control, according to the report, with 54 percent saying they prefer to pick

out items in person and 40 percent wanting the experience of shopping in person. Consumers also complained about the online/pickup experience because of product availability, quality, missing items and wait times.

Shoppers also tended to avoid some of the most profitable categories from retailers. Nearly half said they wouldn’t buy meat or seafood; 40 percent wouldn’t buy dairy, produce and frozen foods; and 35 percent wouldn’t order deli or bakery, the report showed.

Consumers and retailers worldwide are trying to make sense of

market is being closely watched to see whether consumer patterns

“The pandemic altered purchasing behaviors and value drivers COVID-19 changed who we invite into our lives, what we do for entertainment, how we teach our children, and where we work, for those who are fortunate enough to still have stable employment and work from home,” according to the survey. “It isn’t a surprise that consumers also changed their habits and shifted their priorities when it comes to fresh food.”

The end of August is significant for almond growers in Afghanistan and specialty food companies such as Ziba Foods, as the first harvests are ready for buying and shipping.

This August, though, also marks the end of U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. Companies that source ingredients from the region are braced to adjust to a situation that changes daily.

“The pullout kind of puts us in a no man’s land as to what’s going to happen next,” said Raffi Vartanian, co-founder of Ziba Foods.

“Our concern, while elevated, we know this has something that has been ongoing,” said Patti Doyle, CEO of Rumi Spice. “It’s the reason we founded this company, which is to achieve a more peaceful Afghanistan.”

Chicago-based Rumi was founded by U.S. Army veterans who served in Afghanistan and wanted to help rebuild the country. The company’s mission includes supporting farmers and the women who harvest and process the spices.

“We will always be concerned, given the climate of country,” Doyle said, “but it also reinforces

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Consumers Continue to Demand Fresh Food

BY A.J. FLICK

• Featured Products

T H E

Global Food Retail Market Absorbs Reverberation From Pandemic

BY A.J. FLICK

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F O R

will continue and how retailers will respond.

BY A.J. FLICK

Frozen Mackerel Market Swims to $1.05B Global Sales The consumer drive toward healthier eating during the pandemic coupled with a longer shelf life have spurred global sales of frozen mackerel, which is expected to top $1.05 billion over the next two years, according to a new report.

Pandemic sales grew by 5 percent from 2020 to 2021, according to Future Market Insights.

The Cleveland Clinic lists mackerel as one of the best fishes to eat for health benefits. Atlantic and Atka mackerel from Alaska are high in inflammation-fighting omega-3s, though the Cleveland Clinic warns against mackerel

from the Western Atlantic, Mexico and Spain due to mercury concerns.

Fall is the peak season for fishing mackerel, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council, because the fish have up to 30 percent fat, which enhances the flavor and ensures it’s packed with protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fats.

Studies involving hundreds of thousands of participants show that eating one to two 3-ounce servings of fatty fish (salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies or sardines) a week cuts the risk of dying from heart disease by 36

percent, according to an article published by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Not unexpectedly, fewer than 1 in 5 Americans follows that rule, the article said. About one-third of Americans eat seafood once a week while nearly half eat fish only occasionally or not at all.

Granted, some people don’t like to eat fish under any circumstance. However, the School of Public Health article also attributed low consumption to reasons such as perceptions about cost, access to stores that sell fish and uncertainty about how to prepare or cook fish.

Frozen fish and seafood are gaining ground in the foodservice sector due to their longer shelf life of 18 to 24 months and consistent yearly high quality, according to FMI. Freezing fish and other seafood also contributes to sustainability and cutting waste by about 25 percent.

In addition, frozen mackerel undergoes extensive microbiological testing, the FMI said, which improves safety and avoids contamination. Those factors are expected to maintain a positive impact on global sales in Continued on PAGE 26

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FROM THE EDITOR

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AUGUST 2021

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If you’re into any of the zillion crime shows such as “NCIS” and “Law & Order,” or into true crime as I am and “Dateline,” you probably know that eyewitness testimony is the most unreliable evidence. A dozen people can see the same thing at the same time and perceive something different.

And how many times have you asked someone, “Where were you when …,” and even though both of you experienced the same event, what and how you remember it can differ greatly.

I’m going to date myself here, but years ago, I was talking about childhood memories with my cousins in Virginia and since our Florida aunt and uncle worked at NASA, the topic of the lunar landing came up. My family was overseas and I remember being let out of school early so we could go home and watch the landing on TV. My cousins remember being allowed to stay up late to watch it. A shared experience, shared differently.

It’s going to be the same with the pandemic, on a global scale and multiplied billions of times. No one will escape this experience unscathed, but it’s a matter of degrees. Our top story this month looks at global shopping trends that changed during the pandemic and will continue to change, depending on the shopper, vaccina-

tions, retailers and more. Online shopping is not going away and, thankfully, it doesn’t look like we’ll be seeing another toilet paper crisis anytime soon.

This month’s issue also looks at the trend toward fresh foods. As I was putting it together, I had a conversation with friends about the drastic difference between foods we enjoy now and foods that we had when we were kids. Once my family moved away from our relatives who had farms, most of the vegetables we ate were canned or, when we lived overseas, sourced locally with no stateside counterparts (yes, I’ve eaten durian fruit, but I got to chew on sugar cane in the field).

But there was no fresh broccoli, asparagus or green beans on our table. Thank goodness that’s changed and it’s a booming market.

Consumers are demanding fresher foods, including meats, and retailers are responding in more ways that bring the fresh food faster to consumers.

Enjoy this issue, maybe you’ll learn something and if you have any thoughts, feel free to email me at editor@oser.com. Stay safe and, if you can, cool! GN

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AUGUST 2021

Global Natural Sweeteners Market Shows No Sign of Souring Having a sweet tooth is part of the human condition, but how consumers satisfy that craving has varied widely.

“Preference for sweet taste is not only innate, but universal,” according to an article on natural sweeteners published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in September 2020.

“Food products related to a sweet taste characteristically contain simple carbohydrates in the forms of fructose, glucose and sucrose, which are metabolised to produce energy rapidly, as well as complex carbohydrates in the form of starch for long sustained energy and storage.”

As stated in the report, “Natural Sweeteners: The Relevance of Food Naturalness for Consumers, Food Security Aspects, Sustainability and Health Impacts,” honey was the predominant sweetener until the process of extracting sucrose from sugar beet and sugar cane grew popular in the 18th century.

For decades, sucrose (common table sugar) reigned as the most-used sweetener in various forms. However, sucrose consumption became overconsumption and is blamed for soaring levels of dental caries, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and other disorders, the report says.

“Thus, a low-calorie sweetener, saccharine, became available in the 1980s,” the report states. “As this sweetener was so popular, others followed, including cyclamates, aspartame and acesulfame K, which are the most widespread. Sweeteners have long since been the object of controversies and conflicts over the years, which have included allegations of liver and bladder toxicity, carcinogenicity, foetus malformations, along with other dangers.

“Many synthetic sweeteners have been developed, but today demand undoubtedly lies in natural sweeteners, preferably the high-intensity kind; i.e., with low-calorie contributions,” the report states. “This trend stems from not only growing consumer concern about the harmful effects of a diet that includes too much sugar, but also the problems that arise from employing artificial food additives.

“Although many low-calorie sweeteners are readily available, only a few can be used by the food industry, mainly because of safety concerns and technological problems. It is worth noting that, apart from sweetening, these compounds can influence a product’s colour, flavour, texture and shelf life.”

Enter today’s current trend toward naturally derived sweeteners including stevia, palm sugar, coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, monk fruit syrup, agave syrup, lucuma fruit sugar, molasses and natural sweetener blends.

By the end of 2028, the global market for naturally derived sweeteners is predicted to reach more than $37 billion, according to a recent intelligence outlook released by Future Market Insights. With an estimated CAGR of 5.1 percent from 2018 to 2028, the global naturally derived sweeteners market isn’t expected to slow down.

Consumers often avoid natural sweeteners because of the price and aftertaste, FMI reported. Yet more consumers are developing a taste for unconventional natural sweeteners.

“However, high price point will continue to act as a barrier to widespread adoption of natural sweeteners by soft drinks manufacturers,” the FMI report says. “Besides expensive cost, strict regulatory norms regarding

the inclusion of naturally derived sweeteners as an ingredient in food products may also remain a major factor expected to restrict adoption in the near future, especially in end use sectors such as bakery and confectionery.”

Some companies are trying to balance the higher price points by creating value-added features such as vitamins or micronutrients.

But pricing remains important.

“Moreover, as competitive pricing will attract a newer consumer base faster and encourage the sales of naturally derived sweeteners over artificial sweeteners, manufacturers are emphasizing supply chain integration with an objective to achieve the control over final retail price,” the report says.

“Among the nature segment, organic-certified naturally derived sweeteners are anticipated to register a high growth rate of 5.8 percent in terms of revenue in the global naturally derived sweeteners market, owing to increasing awareness of organic certification and their associated quality by consumers across the globe.”

Zion Market Research predicts the naturally derived sweeteners market will have a compound annual growth rate of about 5.2 percent between 2019 and 2026.

“There has been a sparkling demand for natural sweeteners across the globe owing to the growing health issues among individuals,” Zion’s report states. “‘Natural or organic eating trends have been spreading worldwide among consumers.

“This has enabled manufacturers to focus on sales of plant-based sweeteners. For instance, sales of stevia sweetener — led by Truvia Natural Sweetener — have eclipsed sales of artificial sweeteners including aspar-

tame, sucralose and saccharin. According to some studies, stevia sales had grown 11.9 percent year over year, while artificial sweetener sales were down an average of 6.6 percent.

“There has been a burgeoning demand for plant-based sugars as they are low in calories.

Plant-based sugars have been determined to be safe for use by the general population, including children,” the report states.

While the global naturally derived sweeteners market includes food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care and tabletop sweeteners, Zion expects the food segment to have the largest market share in terms of review due to customer demand for natural sugar and healthier lifestyles.

“Moreover, growing health concerns among individuals over the consumption of artificial sugars have indirectly paved the way for the market,” the report says.

“Nature is an incredible source of valuable compounds, including those with a sweet taste, of which many have not yet been explored,” authors of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health wrote. “Nevertheless, it must be emphasised that being natural does not ensure their success on the market.

“It should also be noted that a long traditional use in some restricted societies and areas around the globe, and this despite providing some reassurance, cannot rule out the need to conduct detailed scientific studies to prove the safety of the natural compounds to be used as food additives and, for example, as sweeteners. The food industry needs to face the challenge of developing new products with natural functional sweeteners to continue innovating and satisfying consumers.” GN

Grocers Confront Challenge of Digital Demand In before times, online grocery struggled against other online verticals, but if the pandemic taught the industry anything, it’s that the online grocery vertical isn’t going anywhere, according to a new report by Research and Markets.

Online grocery growth screamed past the rest of the ecommerce segment as consumers shopped online during the pan-

demic. Given that trend, the report predicts growth will continue to remain strong in the next few years.

For their part, grocers were able to match consumer demand by using cost-saving investments and implementing innovative technology to ease fulfillment.

As the online grocery vertical continues to grow, the report concludes that mer-

chants and payment processors can gain market share by implementing cost-effective fulfillment strategies and technologydriven payment methods.

“The pandemic-driven, stay-at-home lifestyle in 2020 propelled U.S. online grocery sales to record volume as consumers sought ease of ordering, seamless payment and convenient delivery,” the report’s au-

MYX Launches Lower Calorie, Single-Serve Wines As demand for lower calorie wines in single-serve boxes and cans continues to grow, MYX Fusion Beverages recently launched single-serve MYX Light Chardonnay and MYX Light Rosé.

MYX, created by Nicki Minaj, adds the single-serve wines imported from Italy to its line of bubbly Mosacatos and Sangrias, which are available nationwide.

“These wines represent a milestone in winemaking, using age-old methods of early harvest and creative innovation,” CEO Peter D. Reaske said in a statement.

“We knew if we entered the on-fire ‘light’ category, we needed a product that didn’t compromise taste or quality.”

MYX Light Chardonnay is a slightly dry wine with fresh, crisp notes of apple,

Romagna pear and lemon. MYX Light Rosé is made from Barbera grapes showcasing hints of strawberry, raspberry and citrus. Both wines have 75 calories per 5-ounce serving or 125 calories per 250ml can and are sold in four-packs for a suggested retail of $12.

They are gluten free and Kosher certified. GN

thor, Raymond Pucci, director of Merchant Services, said in a press release.

“As the Great Reopening occurs in 2021, online grocery shopping will remain popular among consumers. Grocery merchants and their payments vendors can benefit from this digital channel opportunity, but must meet the challenges of online order fulfillment,” he said. GN

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New Beverage Products Soaked Market During Pandemic Launching new products during a worldwide pandemic brought innumerable challenges, but new beverage products beat the odds and doubled their share, according to IRI’s 2020 New Product Pacesetters report.

More than a quarter of the New Product Pacesetters launched in the fourth quarter of 2019 or January 2020 saw big performances, accounting for 51 of 200 Pacesetter products, with 27 in the food and beverage sector, according to the report.

“The top New Product Pacesetters of 2020 accomplished a unique feat by achieving success in circumstances never before seen in the history of Pacesetters,” Joan Driggs, vice president of Content and Thought Leadership for IRI, said in a statement. “Many shoppers made the leap to new products because their go-to brand was unavailable, but many also actively sought out innovation for new experiences, measured not just by dollars earned, but also by the ability to reach the intended audience.”

The pandemic created up to 33 million new in-home meal occasions, the report

states, leading to an increase in pantrystocking and CPG spending for products from manufacturers of all sizes. Less than a quarter of all launches came from large companies, but accounted for half of Pacesetter dollars in 2020, which is par for the course.

The pandemic boosted median launch sales, for $21.5 million compared to $19 million in 2019, surpassing CPG industry growth rates for 2020 and highlighting the value that consumers put on innovation.

When CPG retailers put the right products in the right place at the right time, new products win, even in unexpected conditions, according to the report. Consumers sought innovative products that offered a sense of novelty and comfort amid the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Carbonated beverages poured off the shelves, including sparkling waters and hard seltzers. Of the top 25 food and beverage Pacesetters, 10 are beverages, according to the report.

Bud Light Seltzer, which launched in January 2020, came out on top, followed

by Truly Lemonade and Mtn Dew Zero Sugar. All three of the top food and beverage Pacesetters generated more than $100 million in sales in IRI’s measured multioutlet markets, the report shows.

Beverage alcohol products accounted for eight of the 27 beverage Pacesetters, bringing in $547 million, compared to six on the list last year at $198 million. Beer, wine and spirits ruled as celebrations and entertaining stayed at home. New product launches in this space generated a combined 44 percent of Pacesetter dollars, compared to 17 percent in 2019.

In addition to the new beverages, consumers sought comfort in food, too, while keeping an eye on health and self-care.

Leading brands Rebel Ice Cream and Talenti Gelato Layers taste decadent, to deliver a sense of indulgence, but also satisfy health concerns with their pure, clean ingredients, according to the report. Rebel took the fifth spot on the food and beverage New Product Pacesetters list, earning nearly $100 million, while Talenti Gelato Layers was 12th and Mochi Ice Cream was 15th.

The Top 10 Food and Beverage New Product Pacesetters for 2020 are: 1. Bud Light Seltzer 2. Truly Lemonade 3. Mtn Dew Zero Sugar 4. Starbucks Creamers 5. Rebel Ice Cream 6. Reign 7. Cheetos Popcorn 8. Kinder Bueno 9 REESE’S THiNS 10. Beyond Sausage “Understanding consumer demographics and why certain products succeed is imperative for brands, both big and small, as innovation strategists work to respond to the continuously shifting marketplace,” Larry Levin, executive vice president, Market and Shopper Intelligence and Thought Leadership, IRI, said in a statement. “IRI’s 2020 New Product Pacesetters and its consumer attitudes survey about new products tell a story of people staying at home, but still seeking out products and brands that offered indulgence and comfort amid the chaos of COVID-19.” GN

Famed Nashville Brands Team Up

Smoky barbecue and gooey confection aren’t flavors that occur naturally. So, naturally, two iconic Nashville brands have teamed up to present a distinctive treat that helps a charity and introduces travelers to

the tastes of Music City.

Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse, Nashville’s oldest barbecue restaurant still operating, and Standard Candy Company, which invented America’s first combination candy bar – the beloved Goo Goo Cluster bar, will open their “Smoke ‘N’ Sweet” Bar-BCutie Premium Goo Goo store at Nashville International Airport in September.

The companies developed a savory sweet candy with a blend of sweetness, spice and smoky flavors. The “shareable, sweet ba-

nana, hot caramel and chocolate confection” was a hit when it was introduced into BarB-Cutie restaurants recently, according to a press release. They’re also available online.

A portion of sales will benefit Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic and Mercy Medical Angels.

The Nashville Airport Bar-B-Cutie store will host elements of Bar-B-Cutie’s new prototype that were introduced in Texas several years ago. Located in the A/B terminal, the airport store will serve its smoked meat

favorites including pulled pork and brisket as well as newer cuisine such as Texas sausage panchos, fresh-cut fries and the hardy, two-meat topped with onion ring Mark and its little brother Victor sandwiches.

And it gets better.

“Another surprise set to release with the opening of this location is a Bar-B-Cutie beer, crafted by a Nashville-based brewery,” said Melanie Lopez, Nashville airport BarB-Cutie operating partner. GN

Companies Mark Construction With Donation Monogram Foods, Paradigm Partners and Dacon recently began construction on a 135,000-square foot manufacturing and processing facility in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The facility will be used for Monogram’s sandwich product lines.

To celebrate the occasion, the company’s Monogram Loves Kids Foundation and Paradigm Partners and Dacon’s Designed with Dignity philanthropy program do-

nated $15,000 to Emannus, Inc., which plans to ease homelessness by helping 60 families move into homes in the next year.

Emannus has helped more than 35,000 adults and children to date.

“We believe that local organizations empower change and that positive change can transform the trajectory of a person’s life,” Dacon’s CEO, Kevin Quinn, said in a statement. “Consistently, Emmaus has achieved

this since their inception. Working at the intersection of activism, awareness and support, Designed with Dignity financially aids those brave enough to create long lasting change.”

“We’ve learned over the past 35 years that families need stable housing, nutritious food, access to education and employment and a solid community support network to be successful,” Emmaus’s

CEO, Jeanine Murphy, said in a statement. “This $15,000 investment into our organization will go a long way toward helping families fulfill their dreams for a brighter future.”

Monogram distributes products through grocery, quick serve and retail channels for private labels and co-packed brands, generating more than $1 billion in sales, according to a press release. GN

Frederick Wildman & Sons to Import Abruzzo Wines New York-based Frederick Wildman and Sons recently announced a sales partnership with Codice Citra to serve as U.S. importer for the largest wine-growing community in Abruzzo, Italy, providing strategic sales and marketing services.

Codice Citra joins Frederick Wildman’s

global portfolio as a leading wine producer from Central Italy.

Codice Citra’s sprawling vineyards are situated between the Adriatic Sea and the Majella Mountains, creating an ideal temperature and optimal microclimate conditions for ripening grapes. As part of the

agreement, Frederick Wildman will import three of Codice Citra’s signature brands: Citra, Sistina and Niro di Citra.

The broad range of Codice Citra wines includes native Italian grapes such as Montepulciano and Trebbiano, as well as international varietals such as Chardonnay,

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

“Our wineries unite around a deeply ingrained respect for quality,” said Angelo Baccile, Codice Citra president. “We are honored to be a part of Frederick Wildman’s portfolio, as they share our passion for quality wine.” GN

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Jabil Reimagines Water Bottle Florida-based Jabil Packaging Solutions recently launched its latest packaging prototype, the Eco.bottle product platform for VITTEL, a leading mineral water brand in Europe from the water division of Nestlé.

The hybrid bottle cuts plastic by half and combines 100 percent recyclable components with a patent-pending snapapart design that eases

recycling sorting. The first-of-its-kind tear strips enable easy separation of the paper and plastic components for efficient, consumer-friendly recycling.

“True innovation in sustainable packaging requires a holistic view of the product that goes beyond aesthetics, material selection and design features,” Julie Corbett, senior business unit director of Jabil and founder of Ecologic Brands, said in a statement. “Our goal is to innovate around the entire life cycle of the bottle, not only to decrease the use of plastic.

That’s why the Eco.bottle product platform is engineered to drive plastic reduc-

tion, improve carbon footprint and optimize the consumer recycling experience.”

In addition to its recyclable features, the hybrid bottle has a two-shell system, enabled by interlocking paper tabs, which allows for nesting during transit and warehousing. This eliminates extra space in the supply chain, with the potential to reduce the number of trucks needed for delivery by up to 60 percent.

“It’s no longer enough for CPG companies to say they’ve reduced their waste.

They now also need compelling solutions for repurposing that waste,” Jason Pal-

adino, senior vice president of Jabil and CEO of Jabil Packaging Solutions, said in a statement. “Jabil’s Box-to-Bottle manufacturing platform allows us to take our customers’ waste and incorporate it into our manufacturing process within our facilities in Manteca, California and Tortosa, Spain.

This fully accountable and traceable manufacturing platform provides forwardthinking brands like VITTEL with unparalleled visibility into the circularity of their products.”

Jabil, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, has more than 260,000 employees at 100 locations in 30 countries. GN

Salmon Cultivating Facility Begins Operations Wildtype, a startup that makes sushi-grade cultivated salmon, recently announced that its pilot plant is operational. The San Francisco facility substantially expands the company’s production capabilities and will house the world’s first space for cultivated seafood tastings and education.

The company expects the facility will produce about 50,000 pounds of seafood per year, to begin with. At maximum capacity, the plant should produce up to 200,000 pounds per year.

Wildtype’s in-house sushi bar should be open by early fall.

“Global demand for seafood is outpacing supply, so the status quo needs to change,”

Wildtype Co-founder Aryé Elfenbein said in a press release. “Our pilot plant will showcase the promise and wonder of growing fish fillets using cell cultivation.

“In addition to being designed to shorten innovation cycles and facilitate the scaling of food production, the facility will be a place where the public can learn about this fascinating new technology,” he said.

The plant was designed by acclaimed architect Shuo Zhai. The purpose of the space, from the sushi bar to the education center with bleacher seating to the glass door separating the tasting room from the production floor, helps educate about cellular agriculture and gives visitors an op-

portunity to taste cultivated seafood.

“Wildtype wants to establish a high standard of education, trust and transparency with our customers and the public,” said Wildtype Cofounder Justin Kolbeck.

“We want to show people where their food comes from and how it’s made.”

2021 has been a year of rapid growth for the cultivated protein industry. Singapore recently became the first country to approve the sale of cell-cultivated meat

and the FDA is moving through its own pre-market consultation process, according to Wildtype. A recent study in the journal Foods showed 8 in 10 people would consider cell-cultivated meats when available. GN

IMC Reorganizes Events Sales, Operations Division International Market Centers recently announced promotions in its Events Sales and Operations division to focus on building business and increasing use of its convention and meeting spaces, including the Atlanta Convention Center and EXPO at World Market Center in Las Vegas.

“The reorganization of IMC’s Events Sales and Operations division allows IMC to more actively sell and market our exposition facilities as the premier space for both large- and small-scale events,” said

IMC CEO Bob Maricich in a press release.

“These promotions recognize the hard work and tremendous achievements of our talented IMC team and lay the foundation for the return and growth of in-person events hosted by IMC as well as by other third-party groups.”

Bob Schuler was promoted to the division’s senior vice president, adding responsibility for trade show operations in High Point, N.C., and Las Vegas to his existing responsibilities of overseeing and accelerating business for the Atlanta Con-

vention Center at AmericasMart. His responsibilities also now include at-market food and beverage operations and amenities, plus all outside event sales and operations. In all three cities, he will continue to represent IMC in relationships with convention and visitor bureaus, hotels and airline partners.

Jennifer Muna was promoted to the division’s vice president, assuming management responsibility for trade show, food and beverage and amenity operations during the High Point and Las

Vegas markets in addition to her responsibility for sales and operation of The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas.

She will serve as a liaison to city officials, hotel partners and convention and visitor bureaus in Las Vegas and High Point.

Joel Weston was promoted to manager, Tradeshow Operations, assuming responsibility for executing trade show operations and assisting with amenities and food and beverage operations at IMC’s 17 High Point properties. GN

Oterra Moves to Acquire Diana Food’s Coloring Business Oterra recently announced plans to acquire Diana Food’s natural food coloring business. Oterra, formerly known as Chr. Hansen Natural Colors A/S, is a leader in natural food colors. Diana Food is owned

by Symrise AG, a global supplier of fragrances, flavors, food, nutrition and cos-

metic ingredients.

The acquisition will strengthen Oterra’s commitment to high-quality raw materials and complement its agronomy competencies, CEO Odd Erik Hansen said in a press release.

Oterra recently acquired SECNA Natural Ingredients Group S.L.

“The carve-out of Diana Food’s coloring business from Symrise is strategically important to Oterra, and after less than three months of new ownership we are already strongly progressing on our ambitious growth journey,” Oterra’s chairman, Cees de Jong, said in a statement.

The Diana Food acquisition is expected to be finalized in a few months.

Oterra is the largest provider of naturally sourced colors worldwide. The company specializes in natural colors for food, beverage, dietary supplements and pet food for manufacturers worldwide. GN

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Books-A-Million Donates 2M+ Cups of Coffee to Troops, Veterans For the 16th time, Books-AMillion organized its Coffee for the Troops campaign, and it turned out to be the most successful yet, with the equiv-

alent of 2,051,808 cups of freshly ground Joe Muggs Coffee going to troops at home and abroad and VA hospitals. The next campaign begins in October.

The spring campaign, which ended May 31, exceeded its 70,000 bag goal by bringing in 93,264 bags of coffee. Campaign partner Soldiers’ Angels distributes the coffee to active-duty military, veterans and patients in VA hospitals, according to

a press release.

“We’ve cherished the opportunity to work with Soldiers’ Angels for the 16th Coffee for the Troops campaign, and we are proud of our amazing customers for their passion and support of our country’s heroes time after time,” Matthew Krenza, vice president of the Food Division at Books-A-Million, said in a statement. “It’s incredible to think that this partnership is

in its ninth year and that the goodwill of our guests continues to grow with each effort. It is with great pride and joy that I share that we beat our goal by over 20 percent!”

Books-A-Million and 2nd & Charles customers donated a bag or bags of coffee during checkouts in May and could personalize their gifts with a label and message. GN

Contemporary consumers, as compared to conventional consumers, are willing to pay more for fresh food, even through the pandemic. Half of those surveyed said they increased fresh food in the midst of the pandemic, as opposed to 27 percent of conventional consumers. Branding is important to contemporary consumers, but for fresh food, “it isn’t about whose sticker is on their apple or banana. Instead, it is a collection of attributes that define the brand of fresh,” the survey said.

Contemporary consumers value attributes such as less pollution and waste more than conventional consumers.

They actively consider sustainability aspects such as local sourcing, recyclable packaging and water neutrality while purchasing perishables. Contemporary consumers seek out healthier alternatives and avoid preservatives at slightly higher rates. Sixty-six percent actively look for non-GMO labeling on foods, relative to 46 percent of conventional consumers. Efficiently and effectively communicating these attributes to consumers is often a big challenge for the fresh foods industry, according to Deloitte.

Before the pandemic, convenience was primarily about saving time and effort for consumers. Now, contemporary consumers seek a convenience that is less about time

and more about stress-free availability.

Contemporary consumers find shopping in person the most stressful and want different ways to access fresh.

Retailers worldwide are responding in myriad ways to attract and keep consumers who demand fresh foods.

Most notably, the South African swimwear brand Granadilla turned heads when it pivoted in a 48-hour span to focus on groceries when the pandemic and its resulting restrictions hit.

Granadilla identified the need for reliable, home-delivery of fresh produce and responded quickly.

Recently, UCook and Faithful to Nature, both in the Silvertree Brands family, acquired Granadilla Eats to expand operations on a nationwide scale. UCook, a weekly meal-kit delivery service, added its own fresh produce service in 2020, the UCook Market Box, but returned to its core offering and new launches in frozen food and baby food as the pandemic waned.

On U.S. shores, several large retailers have recently launched fresh food delivery services.

Landover, Md., based Giant Food is delivering Local Produce Boxes in the greater Washington, D.C., area with locally sourced, in-season produce ordered online through Giant Delivers. The boxes were made available through the summer of 2021 without a subscription or commitment, retailing for $20 with six or more different produce items from local farms in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, depend-

ing on what’s in season.

The Local Produce Boxes are part of Giant’s goal this year to work with 20 new Maryland farms and 70 new Virginia farms.

Down in Florida, thousands joined a waitlist when online grocer Farmstead went live with its delivery of groceries and fresh produce for free, at lower prices than local supermarkets, as far north as Boynton Beach and as far south as Key Largo. The locally sourced produce includes fruit, vegetables and green plantains. No subscription is required or fees added.

“We are particularly thrilled to tap into South Florida’s vibrant agricultural community in order to offer their produce to shoppers in the region. The Miami-Dade Beacon Council has been instrumental in connecting us with agricultural partners in the area, and we are grateful for their help,” Farmstead Co-founder and CEO Pradeep Elankumaran said.

What’s good for Farmstead and its customers is good for the environment and economy, too.

“Their work in reducing food waste is critical, especially in a growing community like ours,” said James Kohnstamm, EVP of economic development of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council. “Helping them build fruitful connections with our agricultural partners in South Dade not only gets the freshest seasonal produce to our residents, it expands Farmstead’s positive impact on our local economy.”

Fresh food consumers in Tennessee and the southeastern United States will benefit from a recent partnership between Valley Produce, which distributes fresh produce and specialty products, and FreshEdge, a family of produce and specialty food companies backed by Maryland-based Rotunda Capital Partners. The partnership diversifies the companies’ combined customer base and increases its breadth and depth of service offerings in the region, according to a press release.

Corporations also see expansion of fresh food offerings as a way to promote sustainability. Fresh Del Monte, one of the world’s largest leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality, fresh produce, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development have teamed up on a three-year project focused on sustainability, education, community partnerships and green economic recovery to promote development in emerging economies.

The project aims to continue to restore productive landscapes, boost the economic development of communities affected by COVID-19, conserve water resources in watersheds and provide education for the sustainable development in neighboring lands surrounding Fresh Del Monte’s banana and pineapple farms in Costa Rica and Guatemala. One-quarter, or more than 10,000 hectares, of Fresh Del Monte’s farmland has been set aside for conservation efforts. GN

cine, about 12 percent of consumers, are 12 percent less likely to shop in person compared to 8 percent of all polled. More than a third said they’ll shop online more, compared to 16 percent of all participants.

Those who have already had at least one shot, 57 percent of U.S. adults, are similarly less excited about shopping in person, according to the poll, lining up with the nonvaccinated consumers.

“The pandemic accelerated the shift from in-store to online shopping at a remarkable pace,” said Gregg Zegras, EVP and president of global e-commerce at Pitney Bowes.

“Even as we see evidence of some natural regression in ecommerce utilization as vaccine rates increase and mask mandates ease, our latest surveys indicate that most of the shift from in-store to online shopping will be permanent.”

The global food retail market is projected to mark a compound annual growth rate of

nearly 8.2 percent from 2020 to 2026, according to a recent report posted on www.researchandmarkets.com.

The growth is being driven by changes in food habits, standards of living and lifestyle, according to the report, “Global Food Retail Market to 2026.” That includes changes in food intake patterns among consumers and a rise in food spending capacity.

A growing trust in consumers toward private label brands also will boost the global food retail industry in the next few years, the report states.

Retailers have responded well to changing consumer trends, which helps the market, according to the report. Many U.S. supermarkets have added healthy checkout lanes stocked with products having high nutritive value and U.S. and European supermarkets have improved the visual appeal of healthy foods with packaging,

lighting and signage. Food retail stores in western countries often offer healthy food samples and comprehensive information about the nutritive contents of foods, which drives the growth of the food retail market worldwide.

As grocery stores, specialty food stores and convenience stores continue to react to the rise in shopping activities, from the effects on consumers as to what kind of food products should be ordered from suppliers to how the products are stored or shelved to the appeal of signing and shelving, the global food retail market will continue to flourish, according to the report.

Retailers also must continue to be mindful of how the profit or revenue of the food retail industry is affected by product, placement or locating, promotion or advertising and pricing strategies as well as presentation or demonstration and staff, the report concluded. GN

Fresh Food Continued from PAGE 1

Pandemic Continued from PAGE 1 in-store shopping after the peak of the pandemic. Consumers have mixed feelings about the easing of mask mandates, according to a recent Pitney Bowes BOXpoll, with 22 percent saying they’ll shop in person more often but 17 percent saying they’ll shop online more often.

The poll confirmed the ChaseDesign report, showing just under half of U.S. consumers saying they shop online more than they did before the pandemic, but that’s a drop of seven percentage points from January and the largest sustained drop below 50 percent since BOXpoll started tracking this metric in August 2020.

In addition to masks, vaccination also has a big impact on shopping habits.

Those planning to get a COVID-19 vac-

SUPPLEMENT TO

AUGUST 2021

GOURMET NEWS

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featured products

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AUGUST 2021

The French Farm’s Pastiglie Leone

Vermont Coffee Company Whole Bean Line

Discover The French Farm’s newest addition: original confectionery products from Pastiglie Leone. The King of Sweetness finally made its way to The French Farm, which recently introduced the brand’s original tin in a variety of flavors. From violet to mint, tangerine to blueberry, lemon to anise, there is something for every taste.

Since 1857, Pastiglie Leone’s original candies are the company’s oldest and most distinctive confectionery product.

These small delights are the result of a careful choice of essences, extracts and herbs to enhance the fragrance and scent of the various flavors. Their pleasant pastel shades are obtained exclusively from natural coloring agents, making this product

The specialty food makers at Stonewall Kitchen recently introduced Vermont Coffee Company into their outstanding family of brands. Vermont Coffee Company is well known for crafting rich, fragrant coffee from highquality beans to deliver a big, bold taste in every sip.

Whole beans have a natural cellular structure that protects the delicate oils responsible for providing a rich aroma and robust flavor. Available in an array of roasts ranging from light to dark, each blend begins with non-GMO, certified-organic arabica beans that are ethically sourced from the great coffee regions of Colombia, Nicaragua, Peru, Indonesia and Honduras.

alluring to the eye as well as to the taste.

Available flavors are anise, blueberry, lemon, wild berries (a mix of blueberry, raspberry, red currant and strawberry), orange, polar strong, raspberry, strawberry and tangerine.

Packed by 18 units in a case and imported directly from Italy, Leone’s original pastilles are available online.

The French Farm 713.660.0577 www.frenchfarm.com

MarDona Specialty Foods Black Truffle Marinara Sauce MarDona Specialty Foods recently launched its gourmet Black Truffle Marinara Sauce. The sauce was created to be versatile and perfect for any favorite pasta dishes, as well as a perfect sauce for steak pizzaiola, chicken cacciatore, fried calamari or even just to dip in a favorite crusty bread. Consumers will love MarDona’s delicious, natural and perfectly portioned sauces.

MarDona uses only pure, natural ingredients in the making of its gourmet sauce.

The best crushed tomatoes, fresh spices, pure truffle infused olive oil and the finest black truffles are gathered. Then the sauce is cooked slowly over a low heat for hours to bring the sauce its well-balanced thick-

ness and great taste. Sodium and calorie levels are kept as low as possible, and the sauce is, of course, gluten free.

MarDona prides itself on having the finest in gourmet products while providing them at affordable prices. So, enjoy the new MarDona Black Truffle Marinara sauce today. Manga!

MarDona Specialty Foods 855.645.7772 www.mardonausa.com

Country Fresh Fudge Country Fresh Fudge, in 12- and 6-ounce packages, is the perfect solution for all types of retailers, especially in these days of contactless purchasing and labor shortages. The attractive packaging allows the consumer to see the fudge itself.

Available in more than 80 amazing flavors that are made with only the finest of ingredients such as Belgian chocolate, AA-grade butter, sweet cream, cane sugar and Dutch cocoa. Country Fresh Fudge is also available in Keto friendly, sugar-free flavors.

Low-cost private labeling is also avail-

able for those looking to make it their own.

All containers have a 9-month shelf life and many flavors are all natural. Twelve-ounce trays are packed eight per case, while 6-ounce trays are packed 12 per case.

Country Fresh Food & Confections, Inc. 800.545.8782 www.countryfreshfood.com

Refrigerated BeBOLD Energy Bars From the founders of Stacy’s Pita Chips, Stacy Madison and Dave Lowe are back at it again with Refrigerated BeBOLD Energy Bars. The delicious energy bars are made with almond butter or peanut butter, oats, honey, walnuts, Brazil nuts, chocolate chips, maple and chia.

BeBOLD is womenowned. The bars are plant-based, gluten free, dairy free, kosher and 18g of whole grains. All they do is MIX.PRESS.PACK.CHILL. That’s why they are refrigerated, to preserve the natural in-

gredients. However, the bars can be out of the refrigerator for up to 14 days on the go.

Stacy and Dave are also committed to sharing everyone’s BOLD and recognizing positivity through the #whatsyourBOLD campaign. They believe everyone has their own version of BOLD, big or small, that makes the world a better place.

BeBOLD Bars 855.623.2653 www.beboldbars.com

Not only is it a true expert in the art of brewing the perfect cup, Vermont Coffee Company is also eco-consciously run. It uses 100 percent renewable energy from a combination of wind and local dairy farms to carefully slowroast the beans, which are then packaged in 16-ounce compostable kraft bags that feature recyclable plastic liners and plant-based Eco-Loks designed to seal in freshness. Roasted for friends and for enjoying the little moments in life, this coffee is made with the kind of care customers can feel good about.

Vermont Coffee Company www.vermontcoffeecompany.com

Buholzer Brothers Cheeses from Klondike Cheese Co. Klondike Cheese Co. is now offering Buholzer Brothers® muenster, brick, havarti and dill havarti, horseradish and jalapeño cheeses crafted by six master cheesemakers in Wisconsin, the heart of America’s dairyland.

All of the flavors have a creamy flavor profile, great for sandwiches and snacking, available in retail and foodservice chunks, slices and loaves, depending on which cheese variety. These award-winning cheeses can be available in your deli case or your “groceraunts.” Buholzer Brothers varieties have been award winning at world and local competitions they enter in every year, which means retailers can boast to shoppers they are only receiving

the best and highest quality cheese to eat in store or at home.

The secret to Klondike’s exceptional quality is the combination of using state-of-the art equipment, proprietary recipes and time-honored traditions of cheesemaking. Sourcing local cow’s milk and high-quality ingredients, made in Wisconsin, so you know it can only be the best.

For more information about Buholzer Brothers, including detailed information about other products produced for retail and food service bulk products, contact Pete Buol, national retail sales manager.

Klondike Cheese Co. www.buholzerbrothers.com

Tortuga Launches Southern Trio Range Tortuga is a world-renowned brand that continues to lead the gourmet and spirit cakes category by heavily focusing on innovation and ensuring that its consumers are presented with fresh, innovative, and new options.

Tortuga has been doing business with the cruise channel, major big box retailers in North America, department and grocery stores and the gifting sector for 37 years. Given the company’s recent success with evolving from its world-famous rum cakes and creating a new cake with bourbon, the Kentucky Bourbon Butter Cake, continuing to explore the spirits world seemed like the nat-

ural next step.

Tortuga just launched the highly anticipated Southern Trio range, which consists of Kentucky Bourbon Butter Cake, Moonshine Apple Pie Cake, and the newest addition, Tennessee Whiskey Spice Cake. All three flavors are available in the standard sizes – 4oz., 16-oz. and 32-oz.

Consumers are now able to indulge in Tortuga’s new selection of spirit cakes, inspired by America’s oldest and traditional delectable recipes, and can expect to experience unique flavors characterized by bold notes and magnificent richness.

Tortuga Rum Cake Company www.tortugarumcakes.com

Bone Suckin’ Garlic & Honey Wing Sauce Bone Suckin’ Garlic & Honey Wing Sauce will quickly become a favorite for families who enjoy the aroma of garlic and the sweet taste of honey as they devour their chicken wings. This wing sauce is gluten free, non-GMO and

kosher and contains no high fructose corn syrup.

Ford’s Gourmet Foods 800.446.0947 www.bonesuckin.com

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Teflon Platinum Plus Nonstick

Jake’s Nut Roasters Buffalo Almonds

Teflon nonstick coating systems last longer than pans with ceramic or silicone coatings, and are dishwasher and metal utensil safe.

Chemours ensures durability by providing a nonstick coating that is not only abrasion- and scratch-resistant, but also helps protect against adhesion and corrosion. It’s this balance of properties that keeps these nonstick coatings performing like new, year after year, so there’s little erosion to the wallet. That’s because highquality Teflon coatings have been perfected over 50 years.

Teflon nonstick coatings are the finest nonstick, with a variety of products to

Jake, a fourth-generation member of the Jasper family, is proud to continue the farming traditions of his great-grandfather that have been passed down for more than 70 years. Jake’s Nut Roasters is pleased to announce his newest flavor to the Jake’s can lineup: Buffalo Almonds.

Jake’s Buffalo Almonds are bursting with the bold flavor of cayenne pepper, vinegar and spices. With a little tanginess and just the right amount of heat, they go hand in hand with a cold beverage.

These almonds are in fact “Straight from Jake’s Orchard” showcasing the company’s vertical integration and commitment to sustainable growing practices.

Jake’s almonds provide an unparalleled snacking experience and make eating this healthy snack both fun and satisfying. Produced in a dedicated peanut-free facility, these premium California almonds are dry

meet the variety of cooking needs.

All Teflon products are quality tested to live up to the Teflon brand promise: easier cooking and cleanup, time after time. Teflon Platinum Plus nonstick is the most scratch- and abrasion-resistant Teflon branded nonstick finish to date.

The Chemours Company 866.205.1664 www.chemours.com

Introducing Tradición Tapas Collection Sauces & Jams Spicin Foods has been in the sauce business for more than two decades and produces more than 900 BBQ sauces and 750 hot sauces. The Tradición Tapas Collection of salsas includes Garden Vegetable, Sweet Jalapeño, Spanish Olive, Taco Salsa Verde and Blackberry Chipotle Jam, to name a few.

The newest is Artichoke Spinach, which has become a consumer favorite overnight. Bold, flavorful, made with natural ingredients–it is a celebration of oldworld recipes unsurpassed for the modern table. It packs a zesty punch. Serve with chips, mix into taco dips or create deli-

cious entrees to share.

Grab a chip. Dip the chip.

Eat the chip. Repeat―over and over and over.

Spicin Foods also offers co-packing, private label, wholesale, food service, distributors and international opportunities.

Spicin Foods 800.568.8468 www.spicinfoods.com

roasted and seasoned in small batches to deliver exceptional quality.

Jake’s Nut Roasters 7-ounce cans have a cool, classic appearance that look great on store shelves, kitchen counters and table centerpieces. They also make the perfect gift.

Since 1948, a commitment to quality and innovation has propelled many fine Jasper Specialty Foods products into the hands of health-conscious almond lovers around the world.

Jasper Specialty Foods 800.255.1641 www.jasperspecialtyfoods.com

Dave’s Gourmet Creamy Hot Sauces Dave’s Gourmet Creamy Hot Sauces are delicious, versatile condiments with a touch of heat and a clear chile flavor. They are whipped at high speed, which gives them a creamy feel, and are gluten free and vegan.

The sauces are balanced with chiles, garlic, vinegar and other savory ingredients. They come in three flavors: Creamy Garlic Red Pepper, Creamy Roasted

Jalapeño and Creamy Ginger Citrus.

The sauces can be found in many top retailers or online.

Dave’s Gourmet www.davesgourmet.com

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GOURMET NEWS

Urban Accents Gourmet Gobbler Turkey Brine & Rub Kit Known for their irresistible sauces and seasonings, the flavor experts at Urban Accents have taken Turkey Day to the next level with their Gourmet Gobbler® Turkey Brine & Rub Kit. Rated as the No. 1 best-selling brine kit in the country, this easy, all-in-one set includes everything customers need to create the perfect bird.

Here’s how it works: designed to lock in moisture and flavor, the brining process helps the turkey meat become wonderfully tender as it soaks overnight.

Sometimes a messy process, Urban Accents makes it simple by providing their Sea Salt & Herb Spiced Turkey Brine and BPA-free, plastic Gourmet Brine Bag, which can hold up to a 24-pound turkey and offers a resealable, gusseted design.

Customers only need to add water to make the ideal brine and, after the bird has refrigerated overnight, the liquid can be drained and the bird patted dry in prepa-

ration for roasting. Then it’s time for the Gourmet Gobbler Smoky Peppercorn & Herb Turkey Rub to shine. Oregano, smoked paprika, garlic and plenty of other bold ingredients coat the bird, delivering traditional holiday flavors as it cooks and ensuring an incredibly crispy skin.

Customers will love the ease of using this complete kit for cooking up a Thanksgiving Day turkey and other seasonal feasts such as chicken, quail and pork chops. Plus, the Gourmet Gobbler Turkey Brine & Rub Kit Shipper makes it exceptionally convenient to merchandise these kits in the meat department or alongside a holiday display.

There’s no doubt, customers are sure to gobble ‘em up.

Urban Accents www.urbanaccents.com

Howard Products’ Butcher Block Conditioner When used after every wash, Howard Butcher Block Conditioner helps keep butcher blocks and cutting boards both functional and beautiful.

This specialized wood care product meets U.S. FDA regulations for direct and indirect contact with food. The penetrating quality of food-grade mineral oil along with the water-resistant traits of beeswax and carnauba wax rejuvenates wood and helps to prevent it from drying and cracking. The natural waxes also help repair knife marks and protect the wood by keeping the mineral oil in and the moisture out.

Wooden cutting boards,

butcher blocks and countertops are making quite a comeback. Cooks need help to preserve and protect these special wooden surfaces.

Vegetable oil is for cooking, not treating a cutting surface; it will smell rancid after time. Howard Butcher Block Conditioner is a blend of natural waxes and foodgrade mineral oil and will never go rancid. It is ideal for everyone from the gourmet chef who owns expensive butcher blocks to health-conscious parents with bamboo cutting boards. Suggested retail price is $9.99.

Howard Products Inc. 800.266.9545 www.howardproducts.com

North Coast Organic Apple Sauce Pouches At North Coast, innovation is at the heart of everything, and the health and wellbeing of consumers is of utmost importance. We’ve all heard how important it is to eat enough vegetables every day to support good health. In fact, the latest U.S. government dietary guidelines recommend three servings per day for children and four servings for adults.

That’s why North Coast came up with three new apple sauce pouches, all with the perfect fruit and veggie combinations and bursting with bright flavors of freshness and utter deliciousness.

North Coast understands that parents often struggle with getting their kids to eat

their veggies and are willing to sneak it in any chance they get. Perfect for school lunches, after-school activities or anytime a nutritious grab-and-go snack is needed, North Coast Organic has it covered.

Made without any added sugars or preservatives and only with USA-grown, USDAcertified organic produce, this natural burst of energy in a pouch is an absolute win-win and a must for today’s new way of life.

The sauce pouches are available in: apple-mango-sweet potato-apricot, apple-blueberry-spinach-kale and applepear-blackberry-beet.

North Coast Organic 707.329.6304 www.northcoast.organic

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AUGUST 2021

Gold’s Lively Mustard with Horseradish Since the 1930s, Gold’s has been the gold standard for jarred horseradish. And since horseradish is part of the mustard family, it is only natural for Gold’s to produce a Lively Mustard with that classic horseradish bite to awaken the consumer palates.

Gold’s Lively Mustard with Horseradish in a 9-ounce squeeze bottle spices up retail aisles featuring products that seek to add memorable flavor to food. The stout, easily stocked bottles are instantly recognizable, with a name that’s become synonymous with a strong, singular taste of top-quality horseradish.

Beyond mustard with horseradish, Gold’s offers a varied selection of mustard products, all featuring distinctive flavors

that are exceedingly popular with the mustard-buying public. Each flavor is available in 9-ounce squeeze bottles for the utmost convenience.

The six varieties include: Lively Mustard with Horseradish, Traditional Delicatessen Style Mustard, Gourmet Dijon Mustard, Low Sodium New York Deli Mustard, Sweet Honey Mustard and Spicy Sriracha Mustard.

This line of mustard products should be stocked prominently in the condiment aisle, as mustard lovers are sure to crave anything with the high standards and reputation of Gold.

L&S Packing Company 631.845.1717 www.paesana.com

Ardagh Hot Sauce Bottles Ardagh’s 5-ounce glass hot sauce bottles are the classic, go-to container option for hot sauce, but they are also great for packaging olive oils, sesame oils or dressings. Proudly made in the U.S., the “woozy” bottle is made using high-quality flint (clear) glass with a Snap & Screw or Continuous Thread (CT) closure. This 100 percent and endlessly recyclable glass hot sauce bottle is environmentally friendly and boasts an excellent shelf life.

This 5-ounce hot sauce bottle is offered in 12-pack cases available for purchase on Ardagh’s BOB™ site with convenient online ordering and payment via credit card or PayPal. Or, you can purchase the jar in 6-pack cases by calling or emailing

Ardagh directly.

Ardagh is dedicated to the craft food market with capabilities and resources to grow with you every stage of the way. By the pallet or truckload, BOB and Ardagh have the ideal shapes and styles for craft food producers.

Ardagh 856.455.2137 beer.buyourbottles.com

Fall River Wild Rice: New Ways with America’s Native Grain Interest in plants and grains is soaring, as shoppers look for new ways to eat healthy.

High in protein and fiber, nutty and with a striking visual appeal, wild rice is one of the healthiest grains available. It was a staple food of several Native American tribes, who called it manoomin or “precious grain.”

Fall River Wild Rice brings this culinary gem to your store shelf. This naturally cultivated wild rice is great in salads, soups and stir-fries.

However, it also works well in mixes for pancakes and muffins and even in chocolate and desserts. Fall River’s Fully Cooked Wild Rice is high-protein

goodness in seconds.

The only cereal grain native to North America, wild rice is not even a rice at all. It is the seed of Zizania palustris, a tall, blooming water grass that prospers in the Great Lakes region, as well as in a fruitful valley in the shadows of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains. Fall River Wild Rice is a small, growerowned cooperative in the Fall River Valley, a rural mountain valley nestled between the Cascade and Sierra Nevada ranges.

Fall River Wild Rice 800.626.4366 www.fallriverwildrice.com

Colby Cheese from Widmer’s Cheese Cellars Perfect for shredding, melting or slicing, Widmer’s Colby complements apples or pears as well as burgers or chili. It’s available in four flavors: Plain, Jalapeño, Caraway Seed and Vegetable and Herb.

Widmer’s Cheese Cellars can be purchased in 5-pound pieces, 2.5-pound pieces, 1pound pieces or 8-ounce pieces.

Widmer’s Cheese Cellars 888.878.1107 www.widmerscheese.com

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GOURMET NEWS

coffee, tea

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AUGUST 2021

and

comfort Tucson Tea Cranberry Orange Spice Decaf Black Tea

Tucson Tea creates more than 100 flavors of whole loose-leaf teas including green, black, oolong, puerh, herbal tisanes, rooibos and more. Cool off with more than 50 fruit flavors of iced teas and cocktail blends or compliment your daily ritual with a wellness line of herbal teas. If traditional tea is more your style, enjoy one of the breakfast blends or classic Chinese and Japanese green tea.

The popular Cranberry Orange Spice loose-leaf black tea can be enjoyed hot or iced. Cranberry Orange Spice features a decaf Ceylon black loose-leaf tea, dried cranberries, apple bits, orange peel, cardamom, cloves, ginger and cinnamon chips with a touch of cranberry orange and vanilla flavoring.

Tucson Tea, whose teas are locally blended in small batches, believes in helping its own community. When the owners got their vaccinations at a local hospital, they brought a generous box of a variety of teas for appreciative volunteers to thank them. For more information, go to www.tucsontea.com.

Goodnow Farms El Carmen Hot Cocoa

Café Grumpy Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew Coffee

It’s hard to think how anyone needing a coffee fix could be grumpy when all you have to do is open a carton to enjoy a cold brew with hints of caramel and dark chocolate. Café Grumpy’s Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew Coffee even won a silver sofi Award this year.

The coffee is brewed in small batches in the company’s Brooklyn facility with cold, filtered water and high-quality Arabica beans sourced from partner farms and given an overnight steep. Enjoy it straight up, over ice or with a splash of favored milk or creamer product. There are no preservatives, artificial ingredients or sugar and it comes in sustainable Tetra Pak prisma aseptic packaging. Find it in specialty grocery shops in the Northeast, Café Grumpy locations or online. For more information, go to www.cafegrumpy.com.

Goodnow Farms is well known for its chocolate made from Nicaraguan cocoa beans and its El Carmen Hot Cocoa does the same. Goodnow won a gold sofi Award for its richly flavored, nonalkalized El Carmen Hot Cocoa with its classic flavor and caramel notes.

Being non-alkalized, this hot cocoa may need a more vigorous stir, but it’s got more natural flavanols than alkalized cocoa, which is washed with a potassium carbonate solution to make it easier to dissolve but removes some of the flavor.

Goodnow Farms is one of a few chocolate makers that presses its own cocoa butter, which is time consuming but results in a richer, more flavorful hot cocoa mix. For more information, go to www.goodnowfarms.com.

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Laird Superfood’s New Aloha Oat & Macadamia Superfood Creamer

Thanks to the success of Laird Superfood’s best-selling, coconut-based Powdered Superfood Creamers, the company has introduced its first non-coconut-based flavor, Aloha Oat & Macadamia Superfood Creamer. Inspired by the flavors of Hawaii, Aloha OatMac (as the company has nicknamed it) has an impressively short list of plant-based ingredients: organic and gluten-free oat milk powder, macadamia nut powder, coconut sugar, avocado oil and Aquamin. For more information, go to www.lairdsuperfood.com.

Republic of Tea’s Honeybush Vanilla Turmeric SuperDigest Tea

The health benefits that turmeric brings continues to be a hot topic. Now, Republic of Tea has introduced its Honeybush Vanilla Turmeric SuperDigest Tea, which has a mildly sweet, honey-like flavor that delivers all the benefits of turmeric.

The fermented tea is enhanced with aromatic vanilla bean and an earthy touch of turmeric. Each tea bag has 1 billion CFUs of Bacillus subtilis probiotic, which supports a healthy gut. The tea won a silver sofi Award for functional beverages this year. For more information, go to www.republicoftea.com.

Lori’s Lavender Lemonade Relaxes, Rejuvenates

Lavender Lemonade is gently infused with lavender to create a refreshing and light beverage. Lori’s Lavender Lemonade is still crafted the way Lori made it for her kids’ lemonade stand on hot summer days in Ojai.

It’s the company’s first lemonade recipe and remains its best-seller and award-winner. Sit back, relax and remember the wonderful days of summer while drinking iced Lavender Lemonade. (Don’t forget to add a slice of lemon!) For more information, go to www.lorisorigiallemonade.com.

Real Comfort Food: Mom’s Tomato Basil Soup

The essence of comfort food is captured in Mom’s Tomato Basil Soup. Ideal for the holidays or when gray skies and chilly rain bring back the cravings of a childhood favorite, this hearty soup is created with special tomatoes, basil and heavy cream.

Lovingly handmade and in limited quantities, just like Mom would make, this Tomato Basil Soup is an instant classic. Simply heat and enjoy! For more information, go to www.jelly.com.

Paya Specialty Coffee Dark Roast

Paya Specialty Coffee’s dark roast carries dark chocolate and sweet flavor notes with a strong body and medium acidity. Grown and hand-harvested by Costa Rican families who have dedicated their lives to creating harmony and producing highquality coffee, the dark roast recently won a silver sofi Award. The beans are 100 percent Arabica grown, roasted and packaged in Costa Rica. The company’s direct trade ensures a fair-trade process including its farmers and roasters. For more information, go to www.paya-coffee.com.

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EDITOR’S PICKS Badass Water Company

Even after summer, it’s still important to keep hydrating.

Badass Water Company taps into icy glacier water and preserves it in sustainable packaging with all the valuable minerals you need with great taste inside.

Founder Ali Chhabra wanted to replace sugary drinks with something more healthy, but in the most badass way. He did! The pure alkaline water is naturally rich with nutrients and the cans are made from 100 percent recycled aluminum and recyclable, of course.

Badass Water Company www.badasswatercompany.com

Fillo Factory’s Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Trumpets

GOURMET NEWS

Two women-owned food brands have teamed up to create a delicious, healthy snack: frozen Smoothie Bowls. Blenders & Bowls ready-toeat Smoothie Bowls are topped with Laura’s Gourmet Granola.

Blenders & Bowls founders, Kara Jordan and Erin Thompson, took their popular smoothie bowls sold at their brick-and-mortar cafés in Austin, Texas, packed them frozen into ready-to-go, 6-ounce containers and then collaborated with Laura’s Gourmet Granola to top them with a golden, delicious granola to create a whole new way to enjoy smoothie bowls at home.

The flavors are stunning, too: The O.G. (açaí, strawberry, banana), The Sesher (açaí, peanut butter, and cacao), The Sunny (mango, pineapple, banana) and The Magic Dragon (dragonfruit, pineapple, mango). The 6-ounce size frozen smoothie bowls are topped with the artisan-batch granola for a complete meal to-go that is gluten free, vegan and dairy-free, with no processed sugar.

Blenders & Bowls www.blendersandbowls.com

Global Flavors Inspire Torani Syrups

First, they’re fun to see. Trumpet-shaped chicken appetizers. Then, you bite into the chicken, pepper jack and cheddar in the crispy tortilla wrap and it’s your palate having all the fun. The Fillo Factory’s Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla Trumpets are quite possibly the most fun thing to come out of the pandemic. They won a gold sofi Award this year.

As with all Fillo Factory products, the Trumpets are hand-made in small batches. Welcome to our world, little Trumpets.

Fillo Factory www.fillofactory.com

Torani www.torani.com

Just Crack an Egg Omelet Rounds

True Scoops Eases Process, Pleases Palates

Just Crack an Egg www.justcrackanegg.net

Pretzel Pete Sour Cream Habañero Pretzel Nuggets

Pennsylvania-based Pretzel Pete recently launched its first seasonal/limited edition snack, the Sour Cream Habañero Pretzel Nuggets, but they’re really a retro item. They were included in the nugget line until a few years ago, but were dropped.

Consumer demand brought them back to summer shelves. The nuggets are packed in 9-ounce bags and available online and in select retailers. As the old TV ad says, “But wait! There’s more!” Pretzel Pete has a nice treat planned for Oktoberfest, too.

Watch this space.

Pretzel Pete www.pretzelpete.com

AUGUST 2021

Blenders & Bowls Smoothie Bowls with Laura’s Gourmet Granola

As consumers become more adventurous with their flavor choices and opt for bolder flavors that evoke wanderlust and inspire travel, Torani went to work on new flavors that satisfy their evolving palates. Torani has added three new syrups inspired by global flavors: Puremade Chocolate Hazelnut Sauce, inspired by the classic flavor combo found in Italy; Puremade Mangonada Syrup, inspired by Mexican spices; and Puremade Black Sugar Syrup, inspired by kokuto, an Okinawan confection. They add great taste to milk teas, flavored energy drinks, cold brews, nitro coffees and more.

If you’re craving a perfect omelet. but don’t have the time, Just Crack an Egg has your solution. Its Omelet Rounds use cage-free eggs to create a fresh-tasting breakfast in a microwave. Bonus: There are no artificial flavors, dyes or preservatives.

They come in four flavors: All American with uncured bacon and sharp Cheddar; Three Meat with pork sausage, uncured bacon, uncured ham, red pepper, green pepper and onion; Classic with uncured ham, Cheddar, red pepper, green pepper and onion; and Broccoli Cheddar, whose name says it all.

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True Scoops combines a simple and fun ice cream-making experience with some pretty amazing flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Hot Fudge Sauce and Salted Butterscotch Sauce. No more time-consuming chilling and churning. Just mix, freeze, blend and freeze again! Don’t forget sprinkles and syrups, which True Scoops also sells. True Scoops is a woman-owned company with a playful sister brand, Island Pops.

True Scoops www.maketruescoops.com

Some Like It Hot: Woodstock Obliges

Even if it’s still hot outside, some of us love to feel the tasty burn, too. Woodstock has introduced a new line of bold, hot sauces. Globally inspired, the non-GMO Project Verified sauces are sourced from Costa Rica, made in a carbon-neutral facility and have no added sugar. Enjoy Scotch Bonnet (1,790 Scoville units with fruity, lightly acidic and slight garlic tasting notes), Ghost Pepper (33,000 Scoville units with acidic, salty, fruity and slight garlic tasting notes), Scotch Bonnet Habañero Pepper (7,900 Scoville units with sweet and sour, fruity and slight onion tasting notes) and Scorpion Pepper (57,000 Scoville units with acidic, salty, very fruity and extra hot tasting notes).

Woodstock Foods www.woodstock-foods.com

26

GOURMET NEWS

why we do what we do and why it’s so important to the company.”

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic already had disrupted travel to Afghanistan and trade shows for Ziba, an artisanal nut and dried fruit company based in New York, Kabul and Dubai.

“We used to see our managers in Afghanistan every month or at least every other month. Zoom does a good job, but not the best job,” Dubai-based Vartanian said, laughing.

But business continued.

PHOTO CREDIT NASSIM SEYAMAK

“We’re buying mulberries now and about to buy figs,” Vartanian said, when interviewed in late July. “We plan at the end of August to the start of almond buying.”

Rumi Spice also has continued its operations without much trouble.

“Interesting enough, in the past few months there has been no disruption to our operations,” Doyle said. “We’re seasonal, so we pull products after the harvest season.

ADVERTISER INDEX ADVERTISER

PAGE

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Ariston Specialties

26

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J&M Foods

11

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Jolly Llamas

14

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Klondike Cheese Co.

28

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MarDona Specialty Foods Ltd.

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Pastureland

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Ritual Zero Proof

13

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Stonewall Kitchen

2, 3

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The Chemours Company

25

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Widmer’s Cheese Cellars

16

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Frozen Mackerel Continued from PAGE 1 the next few years.

As consumer demand grew for healthier food in 2020, the coronavirus outbreak hurt the frozen mackerel market due to pandemic restrictions, which affected shortterm demand. Now, as restrictions relax, the supply chain will improve and experts say

A Special Advertising Section

Continued from PAGE 1

A of lot of the spices are harvesting as we siders. Rumi pays vilspeak, such as fennel and coriander. lagers directly, in cash, “Of course, we’ll keep a close eye on for the fruits and nuts it things in the upcoming weeks and buys on the spot. months,” she added. “The good news is With more than 80 that we’ve always operated our company on percent of the Afghan a complex supply chain out of Afghanistan population reliant on through Turkey to the U.S. We’re used to rural agriculture econplanning ahead and putting time into our omy, Rumi is committed schedules so if there would be disruptions, to keeping its operawe would be prepared on our end. If sometions running as thing comes up that takes something more smoothly as possible, significant than time, we’ll cross that when not just for the comwe get to it.” pany’s health, but the Vartanian said Ziba uses regional sourchealth and welfare of ing, so if one region’s harvest is affected by the Afghan farmers and women. anything, including climate change, since “In my mind, we’re a model as a route to farming conditions are simihelp promote peace and stability,” Doyle lar, the company can adjust. said. “While it may in one regard be a small Ziba ensures that key comact of buying one bottle of spice on the pany staffers know Farsi, shelf, when we can get millions of people which is commonly spoken to do that, we will have a meaningful imin the region across many pact.” borders.

Consumer trends toward exotic cuisines Vartanian and Doyle and home cooking will help, too, especially stressed that the farmers and as consumers say they’re willing to pay women both companies work PHOTO CREDIT RUMI SPICE with are safe for now, since they live in rural areas.

“So much of what we do happens in cocoons not affected by the politics,” Vartanian said. “Things haven’t changed dramatically day to day in rural areas.”

For generations, villages have depended on trade hubs run by the elders. In recent times, it became similar to consignment, often with unscrupulous out-

GOURMET MARKETPLACE

SMORGASBORD Afghanistan

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AUGUST 2021

PHOTO CREDIT NASSIM SEYAMAK

more for quality products.

Continued engagement is key to helping Afghanistan in the wake of the U.S. troop pullout, Vartanian said.

“The food curiosity trend going on now, not just for Afghanistan varieties, highlights what that means,” he said. “Consumer engagement is critical to understanding why something costs a little more.”

“More and more, we’re seeing mission matters,” Doyle said. “It’s making an impact. Even just one purchase, it does matter to folks. Maybe it’s a little bit of a post-pandemic effect – everybody wants to make a difference.”

As conditions in Afghanistan fluctuate, Doyle urges Americans to consider the country’s culture, landscape and citizens.

“I want people here to know about the incredible vibrancy of the country and that these people have an incredible spirit that predates what is capturing headlines today.” GN

the industry will see a speedy recovery.

North America will continue to dominate the frozen mackerel market, thanks to interest in healthier eating and a fast-paced lifestyle, according to FMI’s study.

The health benefits from mackerel combined with easy availability and a longer shelf life will drive sales in the food sector, pharmaceutical industry, animal feed and other sectors, the report concluded. GN

Ariston’s new CBD-infused olive oil was curated to combine just the right amount of extra virgin olive oil with CBD oil to give you this delicious and healthy elixir. Try it for yourself!

Ariston Specialties 860.263.8498 • www.aristonspecialties.com