Gourmet News • September 2021

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Star Fine Foods

Bottling Sunshine

Bellisari’s

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VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 9 SEPTEMBER 2021 • $7.00 • AeroFarms Expands Award-Winning Leafy Greens Products PAGE 6

• Organic Fresh Produce Sales Continue to Rise, Conventionally Grown Produce Slips PAGE 6

• Kerry Adds Dairy-Free Flavors to Big Train Line PAGE 8

• Processed Meat Market Aimed to Reach $34.8B by 2028 PAGE 8

• Native.AI Consumer Intelligence Platform Helps F&B, CPG Brands Respond to Consumer Feedback PAGE 8

• Heinz Creates 100% Recyclable Ketchup Cap PAGE 8

• Featured Products PAGE 16

• Bottling Sunshine PAGES 22 & 23

• Editor’s Picks PAGE 24

• Ad Index PAGE 26

B U S I N E S S

N E W S P A P E R

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I N D U S T R Y

Collective Action Is Key To Achieving Water Resiliency, Panelists Say

BY A.J. FLICK

“Collective action” was the buzz phrase of the day during a recent webinar, “Water Resilience in the Food Industry,” presented by FMI and Food Industry Executive.

“Collective action is imperative,” said Jason Morrison, president of the Pacific Institute and head of the CEO Water Mandate, an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact.

“Cargill shares the view that collective action is critical in addressing the most pressing issues,” said Amy Halvorson, Cargill’s sustainability manager, strategic initiatives, global sustainability. “Collective action is

attractive on its face. The hard part is agreeing where we want to work. You want to make sure there’s an overlapping interest that makes sense business wise for each company.

“It’s hard work, but it’s worth it,” she said.

Andre Fourie, global director of water sustainability at ABInBev, shared his company’s successes, namely the Stella Artois brand’s longtime association with the nonprofit Water.org, and struggles to achieve collective action.

Timing and priorities are key, he said.

“Even ABInBev has tried collaborating with Cargill and Eco-

Lab, but we haven’t because the logistics weren’t right. That’s why it can be hard to collaborate,” he said.

“It’s critical that we should be focusing collective water action in water-stressed areas,” said Meredith Englund, vice president of water partnerships at Ecolab, Inc. “Replacing water where it’s already plentiful does not do a lot of good.”

EcoLab works mostly in Louisiana doing wetlands restoration and on the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.

“Most recently, we’ve partnered

to a MarketsandMarkets press release. Regular consumption of functional food ingredients reduces the risk of several chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, rickets and osteoporosis.

Various types of functional food ingredients are fortified into food and beverage products to increase health and nutritional benefits. Functional food products can help manage weight, sharpen

mental faculties, improve infant health and help prevent conditions such as high blood pressure, according to MarketsandMarkets’ press release.

Heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 735,000 Americans suffer heart attacks annually.

According to the World Health

One of the predicted flavor trends of 2021 has borne fruit – tropical fruit, that is.

Last year, many predicted that tropical flavors would emerge as a trend, which came true in June at the Sweet & Snacks Expo, the first food industry trade show in more than a year.

“With consumers dreaming of a day at the beach and enjoying all that summer has to offer, tropical flavors took center stage with a focus on pineapple and coconut,” said Carly Schildhaus, spokesperson for the Sweets & Snacks Expo. “As we look back on the last 18 months, candy and snacks played an important role in making ordinary moments a little more special, and this year’s Expo showed that the candy and snack industries are constantly innovating to meet consumers’ evolving desires and needs, which was evident in this year’s trends.”

Schildhaus said the tropical flavor trend was evident with such products as Tru Fru Nature Bananas and the HI-CHEW Fruit combos, which have a piña colada flavor. (For more tropical treats, see our photo feature section, “Bottling Sunshine.”)

Continued on PAGE 11

Continued on PAGE 11

Functional Food Ingredients Market Primed to Reach $137.1B by 2026 The functional foods ingredients market is projected to reach $137.1 billion by 2026, up from $98.9 billion in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 percent, according to a new report from MarketsandMarkets.

Functional food ingredients enhance certain physiological functions to improve gastrointestinal health, reduce cholesterol levels, prevent dental caries and improve bone and gut health to prevent or cure various diseases, according

Tasty, Tropical Solution to Bland 2020

Continued on PAGE 6

BY A.J. FLICK

Volvic, Airbnb Shake It Up for Spectacular Sweepstakes What do you get when you take a natural spring water sourced in a volcanic natural ecosystem, a world-class athlete, a mini glass home with spectacular views in the Auvergne region of France and a global online marketplace for vacation homes? A marketing promotion of seismic proportions!

In July, Airbnb and Volvic teamed up for a sweepstakes that offered a one-night stay for two in September in the panoramic mini home, surrounded by jaw-drop-

ping views of 80 volcanoes, hosted by award-winning ski mountaineer and long-distance

runner Kilian Jornet, a global ambassador for the natural spring

water brand Volvic.

The winners will spend the night surrounded by 80 volcanoes in a LUMIPOD, a mini home concept blending indoor and outdoor space through glass offering panoramic views at the famous source of Volvic’s natural mineral water overlooking the Chaîne des Puys Volcanoes.

The package also includes a guided tour to learn about the rich biodiversity of the natural park, locally sourced dinner by local Michelin star chef Adrien De-

scouls, private morning yoga session with breathtaking views of sunrise over the volcano’s peak, volcanic hike designed by Jornet and a hot air balloon ride.

“It has been difficult to reconnect with nature after a year of staying inside,” Shweta Harit, global VP Marketing at Volvic, said in a press release. “Many of us are itching for the opportunity to reset and recharge and what better way to do so than by unplugging, breaking out of your routine in the stunning area of Volvic where our water is born.” GN

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GOURMET NEWS

FROM THE EDITOR

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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Years ago, on a network TV show that was supposed to be based in Phoenix, an adolescent boy entered the scene wearing swim gear, with a raft under one arm. He told his mother that he and his friends were going “down to the river” to swim. The episode became a running joke for my sister and me because at the time, there was no river near Phoenix where anyone could swim – unless you liked swimming in sand. We figured that some writer in L.A. looked at Phoenix on a map and, seeing a blue line through it, thought it would be great to send the character to swim in the Salt River.

Arizonans love to joke about our rivers that usually have no water. Sometimes, it isn’t a joke. When my family moved to Arizona, you could actually walk across the Colorado River in Yuma and not get your feet wet. Costly lawsuits and many water management policies later, water sports on the now-flowing Colorado River are a tourist draw in Yuma.

But as we all know (I hope), the Colorado River is in danger, as are Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the nation’s two largest water reservoirs. Reduced water allocations to California, Arizona, Nevada and Mexico are real possibilities, if they haven’t happened already.

I’ve lived in Arizona more than I’ve lived anywhere and many of the water usage practices I had to learn, such as not running the water when I’m brushing my teeth, are second nature by now. I live in a state where water conservation is a topic whether a drought has been declared or not. In Tucson, residents can call to report water waste. We call it “watering the sidewalks,” when someone’s sprinklers are drenching the concrete along with the grass. Residents are urged to use xeriscaping and native plants to reduce water usage. Governments use

reclaimed water in public spaces, with requisite warning signs not to drink the water.

Our summer rains have gained the nonsensical sobriquet monsoon (it means “change of seasonal winds” in its native Arabic language), but I like to use the local term for a summer storm, chubasco. Last year, to add insult to our pandemic injury, the West was really parched. Chubasco kept his social distance. This year, though, we’ve already recorded more inches of rain than normal.

We revel in the scent of creosote after the rains and the sight of the Sonoran Desert draped in greenery.

Our lead story this month addresses water resiliency and corporate responsibility to solve water issues globally. Some businesses have been known to be greedy when it comes to water and often look at their bottom line more than an area’s bottoming groundwater level. Years ago, a major diet beverage maker’s bid to locate in Southern Arizona was thwarted when government officials noted that the company’s operations required more water than the region could handle. A governor once encouraged a developer to build a large community in rural Southern Arizona, but the project stalled when local officials complained that their water supply was threatened. But other companies, including a large aquarium and water sports resort, have come into the state, with no regard for where the water was coming from.

Agriculture is the top user of the world’s fresh water, as the panelists noted. How can we feed ourselves when the fuel feeding the industry is drying up? It’s comforting to know that there are companies that are working together on global water issues. But it’s scary, as one of the panelists said, to see how fast the problem is growing and how unprepared we are. GN — AJ Flick Senior Editor

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SEPTEMBER 2021

AeroFarms Expands Award-Winning Leafy Greens Products New Jersey-based AeroFarms recently announced an expansion of its line of leafy greens, adding Baby Bok Choy-The New Spinach, Micro Arugula, Micro Broccoli, Micro Kale and Micro Rainbow Mix. AeroFarms products are grown using proprietary aeroponics and indoor vertical farming technologies, which yield annual productivity up to 390 times greater than traditional field farming, while using up to 95 percent less water and no pesticides, according to a press release.

Thanks to an increase in consumer interest of Asian greens and expected growth in

fusebiquity, locally sourced international ingredients, AeroFarms will deliver familiar greens with exotic tastes. For instance, Bok Choy-The New Spinach creates a juicier, more flavorful and nutritionally dense green that can be used in any recipe using spinach.

With growing demand in microgreens, AeroFarms added Micro Arugula, Micro Broccoli, Micro Kale, and Micro Rainbow Mix to its core line of Micro Spicy Mix and Micro Super Mix. Produced yearround at the highest quality, AeroFarms microgreens provide higher nutrient density than their mature green counterparts,

offering a powerful way to provide a potent boost of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.

All AeroFarms leafy greens are safely grown indoors in New Jersey at one of AeroFarms’ state-of-the art commercial indoor vertical farms that is certified for USDA Good Agricultural Practices, SQF Level 2 Good Manufacturing Practices, Non-GMO Project Verification and OU Kosher.

AeroFarms leafy greens are pesticide free and ready to eat without any need to wash.

AeroFarms leafy greens are available at major customers such as Amazon Fresh,

Baldor Specialty Foods, FreshDirect, Morton Williams, ShopRite, Walmart and Whole Foods. GN

Organic Fresh Produce Sales Continue to Rise, Conventionally Grown Produce Slips Building on a steady pattern of growth, total organic fresh produce for the second quarter of 2021 increased by 4 percent from last year, closing in on $2.3 billion, according to a new report.

The rise is significant because the second quarter of 2020 came during the COVID pandemic when many foodservice outlets closed and supermarket sales soared, according to the Q2 2021 Organic Produce Performance Report released exclusively by Organic Produce Network and Category Partners.

At the same time, conventionally grown

fresh produce sales and volume decreased by 3.3 percent, with volume off by 8.6 percent compared to a year ago.

Berries surpassed packaged salads as the top organic category in dollar sales for the first time. Year-over-year berry sales rose 19 percent, with volume up 16 percent. Total organic berry sales were up to $435 million. The berry category includes strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.

“It’s apparent that consumer supermarket food purchases now increasingly reflect the more traditional buying trends versus

Water Resiliency

“I don’t want to sound like Chicken “While the Water Resilience Coalition and government relations, which he said is Little, but one thing that scares me more has addressed the reality of the issue,” Morcrucial, along with community involvethan anything is how fast this is occurment. rison said, “it’s not making progress suffiring and how unprepared we are,” Mor- ciently enough. Water leadership is “It’s key to work with local stakeholders rison said. on critical issues,” such as irrigation rerequired. Global leadership is essential.

The panelists represented companies form, he said. “We learned quickly that an “It isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s that have taken the Water Resilience Coaliirrigation project is not efficient if you’re a business issue,” he said. “Corporations tion’s pledge, in which they agree to make have a powerful platform. If we bring not recharging the aquifer and groundwater needed investresources.” ments in their Halvorson also own operations advised engaging and work through with local teams. collective action “You don’t need to achieve a net a hydrologic study positive water imto tell you that pact, water-resomething needs —JASON MORRISON, PRESIDENT OF THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE AND HEAD OF THE silient value chain to be done if CEO WATER MANDATE, AN INITIATIVE OF THE UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT and global leaderyou’re trucking in ship in water rewater,” she said. silience by 2050. things together, we can create powerful “Local teams can often point you in the “No individual company, no individual outcomes. Business has the potential to right direction.” person can address water stress alone,” Enmake a significant impact, but companies Water resilience is a daunting concept, glund said. “Collective action is required to need to address it and step up to make a the panelists said. reach scale. We believe that by having the real difference.”

“I would encourage that as you’re thinkWater Resilience Pledge taken with as ABInBev’s interest in helping solve water ing about setting ambitious carbon goals, many companies on board as possible, it issues is obvious, Fourie said. you should set similarly ambitious water will serve as a rallying cry for companies to “If there’s no water, there’s no beer,” he goals,” Englund said. said. “Water is an essential part of our begin taking action and working together.”

Halvorson said a first step for many is “A lot of companies are still working on product.” learning more about climate change.

When placing breweries, ABInBev wants a water strategy,” Halvorson noted. “Many “Water challenges are the most hard to companies have not set water targets, but water equality available in that location, solve,” Halvorson said. “But you have to which isn’t easy, Fourie said. The company have carbon climate targets. They can work start somewhere. Don’t let perfection be the considers water availability, area volume on both at the same time.” enemy of good.” GN

Continued from PAGE 1 with the Colorado Indian Tribe in California and Colorado to address issues with Lake Mead,” she said, adding that the project is co-funded by Coca-Cola.

Just days after Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir, hit a record low water level, the second-largest reservoir, Lake Powell, neared an all-time low, as reported

by The Arizona Republic in July. Climate experts attribute the decline in water levels to climate change, including an extended drought, excessive heat and smaller snowfall.

“The impact of climate change is being felt,” Morrison said. “We’ve seen it over the years and are seeing it played out in Sao Paulo and Capetown. If you haven’t heard, the western U.S. is in a drought. If you’ve been living in a cave or under a rock, it’s everywhere.”

Recalling the winter storms in Texas that were “so unprecedented they knocked out the power grid,” Morrison reminded the audience that some Texans were left without basic water service.

“How many water planners in Houston put that sort of risk factor into their planning?” he said. “This is the new normal we have to grapple with.

COVID-inspired purchasing changes,” said Steve Lutz, senior vice president of insights and innovation at Category Partners, in a statement. “It is also encouraging that even though consumer purchases of conventional produce were lower than Q2 2020, organic produce continued to generate growth.”

Among the top 10 organic produce categories, sales gains were seen with berries, apples, lettuce, bananas and citrus. Registering small losses were packaged salads, herbs, carrots, tomatoes and potatoes.

“As we come out of the pandemic, and foodservice channels have reopened, the widespread pantry loading that occurred during the second quarter of last year has subsided,” said Matt Seeley, CEO of Organic Produce Network, in a statement.

“The result is that many produce categories showed little, if any, growth in Q2 2021 when compared to last year.

“The fact remains, organic fresh produce continued to generate year-over-year growth in sales and volume, while conventional produce declined against the same period last year,” he said. GN

“I don’t want to sound like Chicken Little, but one thing that scares me more than anything is how fast this is occurring and how unprepared we are.”

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Kerry Adds Dairy-Free Flavors to Big Train Line Kerry recently announced the addition of four dairy-free flavors – horchata, caramel latte, latte and mocha – to its Big Train line of hot and cold beverage mixes for foodservice. The new dairy-free flavors are fortified with Kerry’s probiotic GanedenBC30.

With rising consumer demand for products, including beverages, that manage personal health, Kerry’s research showed a gap in foodservice industry offerings for beverages that offer health benefits, according to

a press release.

According to Kerry’s research, 78 percent of those surveyed think restaurants are failing to offer enough menu choices with functional benefits and 70 percent said they’re actively concerned about their digestive health.

Big Train is a leading manufacturer and distributor of premium, powdered gourmet beverage mixes. Big Train’s collection includes a wide array of products, including blended ice coffees, coffee-free blended

cremes, chai teas, protein coffee mixes and the new dairy-free mixes.

GanedenBC30 is backed by more than 25 published scientific papers demonstrating its safety and efficacy. GanedenBC30 is a spore-forming probiotic, which has superior survivability not only in the Big Train product manufacturing and production process, but also the transit through the stomach into the intestines, where it works to support digestive and immune health. GN

Processed Meat Market Aimed to Reach $34.8B by 2028 Due to a surge in demand for easy-tomake food items, the North American processed meat market is predicted to reach $34.8 billion by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5 percent, according to a report from www .researchandmarkets.com.

Other factors, such as increasing purchasing power and a surge in the number of working-class professionals also drive the market, the report says.

Beef accounted for the largest revenue

share in the North American market in 2020, according to the report, spurred by rising demand for grass-fed beef products that have higher nutritional value.

Poultry-based products are expected to show the highest growth rate, 4.1 percent, over the forecast period due to their low cost and a shift in consumer preference for white meat over red meat.

Uncured processed meat is expected to record the fastest revenue-based growth rate of 4.3 percent.

The chilled product segment dominated the market in 2020, accounting for more than a 65 percent revenue share. Chilled products, frozen at a temperature from 1C to 4C, are packaged under a modified or controlled atmosphere packaging to preserve them against microbial deterioration and spoilage.

Increasing advancements in chilling technology have enabled better preservation, packaging and transportation of chilled products, which boosts growth.

The United States is one of the largest consumers of meat products in the world, according to the report. Most Americans consume some form of processed meat daily. Such consumption patterns offer significant opportunities for meat processors to launch new products.

In addition to this, almost all consumers are highly dependent on animalbased protein, which is also boosting demand for processed meat, the report says. GN

Native.AI Consumer Intelligence Platform Helps F&B, CPG Brands Respond to Consumer Feedback New York City-based Native.AI recently announced the launch of a consumer intelligence platform for food and beverage and consumer packaged goods companies that enables brands to analyze and act on consumer feedback to improve product offerings.

Native’s AI-powered platform uses natural language processing to deliver real-time analysis of consumer feedback from point of sale, e-commerce reviews, social media and smart labels, according to a press release.

With a better understanding of consumer feedback, brands can assess prefer-

ences on taste, price, packaging and other attributes to adjust product formulations, supply chains, pricing, packaging and more to increase sales, satisfaction and loyalty.

“Consumers are driving market disruption and fueling innovation within the F&B and CPG industry,” Native co-founder and CEO Frank Pica said in a statement.

“Without their feedback, it is incredibly difficult to make products that fit customers’ ever-changing preferences, especially in a cluttered marketplace.

“With 30,000 new CPG products

launching every year, the competition is cutthroat,” he said. “Our intelligence allows brands to understand customers like never before and make real-time decisions on product development and differentiation.”

Native’s platform gives independent brands access to first-party consumer data, which has been protected by retailers. Benefits include: ● Understanding customer and consumer sentiment ● Optimizing SKU rationalization

● Increasing sales, brand loyalty and customer acquisition ● Improving quality control ● Benchmarking against category-specific competitors.

The company’s rapid growth and momentum in the F&B and CPG industry has gained attention from market-leading founders, executives and investors from Blue Apron, USDA, The Kellogg Company, Bunge, USAKO Group, Oppenheimer & Co., Conagra, Archer Daniels Midland, Grain Millers and Capital Innovators. GN

Heinz Creates 100% Recyclable Ketchup Cap Heinz recently announced that its squeezable ketchup bottles will have caps that are 100 percent recyclable, which it says will save 1 billion plastic lids – enough to fill 35 Olympic swimming pools – from landfills each year globally.

The eco-friendly cups will be rolled out in 2022, after eight years, 45 prototypes,

185,000 hours of production and a $1.2 million investment, according to a press release. The first Heinz varieties to get the new cap will be the Heinz Tomato Ketchup and the popular Heinz BBQ Sauce. The cap will be introduced globally, starting in Europe.

Heinz created 45 different designs, which were printed in-house using a state-of-the-

art 3D printer. Heinz followed a rigorous testing procedure to make sure the cap met high-quality standards.

Heinz sauce bottles have used a flexible valve, which was designed to deliver the ideal portion of sauce per squeeze, but was typically challenging to recycle. The new cap was designed to provide the same squeeze portion using a single, rigid

and recyclable material.

The cap is part of Heinz’s pledge to make 100 percent of its packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. GN

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Two Trees Introduces Seasonal Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Whiskeys Just in time for the holidays, Two Trees Beverage Co., Inc., has introduced two seasonal wood-crafted whiskeys, Pumpkin Spice and Peppermint, that begin shipping to retail and on-premise operations such as bars and restaurants in midSeptember.

Both new flavors, available in 750 mL bottles, are 70 proof and 53 percent ABV. Based in Fletcher, North Carolina, Two Trees wood-crafted flavored whiskeys are created by pairing specific grains with wood varieties that are toasted to perfect char-levels to deliver rich flavor profiles that carry a hint of smokiness.

Two Trees Pumpkin Spice whiskey has flavor notes reminiscent of seasonal pumpkin and toasted cinnamon, with a sweet aromatic taste of ginger and allspice.

The company describes Two Trees Peppermint whiskey as both naughty and nice and likely something Santa himself would enjoy near a fire, with a flavorful aroma of candy canes and creamy peppermint flavor.

“Unique product varieties such as these tend to expand category sales vs cannibal-

izing existing sales,” said CEO Chad Slagle in a statement. “Our exclusive and proprietary process delivers exceptional taste on a consistent basis with differentiation that consumers cannot find anywhere else.”

The new whiskey products are available in six-count cases with a suggested retail price of $21.99 per bottle.

Just like all of the Two Trees spirits, the Two Trees Pumpkin Spice and Two Trees Peppermint whiskeys are sustainably matured. The Two Trees process leads to conservation in forestry, reduced emissions and reduced environmental footprint overall as well as other positive impacts pertaining to social and community responsibility.

“We enjoy showcasing our exceptional, intriguing tastes through our Two Trees portfolio and providing great examples of ways that our company can help retailers and other beverage brands diversify portfolios through our third-party manufacturing and private-label capabilities,” said Chris Sellers, president of Two Trees Beverage Co. “Companies that are looking to integrate sustainability into product develop-

ment for adult beverages should contact us for information on our eco-friendly processes that deliver rapidly matured products in a consistent manner for profitable growth,” he said. “By following best practices for maturation, the industry can take a mature approach to the environment and sustainability as well.”

Two Trees Beverage Co. Inc. provides a first-to-market maturation process to produce award-winning spirits, beer, wine and RTDs. Through its proprietary, rapid-aging process, Two Trees Beverage Co. develops premium craft beverages at scale with consistency in a sustainable and socially responsible manner using an endless combination of wood types and flavoring.

Two Trees Beverage Co. offers rapid-

aging on a contract basis to address consumer demand for premium products and speed-toimprove market for retailers and manufacturers while reducing the industry’s dependency on wood supply. The company provides third-party manufacturing for private label, new and established beverage brands that are looking for ways to diversify portfolios, and improve taste experiences.

The company portfolio of brands includes Tim Smith Spirits-Climax Spirits and Southern Reserve, Two Trees Whiskey, Two Trees Vodka, Two Trees flavored whiskey portfolio, plus the Two Trees folklore brand series that includes Snarly Yow, Owl Head, Wampus Cat and Old Fyre Dragaman. GN

Laird Superfood Launches Pumpkin Spice Flavored Superfood Creamers The plant-based, superfood brand Laird Superfood announced the launch of its seasonal fall product line of pumpkin spice-flavored creamers for consumers to savor the flavors of the season – the plantbased way Coming in three dairy-free alternatives, the flavor was created for the pumpkin spice lover looking for a real food version of their favorite seasonal flavor.

Closely following the brand’s recent launch of its first non-coconut based creamer, Aloha Oat & Macadamia Nut Superfood Creamer, the brand is introducing a new way to pumpkin spice with its Aloha OatMac Creamer. Additionally, the seasonal favorite flavor is available in the Original Superfood Creamer and a refrigerated Liquid Creamer version.

Featuring warming notes of pumpkin

spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg and real pumpkin powder, these creamer products can spice up coffee without the guilt. Laird Superfood Pumpkin Spice Superfood Creamer combines the brand’s Original Superfood Creamer with real pumpkin and festive spices. This festive blend is a perfect boost for a morning cup of coffee, tea, smoothie and more.

Meanwhile, theAloha OatMac Superfood Creamer in Pumpkin Spice is a special blend of OatMac creamer the superfood way, with the inviting flavors of pumpkin spice and nourishing, buttery macadamia and oats, without any artificial flavors or sweeteners – making it the perfect addition to hot or iced coffee.

Laird Superfood’s fresh and plant-based Liquid Superfood Creamer is now available in the festive Pumpkin Spice option

featuring functional mushrooms including lion’s mane, cordyceps and chaga. The pumpkin spice flavor consumers love can now be found in the refrigerated section.

“The all-new pumpkin spice creamers

are a guilt-free option compared to other overly sweet pumpkin spice beverages,” said Laird Hamilton, co-founder of Laird Superfood. “I love these creamers because they are the perfect feel-good ingredient to make a gourmet fall-festive latte anywhere.”

“Unquestionable deliciousness in every sip,” said Sandy Egge, senior director of innovation. “Real-food derived ingredients in both a coconut cream base, or gluten free organic oat and macadamia nut base – these creamer options are the perfect addition to your cup. No junk!”

Pumpkin Spice Liquid Creamer is priced at $4.95 for 16 fluid ounces and can be purchased at many grocery stores nationwide this fall. Pumpkin Spice Superfood Creamer and Pumpkin Spice Aloha OatMax Creamer prices start at $9.95. GN

Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Embraces Everything Pumpkin With 11 Fall Flavors Jordan’s Skinny Mixes didn’t stop at a simple pumpkin spice fall blend. The leading brand for zero-calorie, zero-sugar syrups announced its most extensive fall collection of 11 pumpkin flavors.

Not only that, but the flavors are already on shelves, to sate the demand for pumpkin flavors.

Six favorite pumpkin varieties are return-

ing: Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Caramel, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll, Pumpkin Caramel Scone and Pumpkin Praline Pie. The five new flavors, which include a keto option, are: Vanilla Bean Pumpkin, White Chocolate Pumpkin, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Keto Pumpkin Spice with MCT Oil and Pumpkin Pecan Waffle.

For those who are less enthusiastic about pumpkin, but still enjoy fall blends in their coffee, the brand has brought back Maple Bourbon Pecan and added Maple Donut and Chai.

Skinny Mixes is the leading manufacturer of low-calorie cocktail mixes, sugarfree coffee syrups, cold brew coffee on tap, protein shakes and many other specialty

beverage items and gift sets.

Skinny Mixes feature standout Skinny Syrup flavors such as Mocha, Salted Caramel and Vanilla as well as fruity flavors such as Blueberry Burst, Peach Ring and Citrus Splash Functional Syrups.

Skinny Mixes and Syrups are produced in the USA and are gluten free and kosher. GN

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Chilean Snack Maker Amarea Embraces Corporate Social Responsibility Chilean health food brand Amarea, which primarily manufactures a variety of seaweed sticks and chips, has set out to create “another way to seafood.”

“We seek to change the way we view food,” according to a company press release. “We believe that food should be healthy for people, for the planet, and for those behind its production.”

Eating healthy has been a growing refrain of an increasingly health-conscious global consumer base, the company noted. Simply focusing on personal health is no longer enough of a marketing message to truly resonate with customers.

Corporate social responsibility has pushed the envelope of consumer sentiment, tossing things like workers rights and environmental aspects of manufacturing into the mix. A brand once had to merely shift from unhealthy ingredients to health-conscious alternatives, but must now consider its entire product life cycle and everyone it impacts, according to Amarea.

For its part, Amarea: ● Addresses health by using a maximum of three ingredients, all of which are 100 percent natural, in each recipe ● Addresses producers by promoting sustainable developments and improving the quality of life of the artisanal

communities of seaweed collectors that it works with in Chile ● Addresses the planet by utilizing an abundant natural resource that doesn’t require agricultural soil, water, or fertilizer to grow.

From the planet to people, Amarea considers itself a living testament to the modern consumer inclination toward holistic consumption, according to the press release. The brand works to purposefully improve lives both in its home country and abroad.

Founded in 2019, Amarea is based in Chile and engages the local artisanal community of seaweed collectors to provide a sustainable, nutritious snack option for health-conscious consumers.

Amarea recently expanded into the U.S. market with the dual purpose of bolstering its local South American communities and catering to the needs of health-conscious consumers across the globe. The brand’s natural, innovative, sustainable products enter a market that boasts endless growth in the health and wellness — and particularly the health food — sector.

The company creates snacks that don’t just use seaweed, but algae that is specifically native to the Chilean coast, which creates a product that is simulta-

neously healthy, nutritious, sustainable and delicious.

The team behind Amarea has long seen the potential value in the native seaweed that grows along Chile’s extensive 4,000 miles of coastline. They recognized the fact that utilizing seaweed in a product line would tap into a sustainable resource that didn’t require the application of water, soil or fertilizer to create. The abundant, pre-existing wild crops of seaweed could be harvested and turned into an appealing snack with healthy benefits.

Chile already boasted a robust community of seaweed collectors, which also spurred on Amarea’s ambitions.

The company realized that by creating a market for the healthy indigenous resource, it could not only provide a stellar product to consumers, but elevate the quality of life for local seaweed artisans.

The results of Amarea’s efforts can be seen in its line of seaweed snacks. The selection includes seaweed sticks and seaweed chips, both of which come in a selection of olive oil, sesame and spicy flavors.

Each product has a maximum of three ingredients, one of which is endemic algae exclusively harvested off of the coasts of Chile. GN

Food Ingredients

and obesity.

Consumers are becoming more aware of the risks of chronic diseases and the importance of health and are demanding products with functional benefits. In research on probiotics by Kerry, 81 percent believe a probiotic claim to be trustworthy, with 63 percent expressing interest in buying a product with a probiotic label.

The market for functional food is increasing, as consumers prefer balanced diets and food that tastes good and enhances immunological tolerance.

Functional foods are consumed as a part of the diet plan providing both nutrition and health benefits, according to Market-

sandMarkets. They stimulate growth, development and improve physical wellbeing, among other health benefits. They also provide vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients to the human body, while simultaneously protecting cells against oxidative damage, which could lead to cancer.

Functional foods can come in the form of conventional foods such as soy protein and oat fiber or in the form of fortified food such as vitamin- and mineral-fortified cereal, folate-fortified flour and grain products, phytosterol-fortified spreads and yogurt with live bacteria culture, providing positive health outcomes and reducing the risk of diseases. GN

ple, mango, banana and passionfruit. It will be available in single and bottle packs in January.

Tropical flavors ranked high in Flavorchem’s Flavor & Trend Forecast 2021.

Consumers want nostalgic and indulgent flavors including watermelon and tropical combinations in unexpected, premium presentations, according to the report.

Life Magazine called watermelon one of the most memorable flavors in American life. According to Fona International, watermelon is mentioned 24 times per minute on social media.

KÖE Kombucha scores a double whammy with its two new better-for-you functional beverage flavors: KÖE Tropical and KÖE Watermelon. KÖE Tropical blends a trio of fresh pineapple, citrus and exotic guava while KÖE Watermelon has a splash of lime. Both organic kombucha recipes contain billions of probiotics to support immunity and gut health. The new flavors join a line that includes Lemon Lime, Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Dragon Fruit and Blueberry Ginger.

Even those of us who still can’t travel to exotic locales can still enjoy a taste of the tropics. GN

Continued from PAGE 1 Organization, 23.6 million people globally will die from cardiovascular disease, particularly heart disease and stroke, between 2009 and 2030.

Offering products that help prevent heart problems and are helpful for heart health has become a key priority among food and beverage manufacturers, according to MarketsandMarkets. Functional ingredients such as minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and carotenoids boost heart health and other related diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes

Tropical Solution Continued from PAGE 1 Other trends seen at the Sweet & Snacks Expo, the premier trade show for the candy and snack categories, were smaller pack sizes; mixing and matching flavors and hot, spicy snacks with such flavors as chili, sriracha, jalapeño and habanero.

One of the confectionery companies jumping on board to the tropics trend is Ferrero Group, whose new products at the Expo included Tic Tac Tropical Adventure, which features four fruity flavors: pineap-

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Barry Callebaut Announces Move to Fully Sustainably Sourced Cocoa, Vanilla The Barry Callebaut Group, the global manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, recently announced a move toward using 100 percent sustainably sourced cocoa and vanilla.

The transition is part of the company’s North American “Better for You” portfolio and a step toward its 2025 Forever Chocolate sustainability goals, according to a press release.

The “Better for You” portfolio includes sugar solutions (sugar free, reduced sugar, no sugar added), high-protein, dairy-free and organic solutions.

The company expects the portfolio’s high growth and innovation to continue and says the transition will provide customers with high-quality sustainable products that support an industry-wide sustainability ambition.

All of the “Better for You” products will move to Cocoa Horizons, an impact-driven program focused on cocoa farmer prosperity and helping build self-sustaining farming communities that protect nature and children.

Barry Callebaut sells Cocoa Horizons cocoa and chocolate products with a premium, which is used to help improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities. These premiums go to the Cocoa

Horizons Foundation to fund cocoa sustainability activities such as farmer coaching and support, cocoa and non-cocoa seedling distribution, as well as community development in a transparent and externally verified process.

The Cocoa Horizons Foundation serves as a platform for chocolate companies and other contributors to invest in sustainable cocoa. It relies on expert partners to implement the sustainability activities.

The “Better for You” products also will support sustainable vanilla production through a partnership with vanilla supplier Prova to implement the Sustainable Vanilla Charter.

“Barry Callebaut looks at the ‘Better For You’ segment through an end-consumer lens,” said Laura Bergan, director, Barry Callebaut Brand. “Our innovation and portfolio are driven by consumer lifestyles and a result of closely monitoring market trends.

“Our sustainable portfolio goes beyond health benefits including the quality of the ingredients and the impact on the planet and farmers’ livelihood, which plays an important role for consumers,” she said.

“Being fully cocoa and vanilla sustainable adds to the value proposition of our products, which our customers can leverage in

their product development and storytelling.”

Barry Callebaut’s Forever Chocolate initiatives have the mission to make sustainable chocolate the norm. Forever Chocolate is built on four targets that Barry Callebaut expects to achieve by 2025 and that address the biggest sustainability challenges in the chocolate supply chain: ● Eradicate child labor ● Lift more than 500,000 cocoa farmers out of poverty ● Become carbon and forest positive ● Provide 100 percent sustainable ingredients in all products “This is an important step towards our goal of being completely sustainable by 2025,” Bergan said. “Barry Callebaut embraces its role as an industry leader by leading the sustainable cocoa and chocolate movement. We cannot achieve our ambitious goal by tomorrow and we cannot achieve it alone. Moving our ‘Better for You’ portfolio to fully sustainably cocoa and vanilla is an exciting step on our journey.”

The Cocoa Horizons Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Barry Callebaut in Zurich, Switzerland, to scale impact and drive change in cocoa producing origins. Supervised by the Swiss Federal Foundation Supervisory Authority,

Cocoa Horizons is an impact-driven program focused on cocoa farmer prosperity and helping build self-sustaining farming communities that protect nature and children. Its mission is to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities through the promotion of sustainable, entrepreneurial farming, improved productivity and community development.

The Foundation is audited annually to verify its activities, maintain a transparent distribution of funds, and demonstrate compliance with Swiss federal regulations.

The Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of highquality chocolate and cocoa products – from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds.

The group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants or caterers. The group runs more than 60 production facilities worldwide and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of more than 12,000 people. GN

Master Chocolatier Megan A. Costello Launches Namesake Brand Megan A. Costello, best known as founder, former co-owner and chief chocolate officer at Easton Malloy, Inc., maker of the world-famous Williams Sonoma Original Peppermint Bark, has sold her chocolate factory and launched her namesake Megan A Costello brand.

“I am an entrepreneur at heart so, for me, the thrill is in envisioning a company, designing equipment, building factories and creating products and flavor profiles,” Costello said in a statement. “To be a creator, one has to be free to create and leave behind the day-to-day duties.”

The Megan A. Costello brand offers her

expertise in product and flavor design and includes collaborations alongside established industry colleagues.

“It was more than a sugar rush to build my first factory in San Francisco,” she said.

“The city had just taken a major hit from the first tech bubble bursting, and there was plenty of space to grow.

“It was perfect timing for burgeoning food entrepreneurs bootstrapping businesses and, for those of us in food (especially chocolate), we helped each other. We didn’t have role models for some of what we were doing and making. We were not descendants from generations of choco-

latiers, but we were passionate and determined,” she said.

“Chocolate has rules and boundaries, and when you are fortunate enough to have millions of pounds to play with, testing those rules and boundaries is half the fun.”

Along with building her brand, Costello will share her expertise with the next generation of burgeoning entrepreneurs.

As a highly conscious master chocolatier with a rich history of sourcing natural ingredients, Costello said she values preserving and protecting these sources. Costello advocates for sustainable and fair-trade

cocoa. Her position in the culinary community as an accomplished business owner gives her a powerful platform to instill knowledge and values to entrepreneurs in the food industry about the responsibility they have from the ingredients they source all the way through to the packaging they use.

Costello said her new brand was born out of a love of invention and that this new trajectory from a distinguished chocolate factory owner allows her to immerse herself in the food community as a prominent innovator, collaborator and educator. GN

Global Organic Chocolate Spreads Industry Poised to Reach $826M by 2027 The global market size for organic chocolate spreads is predicted to reach $826 million by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4 percent, according to a recent study from www.researchand markets.com.

Chocolate spread refers to a soft and smooth chocolate-flavored paste used as a spread on waffles, pancakes, muffins and pitas. The tastes, smells and looks of choco-

late spread are the same as chocolate, but it does not solidify even at room temperature.

The increasing urbanization and the adoption of Western culture have resulted in higher consumption of organic chocolate spread worldwide, according to the report. In addition, rising food product innovation has boosted demand for organic chocolate spread in recent

years. Chefs who are focused on novel dish developments are pushing the growth of the global organic chocolate spread market.

Many children love chocolate spread on sandwiches. Some adults also enjoy chocolate spread added on the sandwiches as a comfort food. Growing consumption of chocolate-based spreads on bread and toast as a part of breakfast and increasing con-

sumer inclination for organic and natural food products are likely to be key factors boosting the organic chocolate spread market over the forecast period, according to the report.

A trend toward readymade spreads due to hectic lifestyles also will drive the market, the report predicted, as well as availability of organic, low-fat, low-sugar, and gluten-free chocolate spread products. GN

SEPTEMBER 2021

Bone Suckin’ Sauce Store & Distributors Network

An interview with Sandi Ford, President, Ford’s Gourmet Foods.

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SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE

Prepare, Perform and Recover with Honey Stinger

Trinity School of Natural Health

What an athlete puts in their body can make a significant difference in their performance, but properly fueling the body can be easier said than done. That’s why Honey Stinger has an

An interview with Julie Kline, President/CEO, Trinity School of Natural Health

SF: We have a Store Support section on our

Suzanne’s Specialties has been supplying alternative sweeteners to the health food and industrial food markets since 1984. Its offerings include brown rice syrup, clarified rice syrup, rice maltodextrin syrup and solids, tapioca syrup, tapioca maltodextrin and solids,

BOOTH #1851

BOOTH #2031

BOOTH #1223

BOOTH #3208

GN: How does Ford’s Gourmet Foods support your stores?

Continued on Page 46

Once Again Organic Graham Cracker Sandwiches

Continued on Page 46

SuperSeedz New Premium European Pumpkin Seeds

Once Again Nut Butter is taking its high-quality, sustainably sourced nut and seed butters and making them super snackable with its introduction of 100 percent gluten-free graham

The world’s best pumpkin seeds just got better.

Introducing SuperSeedz Premium Select Pumpkin Seeds.

The Premium Select lineup features three amazing flavors: Gold sofi awardwinner Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt,

BOOTH #506

BOOTH #1209

Continued on Page 44

Nature’s Fusions: Perfectly Pure, Perfectly Priced

Sustainable Local Projects from AKC/Taj

AKC Commodities, Inc./Taj Food (Pvt) Ltd. is not only the largest organic supplier from Pakistan. The Taj Welfare Foundation, founded by its owners and employees, is involved in various social

Continued on Page 46

Stevia Sweetener Debuts a Brand New Look

By Brian Jensen, Director of Marketing, Wisdom Natural Brands

Continued on Page 46

Continued on Page 44

Meet The Pickle Juice Company

By Filip Keuppens, Vice President of Marketing & Global Sales, The Pickle Juice Company

Nature’s Fusions is a familyowned business that’s been putting its heart and soul into all-natural products for years. This wholesale and direct to consumer brand cares about its customers and has no affiliations with multi-

Consumers clearly love award-winning nosugar, zero-calorie SweetLeaf® stevia sweetener in convenient packets. The love for the brand has made it number one in

The Pickle Juice Company was originally established with the dual purpose of replenishing electrolytes lost during strenuous

BOOTH #4454

BOOTH #2131

BOOTH #1520

Continued on Page 44

Continued on Page 42

Continued on Page 42

GN: What makes Trinity School of Natural Health stand out from the crowd?

JK: We offer 15 natural health education Continued on Page 44

Great River Organic Milling

In a sleepy rural town on the Mississippi river in west central Wisconsin, Great River Organic Milling (GROM) is busy milling its organic flours for all its customers.

Continued on Page 42

J&M Foods Introduces Organic Wafers and Cookies

Food equals love.

That’s the straightforward equation that compelled Jamie Parham to enlist the help of her two daughters, Janis & Melanie, and start J&M Foods in her kitchen, thirty years ago.

Continued on Page 42

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Flax-Based Products From Flax4Life Flax4Life celebrates 20 years in the business as a family-owned and operated bakery that produces the best-tasting, nutritious, and flax-based gluten-free products on the market. The allergy-friendly bakery is certified gluten free, nut free, dairy free, and now kosher. Flax4Life produces delicious brownies, muffins, cakes, granola, and now cookies that taste delicious but are good for you as well. Flax is the main ingredient in every product, and with this comes a treat that is packed full of fiber, Omega-3s, and healthy protein. It helps the body out from the head to the toes with support of the mind, heart,

bones, and most importantly, the gut.

Flax4Life’s discussion to develop nutritiously packed gluten-free baked goods came over two decades ago when a member of their family became very ill. After two years of not getting any answers and seeing countless doctors and specialists, they finally discovered that they were living with celiac disease. Shortly after, they found almost everyone in their family was either glutenintolerant or had celiac disease. Flax4Life noticed the lack of safe and delicious baked goods available for those living with food allergies. As a family of bakers with five gen-

Bamboo, the Wonder Wood

By Erin Morgan, WooBamboo!

Creative

Director,

Doesn’t it seem like yesterday no one in the Western world was utilizing bamboo? Everyone wanted maple floors, oak cabinets, and a walnut dining room table. All these famous hardwoods were believed to be the best quality, no matter the price or ecological impact.

If you feel like bamboo is a “new” thing, you’re not alone. Although China has been utilizing bamboo in hundreds of different capacities for nearly 7,000 years, bamboo didn’t really hit the Western market until the late 19th century.

Today, bamboo has a global market net worth of nearly $70 billion USD, according

to Grand View Research. With a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 5 percent annually for the next five years, bamboo’s global worth should be landing somewhere near $98 billion USD by the year 2025. That’s impressive for a wood that’s not even technically wood.

Bamboo is technically a member of the grass family, with nearly 1,500 species across five continents. Due to its composition, bamboo is not only more flexible than the standard hardwoods, but it is less porous and denser, making it far less likely to house bacteria, and up to 20 times stronger than maple. This makes it an ideal substitute for flooring, counter tops, furniture, kitchen accessories, and so much more. Rachel Kaplan,

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A SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE OF GOURMET NEWS

erations of baking and distribution of baked goods, it became their mission to develop gluten-free products with many health benefits that were made with all-natural ingredients, and most importantly, tasted delicious.

Flax4Life has launched a new line of delicious, home-baked style cookies that are a must-try. You get all the nutritional benefits of flax baked into a yummy treat, and just like the other goodies, the cookies are certified gluten free, dairy free, nut free (except Continued on Page 46

of National Geographic even totes bamboo as having, “…a tensile strength stronger than steel, [making bamboo] popular in building materials. Essentially, you can build your house, your office, your décor… entirely from bamboo.” Pretty impressive for a grass.

Also, unlike maple trees that take over 30 years to fully mature, bamboo fully matures in only three to six years. Upon harvesting, bamboo regrows from the same root system, Continued on Page 46

Publisher Kimberly Oser Vice President of Sales Anthony Socci Production Manager/Art Director Yasmine Brown Senior Editor AJ Flick Associate Editor Jeanie Catron Customer Service Manager Susan Stein Senior Account Manager Marcos Morhaim Account Managers Alisha Dicochea Danny Ranney Director of Operations Tara Neal Show Logistics & Distribution Hannah Stefanovich European Sales Enrico Cecchi 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 Naturally Healthy is published by Oser Communications Group ©2021 All rights reserved.

Founder Lee M. Oser www.gourmetnews.com

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Artichokes Chyps From Cynara Cynara USA, Inc. prides itself on being anything and everything artichoke. The company is a grower, producer, innovator and distributor. From selecting each artichoke by hand to packaging and labeling, Cynara controls and optimizes all the phases of the process.

The first artichoke snack product, Artichoke Chyps, has been a groundbreaking addition to the family of premium artichoke products. The demand for healthy snack options isn’t slowing down, and now shoppers have a new, keto-friendly option when seeking clean and wholesome snacks.

“We know that healthy snacking can be hard,” said Nina Kalandadze, general man-

ager of Cynara USA, Inc. “That’s why we created Artichokes Chyps, our own innovation in the market that’s superior quality, calorie conscious, nutrient focused, fiber fueled, and most importantly, delicious in taste.”

This award-winning superfood snack is packed to enjoy in a resealable, recyclable, gusseted bag and made from three ingredients: fresh artichokes, high oleic sunflower oil and a dash of salt. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, free of trans fats and naturally gluten free. “It hits a lot of the important boxes: non-GMO, all natural, high in fiber and 100 percent plant based,” said Kalandadze.

Treat Yourself to a Full Recovery with Honey Stinger You know the moment: after sweating it out and pushing your body to its limit, you’re finally at the finish line. It was an exhausting but rewarding experience, and now you’ve earned a recovery day. Recovery isn’t just about rest, it’s about giving your body the nutrients it needs to rebuild.

Packed with protein and mouth-watering flavor, the Nut + Seed Bar is the quintessential tasty recovery treat. Most athletes are all too familiar with eating dense, tasteless, hard-

to-digest protein bars as part of their recovery post-exercise. With its new Nut + Seed Bar, Honey Stinger is on a mission to make recovery both tastier and more effective.

Loaded with 16 grams of protein, three antioxidants, and 25 percent of the Daily Recommended Value of Vitamin D, A, C, and E, Honey Stinger’s new Nut + Seed Bar provides the fuel athletes need to help rebuild muscle after a tough workout. The first-ofits-kind bar features a nut-butter filling cov-

New Eco-Line PET Vitamin Packers Alpha’s Eco-Line packers are a new line of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) vitamin bottles that are designed for sustainability. The bottles have the same dimensions as its standard 45mm and 53mm S-Line PET packers, but are available in a variety of gram weights that in some cases offer up to a 30 percent resin reduction. These bottles are run on two dedicated machines at Alpha’s Salt Lake City manufacturing site.

There are currently three sizes of round

bottles with 53mm necks (400cc, 500cc and 625cc), and three sizes of round bottles with 45mm necks (250cc, 300cc and 400cc).

Later this year, Alpha expects to add 750cc and 950cc round packers with 53mm necks, as well as a 950cc square packer with a 53400 neck.

Gram weight options have been selected to optimize the weight savings, match other bottles currently available in the market, and maintain bottle performance for all sizes. All of the gram weight op-

Ariston’s 4-Leaf Organic and Infused Balsamic Vinegars The new Ariston line of organic balsamic vinegars is characterized by a perfect balance between sweet and sour. This product is made exclusively with GMO-free and organically farmed grapes, without pesticides involved. The entire production process is certified in order to guarantee consumers the compliance with highest organic farming standards, guaranteed by the CCPB certifying body.

The grape must, cooked over a direct heat in an open vessel, simmers slowly and is

concentrated until it is reduced to about one third of its original volume. It is then placed in the attic, in a series of casks of oak wood.

Here, the balsamic vinegar passes the years acidifying, aging until it has reached a balance that only the alchemy of time can master, prodded along by the masterful hands of artisans.

This balsamic is naturally dark and dense, with a 5 percent acidity content. The balsamic is sweet with a very light pungency and an extremely thick consistency. They

Good Things Come in Small Packages Individually wrapped, Enstrom Almond Toffee Petites are the gold standard of snacking.

This artisan Almond Toffee is crafted from the perfect blend of fresh California al-

monds, sweet cream butter and pure cane sugar, covered in a generous layer of rich chocolate to create a treat unlike any other.

For 60 years, the Enstrom family has

Each bag contains the equivalent of six artichokes and is great for people who are on specific diets such as keto, vegan and paleo, but it’s also for those who are just looking for easier ways to eat more greens or wanting to cut out the junk. “They are versatile in that way, that it’s not for one specific customer, they are suitable for all food tribes and lifestyles,” said Melissa Elms, national sales director at Cynara USA, Inc. “Through hard work and determination, we made sure that the first artichoke to be taken as a snack is just as delicious as it is ered in caramel and rolled in crunchy nuts and seeds to create a protein-packed, postexercise snack that tastes like a treat.

Scientists agree that our muscles are most receptive to nutrients like carbohydrates and protein for about 30 minutes after a hard effort.

Honey Stinger makes recovery nutrition both easy and enjoyable with a bar that offers the perfect ratio of protein, carbs, and sugar, but is also so tasty, you’ll want to put in a hard day’s work just to get to the recovery bar.

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nutritious with just the right amount of crunch. It’s totally tasty, fun to enjoy and made exactly right.”

Cynara USA, Inc. is exclusively focused on artichokes. The heart of Cynara’s corporate philosophy is a commitment to being great global citizens with an uncompromising focus on the highquality, freshest, non-GMO ingredients; all sourced from sustainable farming communities passionate about best practices and human-planet leadership.

For more information, go to www.cynara .net/en or email info@cynara.net.

The best part? There are not one, but two delicious flavors to choose from: Peanut Sunflower Seed and Almond Pumpkin Seed. Both flavors are made with True Source Certified Honey, and are non-GMO and glutenfree. If you’re ready to recover like a pro, you can find your new favorite bar at www.honeystinger.com.

For more information, visit booth #1223, go to www.honeystinger.com or email sales@honeystinger.com.

tions have been thoroughly tested to ensure the bottles are easy to label and fill on conventional supplement filling lines, and Alpha’s customers have shown the greatest interest in the lightest-weight options for each size.

Compared to the traditional PET packers Alpha offers the market, supplement brands can expect a weight savings of anywhere from 7 percent to 30 percent, depending on which gram weight they choose.

The environmental impact doesn’t stop at the source reduction and weight savings.

Eco-Line packers can be run in recyclable virgin PET resin, 30 percent post-consumer resin (PCR) or 100 percent PCR content. Samples are available at www.alphap.com/product/pet-eco-linepackers. If you need large quantities for line tests or stability tests, send an email to sustainability@alphap.com with your project details.

have tasting notes of raisins, plum and some smoothness from oak barrels.

This product pairs well with any fine cheese or fruit, and finishes all dishes including salads, filet mignon, seafood dishes, grilled vegetables, certain desserts, vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, gelato and many more.

It’s also great for salad dressings and entertaining guests, and is even delicious in drinks and seltzer water.

This item comes in Traditional, Apple,

Fig, Pomegranate, Pear & Cinnamon, Blueberry and Black Cherry. Try them all!

Ariston’s 4-Leaf & Organic Balsamic Vinegar comes to you in a beautifully packaged box. Ariston cordially invites you to taste all its products, including its new CBD infused olive oil.

crafted Almond Toffee with only the finest, freshest and sustainably sourced ingredients. Every batch is still made in Grand Junction, Colorado, using Founder Chet Enstrom’s original recipe, lovingly handed down through four generations. Enstrom Almond Toffee is made with all-natural in-

For more information, visit booth #4034.

Visit Ariston at booth #1720.

For more information, call 860.263.8498, email aristonspecialties@hotmail.com or go to www.aristonspecialties.com, www .facebook.com/aristonoliveoil or www .instagram.com/aristonspecialties.

gredients, and is certified gluten free and kosher dairy. It’s quality that can be tasted in every bite.

For more information, call 800.252.5498, email wholesale@enstrom.com or go to www.enstrom.com.

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Trace Minerals Launches New Products Trace Minerals, America’s No. 1 selling trace mineral, liquid magnesium, and performance nutrition brand according to SPINS® and the leading provider of trace mineral-based supplements for almost 50 years, announced the addition of three new products to its extensive product line, including Ashwagandha Gummies, ACV Pak, and Ionic Chlorophyll 6000. These new products will officially launch at the Natural Products Expo East Trade Show.

“We’re really excited to launch these new products at Expo East, the first in-person trade show we’re attending as a company since Expo West was shut down in March of 2020,” said Matt Kilts, managing partner of Trace Minerals. “We know there will be a lot of buzz and excitement at this show and we’re really confident retailers will also be excited about these new and innovative products.”

First up for Trace Minerals is Ashwagandha Gummies, a delicious delivery format for anyone who is looking to supplement their diet with this century-old adaptogenic herb. According to research, Ashwagandha helps support the body’s response to the many stresses of life as well as supporting strength and endurance. It has also been shown to support a calm mood, memory, stress, sleep, and immunity. Each two-

gummy serving is naturally flavored with passion fruit orange and provides 300 milligrams of Ashwagandha and 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) of vitamin D3. Additionally, these gummies are plant based, gelatin free, certified vegetarian, gluten free and non-GMO. A 60-count, 30-serving bottle is priced at MSRP $29.99.

The next product in line for launch with an innovative delivery method is ACV Pak, a uniquely convenient way to supplement your diet with apple cider vinegar (ACV) without the inconvenience of lugging around a 32-ounce bottle of the smelly and easy-tospill liquid. ACV is a nutrient that has been used for centuries because of its many health benefits. ACV helps support healthy bacteria for gut health, weight management, healthy blood sugar levels, immunity, and heart health, but turns off many consumers because of its strong and sour taste. ACV Pak has been developed to add the benefits of ACV to the diet, but in a convenient, on-thego packet that’s also easy on the taste buds.

Each single-serving packet provides 1,000 milligrams of unfiltered, naturally orange flavored ACV and is gluten free, certified vegan, non-GMO, and carries an MSRP of $34.99 for a 30-packet box.

Finally, Trace Minerals will launch Ionic Chlorophyll 6000, a high-potency formula

Love Good Fats Introduces New Flavors Fan favorite Love Good Fats reveals two brand new products that introduce Keto Certified fruit flavors into the delicious line of Chewy Nutty bars. These bars feature crunchy nuts, sweet fruit, and delicious chocolate coatings while remaining Keto Certified and containing only 2 grams of sugar.

Dark Chocolatey Cranberry & Almond:

Treat yourself to a classic combination of dark chocolate, cranberries, and crunchy almonds – without all the sugar.

White Chocolatey Strawberry: Indulge in white chocolate and delicious strawberries with this crunchy bar loaded with cashews and almonds.

These delicious products beat the traditional bars on offer as they bring great taste

HobaCare Jojoba Oil – Feel the Difference of First-Press Quality Founded in 1994, The Original Jojoba Company, producer of HobaCare Jojoba, continues to lead the market as an expert in the many uses and benefits of pure jojoba for moisturizing and conditioning skin, scalp, and hair. The only company in the world producing a first-press quality jojoba, where the jojoba seeds are only lightly pressed after harvest, focusing on the best quality oil rather than optimizing for quantity, HobaCare Jojoba is lighter feeling, quick to

absorb, and virtually odorless.

The Original Jojoba Company is now vertically integrated with a cooperative of jojoba farmers, so it knows exactly how the jojoba is grown, harvested, pressed, and bottled. While other jojoba on the market may be blended from oils from multiple sources around the world, you can rest assured that HobaCare Jojoba comes only from its partner farms. From seed to skin, the superior quality of HobaCare Jojoba is closely con-

California Farms Sweetened Condensed Milk Santini’s California Farms Sweetened Condensed Milk is manufactured in the U.S.A. using fresh milk for a fresh dairy flavor and milky white color. The sweetened condensed milk is kosher certified by the Orthodox Union, halal certified, Real California Milk certified, gluten free, and select products are also certified organic.

Santini Foods has been producing sweetened condensed milk on the West Coast since 1995. It is a full line supplier of all types of sweetened condensed milks. Santini Foods is certified to make organic sweetened condensed milk and can produce rBST-free sweetened condensed milk for customers requiring it. Santini offers sweetened con-

that contains 6,000 milligrams of concentrated chlorophyll per bottle and is naturally flavored with peppermint essential oil for a smooth taste. Chlorophyll is a liposoluble pigment that gives green plants their color. Medical studies have suggested that it may support the body’s natural detoxification processes, weight management, energy production, digestion, and immunity. Each serving of Ionic Chlorophyll 6000 contains 50 milligrams of chlorophyll from sodium copper chlorophyllin – a water soluble derivative of chlorophyll – and 5 milligrams of Ionic Trace Minerals, which contains a concentrated complex of full spectrum ionic trace minerals. Plus, it’s gluten free, certified vegan, non-GMO and provides 120 servings per 2-ounce bottle with an MSRP of $29.99.

All of Trace’s products are third-party tested and are manufactured in a cGMP certified facility for quality, purity, safety, and potency.

About Trace Minerals Trace Minerals is the ionic mineral supplement brand you’ve known and trusted for almost 50 years and is America’s No. 1 selling trace mineral, liquid magnesium, and performance nutrition brand according to

to the table without any compromises, because they’re Keto Certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten free, and kosher. These will appeal to the consumers who are looking to kick sugar without sacrificing on taste.

Kelsey Ingham, director of innovation for Love Good Fats, explains, “These Chewy trolled, making a difference you can feel.

Last year, the Original Jojoba Company updated its labels and branding for a fresh new look. Perfect for retail, HobaCare Jojoba stands out on store shelves with its bright, botanical illustrations and clear material to show off the gold of the beautiful golden jojoba. In addition to retail and direct-to-consumer sales, HobaCare Jojoba is available in bulk sizes up to 55-gallon drums for personal care manufacturers, makers, and others. Because of the direct connection with its jojoba farms, The Original densed milk in every size container, ranging from the small, 14-ounce can you see at your local grocery store to 40,000-pound tanker trucks to fit the needs of industrial users.

Organic Sweetened Condensed Milk California Farms Organic Sweetened Condensed Milk is the perfect choice

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SPINS. TMR is the exclusive provider of ConcenTrace® Trace Mineral Drops, an ionic, solar evaporated, GRAS-affirmed, food-grade, Kosher, Halal, and Non-GMO Project Verified essential trace mineral complex for food, beverage, and dietary supplement use. ConcenTrace is also the No. 1 selling trace mineral in the natural products industry according to SPINS. Trace Minerals uses these naturally balanced, naturally occurring minerals as the basis for all products in its branded product line. Extensive research supports the need to keep minerals in proper balance throughout the body to achieve optimal health and wellness. Trace Minerals is focused solely on servicing the natural products industry and the company’s complete line of superior quality nutritional supplements is backed by a “Feel the Difference or Your Money Back” guarantee. In addition, Trace Minerals is Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) certified by the Natural Products Association™ (NPA) (www.npainfo.org) and UL® Registrar LLC (www.ul.com) partnership under the new Food and Drug Administration’s final cGMP rule [21 CFR 111] for dietary supplements and has been GMP certified since 2004.

For more information, visit booth #3691.

Nutty bars unlock a whole new consumer segment for the brand and the category, going beyond our original melt-in-your mouth chocolatey bars to deliver the first truly crunchy, satisfying bar in the low sugar and keto category that are loaded with good fats.”

For more information, visit booth #1354 or go to www.lovegoodfats.com.

Jojoba Company not only has the best quality jojoba but can also be highly competitive on pricing for bulk amounts.

Whether purchasing HobaCare Jojoba, certified HobaCare Organic Jojoba, or HobaCare Baby (sold in a pump bottle for families), customers know they will receive the highest quality jojoba oil from The Original Jojoba Company.

For more information, visit booth #3341, go to www.hobacare.com, call 800.256.5622 or email orders@hobacare.com. for anyone wanting to increase the amount of organic food in their diet without sacrificing flavor or quality. Formulated to do just that, California Farms Organic Sweetened Condensed Milk is Santini Foods’ most assertive step forward toward a more healthconscious future.

For more information, visit booth #7951.

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Bone Suckin’ Mustard

By Blair Bodnarchuk, Graphic Designer, Bone Suckin’ Sauce

Bone Suckin’® Mustard is perfect for grilling, dipping, and even eating with a spoon. It’s fantastic on ham biscuits, grilled cheese and dogs! Mix either the Sweet or Sweet Spicy version with cream cheese and diced onions for a delicious bagel spread.

As always, Bone Suckin’ sauces are gluten free, non-GMO, kosher, and are made without high fructose corn syrup, so your customers can feel great about bringing home a jar of award-winning Bone Suckin’ Mustard.

The sweet combination of brown sugar,

molasses and paprika, finishing with that signature zing, make Bone Suckin’ Mustard a world champion. The Sweet version of our Bone Suckin’ Mustard was awarded the title of world champion in the National Museum of Mustard’s World Championship of Mustard.

Our Sweet Mustard is not the only champion. Our Bone Suckin’ Sweet Spicy Mustard, with the added subtle heat of jalapeños, was named national champion by the National Museum of Mustard. The Sweet Spicy Mustard also won first place at the Great American BBQ Contest in Kansas City. Both the Sweet and the Sweet Spicy mustards

The Spice Lab Announces Expansion of Production Facility Having doubled business in the last 12 months, The Spice Lab is expanding its SQF production facility in Pompano Beach, Florida, to 125,000 square feet to accommodate growth.

“We’re incredibly grateful,” said Brett Cramer, co-founder of The Spice Lab, “and we are on track to double business again this year. We’re excited to see where the second half of 2021 takes us.”

The impressive space includes a design department, research and development kitchen with full-time chef-in-residence, business offices and a product showroom.

Four more high-speed production lines will be added to the eight current lines, increasing production from 40,000 to 100,000 units per day.

Co-founders Jennifer and Brett Cramer have seen tremendous growth since opening in 2009. The Spice Lab has been recognized for the eighth consecutive year as one of the 2021 Top 75 Women-Owned Businesses in Florida (ranked #18) and named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies five times. Other accolades include being named to the Entrepreneur360 list, Florida Companies to Watch by GrowFL

SuperSeedz Premium Select Gourmet Pumpkin Seeds Introducing SuperSeedz Premium Select gourmet pumpkin seeds featuring awardwinning flavors. The lineup is highlighted by gold sofi award-winner Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt, Sweets & Snacks firstplace winner Vermont Maple & Sea Salt, and the ever-popular Pink Himalayan Salt.

Premium Select also boasts new premium soft touch packaging, creating an unforgettable snacking experience.

SuperSeedz are the world’s best premium European pumpkin seeds. The seeds are directly imported from the finest growers in Austria. SuperSeedz is dry

Fiorucci Uncured Pepperoni and Sopressata Slices Fiorucci is the brand of specialty meats that delivers the true taste of Italy. For more than 170 years, Fiorucci has used old-world recipes to produce a full line of authentic Italian charcuterie meats, cheeses and premium snacking products using only hand-

trimmed cuts of premium pork and the finest ingredients, then slowly aging them to perfection.

Fiorucci’s new 100% Natural Uncured Pepperoni and Sopressata Charcuterie nuggets are made from 100 percent vegetar-

Divine Chocolate Unveils Crispy Thins Divine Chocolate, the only Fairtrade chocolate company in the world co-owned by cocoa farmers, has unveiled new Crispy Thins, a surprisingly light, irresistibly crispy and truly snackable treat. Crispy Thins are made with an exquisite blend of rich, silky Fairtrade chocolate and air-popped rice, which is then expertly crafted into a thin, wafer-like chip.

At less than 20 calories per Thin, the Crispy Thins offer a lighter snacking alterna-

tive to any other offering in the chocolate aisle with their unique shape and texture. The line is made with Divine’s best-selling flavors: Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate with Mint, Milk Chocolate, and Milk Chocolate with Caramel and Sea Salt. Crispy Thins are made with all natural ingredients and pure cocoa butter with all flavors certified Fairtrade and dark chocolate versions suitable for vegans.

“We are elated about this new addition to our product mix,” said Morgan McKenna, Senior

were national champions in two categories at the Illinois BBQ Society, scoring higher than any other mustard had previously scored. Don’t just take our word for it, try it for yourself!

Bone Suckin’ Cuban Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients 2 Tbsp Bone Suckin’ Mustard (Sweet or Sweet Spicy) 1 medium sub roll 1/4 lb each of thinly sliced baked ham, roast pork and provolone cheese

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Dill pickles, 10 thin slices 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

Directions 1. Apply the Bone Suckin’ Mustard of your choice to both insides of the roll.

2. Build a sandwich using pork, ham, cheese and pickles.

3. Press the sandwich in a heated sandwich press coated with butter or press with another frying pan while cooking on the stove. Cook until the cheese is melted.

For more information, visit booth #1851, go to www.bonesuckin.com, call 800.446.0947 or email sales@bonesuckin.com.

and the South Florida Business Journal’s 2017 Business of the Year for $3 to $25 million in revenue.

A womanowned, family-run business, The Spice Lab takes great pride in being one of the world’s premier suppliers of sea salts and seasoning blends. Its extensive product line includes top-quality salts, award-winning seasonings and rubs, premium spices, peppercorns, natural sugars, loose teas, Himalayan salt shot glasses, cocktail mixers and rimmers and a wide variety of corporate gifts. It also provides private label for regional and national brands and for high-pro-

file clients such as Curtis Stone and Wolfgang Puck. The Spice Lab is USDA Organic certified for packaging organic spices and introduced a premium organic spice line in 2020.

The company’s high-quality line of products can be found in its retail store in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and in grocery, gourmet and specialty gift shops, foodservice, club, major retailers, on Amazon and the company website at www.spices.com.

roasted, small batch crafted, gluten free, peanut free, tree nut free, soy free, fish free, and vegan. They are also Non-GMO Project Verified, have zero cholesterol, zero trans-fat, 7 to 8 grams of plant-based protein per serving (1 oz.), contain all nine essential amino acids, 15 percent RDI iron and zinc, 35 percent RDI magnesium,

super low carbohydrates, and are keto friendly, paleo friendly and school safe.

Stop by SuperSeedz booth #1209 to learn about several new products planned for 2022.

ian-fed pork that has never been administered antibiotics or growth hormones. They are completely free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, nitrates and nitrites, all while packing 6 grams of protein per Marketing Manager at Divine Chocolate. “The Crispy Thins have the decadence and quality consistent with all Divine products, but what makes this product unique is the lightness and texture. Each Thin packs a tasty experience that engages the senses in a new way.”

Divine Chocolate is driven by a social mission: to bring people together using the amazing power of chocolate to delight and engage, creating dignified trading relations that empower both producers and consumers. All Divine products carry the Fairtrade mark. Divine Chocolate is also a Certified B Corporation. B Corps meet the

For more information, go to www.spices.com or contact Gary Oliver, national sales manager, at sales@thespicelab.com.

For more information, visit booth #1209.

serving. These premium charcuterie meats add a healthy element to any board or snacking occasion.

For more information, go to www.fioruccifoods.com, email cfa.marketing@campofriofg.com, or visit the company's social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or Pinterest. highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability, and aspire to use the power of markets to solve social and environmental problems.

Inspire the timeless enjoyment of premium quality chocolate with a crunch with Crispy Thins. Crispy Thins are perfect for casual gifting, enjoying on your own or sharing with friends. The suggested retail price for the 2.8ounce package of Crispy Thins is $3.50.

For more information, email sales@ divinechocolateusa.com.

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Plastic Negative? Affirmative.

By Erin Morgan, WooBamboo!

Creative

Director,

Carbon neutrality has been a hot button topic for the past 20 years or so. The idea of offsetting your contribution to the planet’s rising temperature is highly appealing not only to businesses, but to individuals as well. Carbon footprint calculators can be found plentifully online and Fortune 500 companies boast their eco-friendliness via badges of carbon neutrality. While calculating a carbon offset is a wonderful way to combat air pollution and the planet’s heating, there’s another, less discussed problem lurking not in Earth’s atmosphere, but on its surface. Enter: Plastic.

While plastic itself is over a hundred years old, first being discovered and refined in 1907, it really made its big break in the U.S. during WWII when the production of plastic grew by 300 percent. The desire for plastic production grew so exponentially and rap-

idly that it didn’t even take 50 years for the side effects to start being noticed. In the 1960s, the side effects of plastic were starting to be discovered in places consumers and everyday people couldn’t have imagined: the oceans, animal waste, and human bloodstreams. The growing concern seems to have only gained speed with each passing decade, but production hasn’t pumped the brakes quite yet. How do we tackle this growing problem, as both business owners and individual consumers?

With catchy slogans like “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” gaining traction, and the use of reusable non-plastic straws and grocery bags is picking up speed, baby steps have been taken. But there’s another way to take it a step further. Sharing the same concept of carbon neutrality, there is now plastic neutrality.

Let’s break it down. Plastic neutrality is the idea of funding the ethical removal of recyclable plastics from high risk habitats and waterways all across our globe. The same

Work, Play, Hydrate with Honey Stinger The focus of sports nutrition is often on the food athletes need to stay energized. But without proper hydration, the body can’t perform at its highest level. Water is a good start, but to speed the absorption of key nutrients, you need a hydration system you can count on.

Honey Stinger is solving hydration with its new Rapid Hydration Mix, a three-part system to help you PREPARE, PERFORM, and RECOVER from your toughest training.

The unique system caters to each phase of your workout to keep you at the top of your game. Based on science pioneered by the

way someone would calculate a carbon footprint, you can calculate plastic usage and donate the funds needed to remove the equivalent amount from those most polluted environments. How’s it work?

The weight of plastic usage is found, there’s a dollar-amount assigned to the weight (usually equivalent to a couple cents a day), and those cents go right back into paying the ethical wages of waste workers all across the world.

Here at WooBamboo, we are always trying to ensure our products and their packaging is as sustainable as possible. We offer toothbrushes that are 95 percent less plastic than your standard manual toothbrush, highquality dental floss that is fully biodegradable and made of natural materials, and have introduced zero waste packaging options for several of our products. That being said, some distributors and stores simply won’t World Health Organization, Honey Stinger’s formula combines honey with sodium and water to speed up the absorption of key nutrients when needed most.

Hydrating before a workout is just as important as hydrating during exercise. Honey Stinger’s PREPARE electrolyte blend consists of one part sodium and three parts potassium; it functions to replenish the fluids in your body lost to daily dehydration from metabolic activity and optimize hydration with more sustained energy. Plus, it helps support brain function, mental focus, and cognitive health.

Enjoy in a Strawberry Lemonade or Pomegranate Passionfruit flavor and for best results drink one hour before a workout.

Out at the track, on the trails, or in the weight room, it’s your time to shine. Take a swig or two of the Black Cherry or Mango Melon PERFORM formula to help keep your body keep moving. This performancebased blend – three parts sodium and one part potassium – replenishes your electrolytes fast and gives you quick energy, delivering 50 percent greater carbohydrate absorption than glucose alone. The added benefits of L-Theanine help support focus and the Mango Melon flavor capitalizes on the caffeine benefits of guayusa to help sus-

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carry products not packaged in plastic. To offset our own contribution to the global plastic crisis, we partnered up with an organization called rePurpose Global that works with companies trying to do their part in offsetting plastic usage. We wanted to go above and beyond to ensure we were doing more help than harm.

Through this notion, WooBamboo became the world’s first-ever certified plastic negative oral care brand on the planet. Every WooBamboo purchase not only offsets any plastic used in that product, but also helps cover plastic not yet accounted for. That’s not just plastic neutral, it’s plastic negative.

Find out how you or your business can get involved at www.repurpose.global.

For more information, visit booth #2826, go to www.woobamboo.com, call 239.217.3500 or email smiles@woobamboo.com.

tain energy.

You put in the hard work, don’t let it go to waste.

Take care of your body and drink up to replenish the fluids and electrolytes lost during a sweat sesh. Honey Stinger’s RECOVER formula is one part sodium and three parts potassium, but with bonus ingredients zinc, elderberry, and vitamins C and D to help support the immune system. To maximize these benefits, make sure to drink the Berry or Tangerine Defense flavor within one hour of completing your activity.

Gone are the days of forcing down a drink mix during a workout because you know you need a boost. With six tasty flavors to choose from, Honey Stinger makes hydrating easy and delicious. Simply mix a single serving packet with 16 ounces of water, and you’ll be ready to go. Fueling top elites and everyday enthusiasts alike, Honey Stinger makes great-tasting, convenient sports nutrition products. Whether you are preparing, performing, or recovering from your training, Honey Stinger is there to help you perform at your peak.

For more information, visit booth #1223, go to www.honeystinger.com or email sales@honeystinger.com.

Ear Candles from Wally’s Natural Products

By Tracy Burns, Director of Sales, Wally’s Natural Products, Inc.

What is ear candling? Why should you use an ear candle?

An ear candle is a long, thin, hollow coneshaped instrument made of cotton muslin that has been dipped and coated with wax.

The practice of ear candling has been around for centuries, with origins in ancient China, Egypt and India.

Ear candles are used to relax and melt away stress and daily frustrations. The way

they work is that once the top of the candle is burning, warm air and rhythmic sounds begin moving down the candle and into the ear, creating a tranquil and soothing experience. Relax, unwind and enjoy the calming effects of Wally’s Natural Ear Candles.

Wally’s Ear Candles come in Soy Wax, Beeswax or Paraffin Wax; Unscented, Lavender and Herbal varieties.

For more information, email Tracy Burns at tracy@wallysnatural.com or go to www.wallysnatural.com.

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Bellucci Boosts Olive Oil Traceability with New On-Pack QR Codes Bellucci EVOO, a Certified Origins, Inc. premium brand, continues to stay at the forefront of food supply chain management by keeping pace with the rapid evolution of blockchain technology. Bellucci’s new label packaging includes QR codes to complement their immutable traceability. Each bottle’s unique code allows you to trace it back to its birthplace in rural Italy. This gives shoppers what they need to make informed choices.

Perhaps now more than ever, consumers want to know aspects of their food beyond just price and nutritional value, such as farming methods, artisanal traditions and particular origins. “Blockchain technology adds a further level of transparency and information that is valuable for consumers looking for quality products and helps us support the ex-

cellence of small farms,” said Andrea Biagianti, Chief Information Officer at Certified Origins, Inc. By scanning the outer QR code on each Bellucci bottle, consumers will automatically receive information on sourcing, production, packaging and shipping.

The brand uses small-scale farming methods to produce sustainably grown extra virgin olive oil, with the rich authentic flavor of Italy. While the climate and growing methods can affect the taste of EVOO, there are hundreds of different olive cultivars, and each variety gives a specific flavor and aroma to the oil. With Bellucci’s new QR code feature, consumers will also discover which cultivar was used to make their extra virgin olive oil, the very grove in which the olives were harvested, crushed, filtered and packed, and es-

Fannie May Celebrates Over a Century with New Innovations

By Richard Fossali, Vice President and General Manager, Fannie May Confections Brands, Inc.

For over a century, Fannie May® has made experiences special with handcrafted, highquality chocolates. We source the finest ingredients to give our loyal and growing new fanbase unparalleled tasting experiences that are meant to make moments memorable.

From our home-grown Chicago roots, to unique flavor profiles and even the visual appeal of our packaging – every aspect of the brand showcases deep commitment to tradition, quality and community.

While we’re proud of our storied heritage, everything we do is only possible through the work of our dedicated team members and the support of our loyal customers. We’d like to thank everyone for their boundless love, care and generosity. We’re proud to be celebrating over a century together, and we look

forward to hundreds more!

Every company is known for its classics.

Fannie May fans are already familiar with ours: refreshing Mint Meltaways®, caramel pecan Pixies®, and deliciously creamy peanut butter Buckeyes. While these premium chocolate offerings will always be Fannie May staples, our vision is a future filled with new innovations, and we’re excited to share how we’ll continue to surprise and delight chocolate lovers to come.

Premium Snack Mixes When our Master Chocolatier ideates new products in the test kitchen, they’re made with you in mind. That is why we’re excited to share more about our snack mixes that launched over the past year, and were inspired by a desire for sophisticated snacking, and feature original recipes that evoke happy and familiar connections.

Our S’mores Snack Mix is a premium

REAL FOOD FROM THE GROUND UP Adds Purple Carrot Crackers REAL FOOD FROM THE GROUND UP®, Snacks with a Plant-Based Twist, is upping its game with the launch of a new vegetable base and cracker innovation. Purple Carrot Crackers will be available at retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods Market and online at FromTheGroundUpSnacks.com and on Amazon.

Purple Carrot is the newest veggie to the REAL FOOD FROM THE GROUND UP

crew and one that has been growing roots for a while. Just as crunchy and tasty as the orange version, but made with real purple carrot – it’s the No. 1 ingredient. Purple is the new orange!

These crackers are certified vegan, NonGMO Project Verified and certified glutenfree. The perfectly purple squares are baked into light and crispy crackers that you can feel good about eating, so go ahead, have a

Darrell Lea Announces Move to 100% Palm Oil Free Darrell Lea has announced that it is now 100 percent palm oil free. The iconic company is the first major licorice brand in the U.S. to achieve this significant milestone.

Darrell Lea has been listening to its customers and knows that more ethically

sourced ingredients matter. Removing palm oil is just one of the many steps the company is taking to create candy that is better for customers, consumers, and the environment.

After extensive testing, Darrell Lea landed on sunflower oil as a preferred replacement.

sentially be able to verify their bottle’s authenticity. “The blockchain is a distributed database, which creates an unalterable record of any event which is entered,” explained Giovanni Quaratesi, Director Of Sales and Business Development at Certified Origins, Inc. “The open ledger system documents the entire journey of each Bellucci EVOO, from the olive tree to grocery store aisle.”

Bellucci’s growers carefully select all cultivars to produce the utmost in sensory qualities. Knowing the distinctive characteristics of each varietal can help determine which EVOO is best for pairing with specific foods and when oil is past its peak flavor.

Bellucci Toscano PGI Organic EVOO possesses the verdant blush of Tuscany's fresh olive fruits. Intense spice and fruit flavors are offset by rich tones of artichoke and almond, offering a delightful and balanced palate.

Certified Protected Geographical Indication means that the olives were grown, milled and the oil bottled in Tuscany, for an experience

twist on an American classic that will immediately transport you back to carefree days spent snacking around the campfire. Featuring crunchy graham cereal and fluffy marshmallows coated in milk chocolate, this delicious recipe takes enjoying s’mores to a whole new level. We’ve also recently introduced a delicious Peanut Butter Pretzel Snack Mix. This sweet and savory combination features crunchy peanut-butter filled pretzels coated in premium milk chocolate.

Looking ahead, this holiday season we will be debuting a brand-new Dark Chocolate Peppermint S’mores Snack Mix, which puts a holiday twist on our indulgent original S’mores Snack Mix. This festive offering features crunchy grahams and fluffy pink peppermint marshmallows coated in rich dark chocolate and is sprinkled with peppermint candy bits.

From road trips to watching movies or study breaks, our premium snack mixes can

handful (or two) – a serving size is 50 crackers. Flavors include Sea Salt and Ranch.

Suggested retail price is $3.99 for a 4-ounce box.

“We’re excited about Purple Carrot joining Cauliflower and Butternut Squash vegetable bases for our growing snack brand,” said Deb Holt, CMO of REAL FOOD FROM THE GROUND UP. “We love being able to offer plant-based versions of classic snacks and our Purple Carrot Crackers, a nod to the original orange squares, are as good as they look!”

REAL FOOD FROM THE GROUND UP has been giving classic snacks a plant-based It is the best choice from an environmental, health-related and manufacturing perspective.

Tim Stanford, Global Marketing Director, said, “The mammoth task has taken the business two years to complete, with more than 200 individual ingredients reviewed and 100 products

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of the finest of authentic Tuscan terroir.

Bellucci Organic 100% Italian EVOO combines the subtle flavors of Biancolilla, Nocellara and Cerasuola cultivars to tantalize your taste buds. Subtle notes of pepper give way to ripe fruit, with hints of tomato and fresh herbs, making this the perfect pairing for comfort foods, meats, and roasted or sauteed vegetables.

Bellucci was formed by a cooperative of farmers who are passionately devoted to preserving the land and their cultural heritage.

With their application of blockchain technology to further validate their transparency and sustainable EVOO production, you can be assured that your extra virgin olive oil bottle is exactly what they claim: 100 percent pure, authentic Italian, and fully traceable from grower to the grocer.

For more information, go to www .belluccipremium.com or email chip@ certifiedorigins.com.

be enjoyed anytime, anywhere! S’mores Snack Mix and Peanut Butter Pretzel Snack Mix are available in 5-ounce sharing size bags, and 2-ounce single serve pouches for portion control or on-thego indulgent snacking moments. Larger sized bags are also available at Fannie May retail stores, Club and eComm channels (S’mores 18oz/PB Pretzel 22oz.).

Likewise, Dark Chocolate Peppermint S’mores Snack Mix will be available in 5ounce as well as 18-ounce sizes. In answer to consumer demand for more transparent ingredients, each snack mix is made with zero artificial preservatives and zero artificial flavors.

For more information, go to www .fanniemay.com or call 330.494.0833. Follow on social media @fanniemaychocolates on Instagram, @FannieMayChocolates on Facebook or @fmchocolate on Twitter. twist since its launch in 2018. The brand won over consumer taste buds with cauliflowerbased versions of Crackers, Pretzels, Tortilla Chips, Stalks (puffed snacks), and most recently with Chips and Snacking Crackers.

The company branched out in 2019 with the launch of Butternut Squash-based Crackers, Pretzels, Tortilla Chips and Stalks. Now with Purple Carrot taking root, there is a veggie variety and format for every snack lover with more flavor, more crunch, and more bites per serving.

For more information, call 888.989.9055 or go to www.fromthegroundupsnacks.com.

changed in the process.”

All products departing Australia from September 2020 onwards will be 100 percent palm oil free.

Darrell Lea will also redesign packaging with a stand-out new Palm Oil Free logo and clear ingredient listing.

For more information, go to www.dlmakesitbetter.com.au.

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Holistic Health Education from Trinity School of Natural Health Trinity School of Natural Health is the premier resource for holistic health education.

Founded in 1991 by Dr. Wendell Whitman, Trinity celebrated its 30th anniversary this year under the current president, CEO, and daughter of Dr. Wendell Whitman, Julie Whitman Kline. Kline continues to honor her father’s legacy and build upon his vision by making natural health education accessible to all. Julie’s ongoing mission and personal slogans for Trinity are “to reach millions” and “transform the world through natural health.”

In 2018, Trinity began teaching its courses completely online. It also increased its program offerings, which students can complete from the comfort of their homes. However, Trinity vowed never to lose its personalized approach to education, regardless of how

digital the world became. Trinity’s programs are taught by experienced instructors from the natural health field and delivered in an online classroom that promotes interaction.

Students and graduates also have the opportunity to meet in person at a yearly event, the Legacy Summit, which is Trinity’s “family reunion” where learning and connecting with fellow students, graduates, and staff takes place.

Trinity currently has 15 programs and counting. The vice president of education, Dr. Lauren Ameling, is currently working to launch the Spanish Speaking Health Coach program in 2022. A homeopathy program is also in development. Trinity’s core programs, Health Coach, Certified Natural Health Professional, Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and Certified Traditional

Truth Bar Unveils Newest Flavor Ultra-healthy and delicious to boot, Truth Bar is a low sugar food bar packed with high-quality ingredients, including fiber, prebiotics, probiotics and omega-3s.

The first company to create a nutrition bar with prebiotics and probiotics, Truth Bar unveils its newest flavor, Dark Chocolate Coconut Lemon, at this year’s Natural Products Expo East. In addition to being chock full of nutrients, this lip-smacking, all-natural new bar features bold lemon in a moist coconut base dipped in rich dark chocolate. At 45 grams, the new bar – like other Truth Bar varieties – has 1 billion CFUs of probiotics and a full day supply of omega 3s from chia.

The brainchild of Diana Stobo, a noted cookbook author and entrepreneur, Truth Bar

is available in six flavors, including Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch, Dark Chocolate Coconut, Dark Chocolate Toasted Marshmallow, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Coconut and the new Dark Chocolate Coconut Lemon. All are gluten free, non-GMO and kosher and made with no artificial ingredients or fillers.

After undergoing a health crisis, Stobo – previously a French chef, professional baker and chocolatier – committed herself to the study of healthy eating and nutrition, eventually formulating Truth Bar, which she describes as the “best nutrition bar for gut health.”

Containing a daily supply of omega-3s and loaded with one billion CFUs of probi-

HGO’s Oregon Orchard Single-serve Snack Hazelnut Growers of Oregon (HGO) has expanded its Oregon Orchard® hazelnut snack lineup with nine new, single-serve 2.2-ounce packages in seasoned (five) and chocolatedipped (four) flavors.

The new chocolate-dipped, grab-and-go size hazelnut items are Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Skinny Milk Chocolate (20 percent less chocolate) and Marionberry Chocolate. On the savory/seasoned side, Himalayan Salt, Southwest Chili Pepper, Sweet & Spicy Barbecue, Rosemary, and Cinnamon Sugar are now available in the 2.2-ounce pouches.

The new lineup started shipping late last year for a suggested retail price of $2.99-$3.99 at Wilco Farm Stores in the Pacific Northwest, online at www.oregonorchard.com, and on www.amazon.com.

Greg Thorsgard, HGO’s Chief Operations Officer, said the new single-serve packages meet a growing demand from consumers seeking better-for-you, on-the-go snacks.

“The 2.2-ounce package size is a perfect size to introduce people to a healthy and delightful snack,” Thorsgard said. “It also allows us to enter different trade channels from

Paesana Organic Pasta Sauce: New Look, Same Quality Ingredients Clean, simple, organic ingredients – this was the inspiration of Paesana’s fresh new Organic Pasta Sauce packaging redesign. And, of course, the outside of the jar must reflect the quality of the ingredients inside the jar.

What better way than with a clear label?

This clear label design enables customers to appreciate those extra slices of garlic, bits

of real basil, and more of the richness from the 100 percent Italian tomatoes in the line of organic sauces. It’s a view that inspires some home cooks to grab a jar or two off the shelf.

For added convenience, Paesana Organic Pasta Sauces are packed in display-ready trays, making an attractive store end-cap display. This eye-catching store set up is unique

Naturopath, continue to be the standard for all students interested in starting a career in the natural health industry or incorporating natural health techniques in their personal lives.

Trinity’s specialized programs act as stand-alone certificates or as advanced training complementary to the core programs.

These include Biblical Coach, Aromatherapy Specialist, Flower Essence Specialist, Holistic Fitness Specialist, Lyme Specialist, Master Herbalist, Nutritional Consultant, ZYTO Specialist, Master Iridologist, Mind-Body Integration Specialist, and Endocannabinoid Professional. Educational Alliances with Deseret Biologicals, ZYTO, and Pivital Edu provide innovative training by experts from well-known natural health businesses throughout the Mind-Body Integration Specialist, Certified Lyme Specialist, Certified ZYTO Specialist, and Endocannabinoid Prootics, a healthy bacterium that helps digestion and promotes regularity, Truth Bar is scientifically formulated to balance your microbiome, boost your immune power, give you sustained energy and soothe tummy troubles. All flavors of Truth Bar have on average <10 grams of protein, <10 grams of fiber, just 2 to 5 grams of sugar and only 180 calories.

“With vital ingredients, this is the optimal health bar – created for those in search of a delicious and easy way to help optimize nutrients in the diet and curb gut health issues,” Stobo says. “When you have a healthy, balanced gut, your whole body responds with grocery to c-stores.”

According to The State of the Specialty Food Industry, U.S., June 2020, chocolate and other confectionery products saw a more than 14 percent year-over-year growth, even during the coronavirus pandemic. Mintel has reported that specialty foods’ consumers’ “likelihood to purchase index” for the nuts, seeds, and trail mix category has grown to 38 percent for 2020, up from 23 percent in 2018 and 26 percent in 2019.

Hazelnuts are an excellent source of protein, Omega-6 and Omega-9, vitamins B1 and E, and are very keto-friendly. All Oregon Orchard snacks are produced with HGO members’ hazelnuts, which are steam pasand appealing, making the product itself the perfect in-store advertisement.

Though the look is new, customers can be assured that each jar of Paesana Organic Pasta Sauce is made with the very same premium organic ingredients. Starting with 100 percent imported Italian organic tomatoes, every batch is sautéed and kettle cooked with certified organic ingredients and jarred at peak freshness to seal in the flavors perfected over generations.

Paesana offers six flavors of Organic Pasta Sauce, including Marinara, Tomato & Basil, Vodka, Sicilian Gravy, Fra Diavolo and

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fessional programs.

Trinity is proud to offer group discounts on its programs for businesses looking to train their staff. With a foundational program such as Health Coach or Certified Natural Health Professional, in a few short months, your staff will learn holistic health principles, anatomy and physiology, and techniques including iridology, nutrition, herbology, aromatherapy, and flower essences. Graduates also have the opportunity to board certify with various national and international regulating bodies.

To enroll your staff in an educational program with Trinity or learn more about group discounts, call Julie Whitman Kline at 888.965.5005 or email her at julie.kline@trinityschool.org.

For more information, visit booth #3208, go to www.trinityschool.org, call 888.965.5005 or email julie.kline@trinityschool.org.

vitality and energy. Now, a single daily nutrition bar can easily provide the fiber, antioxidants, prebiotics and probiotics you need.”

Even more importantly, says Stobo, the bar is downright delicious. Because no matter how healthy it may be, who wants to eat something that tastes bad? The key to the bar’s amazing flavor, she explains, is premium whole food ingredients – including sumptuous real dark chocolate. “Truth Bar satisfies sweet cravings yet at the same time is jam packed with nutrients – so you can enjoy with purpose and without guilt!”

For more information, visit booth #822.

teurized at a Safe Quality Food (SQF) Level-3 (Excellent) Certified processing facility in Aurora, Oregon.

About Hazelnut Growers of Oregon Founded in 1984, Hazelnut Growers of Oregon (HGO), a business unit of farmer-owned cooperative Wilco, has more than 180 growers who collectively own more than 20,000 acres of prime hazelnut orchards. HGO is the premier hazelnut processor and marketer in the U.S., servicing retail, ingredient, and foodservice channels for confection, snack food, and baking manufacturers around the globe.

For more information, go to www.oregon orchard.com.

Roasted Garlic. All Paesana Organic Pasta Sauce varieties are certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, gluten free and kosher certified, while all flavors, with the exception of Vodka Sauce, are certified by the Non-GMO Project.

Bring your customers a taste – and a view – of the Italian countryside with Paesana Organic Pasta Sauce.

For more information, email sales@ paesana.com, call 631.845.1717 or go to www.paesana.com.

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Elevate Your Athletic Performance with Honey With such a vast array of food choices available these days, it can be difficult to navigate all the options. Even when it comes to something as seemingly simple as sugar, there are far more different varieties than many might actually be aware of. In fact, there are numerous different types of sugar, and each one has its own unique properties and effects on the body. Similarly, there are countless different sources of sugar. But if you are an athlete, there is one in particular that you should be seeking out, as it offers special advantages for performance: honey.

“Because of both its makeup and consistency, honey is easy to consume, easy to di-

gest and also easily absorbed by the body, making it an incredibly efficient fuel source that is ideal for sports performance,” said Kayla Martin, M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D., and the director for performance nutrition services at Penn State University.

As Martin indicates, there are a number of factors that make honey a prime energy source for athletic performance. To start, it is a much purer sugar than many of its highly processed counterparts, like cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup. As athletes look to prioritize pure, “real” foods that are less processed and feature quality ingredients, honey is an energy source that rises to the

Cynara Ready-to-Eat Fresh-Packed Artichokes Innovation, education and the ability to deliver non-toxic artichoke products directly to a consumer’s door has always been the driving force within Cynara USA, Inc. Its latest product is fresh-packed hearts called Artichoke Delights, presented in an innovative, sustainable and “ready-to-use” tray. They are hand-picked at their peak, tender to the bite and don’t contain any artificial ingredients.

You can enjoy them in endless recipes, ready to eat.

Prepared in a variety of sizes and flavor options – in brine, marinated, or grilled, Artichoke Delights are ideal for appetizers, salads, side dishes, tapas and are enough for a hearty snack or a light meal. Their packaging is BPA-free and safe to freeze or mi-

crowave, and because they’re shelf-stable, they’re easy to keep on hand and even easier to take with you on the go. Their shrinkwrapped plastic tray preserves and protects artichokes, locking in nutrients at their peak. Whether you have a busy family, do a lot of hiking, are a student, or are just looking for healthy, ready-to-eat options for work, they’re perfect for savoring anywhere.

“That’s it. Just pure, simple, 100 percent fresh artichokes straight from nature to the tray,” said Nina Kalandadze, general manager of Cynara USA, Inc. “Artichoke Delights are the perfect graband-go item for produce and deli departments who realize the value in having

Full Fat Whole Milk Sheep Yogurt from Bellwether Farms Family owned and operated since 1986, Bellwether Farms is located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Sonoma County coast.

The creamery is only a few miles from the ocean and well-known areas like Tomales Bay, Point Reyes Seashore and Bodega Bay. This region, about an hour north of San Francisco, is known for mild temperatures and summertime fog, and has a rich history of dairy production going back over 150 years.

Among the first in the United States to specialize in the production of sheep milk cheeses, Bellwether Farms began milking sheep and producing its handmade cheeses in 1990. In 1996, the family added cheeses using local Jersey cow milk. This award-

winning line of dairy products now includes both fresh and aged products made from each of these amazing types of milk.

Early on, the company was fortunate to visit traditional, small-batch cheese makers in Europe. It discovered that when using traditional methods, no two cheese makers produced the same cheese due to terroir – subtle differences in milk, climate, equipment and technique. This was welcome confirmation that it had chosen the right path; its emphasis on the traditional and time-tested methods would ensure the quality and unique flavors that could not be replicated anywhere.

Bellwether Farms sheep milk yogurt is a revelation in flavor and health. The No. 1 in-

Abdallah Candies Announces New Cinnamon Churro Toffee One hundred and twelve year old, fifth generation, family-owned Abdallah Candy company proudly introduces Cinnamon Churro toffee, a carefully crafted toffee that evokes the feelings of warm cinnamon and sugar with a slight buttery crunch.

Manufactured to meet the standards of Ab-

dallah’s amazing butter toffee, the Cinnamon Churro toffee is available in both bulk and prepackaged. The cinnamon-infused toffee is topped with cinnamon sugar and covered with the smoothest white confection. The bulk pieces are available in two sizes: a large 3-inch by 3-inch size and a smaller 1-inch by

top.

As Martin states, honey is incredibly easy to consume. It dissolves in your mouth, so you don’t even have to chew it, and it breaks down quickly and easily. This helps stave off digestion issues during activity and helps to facilitate fast energy conversion.

Furthermore, honey offers the ideal combination of carbohydrates for quick energy. It contains two different sugar types, both fructose and glucose (along with water). Its natural carbohydrate combination is better tolerated than simple sugars and its low glycemic index provides sustained energy without crashing. superfood vegetables, like artichokes available yearround,” said Melissa Elms, national sales director at Cynara USA, Inc. “Developing new products, from artichokes, outside of the provincial category of canned and jarred artichokes, is key to expanding our educational, nutritional and regenerative agricultural mission.”

Cynara is continuously educating consumers on the importance of choosing allaround functional foods made with sustainable farming practices and clean ingredients. “Our long-term mission is to further educate the U.S. consumer about the health benefits of one of the most nutrientdense and diverse vegetables on the planet – artichokes,” explained Elms. “Many consumers don’t realize artichokes have more

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How can you most effectively incorporate honey into your own training and daily life, to help take your athletic performance to the next level?

Becci Twombley, R.D., CSSD, and the director of sports nutrition at the University of Southern California, urges her athletes to utilize natural carbohydrates for energy, opt for real food over supplements, and to keep convenient, healthy fueling sources readily available, like Honey Stinger sports nutrition products.

For more information, visit booth #1223, go to www.honeystinger.com or email sales@honeystinger.com. antioxidants than blackberries!”

Cynara makes it easy for consumers seeking convenient, easy to predelicious, pare, premium quality artichokes. Artichoke Delights are naturally gluten free, keto friendly, vegan, non-GMO verified and contain zero transfats.

Cynara USA, Inc. is exclusively focused on artichokes and is passionate about community, sustainability and developing products with maximum nutritional value and minimal environmental impact.

For more information, www.cynara.net/en or info@cynara.net.

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cisco Bay area and across the country is proof that it is providing something very special. The awards it receives at the American Cheese Society’s competition and the NASFT sofi awards are a further stamp of approval from within the industry. Bellwether Farms is committed to making the very best cheese and cultured dairy products using full-fat whole milk from both sheep and Jersey cow milks. Its award-winning cheeses and yogurts are found in specialty cheese shops and superior retailers as well as being featured on the menus of the finest restaurants across the country.

gredient is whole sheep milk.

Bellwether Farms sheep milk yogurt can be enjoyed by many people who are intolerant of cow’s milk, and want a yogurt that tastes like cow’s milk but doesn’t have a soy or goat milk aftertaste.

When compared to cow and goat milk yogurts, Bellwether Farms sheep yogurt has 70 percent more protein, 70 percent more fat and 50 percent more calcium. The yogurt is available in plain, vanilla, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and spiced apple. It looks beautiful on the shelf and customers will love it.

The enthusiastic support the company receives from customers around the San Fran-

For more information, .bellwetherfarms.com.

2-inch size. The prepackaged options include a 7.5ounce bag, a 3-ounce Retreat (bite-sized, resealable) and an individually wrapped single-serve sized piece.

Abdallah Candies has been manufacturing traditional chocolates and candies in Minnesota since 1909.

This new Cinnamon Churro is now a standard and ranks among the very best in the

300-plus varieties of Abdallah confections. The new Cinnamon Churro has been embraced as not only being on trend, but as simple and nostalgic enough to become an age-old favorite for generations to come.

Abdallah Candies has a rich history and tradition of creating the very best chocolates, toffees, and caramels, and welcomes the opportunity to partner with you to increase your daily sales.

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Growing with the Plant-Based Future Mooney Farms and the Bella Sun Luci brand, which pioneered the sun-dried tomato category over 35 years ago, have once again brought innovation to the category. The new line-up of plant-based jerky appeals to today’s consumer looking for healthier, more diverse options.

Bella Sun Luci products align with the plant-based food movement and the company values food that is made with real, simple ingredients. All of the jerky flavors are not only plant-based but vegan. In addition to the delicious taste of this new product, the Plant-Based Tomato Jerky has the healthy

goodness of a tomato. There is zero cholesterol, zero fat, 6 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and in two of the flavors there are no added sugars. Sun-dried tomatoes are also great sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Mary Mooney, owner of Mooney Farms, stated, “As with all of our products, we’re only using the highest quality ingredients to create a snack that customers will crave without any guilt,” and at only 80 calories per serving, these bite-sized morsels truly are the perfect guilt-free snack.

According to Mooney, "The vegan population is growing and with it, we are bring-

J&M Foods (Cont’d. from p. 1)

The foundation: obsess over simple ingredients with consistent quality across every batch. No cutting corners with colors, artificial flavors or trans fats. Baking the way Jamie’s Grandmother taught her.

Never ones to rest on their laurels, Janis & Melanie are constantly testing, tasting and tinkering with new recipes. Most recently, they’ve created a captivating line of organic Wisdom Natural Brands (Cont’d. from p. 1)

market share in natural and health food stores, and number two in grocery stores across the U.S. Since it would be impossible to improve what’s inside delicious SweetLeaf packets, the company has instead refreshed the packaging The Pickle Juice Company (Cont’d. from p. 1)

exercise and addressing muscle cramps. The high electrolyte content of the dill flavored beverage assists the body in removing lactic acid from exerted muscle tissue, thereby alleviating debilitating muscle cramps.

The company has evolved to become one of “the best-kept secrets” in the Athletic Trainer and Elite Athlete communities, as well as the non-profit world. The Pickle Juice company works with 300 nonprofit charity events annually to help bridge the gender pay gap in sports. HelpGreat River Organic Milling (Cont’d. from p. 1)

As we all move toward the new normal, and we are all determining what that will be, GROM knows all too well the challenges that are thankfully behind us and also the ones we’re now facing.

With supply lines under more pressure than ever before, high demand, and the potential lost harvests in some areas this year,

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nades and new vegan jerky.

Bella Sun Luci is produced by Mooney Farms, a third generation, family-owned company that is based in Chico, California, and rooted in quality, integrity, and family values. Mooney Farms is the premier producer of sun-dried tomatoes in the United States, and a proud member of the WBENC, California Olive Oil Council, and the Mediterranean Foods Alliance.

For more information, go to www.bella sunluci.com. Follow the company on social media at @bellasunluci on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

flavor combination for anyone who enjoys a sweet and nutty flavor profile.”

Consumer demand remains high for products containing almonds because they pair well with a variety of ingredients, both sweet and savory. Moreno adds, “the Almond Big Hunk will be a great addition to our ever-popular Big Hunk product line.

We are excited to introduce a time-tested proven flavor combination that everyone

will enjoy.” The Almond Big Hunk bar rounds out the Big Hunk brand line-up that currently includes an original honey-sweetened nougat bar with whole roasted peanuts and a chocolate-covered version of the original bar.

Annabelle Candy Company is known for sweet nostalgia and delicious new innovation. Annabelle’s has a mouth-watering roster of legendary candy bars, including Abba-Zaba®, Rocky Road®, Big Hunk®, U-NO®, and Look!®. Annabelle’s is a third-generation family owned and oper-

wafers and cookies sure to gain attention from even the most discerning eaters.

It sounds simple enough, but those who eat organic demand a lot from food.

They don’t care for synthetic or bioengineered ingredients. They like to keep it simple, and they like their food to taste great.

Janis & Melanie organics does just that.

Made with simple ingredients like rich chocolates, caramel, sea salt, lemon, ginger and vanilla, Janis & Melanie have married

indulgent and organic together into a line of simply great tasting wafers and cookies.

J&M Foods enjoys being flexible enough to handle all its customers’ needs. Located in a 32,000 square foot facility residing on 21 acres, the company has room to grow along with its customers. Centrally located and nationally recognized, J&M Foods is an awardwinning market leader within the specialty foods industry.

For more information about the new line

with a new look with the same great taste.

With their new eye-catching, colorful, ontrend packaging, SweetLeaf packets will be even easier to spot on grocery store shelves.

Regular and organic SweetLeaf packets are still available in 35- and 70-count boxes, with each packet equivalent to two teaspoons of sugar. With no aftertaste, consumers have

come to know SweetLeaf as the go-anywhere sweetener, perfect for food or beverages, whether at home or away. The tasty sugar alternative is non-GMO, with no artificial ingredients, a non-glycemic response, and gluten-free, making it a better-for-you sweetener.

The design for SweetLeaf packets follows

on the heels of new packaging for the company’s popular Sweet Drops®. The packets’ new contemporary look will begin showing up on store shelves starting in the fall of 2021.

ing athletes is always at the heart of the company, and with a stark gender gap in professional sports, The Pickle Juice company believes in devoting resources that can help bridge this gap to positively impact female competitors.

The Pickle Juice Company is at the forefront of functional food and beverage innovation, by creating the only product on the market that is scientifically proven to stop and prevent muscle cramps and aid hydration. The Pickle Juice Company has successfully taken functional food and beverage into the neurological sphere as its signature prod-

uct, Pickle Juice®, attacks muscle cramps at the neurological source rather than the physiological trigger.

The Pickle Juice Company is absolutely transparent about its products. Its ingredient statement is clean, the products are USDA organic and OU Kosher certified, and all the products are produced in-house in the firm’s USA facilities (including product being consumed in the global markets).

Consumer and buyer education is an ongoing focus for the company and staff. Helping the market understand that Pickle Juice is a purpose built, trademarked product and

not synonymous with pickle brine is extremely important in the North American Market (less so overseas). Educating consumers, athletic trainers, retail buyers and elite athletes on the functional mechanisms or neural inhibitors as they pertain to addressing muscle cramps.

We produce a truly one-of-a-kind, unique product that does something that over 50 percent of the population needs.

extreme delays at the ports around the U.S., to ever rising freight costs, and unemployment, the struggle is by no means over.

GROM has partnered with more farmers this year than ever before to ensure that customers never have to go hungry, and that its supply chains are solid.

With a new state-of-the-art packing facility coming that will be operating in early September, Great River Organic Milling is

excited and eager to play a part in helping the food supply chain bounce back from COVID and rebuild itself.

Whether you’re a home baker looking for a 32-ounce bag of organic bread flour, or one of the retailers whose shelves were empty in 2020, Great River Organic Milling is here to support you. GROM branded packaged organic flours, blends, beans and grains are available to all, as well as private label con-

Annabelle’s Introduces Almond Big Hunk Annabelle Candy Company is launching an Almond Big Hunk nougat bar. The new treat lives up to the “big hunk” name by delighting consumers with sizeable almond pieces engulfed in the brand’s signature sweet nougat.

Annabelle Candy Company President, Victor Moreno, describes the Almond Big Hunk bar as “a new way to enjoy the bold taste of whole dark roasted almonds with the chewy texture of honey-based nougat. It is a perfect

ing forward-thinking foods that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike. We believe bringing sun-dried tomatoes to the snack market in this new and innovative plant-based jerky marks the start of a health trend that’s here to stay."

Bella Sun Luci is a line of premium Mediterranean-inspired products created from authentic family recipes. The line includes a variety of deliciously sweet sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, sun-dried tomato chipotle sauce, pasta sauces, bruschetta spreads, estate-grown premium olive oil, risotto, mari-

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ated candy manufacturer whose heritage candy bars deliver sweet nostalgia to longtime customers while unique flavor innovations attract new generations of candy lovers.

The 1.8-ounce Almond Big Hunk bar joins Annabelle’s list of recent innovations which includes the Abba-Zaba Mystery Flavor taffy bar and the newly formulated “s’morsier” Rocky Road S’Mores candy bar.

For more information, go to www.annabelle candy.com or call 510.783.2900. of Janis & Melanie organic wafers and cookies, call 800.264.2278. J&M Foods will be happy to send you sample packs of the new products and let you be the judge.

J&M Foods is also available to discuss any private label needs and welcomes additional questions you may have about J&M Foods or the Janis & Melanie line of products.

For more information, call 800.264.2278 or email sales@jm-foods.com.

For more information, visit booth #2131, call 480.455.6843, or go to www.sweetleaf.com

For more information, visit booth #1520, go to www.picklepower.com or email sales@picklepower.com. tract packing. Great River Organic Milling understands the need, the necessity, and the right people have to high-quality, healthy food that’s affordable. Great River Organic Milling stands ready, willing and able to help everyone bring a sense of security to their pantry shelves.

For more information, contact@greatrivermilling.com.

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Once Again Nut Butter (Cont’d. from p. 1)

cracker sandwiches. Available in peanut butter and sunflower seed butter flavors, these on-the-go, single-serve snacks are certified organic, gluten-free certified, vegan, Kosher Certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, and part of the brand’s Honest in Trade program.

Offering a wholesome twist on a snacktime favorite, the graham crackers possess all the sweet, kid-friendly taste of their conventional counterparts but are made with a wholesome blend of organic sorghum flour, organic AKC/Taj (Cont’d. from p. 1)

and sustainable local projects. The Water Initiative Programme alone has helped over 180,000 people to improve their living conditions.

Ever since Azam Kadeer founded the Punjab-based manufacturing company Taj Food and AKC Commodities, Inc. in 1993, the Kadeer family’s declared aim has been to promote the spread of organic farming in Pakistan. Since 2003, the company has been certified organic for the American and EU markets.

Team to Support Organic Farmers In 2006, Taj Food stepped up its efforts to promote organic farming by setting up special teams to encourage organic farmers or support them in the conversion process.

Today, 25 employees regularly work in teams of two, each specializing in rice, dried fruit or sesame seed, while also incorporating training courses to promote agricultural education and sustainability.

The company is currently supplied by just over two dozen larger growers and a few small farmers. Most of them come from the surrounding province of Punjab, Sindh and Nature’s Fusions (Cont’d. from p. 1)

level marketing. Nature’s Fusions believes that premium quality products shouldn’t have fillers and harsh chemicals, so all ingredients are third party tested for purity. This ensures the quality and integrity of these all-natural products. Family is an important company value, so everyone is treated as such. Nature’s Fusions makes products affordable and backs all products with the Forever Guarantee.

Anyone can return any product for any Trinity School (Cont’d. from p. 1)

programs that you, your staff, and your loved ones can take from the comfort of your homes. Our programs are 100 percent online, taught by instructors with practical experience, and structured to create opportunities for our students to interact online and in person. We also have a rich and trusted history, starting with my father, Dr. Wendell Whitman, who founded Trinity in 1991. Since then, over 28,000 people have graduated from Trinity. This year, we were honored to celebrate our 30th anniversary!

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

JK: Our instructors and staff are dedicated and passionate about our students’ success. We seek to support our students in every way possible. Our students are also excited about nat-

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oat flour and organic cassava flour. Filled with dry roasted blanched organic peanuts or dry roasted organic sunflower seeds milled to creamy perfection, a classic cracker divider creates two sandwiches in each package that clocks in at only 220 calories.

Gael J. B. Orr, director of marketing at Once Again Nut Butter, said, “Our nut and seed butters have always been an awesome ingredient choice to create plant-based snacks with, so we couldn’t be more excited to introduce these ready-to-enjoy graham cracker sandwiches to market. Designed to appeal to all ages, the

portable snacks can be eaten straight off the shelf, no peanut-butter stirring or sunflowerbutter spreading needed, and they’re surprisingly filling and beautifully tasty.”

Since 1976, Once Again Nut Butter, a 100 percent employee-owned company, has been paving the way in ethical and sustainable business practices, while simultaneously producing incredibly high-quality and delicious products. The peanut butter used in the new cracker sandwiches is manufactured in a dedicated SQF Certified, 37,000 square-foot facility in the company’s headquarters of rural

the Hunza Valley found in the middle of the Himalayas.

environmental disasters.

Covering Certification Costs for Growers Taj Food financially supports its suppliers, not only with fair wages for work and products. Taj Food also bears the additional costs incurred by the conversion to organic food. Thus, the certification costs are borne by the company, as Azam Kadeer emphasised in a discussion on the subject at the Organic Forum of Anuga 2019. The farmers could not raise the money they needed.

The company leveled the cultivation areas for the farmers and they paid only half the costs in comparison. Taj Food provided free of charge machines necessary for notillage as a sustainable method of rice cultivation.

Taj Welfare Foundation The non-profit Taj Welfare Foundation was founded nine years ago, also near Lahore. Its founders and supporters are the Taj Food owners, employees and affiliates.

The foundation maintains numerous projects. It is concerned with schools and education, access to health services, and also emergency aid in the event of weather or reason, forever. If a customer or retailer is dissatisfied for any reason, or if the product simply does not work as hoped, the product can be returned for a full refund.

Essential Oils and Blends From pure essential oils and unique blends to topical rubs and roll-ons, Nature’s Fusions has everything you need to fill your store with high quality products without breaking the bank. A wide variety of pure, undiluted oils include common and lesser-known oils such as Lavender, ural health and helping others experience more fulfilling and healthier lives. Without our students’ support and enthusiasm, I believe Trinity would not be what it is today. Our online format makes it convenient for business owners, parents, and people changing their career paths to complete their education.

GN: What does a Trinity certification offer?

JK: With a Trinity education, graduates can work with clients in a physical, virtual, or group office setting as supportive practitioners, natural health professionals, or wellness coaches. Some graduates choose to operate health-oriented retail stores, while others become educational speakers or wellness writers. Having a Trinity certification increases your professional image, credibility, and confidence in your recommendations. Equally important, we’ve found that many students attend Trinity because they want to support

Long-term Assistance Through Deep Water Pumps The AKC/Taj Family invests into deep water pumps to villages and schools as sustainable and cost-effective efficient water systems. As part of the Water Initiative Programme, 25 such systems have been installed in different regions of Punjab. The costs would be around 1,500 to 2,000 euros per unit. The foundation helps with the installation of water hand pumps and electric pumps as well as storage tanks. Drilling for the water supply goes to a depth of about 150 meters to use the groundwater. In most cases, the groundwater is then suitable for consumption; otherwise, water filters are installed.

Guaranteed Water Quality In order to guarantee the water quality, it is tested by several laboratories and has been classified as “excellent” at all existing pumping stations. The foundation estimates that up to 180,000 people would have access to clean water. The foundation wants to intensify its activities even further in the Tea Tree, Frankincense, and Bergamot. An inhouse research and development lab works around the clock to develop unique Protective, Respiratory, Muscle, and Calming blends and products, and that’s just the beginning. All of the company’s products are cruelty free, vegan, and non-GMO. The products are ethically sourced, researched, and manufactured, giving your customers peace of mind to relax and unwind.

USA-Made Hemp Nature’s Fusions offers all-natural products themselves or their family’s health. Upon graduating, students also have the opportunity to board certify with a regulating body.

GN: What programs does Trinity offer?

JK: We have a diverse collection of programs that include a variety of natural health specialties. If you are looking for a comprehensive understanding of holistic health with discussion on numerous topics and practical techniques, consider our core programs: Health Coach, Certified Natural Health Professional, Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and Certified Traditional Naturopath.

If you want targeted training in a specific area, consider our specialized programs: Biblical Coach, Aromatherapy Specialist, Flower Essence Specialist, Holistic Fitness Specialist, Lyme Specialist, Master Herbalist, Nutritional Consultant, ZYTO Specialist, Master Iridologist, Mind-Body Integration

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upstate New York, while the sunflower butter is produced in a separate facility nearby.

Sold in single serve and eight packs, Once Again’s new graham cracker sandwiches will be available for retailers nationwide to carry this October and are planned to be in stores January 2022.

For more information, visit booth #506, go to www.onceagainnutbutter.com, call 888.800.8075, email gorr@onceagainnut butter.com or follow @onceagainnutbutter on social media.

coming years: “If we can supply only half the population in Punjab with clean drinking water, it will be an enormous service for the people.”

Taj Food: 17 Years of Organic Food from Pakistan In 1993, Taj Food was founded in Gujranwala in the Pakistani province of Punjab, two years after its owner, Azam Kadeer, established the import company AKC Commodities in New York. Today, the family-owned company Taj Food is the largest organic supplier from Pakistan and exports approximately 13,000 tons of organic products per year to all parts of the world. Sales markets are Western and Eastern Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia, North America, Africa, Central and South America.

The main part of organic rice exports, 75 percent, is organic rice, from long grain, round and medium grain to red and basmati grain, or parboiled rice. Organic dry fruits and natural and hulled organic sesame seeds are also supplied.

For more information, call 732.339.0071 or go to www.akccommodities.com.

to soothe the mind, body, and soul. An expert in developing all-natural products, the company also has an entire line of hemp extracts in water-soluble tinctures, regular oil tinctures, and topicals. This is ProHEMP. All ProHemp ingredients and products are sourced and manufactured in the USA.

For more information, visit booth #4454, go to www.naturesfusions.com or call 801.872.9500 ext. 1.

Specialist, and Endocannabinoid Professional. Our specialized programs are excellent standalone certificates, or they can be completed in addition to our core programs.

GN: What program would you recommend for staff?

JK: If you have a natural health business of any kind, I suggest starting with a foundational program like Health Coach or Certified Natural Health Professional. With these, in only a few short months, your staff will learn a variety of natural health principles, techniques, and protocols. We are also offering group discounts for our programs to business owners who would like Trinity to train their staff.

For more information, visit booth #3208, go to www.trinityschool.org, call 888.965.5005 or email julie.kline@trinityschool.org.

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Ford’s Gourmet Foods (Cont’d. from p. 1)

website, www.bonesuckin.com, with frequently asked questions, our guidelines for sampling our products and branded material to download.

GN: How do you drive business to the stores that carry Bone Suckin’® products?

SF: We list all locations of stores carrying our products on our website with addresses and phone numbers. We ask stores to make sure they are listed correctly, and their information is up to date.

GN: How can retail customers find stores that carry Bone Suckin’ Sauce?

Suzanne’s Specialties (Cont’d. from p. 1)

agave syrup, inulin, cane sugar, invert syrups, molasses, honey, rice milk powder, coconut sugar and syrup. It also has the ability to make custom blends and sweetener systems.

All Suzanne’s Specialties industrial products have been verified by the Non-GMO Project.

Suzanne’s Specialties offers an InfantSafe® version of all of its rice syrups.

Honey Stinger (Cont’d. from p. 1)

easy-to-use, complete nutrition system to help athletes PREPARE, PERFORM, and RECOVER during their toughest training.

For more than 20 years, Honey Stinger has been a trusted energy source for athletes of all levels and abilities. Honey Stinger’s unique formula is scientifically proven to improve athletic stamina and performance with a sustained energy boost that tastes great, too.

Honey Stinger products fuel every step of an athlete’s performance. PREPARE yourself with immediate, long-lasting energy that primes you for a workout. PERFORM at SuperSeedz (Cont’d. from p. 1)

Sweets & Snacks first-place award winner Vermont Maple & Sea Salt, and the everpopular Pink Himalayan Salt. Premium Select also features all new pinstriped premium soft-touch packaging for an unFlax4Life (Cont’d. from p. 4)

coconut), and kosher. Enjoy Flax4Life’s six new flavors: Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Ginger Snap, Lemon Zest, and Double Chocolate Cherry.

The company is also taking a big step forward by converting all its retail packaging to plant-based sustainable and compostable WooBamboo! (Cont’d. from p. 4)

some species up to three feet a day, making it an ultra-sustainable resource.

Beyond using bamboo as an eco-friendly hardwood alternative, people are getting insanely inventive with bamboo’s uses. Everything from making bamboo “charcoal,” to bamboo bed sheets, this plant seems to be helping more and more industries globally every single year. According to INBAR (The Interna-

www.gourmetnews.com

SF: Use the Bone Suckin’ Store Locator. On our website, a retail customer can search by their location on our Store Locator to find the stores nearest them carrying our products.

GN: What resources do you have for stores?

SF: In our Store Support section on our website, www.bonesuckin.com, we have an image bank that has high-resolution, easy-todownload images of all of our Bone Suckin’ products for stores to use on their websites and social media.

GN: Do you offer Bone Suckin’ printed promotional material?

recipe cards on our website under Store Support. We also send out emails to our distributors and wholesalers with printable assets and Bone Suckin’ recipes.

GN: Do you compete online against your stores?

SF: We do not compete against our stores or our distributors. If a retail customer wants to purchase a jar of sauce from our website, it would cost over $16 total delivered to them.

We also never give wholesale prices to retail customers.

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Suckin’ Sauce?

SF: Social media is a really easy way for us to reach our retail customers directly.

We often get messages from our over 40,000 followers online about where to buy our products, and we are able to direct them to our Store Locator. We are able to share posts from stores that carry our products, and from retail customers posting pictures of shelves of our products when they find them in a store, letting other users see which stores carry our products.

SF: We offer signs, flyers, shelf talkers, and

GN: Have you been able to interact with your retail customers through social media and let them know where they can find Bone

This unique product contains less than 10 ppb for arsenic and lead, meeting the FDA standard for drinking water. It is available in all DE levels.

The company packs its industrial products in pails, drums, totes and tank wagons. All products are available in organic with most having a conventional version as well.

Suzanne’s promises that all of its products are made with only the highest quality organic and all-natural ingredients. Each one is sure to give your formulas and applica-

tions “Sweetness the Way Mother Nature Intended™.”

Suzanne’s Specialties also provides an extensive line of retail products. These include its best-selling Ricemellow Crème, rice syrup based fruit spreads, flavored rice syrups and traditional offerings such as organic molasses, organic agave syrup, organic honey and organic rice syrup. Pack sizes on its retail line range from jars to gallons to tubs to pails.

Suzanne’s can service the needs of a

household, restaurant, small bakery or institution. Visit www.suzannes-specialties.com for more information on these products or to shop in its easy-to-use online store.

With distribution facilities on both the East and West Coasts and a diverse product line, Suzanne’s Specialties has the ability to service your company’s specific needs.

your best by supplying easy-to-digest fuel to help you maintain your efforts for longer.

RECOVER with balanced options that have just the right amount of protein and carbs to repair your muscles after exercise.

Honey Stinger’s latest launches, Rapid Hydration Mix and Nut + Seed Bars, are both a testament to this complete fueling system.

The Rapid Hydration Mix is a three-part hydration system to help keep peak performance throughout all phases of your workout.

Based on science pioneered by the World Health Organization, Honey Stinger’s formula combines honey with sodium and water to speed up the absorption of key nu-

trients when needed most. The PREPARE formulas replenish fluids lost to daily dehydration, support mental focus with citicoline and L-Theanine, and have key electrolytes for optimal rebalancing. With 50 percent more carb absorption than glucose alone, the PERFORM mixes give the body a quick energy boost. The RECOVER formulas replenish fluid and electrolyte losses post-exercise, support the immune system with zinc and elderberry, and contain key electrolytes for optimal rebalancing.

The new Nut + Seed Bar is a first-of-itskind recovery bar designed with the perfect ratio of protein, carbs and sugar. It features a nut-butter filling covered in caramel and

rolled in crunchy nuts and seeds to create a protein-packed, post-exercise snack that tastes like a treat. Loaded with 16 grams of protein and three antioxidants, the Nut + Seed Bar provides the fuel athletes need to help rebuild muscle after a workout. Available in both Peanut Sunflower Seed and Almond Pumpkin Seed flavors, this isn’t your typical protein bar.

Get out there and fuel your body before, during, and after your activities with Honey Stinger’s complete nutrition system.

forgettable experience. SuperSeedz are the world’s best premium European pumpkin seeds and are directly imported from Austria. The Premium Select line is dry roasted, small batch crafted, gluten free, peanut free, tree nut free, soy free, fish free and vegan. They are also Non-GMO Proj-

ect Verified.

SuperSeedz Premium Select have zero cholesterol, zero trans-fat, 7-9 grams of plant-based protein per serving (1 oz.), contain all nine essential amino acids, 15 percent RDI iron and zinc, 35 percent RDI magnesium, super low carbohydrates, and

are keto and paleo friendly and school safe.

Stop by SuperSeedz booth #1209 to learn about several other brand new, exciting product launches planned for 2022.

packaging. Compostable packaging is made from plants, not petroleum, and is compostable within 180 days in an industrial facility. Made from annually renewable materials, the packaging contains no BPAs, phthalates, or chemicals of concern.

Flax4Life is lowering its CO2 emissions and reducing environmental impact.

Flax4Life is committed not only to creating

nutritious and delicious products, but to protecting the health of our planet and preserving it for future generations. Flax4Life is committed to the future of this planet and your health.

“The switch to eco-friendly and renewable packaging, thus reducing thousands of pounds of petroleum plastic in the environment, is a very proud and significant change for our company,” said Kasondra Shippen, general man-

ager at Flax4Life. “We’re focused on ensuring our products and our operations are as healthy and sustainable as possible and introducing compostable plant-based packaging allowed us to take the next big step in that direction.”

tional Bamboo and Rattan Organization), “Bamboo is integral to many natural and agricultural ecosystems in and near the tropics. It is useful for restoring degraded lands for several reasons: it thrives on problem soils and steep slopes that are unsuitable for other crops, it is an effective windbreak, and its sturdy rhizomes and roots regulate water flows and prevent erosion.” A research study conducted by INBAR showed nearly “80,000 hectares of degraded land were brought back into productivity using

bamboo … for land restoration in eight countries: China, Colombia, Ghana, India, Nepal, South Africa, Tanzania and Thailand.”

Even with the global market demanding more bamboo be harvested each year, the planting of it is having incredible, positive impacts in communities and nations that need it most. Kaplan, of National Geographic, warns, “As the market expands, watch dogs will have to keep an eye out to make sure speculators aren’t converting fragile endan-

gered forests into bamboo farms. So far, that threat pales in comparison to other rivals like palm oil and oil and gas development.”

We, as the inhabitants of Earth, have found something truly special in bamboo, and now it’s our responsibility to keep harnessing it sensibly and effectively.

For more information, visit booth #1851, go to www.bonesuckin.com, call 800.446.0947 or email sales@bonesuckin.com.

For more information, visit booth #2031 or go to www.suzannes-specialties.com.

For more information, visit booth #1223, go to www.honeystinger.com or email sales@honeystinger.com.

For more information, visit booth #1209.

For more information, visit booth #1937, email Sarah Bishop at Sbishop@flax4life, or call 360.715.1944.

For more information, visit booth #2826, go to www.woobamboo.com, call 239.217.3500 or email smiles@woobamboo.com.

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Colby Cheese from Widmer’s Cheese Cellars

Stonewall Kitchen Lemon Ginger Marmalade

Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, Inc. Colby was a first-place blue ribbon winner at the 2020 World Championship Cheese Contest. The cheese is an American Original developed in Wisconsin in 1885.

Widmer’s Cheese Cellars crafts its Colby in small batches using original family recipes to achieve a sweet, semi-soft cheese with milky flavors. Similar in flavor to Cheddar, Colby is softer and has a more open texture and higher moisture content. Cheesemakers spray the curds with cold water and stir them while they are still in the vat to prevent the curds from knitting together. This procedure gives

The specialty food makers at Stonewall Kitchen know a thing or two about crafting the perfect spread. Offering a fun twist on a classic flavor, the new Lemon Ginger Marmalade is a citrusy sensation customers are sure to love.

It all starts with a combination of just-right ingredients.

Tart, lively lemons shine as the base of this delicious preserve while a dash of pure cane sugar and a subtle kick of ginger add depth. Crafted in the traditional marmalade

Colby a more elastic texture than Cheddar.

Perfect for shredding, melting or slicing, it complements burgers, fajitas, chili, rye bread, apples or pears. Widmer’s Colby is available in four flavors: plain, jalapeno, caraway seed and vegetable and herb.

Widmer’s Cheese can be purchased in 5pound pieces (two per order), 2.5-pound pieces (four per order), 1-pound pieces (10 per order) or 8-ounce pieces (20 per order).

Widmer’s Cheese Cellars 888.878.1107 www.widmerscheese.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 pre-

serve the natural ingredients. 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

antibiotic-free and has no MSG. Among the best products of the line there is, for sure, the Prosciutto Cotto, which is slowly steamcooked at a low temperature.

Parmacotto is located at 250 Moonachie Road, Suite 201, Moonachie, NJ 07074.

Parmacotto 201.440.1234 www.parmacottousa.com

Popper Duos Offer Variety Harvest Snaps Popper Duos are a puffed crisp that pairs two tasty flavors in one irresistibly crunchy bite. Made with green peas as the first ingredient and featuring a fun, pop-able round shape, the baked snacks come in three unique, twoin-one flavor combos: Salsa & Cheddar, BBQ & Ranch and Yellow & White Cheddar. Real vegetables with no potato or corn fillers provide plantbased protein and fiber in every serving of

Stonewall Kitchen www.stonewallkitchen.com

Star Fine Foods First Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil Star Fine Foods likes to call its First Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil “the crown jewel of the Mediterranean,” simply because it truly is a gem – at a very affordable price.

This premium, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is crafted by olive oil experts using the very first olives of the season. This is when the olives offer their maximum intensity, yielding a pronounced aroma, color and flavor.

First Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a pantry staple, not only because it enhances any dish, but because the flavors and aromas are true indicators of what makes a great quality oil. It’s clear that extra virgin olive oil is exceptionally good for us and it’s super versatile.

Use it in countless recipes to enjoy its

taste along with its nutritional properties. Use First Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil in marinades, salad dressings, for dipping, brushing Italian breads or even baking.

Available in 500ml high-quality dark green glass – designed not just to look appealing, but to last longer without oxidizing. Find more information on this product online or inquire at customer service@borgesusa.com.

Star Fine Foods www.starfinefoods.com

Fall River Wild Rice: New Ways with America’s Native Grain

Parmacotto Fine Meats Parmacotto is an Italian producer of fine meats based in the Parma area of Italy.

Founded in 1978, Parmacotto dedicated its new line to its roots, as well as to the future.

Each product is curated with the fine eye of tradition and a sensitivity to the art of making salami. In Parma, that is the history and part of who Parmacotto is. Parmacotto demands the best and thinks its clients should, too.

The 1978 line is a whole selection of Italian charcuterie: product of Italy and sliced in the USA, top quality, selected raw materials, clean label, sustainable manufacturing methods, humanely raised,

style, it uses the peel in addition to the sweet and tangy juices for a taste that bursts with freshness and flavor.

Customers will enjoy using this spread to elevate baked goods like buttery scones or layering it on savory snacks like crispy crostini with dollops of goat cheese. However they use it, this delightful lemon-y addition is sure to become their main squeeze.

these better-for-you green pea crisps, which contain less sodium than traditional cheese balls or puffed snacks. The lineup is also certified gluten free, vegetarian friendly, and completely free of palm oil, artificial flavors and colors, plus the common allergens: soy, nuts, peanuts, wheat, and eggs.

Calbee Inc. www.harvestsnaps.com/popper-duos

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

Ariston CBD Infused Olive Oil Ariston Specialties announced in spring this year the launch of its CBD infused Olive Oil. This product combines all-natural, high-quality, hemp-derived CBD produced in Massachusetts with the Ariston family’s own production of extra virgin olive oil from southwest Greece, resulting in a delicious and healthy elixir. It combines the health benefits and flavors of both the nutty, earthy CBD oil and the grassy flavor profile of Ariston’s Koroneiki extra virgin olive oil. This combination is

ideal for salads, savory dressings and even homemade pestos. It can be combined with Ariston’s vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and mustard to make an incredible salad dressing.

Ariston Specialties 860.263.8498 www.aristonspecialties.com

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GOURMET NEWS

Down East Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Crackers from Stonewall

Norman Rockwell Gourmet Coffee Line From White Coffee

Crackers are one of those pantry staples that most of us reach for regularly – and Stonewall Kitchen is here to make sure customers munch on only the very best.

With a variety of salty, cheesy, classic and spicy flavors to choose from, Down East crackers will certainly become a musthave for any snack lover.

Inspired by the flavors found in Southwestern-style cornbread, the newest Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Crackers feature a just-right kick from spicy jalapeños, the sharp taste of Cheddar cheese and a slight sweetness from corn flour. Customers are sure to love snacking on them straight from the box or pairing them with zesty dips for even more boldness. Specially crafted from only the finest ingredients, each batch is made with no preservatives and no added color to create the kind of crunch customers can feel good about.

White Coffee has added the Norman Rockwell brand to its comprehensive coffee portfolio. Norman Rockwell is considered by many to be one of America’s greatest artists and master storyteller. He captured the American spirit in his work, the triumphs and foibles of everyday life, showing the America he knew and observed to others who might not have noticed.

White Coffee has worked diligently to select 100 percent Arabica beans to capture the essence of his artistry in its proprietary blends. The single-serve coffees are offered in 80 count boxes featuring Breakfast Blend, Everyday Blend Variety Pack (breakfast blend, donut shop blend,

The same goes for all East Down cracker offerings, which feature tons of delicious flavors, including several glutenfree options and plentiful serving suggestions to try out. They’re great for pairing with tasty spreads, arranging on an elaborate charcuterie board with fine cheeses, meats and jams or crumbling up to top off homemade soups for endless snacking possibilities.

Stonewall Kitchen www.stonewallkitchen.com

Alden’s Organic Dairy Free Double Strawberry What’s not to like about a dairy-free frozen dessert with a swirl of strawberry sorbet and chunks of organic strawberry? Especially when it’s certified organic, certified vegan and non-GMO with award-winning taste. Double Straw-

berry is made with the Alden’s Organic signature plant-based Oregon Blend frozen dessert base and sold nationwide in grocery stores and online.

Alden’s Organic www.aldensicecream.com

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SEPTEMBER 2021

french vanilla and hazelnut) and Holiday Variety Pack (holiday blend, buttered rum, toffee nut, cinnamon). All coffee is Kosher; the cups are Keurig 2.0 compatible and BPA free.

The new Norman Rockwell gourmet coffee line is White Coffee’s version of “Americana in a cup.”

White Coffee is located at 18-35 Steinway Place, Long Island City, NY 11105. Check them out on social media at Facebook/WhiteCoffee or @WhiteCoffeeCorp on Instagram.

White Coffee 800.221.0140 • 718.204.7900 www.whitecoffee.com

MarDona Black Truffle Marinara Sauce MarDona Specialty Foods is proud and pleased to present a gourmet Black Truffle Marinara Sauce. MarDona worked hard to create this sauce 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 a favorite crusty bread. Customers will love these sauces, because they are delicious, natural and perfectly portioned.

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

MarDona uses the best crushed tomatoes, fresh spices, pure truffle-infused olive oil and the finest black truffles. The sauce is slow cooked over a low heat for hours to bring out its well-balanced thickness and

great taste. and Sodium calorie levels are kept as low as possible, and it’s gluten free.

MarDona prides itself on having the finest in gourmet products while providing them at affordable prices.

Black Truffle Marinara Sauce, item 4592, comes in 16-ounce bottles packaged six per case. Enjoy the new MarDona Black Truffle Marinara sauce today. Manga!

MarDona Specialty Foods 855.645.7772 www.mardonausa.com

Le Gruyère AOP Le Gruyère AOP is produced using raw milk, and contains no additives, no GMOs and no preservatives. Each wheel of Le Gruyère AOP weighs between 25 and 40 kg, and is naturally gluten- and lactosefree. Each wheel is aged for a minimum of five months before being released for sale, and can be aged between 14 and 18 months. For cheese lovers looking for an even stronger flavor, it can be kept for more than 24 months .

AOP means Protected Designation of Origin. To be considered AOP the product must have a name, tradition, a limited production zone, a know-how and a history.

Le Gruyère’s production process has been maintained since the origins of Gruyère AOP back in the year 1115, and is strictly respected by the milk producers, the cheesemakers and the affineurs who follow the rules of the AOP specifications.

Le Gruyère’s milk comes from known sources and is used within 18 hours after milking. Seventy percent of the cattle’s forage comes from the farm, and

no silage is allowed. There is no pasteurisation; it is raw milk. Le Gruyère’s cheese is produced in an open copper vat with milk from both the evening and the morning milking. Each wheel is given a casein mark detailing the manufacturing date and the cheese dairy’s unique number. The majority of maturing cellars are located in climate-controlled natural caves or cellars with shelves made of spruce wood.

Customers’ tastes are varied. Some appreciate Le Gruyère AOP Classic, aged for a minimum of five months, while others prefer Le Gruyère AOP Réserve, aged in the cellar for at least 10 months. At each level of maturity, the taste changes slightly. Whether on a cheese platter or in a prepared dish, all varieties of Gruyère AOP share the same impeccable quality and have a delicious flavor to suit your culinary tastes.

Le Gruyère www.gruyere.com

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sunshine Infusions Mango & Pineapple Sparkling Spring Water

Calypso Light Lemonade

Calypso’s island-inspired lemonades now include Calypso Light, a zero sugar, five calorie lemonade line, which is rapidly catching up with its best-selling original version. The flavors available in Calypso Light are Ocean Blue, Southern Peach, Original and Strawberry.

The full line also added a flavor recently, Coral Blast, a cherry-flavored version of the original lemonade made with the same high-quality ingredients including real lemon bits, real sugar and natural flavors.

The original Calypso Lemonade recipe was created in 1985 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by the owner of the King Juice Company Inc. The Calypso name was adopted in 2000 with island-inspired flavors. For more information, go to www.drinkcalypso.com.

The pristine spring water in the Welsh county of Radnorshire meets the tropics with Infusions’ new Mango & Pineapple blend, which debuted recently with Blackberry & Pomegranate. Infusions crafts its soft drinks, which also mix well with gin and vodka cocktails, using spring water with a gentle sparkle that is infused with flavors and extracts. Canned at source in mid Wales, Infusions also comes in Lemon & Mint and Raspberry & Black Cherry.

The drinks are sugar, sweetener, calorie and preservative free and come in a recyclable can.

Infusions drinks are shipped in environmentally conscious, cardboard shelf ready 4 x 330ml can packs, which are designed for easy access in the fridge.

Radnor is a family-owned independent Welsh business celebrating its 30th anniversary. It runs on a zero to landfill manufacturing site and its aluminium cans are sourced 59 miles from the farm, reducing CO2 miles. For more information, go to www.radnorhills.co.uk/infusions.

Ritual Rum Alternative

Health-conscious consumers can enjoy festive tropical drinks without any repercussions. Ritual Rum Alternative boasts all the warm vanilla, toasted spice and velvety decadence of dark rum, minus the alcohol or calories.

Ritual is ideal for those who are sober, dieting, driving, training for a marathon, raising kids or just wanting to keep the party going to make up for lost time. Rum Alternative is the newest addition to the award-winning Gin, Whiskey and Tequila Alternatives. For recipes and more information, go to www.ritualzeroproof.com.

GOURMET NEWS

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KÖE Kombucha

Building on the trend for tropical flavors and functional drinks, KÖE Kombucha has added two fresh flavors to its lineup of fruit-forward, organic kombucha in recyclable 12-ounce cans: Tropical and Watermelon. The new pair joins the current line of Lemon Lime, Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Dragonfruit and Blueberry Ginger.

The Tropical kombucha blends a trio of fresh pineapple, citrus and guava. The Watermelon kombucha includes a kiss of lime.

All of KÖE’s authentically fermented, lightly sparkling flavors are packed with billions of live, high-grade Bacillus coagulan probiotics. KÖE Kombucha is USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and contains 35 calories and 8 grams of sugar per serving. KÖE is shelf-stable for 12 months. For more information, go to www.drinkkoe.com.

The Perfect Purée’s Mango Passion Fruit

This summer, Napa Valley-based The Perfect Purée introduced a limited edition seasonal blend, Mango Passion Fruit, to give restaurant culinary, pastry and bar professionals an option for tropical concoctions.

Available through local distributors, Mango Passion Fruit embodies tropical vibes with alluring floral mango notes and tart passion fruit juice. The blend is balanced for islandinspired beverages, dessert and savory dishes. For more information, go to www.perfectpuree.com.

Kokomio Coconut Water

The coconuts in Kokomio are sourced locally in Guerrero, Mexico, where the palms create coconuts that are especially sweet and delicious. Kokomio uses the whole coconut – meat and liquid – to create superior sweetness and freshness. Kokomio coconuts are grown, harvested and bottled in Mexico, drastically reducing the carbon footprint of the production process. To minimize waste, Kokomio created an innovative method to use coconut husks for insulation, eliminating the need for styrofoam and other petroleumbased packaging materials that are harmful to the environment.

The drinks are gluten-free, USDA certified organic and non-GMO with no added sugars. There are four varieties: Kokomio Original, Kokomio Cold Brew, Kokomio with Cacao and Kokomio with Pineapple Juice. For more information, go to www.kokomio.com.

Natalie’s Pineapple Kale Zinc Juice

PureWild Mango Turmeric Marine Collagen Drink

The use of turmeric dates back nearly 4,000 years to the Vedic culture in India, where it was used for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. The bold combination of turmeric paired with deep cold-water, wildharvested marine collagen provides nutrients to build bones; support joints, skin and hair; and boost brain power. This wild-harvested collagen comes from the deep waters off the far coast of Nova Scotia – clean, pure and rare. Juicy mango and luscious passionfruit make it like drinking a tropical vacation. Gluten free, Kosher and nonGMO, there are 3,000mg of collagen and 80 calories in a 12-ounce bottle. For more information, go to www.purewildco.com.

This green juice is a balanced blend of fresh pineapple, cucumber, lime, kale and spinach.

The standout nutrient in pineapple is Vitamin C, which supports the immune system and provides important antioxidants.

Combined with nutritious kale, this beverage offers consumers a powerful, clean juice option.

Florida-based Orchid Island Juice Co. is run by two fourthgeneration citrus farmers. The citrus is squeezed fresh daily and produced without any additives.

For more information, go to www.oijc.com.

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EDITOR’S PICKS Bellisari’s Balsamic Shallot & Black Garlic Spread

This award-winning, versatile spread is rich and savory with a hint of sweetness. It is part condiment, part jam – delicately balanced with black garlic and shallots, then finished with aged balsamic. Spread it on a wheel of Brie, heat and serve with crostini for an easy appetizer.

Bellisari’s products feature a few secret ingredients for a distinctive taste, while keeping with that familiar feeling of gatherings in the kitchen, the heart of the home. It pairs well with Chardonnay.

Bellisari’s www.bellisaris.com

Gallivant Mawa Ice Cream

Creamier than gelato with the taste of super-premium ice cream, Gallivant Mawa Ice Cream is produced in small batches to ensure freshness and top-quality taste. The ice cream comes from the traditional Indian frozen desserts created centuries ago by Persian chefs as offerings to kings and royal families.

Made with milk and mawa (South Asian milk solids), the ice cream is slow cooked, which creates rich, silky, caramelized notes. It’s also free from eggs, gluten, peanuts and additives.

Made in Texas, steeped in Persian and South Asian cultures using traditional methods and recipes, Mawa Ice Cream uses ethically sourced ingredients from around the world for its flavors: Cardamom (Guatemala), Chocolate (Africa), Pistachio (Persia), Black Sesame (China), Matcha (Japan), Coffee (Vietnam), Coconut (Thailand), Mango (India) and Vanilla (Madagascar).

Gallivant is launching Mawa Ice Cream in select grocery stores in the Southwestern and Western United States. It’s available in independent grocery stores in Texas and online.

Gallivant www.gallivanticecreams.com

Kuli Kuli Raspberry Chia SuperBark

Kuli Kuli’s new line of SuperBark products offer an indulgent, low-sugar and nourishing dark chocolate snack with five superfoods blended in.

Each bite of the Raspberry Chia contains baobab (anti-inflammatory, magnesium, Vitamin C, calcium), chia (antioxidants, fiber, protein, omega3 fatty acids), quinoa (high in fiber and protein, low glycemic index), moringa (antioxidants, antiinflammatory, energy) and hibiscus (boosts liver health, helps lower blood pressure, may help fight off bacteria). Also mixed in is coconut, which is rich in fiber and helps improve heart health, weight loss and digestion.

GOURMET NEWS

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Silver Spring Cranberry Horseradish

Silver Spring’s Cranberry Horseradish is the perfect marriage of taste sensations. The sweet/tart flavor of cranberries wonderfully complements the sinus-clearing heat that comes with fresh horseradish. Add a little lemon, and you have something truly special that brings not only flavor to your food, but also a burst of color to the table. Tangy and fruity, Cranberry Horseradish is perfect any time of the year, not just on your leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich. It plays a great supporting role both in main dishes and side dishes, pairing well with things such as white meats, grilled shrimp, ham and cream cheese and crackers. This gluten-free product from Silver Spring pairs well with pork, turkey, chicken, cream cheese and crackers, grilled shrimp, smoked turkey sandwiches, baked ham and more.

Silver Spring www.silverspringfoods.com

Spiceology and New Belgium Brewing Beer-Infused Blends

Spiceology and New Belgium Brewery have teamed up along with over-the-fire cooking expert Derek Wolf to launch six beer-infused blends: Citrus Ginger, Habanero Grapefruit, Hot Honey, Moroccan Tagine, Summer BBQ and Sweet & Sour. The spice blends are made with New Belgium’s iconic flavors including Fat Tire and Voodoo Ranger. Both companies aim to bring delicious flavor through spice blends and beer, and make the world a better place. Spiceology’s team believes in better flavor, not just through good ingredients and creative combinations, but through responsible business practices, with diversity and inclusion at the heart of the workforce. For 30 years, New Belgium has crafted world-class beer while pushing forward solutions to the biggest social and environmental challenges. New Belgium was the first brewery to be alternatively powered and is a certified B Corp. Its flagship, Fat Tire, is the first carbon-neutral beer in America.

Spiceology www.spiceology.com

The Spice Hunter Crunch Toppers

Gourmet spice and seasoning manufacturer The Spice Hunter has launched Crunch Toppers, a line of seed-mix seasonings to sprinkle on avocado toast, salmon, yogurt and more. Five new flavors are Garden Veggie, Zesty Italian, Roasted Garlic & Onion, 7 Seed Blend and Sweet Seed. The line includes the consumer favorite Everything Bagel blend. Crunch Toppers are all natural, salt and gluten free, Kosher certified and non-GMO. The Spice Hunter www.spicehunter.com

Kuli Kuli www.kulikulifoods.com

Pretzel Pete Beer Mustard Pretzel Pieces

Leave it to the good folks at Pretzel Pete to give us something in time for Oktoberfest. For a limited time this fall, Pretzel Pete has its Beer Mustard flavored pretzels on shelves, beginning in August.

Nothing says Oktoberfest like the taste of pretzel, mustard and beer, Ja? As with Pretzel Pete’s entire line, the pretzels are made with locally sourced ingredients and produced in an allergen-safe process with no artificial flavors or flavor enhancers such as MSG.

Pretzel Pete www.pretzelpete.com

Tajín Hot Sauces

With the global hot sauce market on fire, thanks to growing interest in Pan Asian and Latin American cuisine, Tajín is poised to raise the profiles of its Mild Hot Sauce and Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce to the level of its popular Clásico Seasoning brand.

The Mild Hot Sauce blends 100 percent natural chiles, lime juice and sea salt presented in a sauce in 15.8 ounce bottles. Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce has the same natural ingredients plus a fruity and tangy flavor from apricots.

Tajín hot sauces have no added sugar or coloring.

The Mild Hot Sauce goes well with savory snacks such as tortilla chips, chicken wings, pizza and micheladas. The Fruity Chamoy pairs well with sweet snacks such as fruits, smoothies, mangonadas and ice pops. Both sauces mix well with Tajín Clásico in botanas (snacks) or can rim a glass for a drink.

Tajín www.tajin.com

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GOURMET NEWS

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SEPTEMBER 2021

SMORGASBORD

Starla Catwalks into Alcohol-Free Drink Market with Low-Calorie Wines matics of sweet dark cherry, blackberry, bergamot and black pepper kissed with bouquet of calming French lavender. Pairs with dark chocolate, tapas and 6 a.m. workouts.

• Sparkling Rosé: Dry and bright botanicals of strawberry blossom, citrus, lychee and mineral. Breathe deeply to fill your senses with sweet gardenia effervescence.

Pairs deliciously with creamy risotto, French fries and 2 a.m. cravings.

“While strides have been made in the alcohol-free beer and spirits category, there was a lot to be desired in the wine world,” Starla Founder & CEO Dawn Maire said in a statement. “The journey to create the first, premium alcohol-removed wine started when I began replacing my beloved wine with better-for-me choices. I was surprised – and disappointed – with the lackluster set of options on the market.

“I saw the opportunity to satisfy the demands of the growing set of sober-curious and alcohol-abstaining consumers with an authentic, premium selection of wine,” she said. “Over a year in the making, Starla is a first-of-its-kind alcohol removed, expertly vinified wine – she’s amazing by the glass and pairs deliciously with food.”

Entrepreneurs and wine enthusiasts

Texas-based winemaker Starla Wines recently announced its arrival in the alcoholfree beverage market with the launch of its inaugural collection of three premium, alcohol-free, full-bodied wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Red Blend and Sparkling Rosé.

The wines are available online in a customizable collection of three 750ml bottles for $84, including shipping.

Starla was created for wine lovers who cannot or chose not to drink wine with alcohol, according to a company press release. A combination of winemaking artistry and the quality botanicals and aromatics results in a luscious, full-bodied Californian wine with, of course, none of the hangover.

Starla’s nutrition label says it all: Starla is low carb, low sugar and low calorie with its Red Blend and Sparkling Rose clocking in at five calories and zero carbs per 5-ounce serving.

Starla Wines describes its wines: • Sauvignon Blanc: Deliciously light and crisp notes of wild honeysuckle, rosemary, pear and lemon balm finished with a sultry white peach blossom parfum. Pairs deliciously with roasted pork, green lentils and video calls.

• Red Blend: Bold and sumptuous aro-

ADVERTISER INDEX ADVERTISER

PAGE

WEBSITE

BeBOLD Bars

17

www.beboldbars.com

Borges USA

3

www.borgesusa.com

Daddy Sam's LLC

14

www.daddysams.com

DeBrand Fine Chocolates

11

www.debrand.com

Edward & Sons Trading Co.

21

www.edwardandsons.com

Gayo Azul

13

www.gayoazul.com

GLASS - North America

27

www.ardaghgroup.com

Howard Products Inc.

20

www.howardproducts.com

Jasper Specialty Foods

20

www.jakesnutroasters.com

Le Gruyere

7

www.cheesesfromswitzerland.com

OMG Pretzels

18

www.omgpretzels.com

Renfro Foods Inc.

19

www.mrsrenfros.com

Spicin Foods

25

www.spicinfoods.com

Stonewall Kitchen

2, 5

www.stonewallkitchen.com

White Coffee Corp.

28

www.whitecoffee.com

Wonder Lemon

9

www.kayco.com

Dawn Maire and Jaime Coulter combined their collective CPG business and marketing experience with luxury fashion design and brand creative prowess to create Starla. With a push toward the beauty and fashion world, Starla is stylized from bottle to brand.

In addition to its trio of wine offerings, Starla will use its platform to debut lifestyle content spanning fashion, music, wellness and some of the brand’s favorite alcoholfree resources. Fans can plug into the Starla playlist on Spotify while tidying up or gathering with friends.

“We built Starla from scratch and really had fun with her,” Coulter said in a statement. “We wanted to exude a lifestyle that was intentionally feminine and one you don’t typically see with other zero-alcohol offerings.

“Outside of selling rad products, our website and marketing incorporates highly curated editorial content – you can shop the campaign looks, create fabulous recipes and read up on books and resources tailored toward the style conscious, alcoholfree consumer,” she said.

“Starla represents the inner star in all of us and its campaign exemplifies how radiant your life can be on your own terms, without alcohol.”

Starla partnered with premium, dealcoholizing technology group BevZero to create its full-bodied, alcohol-removed wine.

The process begins with fermented wine from California grapes then uses innovative vacuum distillation technology to vaporize and remove the alcohol, leaving behind the original flavors and aroma. After the alcohol is removed, less than half of 1 percent remains, the same amount of alcohol as kombucha.

Starla’s signature wines are finished with hints of premium botanicals such as sweet gardenia, French lavender, wild honeysuckle and more.

“De-alcoholized and low-alcohol wines are driving the category and it’s a tremendous opportunity for young brands to make an impact,” BevZero CEO Debbie Novograd said in a statement. “We’ve seen a significant uptick in consumers opting for healthier consumption choices, especially in women, who make up 54 percent of wine buyers, and yet, until recently, few brands were leveraging the existing innovation.

“Starla sets itself apart from other brands in the space with an elevated, botanical-infused lifestyle brand using our vacuum technology,” she said. GN

Forever Oceans Sponsors Kahala Klash to Support Future Culinary Stars Forever Oceans, a sustainable open-ocean seafood leader, announced recently its Kahala Klash, a contest that pits eight student finalists from The Culinary Institute of America in a cookoff to earn scholarships and superstar status as the 2021 grand champion.

“As a leader in next-generation mariculture, we want to help educate and support the next generation of chef superstars,” Jason Heckathorn, Forever Oceans chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Through this competition, we are beginning the process of educating a new breed of chefs who will embrace our important mission of nourishing the world through technology while protecting our oceans.”

Forever Oceans leverages breakthrough technology to raise seafood with higher nutritional value in Omega 3s than wildcaught salmon or tuna, according to a company press release. Forever Oceans kahala (seriola rivoliana) are raised in the open ocean. The sashimi-grade fish have no contamination, hormones or preventative antibiotics.

The fish has a buttery flavor and holds up well to almost any prep method such as broiling, baking, grilling, pan-frying and smoking. Kahala will be available at restaurants and at supermarkets this fall.

The company maintains operations off the coasts of Panama, Hawaii, Indonesia and Brazil, with headquarters in Gainesville, Virginia.

“We are excited to work with Forever Oceans on this student innovation challenge and grateful for their support of our

students’ education,” said David Kamen, assistant director of CIA Consulting. “This is the first student innovation challenge that is open to students from all three of the CIA’s U.S. campuses: Hyde Park, New York; St. Helena, California; and San Antonio, Texas. We can’t wait to see – and taste – their creations.”

Students will submit a 60-second video describing how they would prepare a kahala for a restaurant meal. Judges will select eight finalists to square off in the Kahala Klash cookoff at the New York campus on Nov. 7. They will compete in front of five celebrity chefs and journalists. The grand champion will receive a $5,000 scholarship, followed by second ($3,000), third ($2,000) place and a people’s choice ($1,000) finisher.

Forever Oceans Executive Chef Mark Allison said he is passionate about educating young chefs about kahala.

“I’ve spent decades educating and working with young chefs, and when they discover our kahala, they will love to serve it for their entire career as culinary professionals,” he said.

Chef Rick Moonen, a CIA graduate known as the “Godfather of Sustainable Seafood” and a member of Forever Oceans’ Culinary Board, agreed.

“Kahala can be prepared in so many delicious and healthy ways,” he said. “The sustainable seafood practices of Forever Oceans are setting a new standard for protecting our environment while nourishing the world. I can’t wait to see what our celebrity judges will think about these student creations.” GN