Sweets & Treats Show Extra 2022 @ Sweets & Snacks Expo 2022 by OserCommunicationsGroup

May 2022

Chicago

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH SWEETS AND SNACKS

Darrell Lea Announces Chocolate Block Range

Plant-Based Tomato Jerky from Bella Sun Luci

Get In on the Fun! An interview with Aytur Aksu, President, Just The Fun Part.

Darrell Lea is proud to announce the arrival of its chocolate block range to the USA in the spring of 2022. Its delicious products are filled with yummy, crunchy, gooey, chewy bits and are here to bring a smile to your day. The block range will include Traditional Rocklea Road milk chocolate block, smooth and creamy plain milk chocolate block, milk chocolate peanut brittle block and milk chocolate caramel craving block. The new chocolate block range will be non-GMO and 100% palm oil free, and 100% of the company’s cocoa raw material is sourced sustainably.

AA: Just The Fun Part is a brand by my company, EverGreen USA, that I started after moving to the United States from Turkey in 2007. From our humble beginnings as an olive oil company, we have expanded our gourmet specialty food line to cover nearly every category of the grocery department. Today, EverGreen USA has more than 150 different gourmet food items. Just The Fun Part

Bella Sun Luci’s Plant-Based Tomato Jerky was voted Best International Artisan PlantBased/Vegan Jerky of 2021 by the Tasty Awards and Best Overall Meatless Product of the Year for 2021 by the Mindful Awards. It’s been recognized by Forbes Magazine and Fancy Food as a Top Ten Trend. “We believe in new and innovative snacking that brings delicious flavor to your life. Our new award-winning plant-based jerky meets the consumer desire for flavor and plant-based snack options,” says Mary Mooney, owner of Mooney Farms. “As with all of our products,

BOOTH #12307

BOOTH #11583

BOOTH #11185

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GN: Tell our readers about your company.

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Abdallah Candies Announces New Cinnamon Churro Toffee

Las Olas Launches New Products An interview with Greg Power, CEO, Las Olas Confections and Snacks.

GP: Las Olas Confections and Snacks is a manufacturer and co-manufacturer of national and private label brands that have been delighting consumers for decades. United with the common goal of driving growth for our customer and bringing joy to the lives of consumers, our family of brands includes Anastasia Confections, Coconut Island, Money on Honey, Williams & Bennett and Hoffman’s Chocolates, and

One-hundred-and-13-yearold, fifth-generation, familyowned 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 Abdallah’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" x 3" size and a smaller 1" x 2" size. The

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BOOTH #10983

GN: Tell our readers about Las Olas Confections and Snacks.

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Arkansas Distributor to Carry Splash Beverage Group’s TapouT

Arkansas-based Central Distributors will be carrying TapouT, a high-performance energy drink, according to Florida-based Splash Beverage Group, a portfolio company of leading beverage brands. Central already distributes Splash’s Copa and Pulpoloco brands. Central Distributors has been an Arkansas family-owned wholesale beverage distributor since 1935 and services the entire state from a 350,000 square foot facility in Little Rock. “Central is one of two major wholesale houses in the state,” said Robert Nistico, Splash Beverage Group’s chairman and CEO, “and they’re among the leaders in utilizing the latest technologies and innovation to give Continued on Page 22

May 2022

Chicago

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH SWEETS AND SNACKS

Darrell Lea Announces Chocolate Block Range

Plant-Based Tomato Jerky from Bella Sun Luci

Get In on the Fun! An interview with Aytur Aksu, President, Just The Fun Part.

BOOTH #12307

BOOTH #11583

BOOTH #11185

Continued on Page 14

GN: Tell our readers about your company.

Continued on Page 22

Abdallah Candies Announces New Cinnamon Churro Toffee

Las Olas Launches New Products An interview with Greg Power, CEO, Las Olas Confections and Snacks.

BOOTH #11768

BOOTH #10983

GN: Tell our readers about Las Olas Confections and Snacks.

Continued on Page 22

Arkansas Distributor to Carry Splash Beverage Group’s TapouT

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SWEETS & TREATS SHOW EXTRA

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VegOut Magazine Loves Bella Sun Luci Plant-Based Tomato Jerky

Bella Sun Luci Plant Based Tomato Jerky is on VegOut Magazine’s love list. “Plant-based jerky made from whole foods? You can find us snacking on this tomato snack on repeat,” writes Anja Grommons from VegOut Magazine. Plant Based Tomato Jerky is the first of its kind plant-based jerky made from California grown tomatoes and seasoned with minimal ingredients. The tasty snack holds fiber and protein content of 6 grams per serving. It is handcrafted, nonGMO, certified kosher and vegan. Fancy food magazines have also recognized the flavorful snack on the list of Top Ten Trends, a 2021 Mindful Awards Winner and 2021 Plant-Based Jerky by the Tasty Awards. Bella Sun Luci keeps snacking simple. The plant-based snack allows for mindful snacking with zero cholesterol and zero fat, making it a healthy addition to any lifestyle. Some flavors are gluten free, and each bag holds only 80 calories per serving. With the travel seeker in mind, each snack pack has a resealable

zipper pouch that allows for the tomato jerky to be enjoyed anywhere. From the golf course to a hike or enjoyed as a quick snack at work, this plant-based jerky is perfect for everyone. “As a result of the many accolades we have received since launching the tomato jerky, we have begun focusing our product development into a variety of products that appeals to a wide range of diversified markets. We want to provide all communities an assortment of goods to shop from,” explains Mooney Farms President and CEO Mary Mooney. The new Plant-Based Tomato Jerky Line is available in two exciting flavors, including Sriracha and award-winning Teriyaki and Cracked Pepper. Each exceptional flavor is so ridiculously delicious that one is not enough. This original Tomato Jerky appeals to the health conscious and ethical consumer without having to sacrifice flavor. The snack is spicy and sweet, minus the meat! Bella Sun Luci is a line of premium

New Organic Wafers & Cookies from J&M Foods In the J&M Foods family, FOOD = 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, 30 years ago. 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 wafers and cookies sure to gain attention from even the most discerning eaters. It sounds simple enough, but those who eat organic have a little higher standard and demand a lot from their 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 such as rich chocolates, caramel, sea salt, lemon, ginger and vanilla, Janis

Divine Chocolate Launches New Packaging Design to Reflect Social Mission

Divine Chocolate is the world’s first and only Fairtrade and B Corp certified premium chocolate company that is coowned by cocoa farmers. Driven by a mission to fight exploitation in the cocoa industry, Divine champions the needs of farmers to improve their lives and to build a sustainable and fair world. In the fall of 2021, Divine debuted refreshed branding that features vibrant new packaging and a powerful call to action for chocolate lovers to help end exploitation in the cocoa industry. Encircled by the tagline “Every Bar Directly Improves the Lives of Farmers,” a modern logo depicts the brand’s iconic handshake to communicate Divine Chocolate’s partnership with farmer-owners. To connect consumers to how their purchasing choices can empower others, each wrapper high-

lights Divine’s mission to change the cocoa industry. The brand’s 13 flavors of dark, milk and white chocolate bars feature shareable pieces, each also imprinted with the handshake seal, cocoa beans and the brand’s “one purpose” mission statement. “When it comes to chocolate, small choices create big changes,” said Troy Pearley, executive vice president and general manager, North America of Divine Chocolate. “These branding updates better reflect our commitment to the social and economic exploitation that has impacted the cocoa industry. Every Divine chocolate bar that consumers purchase improves the lives of farmers and their families.” The poverty created by farmer exploitation is a root cause of issues within the cocoa industry, ranging from child labor and gender inequality to

MAY 2022

GOURMET NEWS

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION NOT AFFILIATED WITH SWEETS & SNACKS Publisher Kimberly Oser

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, marinades 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 sundried tomatoes in the United States, and a proud member of the WBENC, California Olive Oil Council and the Mediterranean Foods Alliance.

For more information, visit booth #11185, go to www.bellasunluci.com or follow @BellaSunLuci on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

& Melanie have married indulgent and organic together into a line of simply great tasting wafers and cookies. Give them a try. 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, it has room to grow along with its customers. Centrally located and nationally recognized, J&M Foods is an award-winning market leader within the specialty foods industry. For more information about the new line of Janis & Melanie organic wafers

deforestation. In collaboration with Kuapa Kokoo, the co-op that co-owns Divine Chocolate, Divine is committed to leading a revolution that propels change along the cocoa supply chain, enabling farmers and their families to flourish. Kuapa Kokoo, a Fairtrade cocoa cooperative with over 100,000 members in Ghana, owns 20% of Divine Chocolate and therefore, receives 20% of Divine’s distributable profits. Farmers benefit from the Fairtrade Minimum Price, the Fairtrade Premium and Divine’s investment in farmer-led initiatives in adult literacy and numeracy, labor rights, gender empowerment and sustainable agricultural practices that empower farmers and their families to thrive and prosper. Divine is a multiyear honoree recognized as “Best for the World: Communities” by B Corp

Vice President of Sales Anthony Socci Production Manager/Art Director Yasmine Brown Senior Editor AJ Flick Associate Editor Jeanie Catron Senior Account Manager Marcos Morhaim Account Manager Alisha Dicochea Director of Operations Tara Neal Customer Service Heather Albrecht Show Logistics & Distribution Iszac Saetieo European Sales Enrico Cecchi Sweets & Treats Show Extra is published by Oser Communications Group ©2022 All rights reserved. Publishing office: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520.721.1300/Fax: 520.721.6300 Subscriber services: Gourmet News P.O. Box 30520 Tucson, AZ 85751 www.gourmetnews.com Founder Lee M. Oser

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.

certifiers. All Divine Chocolate is made with Fairtrade sugar and single-origin Fairtrade cocoa beans grown by family farmers. Its chocolate bars contain 100% pure cocoa butter, only natural flavors and ingredients, and no palm oil, no soy and no GMOs. All products are vegetarian and vegan-suitable options are available. Packaging is plastic free and features recyclable foil and paper. Available for purchase nationwide and online at www.divinechocolate.com, offerings include snack bars, a baking collection, cocoa powder, crispy thins, organic, advent calendars, chocolate coins, drinking chocolate and holiday editions.

For more information, visit booth #11434, go to www.divinechocolate.com, email sales@divinechocolateusa.com or follow @divinechocolateusa on Instagram.

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Keto-Friendly Fudge: A Long-Time Favorite

Sales of keto food products continue to grow rapidly, and keto-friendly, sugarfree Country Fresh Fudge is no exception. Country Fresh Food & Confections, Inc. is not new to the keto market. It was one of the very first companies to offer sugar-free fudge back in the late ‘90s. The goal back then was to give people, especially diabetics, a sweet treat that would not only keep their blood sugar in check, but would taste good, too. The Country Fresh Fudge approach was to give the consumer sugar-free fudge that tastes almost identical to traditional fudge made with sugar. Another goal was to have a “true” sugar-free

fudge. Often other brands call their fudge sugar-free, but upon closer examination of the ingredients, one can find sweeteners such as fructose, a fruit sugar that can be unsafe for diabetics. The result of much research and trial and error, Country Fresh sugar-free fudge is made with AA grade butter, cream, Belgian chocolate and Dutch cocoa, which gives a rich, clean taste that can satisfy even the most discriminating palate. Consumers are often amazed when they find out that there is only one net carb per ounce. In addition to being low in net carbs, there are also three grams of soluble fiber per ounce. This fiber can help lower cho-

Introducing Hammond’s Jumbo Candy Sticks and Sweet and Savory Snack Mixes

Hammond’s Candies, a Denver, Colorado-based confectioner, has been delighting candy lovers since 1920. The company has launched two new great lineups for consumers of all ages: delicious, jumbo-sized Candy Sticks and unique flavor packed Sweet and Savory Snack Mixes. Hammond’s candy cane lovers will be excited over the unique everyday candy sticks filled with choco-

late or vanilla crème. These treats come in bold flavors such as Ice Crème Sandwich, Root Beer Float and Banana Split. “Our new candy sticks are a great twist on the age-old candy cane, our number one holiday product,” said Andrew Schuman, president and chief executive officer of Hammond’s Candies. Hammond’s Snack Mixes,

Shots Box Shares Whiskeys to Check Out in 2022

Spending on food increased marginally – and on alcohol even more – with reasons for increased drinking including stress (45.7 percent), increased alcohol availability (34.4 percent) and boredom (30.1 percent), according to a 2020 study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. With these attitudes in tandem with the growing trend of flavored adult beverages, the craft alcohol industry expects accelerated growth for whiskey and other fine spirits in 2022 and beyond. 2021 saw some whiskey trends, from bottling at cask strength to celebrity-owned and branded spirits. According to data published by Statista, from the period of 2021 to 2025, the global

whiskey market is expected to grow by more than 37 percent. The market was valued at $79.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $109 billion by 2025. Los Angeles-based Shots Box, distributor of curated craft, artisanal and small-batch spirits by subscription, shares some of its top whiskey selections for 2022: • Whistlepig Straight Rye Whiskey 10 yr. – Whistlepig, a major player in the American whiskey market, is trending as one of the top distilleries for the new year. This whiskey is one of the most awarded rye whiskeys in the world. • Lagavulin Offerman Edition 11 Year Old Scotch Whiskey – This is an

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lesterol and give the consumer the feeling of satiety. Additionally, the sugar-free varieties of fudge are reduced in calories by approximately 30%, depending on the flavor, making them acceptable for nearly all diets, as well as for those wanting to reduce their sugar intake. Additional ingredients include Isomalt and Erythritol, with additional sweetness provided by Sucralose. Currently, keto-friendly sugar-free fudge is available in many types of offerings. For those selling fudge over the counter, it comes in finished 6lb loaves or pre-cut 2oz pieces that require no cutting or weighing. For impulse purchase, there is a 24-count assorted

GOURMET NEWS

For more information, visit booth #12411, call 800.545.8782, or email info@countryfreshfood.com.

launched in mid 2021, have been a great addition to Hammond’s everyday offerings. “We know our customers have been craving unique, everyday snack items to complement our caramel corns and snacking marshmallows,” said Schuman. Schuman says both lineups are already getting rave reviews. Hammond’s Candy Sticks are now shipping to retail stores across the country with an MSRP of $2.95. Snack mixes

For more information, visit booth #10980. Follow the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ hammondscandies and on Instagram at @hammondscandies.

extraordinary spirit that was created as part of a collaboration with actor Nick Offerman, best known for playing Ron Swanson in NBC’s “Parks and Rec.” • Full Curl Straight Rye Whiskey – Matured in new charred oak barrels for at least two years, evoking the bold vitality and broad range of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn, Full Curl’s rich and complex straight bourbon whiskey makes a fitting toast to the dramatic history of America’s largest wild sheep. • Kin Brown Bourbon Whiskey – Every bottle comes with a Mule Kit, which includes a copper mug, Q Drinks Ginger Beer and recipe card; it comes

ready to wrap in its own gift box. • Tennessee Peanut Butter Cup Whiskey – In Sevierville, Tennessee, lives a craft distillery in the Smoky Mountains that makes unique moonshine, flavored whiskies and cream liqueurs. With the huge boom in flavored seltzer over the past few years, beverage developers expect that the flavor bandwagon will penetrate other categories. In an interview with the U.S. Whiskey Report, Tom Gibson, chief flavorist at Flavorman, said, “Client requests have taken a 180degree turn on flavor. Whereas before, clients would be looking for a gentler spritz of nuanced flavors in their drink, we are now seeing more clients ask for loud and proud, single-note flavors.”

are available in 6.5to 8-ounce bags, in case packs of eight, with a suggested retail price of $5.95. Place your order for Hammond’s Candy Sticks and Snack Mixes by calling 800.CANDY.99 (800.226.3999).

STAR Ortalli Products

From tasty bites to exceptional sips, the specialty food creators at Stonewall Kitchen are known for making quality products from only the best ingredients. Delivering sweet, creamy flavor that packs a perfectly fruity punch in every glass, their new Piña Colada Mixer is sure to add a burst of tropical flair to your customers’ at-home bars. A delicious take on this classic Caribbean cocktail, it features

Ortalli products are the fruit of sensitivity and experience. Crafted using traditional methods, this premium balsamic is IGP certified by the Modena Consortium and evaluated to achieve “leaf” definitions, reaching up to five leaves – the highest in the ranking. Ortalli is produced from concentrated grape must from seven diverse types of Italian grape varieties (Lambrusco, Albana, Trebbiano, Sangiovese, Ancellotta, Fortana and Montuni), with no other added substances.

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

MAY 2022

caddy of six top selling sugar-free flavors. packages Other include very popular 6oz and 12oz packages that offer excellent shelf life and value. For the holidays, keto fudge is available in decorative gift boxes and tins. In addition to keto sugar-free fudge, Country Fresh Fudge is available in more than 100 flavors of premium, made from scratch, smooth and silky fudge. Offerings include finished fudge, a variety of packaged options, as well as private labeling.

Stonewall Kitchen Piña Colada Mixer a combination of refreshing pineapple juice, rich coconut milk and pure cane sugar for a dose of island fun. Famous for bringing big vacation vibes to any occasion, this sunny sipper is great blended or shaken up with a variety of spirits – all that’s missing is the decorative drink umbrella on top!

As proof of authenticity and t r a n s p a r e n c y, Ortalli includes blockchain technology accessibility on its label. Such technology provides information on the origin of the raw material, manufacturing dates, organoleptic profiles and more!

For more information, go to www.star finefoods.com or www.borgesusa.com, or email customerservice@borgesusa.com.

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Non-Dairy Macadamia Milk Ice Cream From Mauna Loa

Mauna Loa, the U.S. leader of macadamia nut products for 75 years, recently rebranded and successfully launched into a new category, non-dairy ice cream, all while staying true to its mission and Hawaiian roots. The Mauna Loa brand began growing and roasting macadamias in 1946, to produce a nutritious nut with a buttery flavor and unique crunch. Since then, Mauna Loa has created a wide variety of macadamia nut products, including the iconic flavored macadamias, chocolatecovered macadamias and the new NonDairy Macadamia Milk Ice Cream. With

a passionate team that embodies the aloha spirit, Mauna Loa continues to innovate with bold new products that harness the vibrant and exquisite tastes of Hawai’i. Launching this year are the 1-oz. Snack Macs, available in the best-selling flavors of Hawaiian Sea Salt and Maui Onion & Garlic. This perfectly on-the-go sized snack is keto certified and only 200 calories per serving. The whole line of flavored macadamias are keto certified, vegan certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, and gluten free. The newest flavor, as part of Mauna Loa’s 2021 brand refresh, Kiawe Smoked BBQ, comes in 4-oz. and 8-oz.

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resealable bags. It is a tangy and smoky BBQ flavor, made with tomato, onion, smoked paprika, garlic, spices and natural smoke flavors. The illustration on front of the pack showcases the wonder of The Road to Hana located in Maui. In fact, unique illustrations honor the beauty of Hawai’i across each of the 10 flavored and chocolate-covered SKUs. The full chocolate-covered macadamia line launched with a refreshed ingredient list that includes sustainably sourced chocolate, no artificial flavors and a luxurious, truffle-like cocoa dusting. It’s permissibly indulgent. The packaging includes the Cocoa Horizons icon, the company’s commitment to help-

MAY 2022

GOURMET NEWS

ing improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities while promoting sustainable farming practices. In that spirit, Mauna Loa believes macadamias can help create a better way, a better life and a better world. As a company based in Hawai’i, it is their kuleana, or responsibility, to ensure that the islands continue to thrive, and to do so, Mauna Loa actively works to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability. The Hawaiian macadamia crop is grown using only rainwater, meaning they use the least amount of water compared to most nuts in the category. Additionally, Mauna Loa continues to seek ways to use the whole nut to reduce waste, including composting the husk to be used on local farms and cleanly burning macadamia shells to produce renewable energy. This, along with the newly installed solar panels, means that the Kea’au factory is now powered by 100% green energy.

For more information, visit booth #11279, or go to www.maunaloa.com.

Parmacotto 1978 Line & Trio Salami

Parmacotto is an Italian producer of fine meats based in the Parma area of Italy. Founded in 1978, Parmacotto is proud to dedicate a new line to its roots, as well as to its future. The 1978 line is increasingly oriented toward wellbeing and convenience. Product of Italy and sliced in the USA, top quality, selected raw materials, clean label, sustainable manufacturing methods, humanely raised, antibioticfree and no MSG. Among the best products of the line is the Parmacotto Trio Salami: a perfect selection of Italy’s most delicious salamis, each with its own characterized flavors. Fennel salami, Milano salami and hot soppressata in a single tray guarantee to make any charcuterie board authentic. Parmacotto offers a whole range of typical Italian cold cuts. For more information, go to www .parmacottousa.com.

Darrell Lea (Cont’d. from p. 1)

Darrell Lea loves making chocolate and now, the company is proud to partner with the Cocoa Horizons Foundation, sourcing sustainable cocoa for its entire range of chocolate goodies. In 2018, Darrell Lea made the decision to source 100% sustainable cocoa. To do so, the company turned to Cocoa Horizons, whose award-winning cocoa sustainability program creates real change. Since then, Darrell Lea has not looked back! For more information, visit booth #12307 or email customerservice@ darrelllea.com.

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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 more than 35 years ago, have once again brought innovation to the category. The new lineup of plantbased 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 bitesized morsels truly are the perfect guiltfree snack. According to Mooney, “The plantbased eating population is growing and

Las Olas Confections and Snacks Introduces a Wave of Innovative New Products

The Las Olas Confections and Snacks family of brands, including Anastasia Confections, Coconut Island, Money on Honey, Williams & Bennett and Hoffman’s Chocolates, has been delighting candy lovers for decades. With products ranging from taffy and caramel to molded chocolate and enrobed snacks, Las Olas provides a diverse offering to the mass and specialty confectionery markets. Its portfolio of trusted brands is united with the common goal of driving growth for its cus-

tomers and bringing joy to the lives of consumers. Committed to growing its great brands by developing “waves” of innovative new products, Las Olas continues to grow and innovate with products across three brands:

Anastasia Confections Peppermint Coconut Patties – This seasonal Coconut Patty is infused with peppermint oil and topped with peppermint crush for a refreshing, holiday twist on a tropical treat. Each holiday

SEG Expands Charitable Giving with Eye on Diversity

Florida-based Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is expanding its charitable giving focus this year to support more causes committed to elevating belonging, inclusion and diversity and local organizations that share the grocer’s passion for celebrating differences and strengthening communities. SEG’s expanded commitment to belonging, inclusion and diversity will help the grocer and its charitable arm, SEG Gives Foundation, make a larger impact within its communities while empowering authenticity, educating the broader society and eliminating longstanding barriers, according to the company. To commemorate its evolved commitment and honor the incredible legacy of the belonging, inclusion and diversity

movement’s trailblazer, SEG sponsored the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation Holiday Grand Parade in its hometown of Jacksonville. “Our expanded commitment to advocate for positive change will position us to elevate more deserving, likeminded organizations and support their efforts to create a more equitable society that reflects the ideals Dr. King envisioned nearly 60 years ago,” said Anthony Hucker, president and CEO. In 2020, SEG established the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program to provide essential funding to groups that equally support inclusivity and take meaningful action to help combat social injustice by bridging the gap of inequities faced by many individuals, families and communities. SEG has provided 33 nonprofit organizations with $385,000 to help address racial

Largest Candy and Snack Trade Show in North America Heads to Indianapolis and Las Vegas

The National Confectioners Association announced that its Sweets & Snacks Expo will make a historic move to host the premier trade show for the confec-

tionery and snack industries in a rotation between Indianapolis and Las Vegas over the next 10 years. This announcement comes as the show convenes to celebrate

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with it, we are bringing 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 Mediterraneaninspired 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, marinades and new themed 12-ounce box contains nine individually wrapped coconut patties.

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GOURMET NEWS

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, visit booth #11185, go to www.bellasunluci.com or follow @BellaSunLuci on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Caramel Popcorn – Hoffman’s Chocolates introduces Gourmet Caramel Popcorn, air-popped popcorn coated in a delicious caramel glaze then drizzled and mixed with classic chocolate shop treats. These 4-ounce stand up resealable peggable pouches are available in three mouth-watering varieties: Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Pretzel and Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel.

Hoffman’s Chocolates Hoffman’s Chocolates Gourmet Caramels – New from Hoffman’s Chocolates are Gourmet Sea Salt Caramels. Caramel cooked in copper kettles, poured and hand-cut the old-fashioned way, drenched in smooth, rich chocolate and delicately sprinkled with sea salt. Available in milk and dark chocolate, each 4-ounce stand up resealable peggable pouch contains about 10 deliciously decadent caramels. Hoffman’s Chocolate Gourmet

For more information, visit booth #11768, go to www.lasolasbrands.com or call 800.329.7100.

disparities in education, health care and food insecurity. Additionally, SEG annually observes MLK Day, Black History Month, Juneteenth, Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Pride Month and Veterans Day. The grocer participated in four Pride festivals throughout Florida last year and was recognized by the National Diversity Council as a top employer for Latino leaders. SEG is also a member of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, a supporter of the National Diversity Council CEO Antiracism Pledge and an advocate for LGBTQ Workplace Equality as a Corporate Equality Index participant. SEG launched several initiatives to provide inspiration and opportunities for community members to break barriers and push for equity, including hosting its first We SEG Conference last year, an event featuring a diverse panel of experts offering educational and interactive insights on developing inclusive workplace environments,

training for creating a culture of belonging and other initiatives addressing pertinent and relevant equity concerns. The grocer also received an Impact Award from Progressive Grocer for its dedication to diversity and inclusion, as well as a perfect rating on Glassdoor in the same category. SEG continues its long-standing commitment to support causes that are priorities to the communities it serves, including the fight against hunger, support for military service members and their families and providing relief to those affected by extreme weather and natural disasters. SEG, together with the SEG Gives Foundation and generous customers, donated more than $5.5 million last year to support neighbors in need through various military, health and local community initiatives, including support for local food banks, The American Red Cross, Folds of Honor, the USO, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, children’s hospitals, and more.

25 years of candy and snack innovation. Beginning in 2024, the Sweets & Snacks Expo will cycle through a rotation of two years at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, followed by one year at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas until 2032. In May, McCormick Place in Chicago will host the 2022 & 2023 Sweets and Snacks Expos. The decision to relocate the Sweets & Snacks Expo to Indianapolis and Las

Vegas was made after careful deliberation by the Sweets & Snacks Expo Committee. The Sweets & Snacks Expo brings together confectionery and snack retailers, manufacturers and suppliers to showcase the latest product innovations. Every year, the show has a significant economic impact on its host city; in 2022, the show is expected to generate $21 million for the City of Chicago.

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Atlast Food Co., Whitecrest Mushrooms, to Scale Production of MyBacon Strips Atlast Food Co., creator of whole-cut meat alternatives from gourmet mushroom mycelium, completed a successful trial with Whitecrest Mushrooms Ltd. to produce MyBacon strips at commercial scale. Bringing the forest to the table, Atlast, an affiliate of Ecovative, grows mycelium – the vegetative root structure of mushrooms – to harvest complete proteins that mimic traditional meat cuts in both texture and flavor. Ecovative’s AirMycelium technology enables the fine-tuning of several environBella Sun Luci (Cont’d. from p. 1)

we are only using the highest quality ingredients to create a snack that our consumers will crave without any guilt.” This on-the-go chewy bite includes bold and savory flavors to satisfy. It is handcrafted, non-GMO, certified kosher and vegan. In addition to providing 6 grams of protein and fiber, there is also zero cholesterol and zero fat, making it a healthy addition to any lifestyle. Certain flavors are gluten free and at only 80 Just The Fun Part (Cont’d. from p. 1)

is the newest addition to our product line. Mini waffle cones filled with 100% Belgian Chocolate produced by the world renowned Barry Callebaut. Our crispy waffle cones are sourced from one of the oldest bakeries in Germany.

GN: Where did the idea for Just The Fun Part come from?

AA: The idea for this product came from my friend Yigit, whom I have had the pleasure of working together with for many years. Growing up in Turkey, we Abdallah (Cont’d. from p. 1)

prepackaged options include a 7.5 oz bag, a 3oz. Retreat (bite-sized, resealable) and an individually wrapped singleserve sized piece. Abdallah Candies has been manufacturing traditional chocolates and candies Las Olas (Cont’d. from p. 1)

provides a diverse offering to the specialty and mass confectionery market. Las Olas is committed to growing our great brands and developing “waves” of innovative new products like our 2017 sofi™ Product of Year and 2017 MINPA award-winning Coconut Cashew Crunch – Chocolate Drizzle and our 2016 and 2018 sofi award winning Money on Honey Dark Chocolate French Sea Salt and Toasted Coconut Almond Varieties, and we continue to grow. Just this past year, we’ve launched over 15 new prodSplash Beverage (Cont’d. from p. 1)

100 percent to the products they sell. Our presence now in the heart of Arkansas, with a high quality and well-respected distributor, we believe will help our visibility with the largest retailer in the

mental factors to control mycelium’s shape and density. In the case of meat alternatives, it can be controlled to produce optimal, meat-like qualities. This approach to the plant-based food market offers a new “whole cut” experience, beginning with Atlast’s meatless MyBacon strips. Pairing Ecovative’s infrastructure with its own growing expertise, Whitecrest Mushrooms will build a dedicated farm to produce an annual yield of nearly three million pounds of MyBacon mycelium on less than an acre of land –

calories per serving, these bite-sized morsels truly are the perfect guilt-free snack. Be sure to try all the irresistible flavors at booth #11185; Sriracha and the award-winning Teriyaki and Cracked Pepper! According to market research group The Nielsen Company, just 6% of Americans eat vegetarian and only 3% eat vegan, but almost 40% now make an effort to eat more plant-based foods. A growing reason why consumers choose to eat plant-based foods are the health were no strangers to our sweets and snacks. Throughout our childhood, we were exposed to some of the world’s greatest confections and treats. One that always stuck with us was a classic sundae cone (particularly the bottom). Later in life, when we had begun our careers as specialty food professionals, we never stopped striving to create that one great snack. Much to our surprise, a product like this already existed, just in a different format. It was a larger cone, filled with chocolate, individually wrapped and topped with small candies. Never forgetting his favorite part of the sundae cone as a child, Yigit imagined a sundae cone in Minnesota since 1909. This new Cinnamon Churro is now a standard and ranks among the very best in the 300+ 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 ageold favorite for generations to come.

ucts across our brands.

GN: What are some of your most popular products?

GP: By far, our most popular product line is our Anastasia Confections Coconut Patties (a moist, open-faced coconut confection). We have been manufacturing this Florida staple for over 30 years and it has developed a cult-like following. A close tie for second would be our Original Coconut Island Coconut Cashew Crunch (a tropical, thin twist on a classic brittle, filled with cashews and

world.” Splash Beverage Group’s Pulpoloco Sangria line has been picked up in 187 of Ralph’s Grocery stores. Ralph’s Grocery, a division of The Kroger Company, is a market share leader with 187 stores across Southern California.

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with the opportunity to increase this production in 2023. “Our partnership with Whitecrest and Ecovative will bolster the growth of Atlast to address the critical needs of an expanding alternative-meat market,” said Steve Lomnes, Atlast’s COO. “It will not only enable us to put more MyBacon strips onto the plates of consumers, but unlock a sustainable solution to producing food in a way that is beneficial to our entire ecosystem.” “After more than a decade of experience growing and producing the highest quality gourmet mushrooms, we’re excited to leverage our expertise in the new market of alternative proteins,” said Murray Good, owner and president of

benefits. With the goal in mind to live life more tastefully, the new line of Bella Sun Luci Tomato Jerky appeals to the health conscious and ethical consumer without having to sacrifice flavor. With the rate of consumers introducing or entirely replacing their diets with plant-based options, Mooney Farms saw the desire for a product that focuses on health and wellness, ethics and diversity in protein sourcing. Bella Sun Luci is produced by Mooney Farms, a third-generation, fami-

snack that you could enjoy over and over again. Just like that, Just The Fun Part was born! We decided to shrink the bottom part of the cone and put it in a bag, so the best part of the cone would keep going! GN: Who is your target market?

AA: We made this product for everyone to enjoy! People of all ages have a distinct memory of the end of a sundae cone. Whether you’re 8 or 80, you’ll remember rushing to the bottom to get that last, chocolate filled bite.

GN: What is the nature of your distri-

Stop by Abdallah Candies, booth #10983, for a delicious sample of the Cinnamon Churro toffee, and explore the many offerings available. Also sample the famous traditional milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white almond toffee, cashew toffee and English toffee. Abdallah Candies has a rich history and coconut) and Money on Honey Dark Chocolate French Sea Salt (a unique clean caramel made with wildflower honey, instead of corn syrup).

GN: You mentioned you co-manufacture for national brands and private label as well. Can you tell our readers more about that side of the business? GP: Our largest category of co-manufacturing/private label is currently salt-water taffy; this is also the category with the most room for growth. Our salt-water taffy production had more than doubled

“This is another significant milestone for Splash and a meaningful step in our strategy to expand into major supermarket chains,” Nistico said. “After a successful test run, Ralph’s authorized all three SKUs of Pulpoloco white, rosé and classic red. Ralph’s already carries

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GOURMET NEWS

Whitecrest Mushrooms. “This partnership has given us new opportunities to innovate in an entirely new landscape while keeping sustainability at the core of our practice.” Atlast is developing the world’s largest vertical mycelium farm in New York’s Hudson River Valley. This approach reflects Atlast’s mission to quickly address the impending global food shortage and offer multiple solutions to feed the world. Atlast launched its first product, a whole-cut, plant-based bacon, in November 2020. MyBacon strips are available for purchase at Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany, N.Y., with more widespread availability expected in 2022.

ly-owned company that is based in Chico, California, and rooted in quality, integrity and family values. Mooney Farms is the premier producer of sundried tomatoes in the United States and a proud member of the WBENC, California Olive Oil Council and the Mediterranean Foods Alliance.

For more information, visit booth #11185, go to www.bellasunluci.com or follow @BellaSunLuci on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. bution?

AA: We are the direct manufacturer of Just The Fun Part. We have seven production facilities in Turkey, where our product is delicately manufactured. While we can export all over the globe; our main distribution center is conveniently located in our warehouse in New Jersey. We house more than 150 different items and Just The Fun Part is always in stock! For more information, visit booth #11583, go to www.justthefunpart.com or call 551.333.1119.

tradition of creating the very best chocolates, toffees and caramels that remain here to stay, and the company welcomes the opportunity to partner with you to increase your daily sales.

For more information, visit booth #10983.

over the last year and we still have capacity to at least double our production. We produce over 20 classic and tropical flavors and have the flexibility to create custom flavors. Other products available for co-manufacturing and private label include molded chocolate bars and pieces, chocolate enrobed classic snacks like Oreo® cookies, pretzels, and grahams, and tabled products like caramel, toffee, brittle, bark, truffles and fudge.

For more information, visit booth #11768, go to www.lasolasbrands.com, or call 800.329.7100.

Splash’s Copa di Vino varietals, which were added in early summer of 2021, and now all three Pulpoloco varietals. We believe this is a strong affirmation that consumers are catching on to the unique product lines that Splash distributes and bodes well for future expansion.”