Gourmet News • Winter Fancy Food 2022

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Jake’s Nut Roasters Seasoned Almonds

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SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE

Elevate Your Kitchen with Bella Sun Luci

New Year, New Products from Stonewall Kitchen

Jake, a fourthgeneration member of the Jasper Family, is proud to continue the farming traditions of his great-grandfather that have been passed down for over 70 years.

Since 1948, a commitment to quality and innovation has propelled many fine Jasper

Soy sauce is one of the most important ingredients in Japanese kitchens and it is used for almost every Japanese recipe. Traditionally, it is used as a dip for sushi and sashimi, a condiment for tofu and vegetables, as well as a

Whether you are a beginner cook or qualified chef, Bella Sun Luci’s New Italian Kitchen Sauce Starters bring that gourmet Italian scratch cooked flavor to your meal in minutes! The slow simmered cooking base is conveniently packed in a resealable squeeze pouch for

Ring in 2022 with a fresh lineup of items from Stonewall Kitchen’s exceptional family of brands.

Filled with delicious specialty foods and fine home goods, this launch features innovative flavors and fragrances that are sure to excite and delight.

BOOTH #1969

BOOTH #1527

BOOTH #3435

BOOTH #1920

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Vertullo Imports: Sourcing the Finest Italian Ingredients

Las Olas Confections and Snacks

Silano Offers Quality Products from Italy

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Authentic Northwest Goodies Begin with Local Cherries An interview with Pam Montgomery, Founder, Chukar Cherries.

GP: Las Olas Confections and Snacks is a

GN: Family-owned Chukar Cherries has been active in the specialty food industry since the early ‘90s. How did the company start?

BOOTH #4101

BOOTH #1246

BOOTH #1417

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

BOOTH #1315

Vegky Shiitake Mushroom Jerky

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Savello USA is an importer of Italian cheeses, meats, oils, and other specialty items.

Founded in 1997, the company is family owned and operated with a focus on building relationships with producers, as well as taking a partnership approach with

Vertullo Imports sources high quality specialty items from all over the world, leveraging longstanding supplier relationships and robust networks. While the company truly is all over the map, a high Continued on Page 46

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

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Lioni Latticini Stracciatella Panna di Latte

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Swamp Dragon Hot Sauce

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Tomato Products from Pomi

Vegky, a vegan shiitake mushroom jerky snack packed with countless health benefits was launched in August 2019. It all started with owner Thomas Hong’s desire to become vegan since his

Lioni Latticini, wellk n o w n producer of Fresh Mozzarella, Burrata and Bufala Cheese, proudly introduces Stracciatella Panna di Latte for sale in retail stores. This ultra-rich creamy filling is the delicious center of Lioni’s

Swamp Dragon Hot Sauce, the world’s only Liquor Hot Sauce (no vinegar), is now available at select H-E-B stores in Texas and online.

Matt Beeson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the mind behind Swamp Dragon hot

Since 1982, Pomi has represented Italian excellence, distributed today in over 60 countries around the world. It immediately became an icon thanks to its innovative packaging—the carton brick, which makes the tomato sauce easily recognizable.

Pomi is synonymous with Italian quality

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A Bloody Mary’s New Best Friend As a member of Stonewall Kitchen’s exceptional family of brands, Tillen Farms sets the bar high for how cocktails should taste with garnishes and add-ins that celebrate produce picked at the peak of ripeness. Expertly crafted with a wide variety of premium veggies, their new Bloody Mary Medley promises to take your customers’ favorite brunch beverage from average to bloody brilliant.

After all, what are Bloody Marys if not a vehicle for tasty toppings? That’s where this garden-fresh assortment comes into play. Featuring cucumbers, carrots, okra, green beans, celery and pepperoncini that have been preserved in vinegar and spices, this medley is ideal for customers

who are looking to gussy up their glass with a range of delicious, edible trimmings. As a bonus, the zesty brine can even be used to give custom cocktails some extra zing!

But the serving suggestions don’t have to stop with delicious drinks—in fact, these pleasing pickles are equally well positioned for snacking. Customers can eat them straight out of the jar, enjoy them with club sandwiches or dice them up to add a crunchy punch to potato salads. And like other veggies from Tillen Farms, these sophisticated bites are also perfect for pairing with charcuterie boards and cheese plates to complete any party spread.

Wonderful for mixing and mingling with

Custom Decorative Tins from TinScape TinScape has been producing custom decorative tins for the past 23 years. The company was founded by Thomas Doyle, who previously ran sales for a tin manufacturer in the United States. Thomas left his job to chase the dream of producing highly enhanced tin structures.

Today, TinScape produces out of four facilities in China and ships direct to client warehouses. The company manufactures for mom-and-pop companies to Fortune 500 companies. With sales located in the U.S. and production in China, it allows

TinScape to effectively communicate with clients and meet all commitments and expectations.

TinScape can produce custom tools in 30 days or less. You can also take advantage of hundreds of ready to go tools in all shapes and sizes. TinScape has the ability to 3 dimensional emboss anywhere on the tin, produce windows, hinges, latches and vac tray inserts. You are only limited by your imagination. Should you have a concept, TinScape will take it from CAD drawing to prototype to finished structure in a blink of an eye.

both drinks and dishes, the Bloody Mary Medley is guaranteed to be the start to all sorts of spirited fun. Your customers will love the crisp texture and zesty flavor it brings to their favorite sips and bites while you’ll love how easy it is to merchandise. Sell it alongside top-shelf alcohols, cocktail starters (hello, Stonewall Kitchen’s Bloody Mary Mixer!) or picnicready condiments and watch this product fly off the shelves.

For more information, visit booth #1920.

Tins are a great way to help build your brand.

They are 100 percent recyc l a b l e , sturdy, and enhance the perceived value of what’s packaged inside.

TinScape will partner with you and help bring your vision to market in a reliable, professional and fun atmosphere.

For more information, email sales@ tinscape.com.

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A SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE OF GOURMET NEWS

GOURMET NEWS® T H E

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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 Director of Operations Tara Neal Show Logistics & Distribution Iszak Saetieo European Sales 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 Gourmet News is published by Oser Communications Group ©2022 All rights reserved.

Founder Lee M. Oser www.gourmetnews.com

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Bella Sun Luci’s Sun Dried Tomato Jerky Bella Sun Luci’s Sun Dried Tomato Jerky is the epitome of innovative yet approachable better-for-you foods. This shelf-stable, ready-to-eat snack is delicious, healthy, convenient and perfectly aligned with the food and nutrition trends predicted for 2022.

For example, one such trend, “reducetarianism,” describes a diet that is shifting away from meat and focusing on plants, ultimately landing as a flexitarian-style diet. This plantbased (but not meat-free) diet continues to be a trend because it offers consumers the opportunity to include meat modestly and in

a way that feels both healthier and more environmentally friendly.

Bella Sun Luci’s Tomato Jerky, which is available in three savory flavors (Hickory Smoked, Teriyaki & Cracked Pepper and Sriracha) mimics the taste and mouth feel of beef jerky, making it a great choice for consumers who are transitioning to a more plantbased diet. And, with a shocking six grams of plant-based protein and six grams of fiber, it is a filling and satisfying snack.

Another interesting trend, functional nutrition, invites consumers to take a close look at the idea of food as medicine – both to

Cambozola Celebrates a Big Anniversary

By Kelly Newsome, Marketing Manager, Champignon North America

Since it was first imported into the United States from the heart of Bavaria more than 40 years ago, Cambozola has been winning over the hearts and minds of even the most ardent blue cheese skeptics. Its buttery texture and delicate flavor established an entirely new kind of blue; a triple-cream, soft-ripened cheese with a mild rind and just the right hint of blue.

Today, Cambozola stands as both a brand and a category within the specialty cheese world, one that has defined what it means to be a premium, triple cream blue and inspired the award-winning reserve version, the inimitable Cambozola Black Label. A triple cream, soft-ripened, 100% cow’s milk cheese, just like the classic, Black Label is nurtured by a slow and cold maturation, a process that gives this special cheese its pillowy soft creaminess, complex flavor, and bold notes of blue, under-

North Country Smokehouse Expands West North Country Smokehouse, a third-generation, family-owned business, and producer of small-batch artisanal smoked meats, is expanding West. The new footprint includes partnerships with wellknown distributors like KeHe, Tony’s Fine Foods, and Newport Meats, as well as California-based retailers Gelson’s Market and Bristol Farms.

“Expanding our footprint to the West Coast was a natural next step for us,” said Aaron Corbett, CEO. “Consumers are looking for humanely raised and organic meats and they want to buy from brands that value social responsibility. The West Coast leads the charge when it comes to actively seeking out better-for-you foods. Not only do they eat humanely raised and organic meat more frequently, but they also search out transparent brands they know

they can trust.”

North Country Smokehouse’s retail products display a bold claim that reads “Some Things Simply Can’t Be Compromised.”

“Our products are one-of-a-kind,” says Corbett. “We focus on patience and persistence, taking our time to handcraft every item. We do not rush for the sake of efficiency or yield like others do. We credit the low and slow smoking process with our flavor and high quality. It’s part of the recipe.”

The demand for certified humane and organic meats is growing rapidly and Western states are driving the demand with initiatives like Prop 12. “North Country Smokehouse offers a unique value because of our relationship to the source,” says Mike Kelly, VP of National Sales. “We’re a family-owned, agri-food company and a leader

Popcorn Seasoning Advent Calendar

by Wabash Valley Farms Advent calendars are a classic tradition in many homes where families are able to embrace the counting down of the days until Christmas. There is nothing more fun than waking up every morning and discovering a new surprise.

What better way to enjoy this activity than by pairing it with popcorn and seasoning?

This calendar is exclusively designed with

12 individual presents to be opened each day starting on December 13th, making it the perfect gift for kids and kids at heart.

Families will have a blast as they open each gift box to discover the traditional, unusual, but always mouthwatering seasonings inside, plus enjoy the nostalgia of belting out the Wabash Valley Farms seasonings version of the 12 days of Christmas song that is in-

manage and prevent illness. Tomatoes, especially when cooked or dried, offer a powerful dose of the diseasefighting antioxidant, lycopene. Lycopene is believed to help protect against a wide variety of health concerns, including cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

As February is American Heart Month, it’s also important to note the role that tomatoes can play in supporting cardiovascular health. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), often used to help manage blood pressure, is rich in fruit, vegetables, low-fat

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dairy and lean protein. Aligned with DASH, Bella Sun Luci’s tomato jerky is very low in sodium and high in potassium, making it a convenient and interesting way for consumers to be mindful of heart health.

Lastly, let’s not forget the consumers who are simply looking for a tasty, fun product that makes it easier to eat well. As a nutrient-rich snack with simple ingredients and bold flavor, Bella Sun Luci’s tomato jerky does just that!

For more information, visit booth #3435, email sales@mooneyfarms.com, go to www.bellasunluci.com, or follow @BellaSun Luci on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

pinned by buttery and sweet alpine cream.

Originally developed for upscale retailers, Cambozola Black Label was introduced in the United States in 2013, the same year that it won the prestigious “Supreme Champion” award at the World Cheese Awards. Since that time, Black Label has continued to garner international awards and a massive fanbase of serious cheese lovers, cheese professionals and the culinary elite.

A regular player on the cheese and charcuterie boards of elite influencers throughout

the social media realm, #fanbozolas across the globe agree that Cambozola and Cambozola Black Label make sharing and enjoying moments of exceptional taste something to savor. Champignon North America is thrilled to kickoff a year-long celebration of the Cambozola brand at the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas. Visit us at booth #2552 for a taste of this classic and to discover some new products coming to the U.S. market in 2022!

in the supply of certified humane and organic pork in North America.

Our vertically integrated system gives us more control of the farm to fork supply chain, so we can deliver premium products consistently and more cost-effectively. We source our pork from our very own farm network – never off the market. It’s an advantage for our customers because they can depend on us for consistent, quality products and they know we can meet their demand.”

North Country Smokehouse has more than 400 family farms in their network, all committed to certified humane and organic farming. “Our farms are audited year-round to ensure the animals are being raised with respect and have the ability to engage in natural behaviors,” says Kelly. “They exceed federal regulations that define hu-

manely raised and organic meat. We not only meet the standards but surpass them.

It’s about doing the right thing.” North Country Smokehouse places respect for the animal above all else, banning the use of electric prods and commonly used practices like tail-trimming on their farms.

Today, North Country Smokehouse can be found in upscale retailers along the East Coast like Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Shaw’s, Market Basket, Big Y, Target, Wegman’s, Save Mart, Harris Teeter, and more than 300 Whole Foods Market locations. West Coast consumers can find their products in Gelson’s Market and Bristol Farm’s locations throughout California. Products are available through discerning distributors nationwide.

side each box. Pair these 12 delicious seasonings with their favorite popcorn and this advent calendar will be a gift that is sure to be remembered for years to come.

The 12 Days of Christmas Popcorn Seasoning Advent Calendar is packed full of stopping power and offers an incred-

ible value. The calendar comes in a convenient 8piece case pack and has a suggested retail of $34.99.

Offer something unique and unexpected in your store during the holiday season with the 12 Days of Christmas Seasoning Advent Calendar.

For more information, visit booth #2552.

For more information, visit booth #4505.

For more information, visit booth #1435, call 877.888.7077 or go to www.wfarms.com.

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The French Farm Wins sofi Award for Goulibeur’s Large Shortbread with Walnut Goulibeur has been named Best New Product 2021 in the cookies and snacks category as part of the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) 2021 sofi™ Awards.

After a sofi Gold Award in 2018 for L’Abeille Occitane Pure Lavender Honey, The French Farm took home this year the New Product 2021 award with Goulibeur’s Large Shortbread with Walnut. Goulibeur being a recent addition to The French Farm, this award demonstrates the outstanding quality of the brand’s products but also displays the brand’s ongoing popularity towards

the American market.

A French shortbread, like no other: made with fresh eggs, a lot of butter, sugar, salt, and wheat flour, Goulibeur holds to the traditional recipe passed down through the family. Using only simple, natural ingredients without any preservatives or added color, this shortbread remains faithful to its regional gastronomic heritage.

Ask anyone in Poitier what is the best French shortbread, and they won’t hesitate to answer: Goulibeur! Made with fresh butter and eggs, this shortbread is nothing less than

Las Olas Introduces 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 customers 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

Gold Collection Coconut Patties The Gold Collection is available in three rich, indulgent flavors; Cocoa, Salted Caramel and Espresso, each 12-ounce box

contains 9 individually wrapped pieces.

These new flavors turn tradition on its head to give coconut lovers a fresh perspective on tropical indulgence.

Peppermint Coconut Patties This seasonally available Coconut Patty is infused with peppermint oil and topped with peppermint crush for a refreshing, holiday twist on a tropical treat. Each holiday themed 12-ounce box contains 9 individually wrapped pieces.

Coconut Island

Coco Bites BARE A brand-new take on a classic Coconut Island favorite, Coco Bites BARE is a line of bite-sized sweet, moist coconut stripped of its traditional chocolate coating; simply delicious and sweet, any time of the year. Individually wrapped in 5-ounce pouches and available in three flavors: Original, Cherry and Strawberry.

Crispy Green: More Fruit, Less Packaging!

Crispy Green is committed to greater sustainability through improved packaging and supporting key environmental initiatives that help achieve a cleaner planet through reducing carbon emissions. The company is also emphatic about listening to consumers—like their request to provide more fruit in single-serve bags. These objectives are not mutually exclusive; and as a matter of fact, Crispy Green has found a way to satisfy both by making some improvements in the total product package of the Crispy

Fruit line.

What’s the solution? Crispy Green is adding more fruit to each single-size bag— more fruit, less packaging! Not only does this satisfy consumers’ desire for a larger snack size (singles now contain on average 53% more fruit per bag), but it also reduces packaging waste. The single-size bags now sport a gusseted bottom, so they can also now be merchandised on shelves as well as spinner racks. Crispy Green has also reduced total packaging weight by 50%!

FrieslandCampina Debuts Royal Hollandia Brand Cheeses Royal Hollandia Entry Packs launches an entire new size of cheese for the deli. This new entry point allows consumers to try cheeses in smaller sizes and at smaller price points.

Entry Packs are available in six varieties that are perfectly portioned in 3.5-4 oz exact

weight pieces. All product ships in shelf ready packaging that is easy for retailers to stock and easy for consumers to shop. These are the perfect addition to any cheese case and all varieties in the case take up just over one foot of space.

heavenly. The Goulibeur’s story began during the summer of 1976 when Brigitte Arnaud-Boué asked her Grandma Paulette to teach her the recipe of the Broyé du Poitou that she remembered eating as a child during summer holidays.

Three decades later, Paulette’s shortbread recipe is so popular that it crosses borders and charms the American palate.

The Broyé du Poitou was traditionally baked to celebrate all the farm events - the harvest, the big cleanup, the weddings, and family holidays. This large, delightfully crisp Coco Bites Milk Chocolate Original One of Coconut Island’s most popular SKUs is now available in Milk Chocolate. Coco Bites Milk Chocolate is made with a moist, creamy coconut confection drenched in smooth milk chocolate and topped with toasted coconut. Each 5-ounce pouch contains about 10 individually wrapped pieces.

Coco Bars Introducing a grab and go version of Coco Bites, available in both Milk and Dark Chocolate. Each bar weighs 2 ounces and contains two pieces for a Tropical Taste Adventure on the go.

Hoffman’s Chocolates

Gourmet Double Dipped Chocolate Pretzels and Pretzel Bites Hoffman’s Chocolates introduces Double Dipped Chocolate Pretzels. Available in both milk and dark chocolate varieties, each 9 oz gift box contains 9 individually wrapped chocolate drenched pretzels. Joining the pretzel line are As for Crispy Green’s multi-pack, it has moved to a 4-pack with a new, recyclable outer bag that is smaller, and now fits on a variety of retail shelves.

This new bag also provides a window on the back, so consumers will be able to see the multiple single-size bags inside. Packaging material for the new 4-pack has been reduced by approximately 30%!

The overall graphic design on all of the packages has not changed much, but now has been given a subtle evolutionary update like new callouts, slight gradient effects and Royal Hollandia Entry Packs are available in five varieties: Mild Gouda, Creamy Swiss, Smoke Flavored Gouda, Chili Pepper, Mediterranean Herb and Parrano Originale is available as the sixth item in the lineup. Al

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shortbread would be struck in the center, breaking it into all different sized pieces for everyone to share.

Goulibeur uses only the finest ingredients to prepare all their recipes, from the large Broye du Poitou down to the Mini Sablés wheat harvested locally, butter made from the milk of Breton cows, fresh eggs from free-roaming hens, even the sugar is refined in the northern plains and the salt harvested on the Ile de Ré.

For more information, visit booth #2152.

Pretzel Bites, available in milk and dark chocolate, each 5-ounce box contains bits and pieces of chocolate covered pretzels.

Hoffman’s Chocolates Gourmet Caramels Hoffman’s Chocolates introduces Gourmet Sea Salt Caramels, cooked in copper kettles, poured and hand-cut the old-fashioned way. Available in milk and dark chocolate, each 4-ounce pouch contains individually wrapped pieces.

Hoffman’s Chocolate Gourmet 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 pouched treats are available in three mouth-watering varieties: Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Pretzel and Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel.

For more information, visit booth #4101, go to www.lasolasbrands.com or call 800.329.7100. minor improvements to enhance the consumer purchasing experience. Crispy Green has also included a new QR code on the back of the bags for consumers to directly connect to the new landing page that educates consumers about how Crispy Green will continue striving for greater sustainability and providing a better future for all through Using Food As A Force For Good™.

For more information, visit booth #1030.

Entry Packs have clear descriptors with pairing suggestions and a flavor profile scale allowing ease of purchase into the specialty cheese category or trial of a new cheese type.

For more information, visit booth #1949 or go to www.royalhollandia.us.

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The Spice Lab Adds African, Middle Eastern and Asian Seasoning Blends Harissa, Berbere, Baharat, Xinjiang Rub and Night Market are some of the new international seasoning blends from The Spice Lab being introduced at the Winter Fancy Food Show, booth #3704. These all-natural African, Middle Eastern and Asian spice mixes capture the flavors of the regions, giving customers a convenient way to experience new cuisines without the need to create their own complex blends. The company will also showcase its premium organic spice line and other new products being introduced at the show.

Harissa is a North African chili pepper and spice blend, made into a paste to use as a rub or served with bread, stews or couscous dishes. Berbere is an Ethiopian spice blend full of flavor and heat, for chicken, meats

and lentils. Baharat is a aromatic, warm and sweet blend used for meat, chicken, fish and rice. Xinjiang Rub and Night Market are some of the Asian flavor profiles being introduced at the show. Preparation ideas are included on the label of each seasoning blend. Sold in 150ml glass jars, the products are all-natural and OU Kosher.

Founded 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 and the Inc. 2021 Female Founders 100 List.

Double Chocolate Granola Brownie Bites from Crazy Monkey Baking Chocolate lovers are raving about the new Double Chocolate Granola Brownie Bites from Crazy Monkey Baking. According to Matt Figley, VP Sales, “This new recipe produces a deep, rich chocolate flavor with a softer texture than our current granola bites.”

In addition to great taste, the Granola Brownie Bites are vegan, are made with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors and offer 17g whole grain per 30g serving.

Crazy Monkey Granola Bites are the perfect combination of granola and cookie

Naturally Sweet, 100% Pure California Honey True Gold Honey is a California pure raw honey company, owned by mother-son duo Sarah and Tyler Sample. The family beekeeping business has flourished for four generations. They harvest the honey by hand to keep it as raw and pure as possible, using sustainable practices to reduce waste. True Gold donated 1% of sales to families impacted by disability. It cares about the community and works to provide the best quality honey available.

True Gold Honey carries a line of distinctive, highly sought after honeys, consisting of five amazing Signature Varieties from the California Flowers: Avocado Honey, Coastal

Mountain Sage Honey, Orange Blossom Honey, Summer Valley Flowers Honey and Wild Buckwheat Honey. All five Signature honeys are available year round. In addition, True Gold Honey currently offers three Special Reserve honeys: California Wildflower Honey, Morro Bay Wildflower Honey, and Good Food award winning Pozo Wildflower Honey.

True Gold Honey’s best selling sampler, the Discovery Flight, is a fantastic compilation of the five Signature Varieties. Balanced in a short stack of 3oz jars stored neatly in a clear tube, the essence of each honey shines through in a beautiful range of colors. This

Heinz, Aldrin Space Institute Create Martian Tomato Ketchup Heinz partnered with astrobiologists to discover how to grow premium-quality ketchup tomatoes in harsh environmental conditions, such as those found on Mars. The brand unveiled its first bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup Marz Edition, made with tomatoes grown by recreating similar soil, temperature and water conditions on Earth to those found on the Red Planet.

Through a collaboration with a 14-person astrobiology team over nine months at the Aldrin Space Institute at Florida Tech, Heinz simulated growing tomatoes on Mars. The team successfully yielded a crop of Heinz tomatoes, from the brand’s proprietary tomato seeds, with the exacting qualities that

pass the rigorous quality and taste standards to become its iconic ketchup.

Two years ago, Heinz and its Tomato Masters set out to successfully launch the firstof-its-kind experiment that has become one of the largest projects of its kind related to Mars ever conducted. Experts in analyzing difficult soil conditions, picking the perfect seeds and implementing world-leading agricultural techniques played a crucial role in ensuring the taste of Heinz Tomato Ketchup.

Although Heinz Tomato Ketchup Marz Edition bottles are not available for purchase, a batch of out-of-this-world ketchup was unveiled at Heinz HQ, where the experimental sauce has undergone rigorous quality testing

The company recently announced an expansion at its SQF certified production facility in Pompano Beach, Florida, adding 50,000 square feet to now total 125,000 square feet. The impressive space includes a design department, research and development kitchen with full-time chef-inresidence, business offices and a product showroom. More high-speed production lines are being added to the current lines, increasing production from 40,000 to 100,000 units per day.

A woman-owned, family-run business, The Spice Lab takes great pride in being one of the world’s premier suppliers of custom seasoning blends. Its extensive product line includes top-quality salts, award-winning seasonings and rubs, premium organic and have become the go-to alternative for healthier on-the-go snacking.

Twelve incredibly delicious flavors are available in 7.5oz resealable and 2oz single serve bags.

Unlike loose granola, these bitesized pieces are great for in-the-car or on-the-go snacks as well as breakfasts and desserts.

Crazy Monkey Baking is owned

by Primary Colors Design Corp which is

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spices, peppercorns, Himalayan salt shot glasses, drink rimmers and a wide variety of corporate gifts.

They also provide private label for regional and national brands and for high-profile clients such as Curtis Stone and Wolfgang Puck.

The Spice Lab is USDA Organic certified for packaging organic spices.

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

For more information, visit booth #3704, go to www.spices.com or contact Gary Oliver, National Sales Manager, at sales@thespicelab.com.

based in Ashland Ohio.

Primary Colors brings a wide range of cookies, candy and snacks to retailers across the U.S.

For more information, visit booth #2752, call 419.903.0403 x1213, go to www.primary colorscorp.com or email mfigley@primarycolorscorp.com. ifornia Food Expo. True Gold Honey’s first Special Reserve won a Good Food Award in 2020.

Award winning True Gold Honey comes in five Signature Varieties (Orange, Avocado, Wild Buckwheat, Summer Valley Flowers, Coastal Mountain Sage), as well as the three Special Reserve Varieties (California Wildflower, Pozo Wildflower, Morro Bay Wildflower). Available in 6, 12 and 42 ounce jars as well as the always popular Discovery Flight.

product is the perfect way for customers to try the Signature line and choose their favorites for future purchases.

True Gold Honey is grateful to have its honey and company recognized for its quality. In 2017, Wild Buckwheat Honey won 1st place in the California Honey Festival. True Gold Honey has partnered with the Rolls Royce Owners Club, the George Lopez Foundation, and Doris Bergman gift suites. Its honey has been selected for inclusion in the MTV video and music award gift bags. True Gold Honey was awarded Best California Honey Company 2019 in the Lux Life Food and Drink Awards. The Discovery Flight placed third in the Buyers Choice awards at the 2019 Cal-

For more information, visit booth #3617, go to www.truegoldhoney.com or email info@truegoldhoney.com.

to get the green light to become certified bottles of Heinz Tomato Ketchup.

The team at the Aldrin Space Institute, led by Dr. Andrew Palmer, has submitted the first of three papers for scientific publication that charts the mission.

“Before now, most efforts around discovering ways to grow in Martian-simulated conditions are short-term plant growth studies,” Palmer said. “What this project has done is look at long-term food harvesting.

Achieving a crop that is of a quality to become Heinz Tomato Ketchup was the dream result and we achieved it. And working with the Tomato Masters at Heinz has allowed us to see what the possibilities are for long-term

food production beyond Earth.”

Heinz Tomato Ketchup has already made it beyond Earth into the solar system and has been enjoyed by astronauts aboard the International Space Station for many years, including former NASA astronaut and professor of mechanical engineering Mike Massimino, who serves as an ambassador of Heinz Tomato Ketchup Marz Edition.

In addition to studying how to grow tomatoes in Mars-like conditions, the Kraft Heinz Company continues to invest in its commitments to environmental social governance goals including using 100 percent sustainably sourced Heinz Ketchup tomatoes by 2025.

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Organic Wafers and Cookies from J&M Food 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 food to taste great. Janis & Melanie organics does just that. Made with

Researchers Develop Self-Pollinating, Tasty California Almond USDA’s Agricultural Research Service has developed a self-pollinating almond variety, Yorizane, that could be a game-changer for California’s $6 billion almond industry.

Yorizane was created with desirable consumer demands for size, color and flavor.

While self-fertile almonds aren’t new – the Tuono variety, originally from Spain, has been around for centuries – they lack characteristics that make California almonds popular with consumers. For instance,

Tunono’s outside seed coat has a hairy texture, unlike California’s quintessential almond variety, Nonpareil, said Yorizane’s breeder, research geneticist Craig A Ledbetter of the ARS Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research Unit in Parlier, California.

But Tuono is reliably self-pollinating, so Ledbetter used it as the pollen-donating parent when he began breeding a new almond in 1996, crossing it with California-adapted almond cultivars and selections.

Bumble Bee Seafoods Expands, Elevates Gourmet Tuna Line Bumble Bee Seafoods, the 120-year-old iconic household brand and category leader, is evolving the Bumble Bee Prime product line, formerly known as Prime Fillet. The updated Prime product line includes canned tuna and salmon products, as well as a new on-the-go snack kit format.

“The Bumble Bee Prime product line is designed to offer a premium experience that is accessible enough for every day,” said Jeanine Lewis, vice president of brand marketing. “Before we began the process of evolving this product line, we started by talking to thousands of consumers to ensure we could meet their changing needs. We’re con-

fident our upgraded Prime line will deliver the flavor, nutrition and variety consumers told us they are looking for.”

The new flavor-focused and convenienceoriented Bumble Bee Prime Protein on the Run snack kits are designed for a portable lunch or snack on the go or at home. Protein on the Run kits are available in three flavor combinations and feature wild-caught tuna.

Each kit offers a 2.7-ounce can of tuna infused with flavors in premium olive oil with an easy-peel lid, Partners artisanal crackers, a handy utensil and a sweet caramel treat to finish the meal – all in a convenient, popopen, easily recyclable box. The three mari-

Darrell Lea Chocolate Blocks and Balls Ranges Darrell Lea is proud to announce the arrival of chocolate blocks and balls ranges to the United States in the spring of 2022. These products – filled with yummy, crunchy, gooey, chewy bits – are here to bring a smile to your day. The block range will include the Traditional Rocklea Road milk chocolate

block, smooth and creamy plain milk chocolate block, milk chocolate peanut brittle block and last, but not least, milk chocolate caramel craving block. The balls range will include the milk chocolate chewy caramel balls and milk chocolate chewy raspberry balls.

Broadway Basketeers Bakery Box What better way to celebrate an occasion or holiday than to send a Broadway Basketeers Bakery Box that is filled to the brim with freshly baked gourmet treats? Each bakery gift is beautifully presented in a lovely gift basket, serving tray or gift box.

Once you have selected the perfect gift for your recipient, you can add your own personal touch to your bakery gift by customizing the message card. Each bakery gift includes a message card that can be personalized, allowing you to wish them well in

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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 award-winning market leader within the specialty foods in-

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

Eventually, Ledbetter created a crossbreed that became Yorizane, which has Tuono’s genes for self-fertility and almost all of the traits of Nonpareil, the most planted almond tree since its introduction in the 1880s, according to ARS. In 2019, the Almond Board of California tested more than 60 almond varieties from around the world for growth characteristics including ease of harvest and cracking, resistance to kernel damage, yield, bloom and harvest date as well as consumer attributes for aroma, shape, texture, taste and color.

Yorizane scored consistently near the top in almost every category, according to ARS. “One of the things you really notice,” said

Ledbetter, “is that, once roasted, Yorizane almonds have the audible crunch.”

Foundation Plant Services has made small amounts of Yorizane budwood available for research and breeding. The enthusiastic response from nurseries for Yorizane trees means growers can start adding them to orchards in 2022, according to ARS. Yorizane is the surname of the family that originally owned and raised stone fruit orchards on the 138 acres that became the ARS San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Services Center in 1991. The Center wanted to honor generations of Yorizanes who maintained the land by naming the innovative almond after them.

nated tuna flavor choices include Zesty Lemon, Black Pepper and Mild Jalapeño.

Each kit delivers between 16 to 17 grams of high-quality protein.

The Bumble Bee Prime line of gourmet canned tuna and salmon products has a sleek, new look created to better align with the hand-selected, premium seafood inside the can.

The Prime Solid White Albacore in Water is made from just three simple ingredients: firm, white, premium wild-caught albacore tuna; water; and sea salt. The new Prime Solid White Albacore in Olive Oil combines the benefits of albacore with the goodness of olive oil. Both products have 30 to 32 grams

of protein per serving.

The complete Prime canned product line also includes: Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water (Low Sodium), Tonno Yellowfin Solid Light Tuna in Olive Oil and Atlantic Skinless & Boneless Salmon in Water.

The Bumble Bee Prime line of gourmet canned tuna and salmon is available at most grocery retailers nationwide. Bumble Bee Prime Protein on the Run kits can be found at retailers including Albertsons, ACME, Brookshire Brothers, Food Market, Foodtown, Hannaford, Harris Teeter, Key Foods, Publix, Raley’s, Safeway, Schnucks, Southeastern Grocers and Woodman’s Markets.

dustry.

For more information about the new line of Janis & Melanie organic wafers and cookies, call 800.264.2278. J&M Foods will be happy to send you a sample pack of the new products and let you be 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.

The new chocolate ranges will be non-GMO, 100 percent palm oil free as well as 100 percent cocoa raw material that is sourced sustainably. Darrell Lea loves making chocolate. And now Darrell Lea is proud to partner with the Cocoa Horizons Foundation, sourcing sustainable cocoa for its entire range of chocolate goodies. Darrell Lea knew this had to change. In 2018, the company made the deci-

sion to source 100 percent sustainable cocoa. To do so, Darrell Lea turned to Cocoa Horizons, whose award-winning cocoa sustainability program creates real change. Since then, Darrell Lea has not looked back.

your own words.

At Broadway Basketeers, all the scrumptious bakery treats are made with premium and fresh ingredients. All items are freshly baked and individually sealed to ensure that they will arrive fresh and

ready to be indulged. In addition, the individually sealed items are safe to share with others.

For more information, email customerservice@darrelllea.com or go to www.darrelllea.com.

For more information, email support@bbbaskets.com, call 888.599.4438 or go to www.broadwaybasketeers.com.

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GOURMET NEWS

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Artisan Cheese from Marieke Gouda Marieke® Gouda is a Wisconsin based producer of artisan cheese. Expert, licensed cheesemaker, Marieke Penterman and her team, handcraft traditional Dutch Goudas based on authentic cheesemaking methods of Marieke’s homeland, the Netherlands. There is a certain complexity about raw milk cheese that you will notice immediately after that first bite, and then you know you are onto something good. The company has a passion for making artisan cheese, and you can taste it!

The team transforms farmstead-fresh, raw cow’s milk from the family farm in Wiscon-

sin into award-winning cheese every day.

Marieke Gouda believes that exceptional milk makes excellent cheese. It has its cows to thank for that! Marieke Gouda only uses fresh milk from its herd of cows to make its award-winning Gouda cheese, giving it complete quality control from start to finish. Pine planks in a temperature and humidity controlled aging room are utilized, and the cheese is aged for a minimum of 60 days all the way to 2 years. In Marieke Gouda's facility, the Gouda is cut to order, giving customers the best shelf life on the cut wedges.

Available in quarter wheels, random weight

Brothers All Natural Freeze-Dried Fruit Crisps Brothers All Natural has launched FreezeDried Fuji Apple and Mango Fruit Crisps in a large, shareable 1-ounce pouch. Fuji Apple Fruit Crisps are one of the company’s most popular flavors, while Mango is a new and long-awaited addition.

Fuji Apple and Mango Fruit Crisps are a convenient and fun way to eat fruit, making them the perfect anytime snack. The fruit is freeze-dried in a gentle dehydration process used for preservation of high-quality foods – keeping nutrients, flavor and texture intact.

Hero Bread Comes to Rescue of Carb-Watchers, Launches Sandwich Roll Hero Labs, Inc., a food tech company that recently raised more than $30 million to reinvent the global bread and baked goods industry, recently launched its first product, a sandwich roll that looks, smells and tastes just like traditional bread – but boasts a significantly improved nutritional profile.

Led by founder and CEO Cole Glass, Hero is backed by a roster of investors, including strategic venture capital firms, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, Kevin

Durant and Rich Kleiman’s Thirty Five Ventures, diamond-selling artist The Weeknd and multi-platinum artist Lil Baby.

Brady recently shared that Hero Bread sandwich rolls were available exclusively at Subway on his Instagram story. “I’m not the biggest bread guy, but there’s a new bread even I can eat,” he posted. “Now I’m pumped to get back to bread, all because of Hero. Truly unbelievable!”

Glass was born with severe food allergies

Nature’s Garden Probiotic-Enhanced Dried Fruits Cibo Vita, a leader in the functional snacks movement, recently launched its Nature’s Garden line of probiotic-enhanced dried fruits. Adding to its award-winning Probiotic Apricots, Nature’s Garden is expanding the probiotic-enhanced dried fruit line to include

Mixed Berries, Tart Cherries, Raisins, Cranberries, Dates and Prunes.

Many consumers are experiencing “pill fatigue” due to all the supplements that they feel they need to stay healthy in their quest for preventative health. They are looking for

wedges, and exact weight wedges.

Choose from a variety of Plain Gouda and an exclusive collection of Flavored Gouda.

Marieke Gouda is available in 23 flavors and the company is working on more! Marieke Gouda is excited to introduce four new Gouda flavors at the 2022 Winter Fancy Food Show, including: Horseradish, Horseradish with Cranberries, Holy Trinity, and Italian Herb (Pizza Gouda).

The company is also excited to share the natural goodness of Marieke Gouda in a flavorful buttery spread. New for 2022, Gouda

www

Also containing just 110 calories, one bag of Freeze-Dried Mango is equivalent to 1½ cups of fresh fruit.

The crisps are Kosher, nonGMO and free from peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy and gluten.

Bread sandwich rolls in Boise, Idaho; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Des Moines, Iowa; and Savannah, Georgia, through mid-December.

Each 6-inch standard serving size has 0g sugar, 1g net carb, 100 calories, 12g protein and 26g fiber.

Consumers across the country can visit Hero’s website, www.hero.co, to nominate a U.S. city for Subway to bring Hero Bread to next, as well as enter for a chance to win Hero Bread rolls and branded swag as part of the Hero Bread Launch Sweepstakes.

ways to get their nutritional and dietary supplement needs through their food.

Probiotic-enhanced dried fruits are a great, natural option to help them on their journey to self-care.

The Apricots are sold in a 40-ounce size; Tart Cherries in a 20-ounce size; and Dates, Prunes, Cranberries, Raisins and Mixed

Berries in 12-ounce sizes. The products contain between 100 and 140 calories and up to 3 grams of fiber per serving. They contain no fat, cholesterol, sodium or added sugar.

As 2021 ends, most employers find that the labor shortage continues and more customers want contactless packaging.

For fudge sales that don’t require extra help and voffer exceptional quality, Country Fresh Fudge 12-ounce and 6-ounce packages are the perfect solution for all types of retailers. The attractive packaging allows the consumer to see the fudge itself. Available in more than 80 amazing flavors that are made with only the finest of ingredients such as

to

For more information, visit booth #2744, go to www.mariekegouda.com or call 715.669.5230.

related to pollen and is unable to eat nutrient-dense staples including fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts, so he started eliminating carbs. As a bread lover allergic to most ingredients in non-traditional breads, Glass decided to create a better bread option.

“By offering a bread that promises the same great taste as traditional bread without the negative health consequences, we’re solving a larger problem and providing consumers with a golden ticket to eat the foods they love without sacrifice,” said Glass.

Hero partnered with Subway to offer Hero

The Brooklyn-based food startup Belgian Boys is partnering with Misfits Market to launch Upcycled Stroopwafel – available exclusively via the Misfits online marketplace. What is an upcycled stroopwafel, you say? Listen to Belgian Boys Co-founder Gregg Galel: “In the process of making the round cookie shape of the stroopwafel, there are delicious waffle pieces left behind. Typically about 3 percent of scraps are mixed back into the batter, but we upped the game to take more than four times the deli-

go

Spreads come in three of its most popular Gouda flavors: Belegen, Honey Clover, and Black Pepper Mix. By combining all Marieke Gouda's best qualities, it can ensure that each piece of Gouda you taste will be unlike any cheese experience you have had. Share it with friends and family to create memories that encompass more than just food. It is all Gouda!

For more information, go to www.brothersinternational.com and www.brothersallnatural.com.

Country Fresh Fudge

For more information, .belgianboys.com.

FEBRUARY 2022

The light and deliciously crispy fruits go great in recipes, lunchboxes or simply as a tasty snack on the go.

One bag of Freeze-Dried Fuji Apple Fruit Crisps is equivalent to 2⅔ cups of fresh fruit, more than the full amount of fruit advised to consume per day, with just 110 calories.

Belgian Boys’ Upcycled Stroopwafel cious leftovers and minimize food waste as much as possible.”

The Stroopwafel is one of Belgian Boys’ best-selling treats. Like the original, the Upcycled Stroopwafel is made with premium nonGMO ingredients and is Kosher certified, nut free and free from high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

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For more information, email burcu@ cibovita.com or go to www.naturesgarden.net.

Belgian chocolate, AA grade butter, sweet cream, cane sugar and Dutch cocoa. Country Fresh Fudge is also available in keto friendly, sugar-free flavors. Low-cost private labeling is also available for those looking to make it their own. All containers have a 9-month shelf life; 12ounce trays are packed eight per case, while 6-ounce trays are packed just 12 per case.

For more information, call 800.545.8782, email info@countryfreshfood.com or go to www.countryfreshfood.com.

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GOURMET NEWS

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New Year, New Products from Stonewall Kitchen Ring in 2022 with a fresh lineup of items from Stonewall Kitchen’s exceptional family of brands. Filled with delicious specialty foods and fine home goods, this launch features innovative flavors and fragrances that are sure to excite and delight.

First on the list is a dynamic duo that’s got a little bit of everything—literally! Stonewall Kitchen’s Everything Dressing and Everything Blend join their best-selling Everything Aioli, which debuted last January to rave reviews and a gold sofi™ award. Boasting a crunchy mix of black sesame seeds, dried

onions, dried garlic and more, these two new additions are wonderful for accentuating salads and avocado toast alike.

Also here to spice things up are Urban Accent’s Hot Cha Cha, Herbalicious and Really Cheezy Pizza Seasonings. This trio includes premium ingredients like Parmesan, paprika and garlic that are perfect for adding some pizzaz to a homemade pie or doctoring up a takeout slice. Customers can even mix these with melted butter to create unique dips for dunking crusts.

The Italian theme continues with Monte-

today’s busy consumer! The new Sauce Starters will let you be the chef, add a little or a lot. Don’t stop there-stir into rice, potatoes, soups, or roasts. The Italian cooking base can add flavor that pulls dinner together quickly. Each 8oz squeeze pouch is available in three delicious flavors; Tuscan Garden, Tomato & Pepper, and Tomato Basil. Each flavor is gluten free, vegan, and made with real vegetables.

Bella Sun Luci’s Sun Dried Tomato Shakers Seasoning Blend packs a big flavor! Perfect for brightening up chicken or veggies, this all-purpose blend features real sun dried tomato powder, garlic, and onion. Just shake

or rub this sweet and savory seasoning over your ingredients and turn up the heat! Designed to stand out from traditional Italian Seasoning with ingredients that give your protein, vegetables or pizzas a caramelized finish.

Bella Sun Luci adds an Italian Style Risotto made with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt to the Italian Kitchen lineup. This ready to heat and eat rice is available in a 6pk case with an eye-catching color tray. The fluffy rice makes everyday meals healthier, easier and more affordable to serve delicious meals! The fully cooked risotto style rice is ready in just 90 seconds; simply add your fa-

SoBar helps slow your buzz – making it easier to coast evenly at a pleasant tipsy feeling, rather than getting groggy and out-of-it all too soon.

SoBar has won numerous industry awards for its flavor. SoBar is sweetened with sugars found in nature, including the low-caloric sugar Allulose, with no high intensity/artifi-

cial sweeteners. SoBar has a great natural taste as well as a strong nutritional profile.

Gluten free and offered in three delicious flavors – Caramel Macchiato, Honey Peanut and White Chocolate Almond – everyone can find something they enjoy. The all-in-one convenient 130-calorie, protein-

Bella Sun Luci’s Italian Kitchen Line Bella Sun Luci is showcasing its new Italian Kitchen line of Sauce Starters, Sun Dried Tomato Seasoning, and Risotto Style Rice Pouch at the 2021 Winter Fancy Food Show.

The full line will be on display at booth #3435. The new line pushes the innovation of chef quality meals made right in your own home without sacrificing time or flavor!

Whether you are a beginner cook or qualified chef, Bella Sun Luci’s New Italian Kitchen Sauce Starters bring that gourmet Italian scratch cooked flavor to your meal in minutes! The slow simmered cooking base is conveniently packed in a resealable squeeze pouch for added convenience for

SoBar SoBar, an innovative protein bar brand, launches a game-changer for drinking smarter with a range of bars that help reduce alcohol absorption and improve the drinking experience.

When eaten just before drinking, SoBars will reduce the intensity that an alcoholic drink can have on your system. Simply put:

Spread-mmms Artisanal Spreads Spread-mmms is a line of small batch, artisanal olive tapenade and savory spreads that are handcrafted in New York City. They are used as flavorful appetizers, cheese pairings, sandwich spreads and flavor enhancements to the users’ own recipes.

The Olive Tapenade with Beldi Olives, Gar-

lic & Rosemary and Orange Marmalade with Olives, Garlic & Thyme (a.k.a. Mischievous Marmalade) are plant based (vegan friendly) and come in recyclable containers (recycling rules, of course, vary by community). They are available in select specialty shops (including Saxelby Cheesemongers, Kalustyans, Mekel-

Silverland Bakery Retail Ready Brownies, Bars Founded by Iranian American entrepreneur Athena Uslander in 1983, Silverland Bakery began with a family recipe for a double chocolate brownie and a gap in the market for wholesale brownies. Mission accomplished and more. New in 2021 is Silverland Bakery’s retail ready program with

bello’s authentically crafted Lasagne. Made in northern Italy by skilled artisans using old-world techniques, these organic semolina pasta sheets bake up to the ideal texture without any need to parboil. Customers are sure to love the al dente bite they bring to meat and vegetarian versions of this comfort food classic.

Want more? From a tropical drink mixer to a line of Mediterranean-inspired feta spreads to a creamy mustard-infused seafood

single serve, 4-ounce brownies or bakery bars in a clear clam shell. As with all of the Silverland products, they’re all natural and nonGMO. Available private label or branded, they include a UPC, ingredients and nutritionals.

For more information, call 708.488.0800 or go to www.silverland bakery.com.

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sauce, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.

And the kitchen isn’t the only place where fun can be had: Stonewall Home and Village Candle now offer items like candle trivets, match cloches, room sprays and reed diffusers that are sure to make any space cozy and bright. All in all, it’s a launch that delivers lots of new ways for customers to elevate their everyday lives.

For more information, visit booth #1920.

vorite toppings for a quick and flavorful dish!

Bella Sun Luci is a brand of Mooney Farms - a third generation family business located 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 #3435, email sales@mooneyfarms.com, go to www.bellasunluci.com, or follow @BellaSun Luci on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. packed bar is filling enough for athletes, people on the go and even kids.

The next time you have a wedding to attend, a long day followed by happy hour or are just hungry, make sure you have a SoBar on hand.

For more information, .getsobars.com.

burg’s, etc.), mostly in New York, select cities and online. The tapenade is also available as an item in the Cheese & Savory Gift Crate through WilliamsSonoma.

Spread-mmms just launched its Starter Set, a mixed case of olive tape-

go

to

www

nade and savory orange marmalade.

This Starter Set is an easy way to offer a little bit of sass to cheese and charcuterie boards, without taking up much shelf or fridge space.

For more information, email rebecca@spread-mmms.com, call 917.727.8116 or go to www.spread-mmms.com.

Flax4Life Muffins About a decade ago, when several members of a Bellingham, Washington, family became ill with what was eventually diagnosed as celiac disease or gluten intolerance, the idea arose to turn the family’s baking business into one that produced flax-based, glutenfree products.

With four generations of baking in the family,

taste

was

also paramount. Soon, Flax4Life was creating healthy products with allnatural ingredients that taste delicious.

Flax4Life makes granola, cookies, brownies and muffins – with blueberry as the best-selling muffin.

For more information, call 877.352.9487 or go to www.flax4life.net.

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GOURMET NEWS

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Spiceology Nails Deal at Ace Hardware, Elevating Barbecue, Grilling Sections Hammers and nails and spices, oh my!

Spiceology Inc. has partnered with Ace Hardware so retailers can carry the premium spice company’s full line of signature blends and collaboration products. In the first 30 days after the launch, more than 400 franchises stocked their shelves with Spiceology, according to Spiceology.

The entire 23 item Spiceology planogram

can be ordered through the Ace Retail Service Center.

In the last five years, Ace has seen a 36 percent growth in barbecue, and expects to see this trend continue.

“We want to provide our customers with everything they need to make their homes a better place,” said Paige Roszkowski, BBQ fuel & accessories associate merchant. “We

Lightlife Expands Distribution at Walmart Greenleaf Foods, SPC, has expanded distribution of its plant-based burgers, breakfast links and patties in its Lightlife and Field Roast brands into Walmart locations nationwide.

The links and patties are sold in the refrigerated breakfast meat section, the first time Walmart has offered a plant-based option in that area of the store. Lightlife Plant-Based Burger is available in the

frozen aisle.

“Flexitarian consumers continue to drive growth in the plant-based category, and we’re excited to expand our partnership with Walmart to make delicious, simple plant-based products even more accessible,” said Dan Curtin, president of Greenleaf Foods, SPC. “Our Plant-Based Burger and breakfast items are part of Lightlife’s commitment to providing people with

Irish Dairy Co-op Acquires Leading U.S. Cheese Business Whitehall Specialties Irish dairy cooperative Ornua has completed the acquisition of U.S. cheese ingredients business Whitehall Specialties Inc. for an undisclosed sum from Mason Wells, a private equity firm. The acquisition com-

plements Ornua’s U.S. ingredients division, Ornua Ingredients North America, which is central to Ornua’s long-term growth strategy in the U.S. cheese ingredients market.

Rumi Spice Launches 6 Spices, Spice Blends in Whole Foods Nationwide This fall, Rumi Spice added three spices and three spice blends to Whole Foods Market shelves nationwide, with consumers now able to choose from 11 premium and socially responsible spices and spice blends ethically sourced from Afghanistan.

The six new products are Wild Black Cumin (Whole Seed), Herati Coriander, Wild Foraged Fennel, Ras el Hanout, Za’atar and Harissa.

The hand-harvested Wild Black Cumin is grown along the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountains, with a flavor profile unique to the Middle East. While cumin is a staple spice globally, Rumi Spice’s Wild Black Cumin exhibits a sharp earthy and piney aroma. Its flavor profile is the perfect complement for roasted vegetables, soups and chicken dishes.

Farmed in the Herat region, Herati Corian-

der yields a complex but delicately sweet flavor with hints of pepper and mint along with the classic touch of citrus. Due to its ability to pair with both sweet and savory dishes, Rumi Spice’s Herati Coriander can be used in everything from roasts to rice and soup to steak.

Originally native to the Mediterranean, Wild Foraged Fennel is grown in the rugged outskirts of the Herat region. Local foragers carefully and meticulously gather the spice during the summer harvest. Fennel is a staple in multiple global cuisines due to its slightly sweet profile and versatility. Fennel can be enjoyed in homemade sausage or Rumi Spice’s original Fen & Tonic cocktail, a spin on the classic gin and tonic.

Ras el Hanout is a Tunisian-inspired warm spice blend that is an essential ingredient in tagine dishes. An all-around versatile prod-

NakaNoodle: Plant-Based, Versatile Noodles NakaNoodle is a tasty, gluten free, lower calorie, lower carb, zero guilt alternative to conventional pasta, noodles & rice. Simply heat and get creative.

The line includes three different varieties: Fettuccine, Rice Style and Ramen. Each item is plant-based, vegan, non-GMO and keto friendly.

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are not just a hardware store anymore, and we’ve reworked our focus internally to give growing sections of the business the deserved attention, including our grilling sections.”

In 2020, Ace attracted younger shoppers, more new home buyers and more women than ever before, said CEO Kim Lefko.

While Ace carries other grilling spice blends, the addition of Spiceology’s blends highlights the company’s expansion from the grill

to the kitchen.

Spiceology’s products are made with Grade A ingredients and are versatile for whatever consumers are grilling, cooking or creating. Spiceology’s flavor experts develop innovative and easy-to-use blends and recipes, empowering Ace customers to go from home cook to home chef with just a few tablespoons.

“We’re changing the way people eat and experience flavor,” said Maria EmmerAanes, vice president of retail and grocery at Spiceology.

plant-based options that taste great and are made with cleaner, more recognizable ingredients.”

Lightlife Plant-Based Breakfast Links and Plant-Based Breakfast Patties offer the same taste and texture as traditional breakfast sausages with less saturated fat and 10g and 11g of protein per serving, respectively, according to Curtin. Lightlife links and patties are gluten free, soy free, and non-GMO. The Lightlife burger is made with 11 simple ingredients, fewer than leading competitive plant-based burgers. Made with pea protein, Lightlife’s burger is gluten free and

non-GMO, with 45% less saturated fat than the leading beef burger patty.

Lightlife has grown this year, with products available at more than 22,000 retailers nationwide and new first-to-market innovation items including Plant-Based Chicken Tenders and Plant-Based Chicken Fillets.

In addition to Lightlife Plant-Based Burgers and breakfast sausages, Walmart offers Lightlife Original Tempeh and Lightlife Smart Dogs, America’s top-selling plantbased hot dog.

Greenleaf Foods, SPC, is a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of Maple Leaf Foods, Inc.

OINA is a leading provider of customized functional cheese solutions for U.S. food manufacturing and foodservice customers.

The acquisition significantly increases OINA’s position in the U.S. cheese ingredients market, expanding its production footprint to six well-invested facilities across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. The transaction unlocks significant

advanced capacity and flexibility to support its existing and new customers’ growth plans.

Outside of the cheese ingredients sector, Ornua is a leading supplier in the U.S. consumer market with its flagship brand, Kerrygold. Kerrygold, Ireland’s only €1 billion food brand, is the number two butter brand in the United States and sells 10 million packs each week globally.

uct in any kitchen, Ras el Hanout has an earthy flavor with an unexpected spicy kick, making it the perfect blend for stews, dips, and rubs for meat and fish.

The tangy and nutty Levantine-inspired Za’atar is an herb-based Middle Eastern spice mix often used as a topping for hummus or as a dip with olive oil. However, the blend can be incorporated into many other dishes, including savory roasted vegetables or herbaceous chickpea salad, and is a delicious fish, poultry or meat seasoning.

Harissa spice blend can be combined with oil to make a paste or used as a rub on meat and fish. The paste, which originates in Tunisia, is sure to elevate any dish with a spicy kick of flavor. Harissa is also perfect for shakshuka or roasted carrots.

Rumi Spice also launched two spice blends online: Garam Masala spice blend

and Cajun spice blend.

Garam Masala spice blend is both sweet and savory. Combining three of Rumi Spice’s Whole Seeds (Wild Foraged Fennel, Wild Black Cumin and Coriander) with a variety of flavorful spices, Garam Masala can be used in soups, stews, sauces and as a dry rub or seasoning in both meat and vegetarian dishes. A South Asian mainstay, Garam Masala is frequently used for cooking curries and lentils.

Cajun spice blend is hot, smokey and salt free. Delicious on both meat and roasted vegetables, Cajun spice blend helps to turn up the heat in the kitchen. It can also be combined with canola oil or Greek yogurt for a delicious coating or dip, respectively.

Since its founding in 2015, Rumi Spice has strived to further the agricultural and economic development of Afghanistan by empowering Afghan farmers, supporting Afghan women through direct wages and reinvesting in the country’s agricultural and manufacturing infrastructure.

NakaNoodle is the only brand in this category with products that, through a propriety process, have a superior texture profile, do not need to be drained before use and are ready-to-heat.

Simply tear a notch in the bag and place in

the microwave for 90 seconds. Add your favorite ingredients and enjoy. The possibilities are endless!

For more information, visit booth #1315, call 516.222.6220 or go to www.nakanoodles.com.

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GOURMET NEWS

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Semolina Introduces First-to-Market Upcycled Pasta for Consumers, Chefs ReGrained has launched a premium pasta product by Semolina Artisanal Pasta featuring the California company’s flagship upcycled flour ingredient, SuperGrain+. The pasta, which is available to consumers and foodservice operators, is the latest food maker collaboration for ReGrained’s food in-

novation platform, Upcycled Food Lab. The upcycled pasta, strozzapreti, is a natural complement to the current Semolina Artisanal Pasta product lineup and strengthens its commitment to sustainably sourced ingredients.

Versions of strozzapreti have long been

Watcharee’s Thai Sauces Watcharee’s, a leading national brand of authentic, ready-to-eat Thai sauces, has entered into a partnership with Stop & Shop to sell its premium quality products in 400 stores across the Northeast. Created by Watcharee Limanon, a recognized Thai culinary artist from Bangkok, Watcharee’s sauces embody Thai regional traditions

with their diverse cultural influences. All sauces are manufactured from fresh, traditional ingredients, including aromatic herbs and spices, rich coconut milk and tangy tamarind.

Items available at Stop & Shop include the best-selling peanut sauce and pad Thai sauce, as well as Thai red curry and Thai coconut

Pomi (Cont’d. from p. 1)

thanks to the control of the entire product value chain.

Its tomatoes are grown from selected seeds cultivated by members of Casalasco Società Agricola SPA on over 7,000 hectares between Cremona, Parma, Mantua and Piacenza, in Northern Italy. Fields are located at an average distance of 30 miles from processing establishments to guarantee the freshest quality.

Pomi tomatoes are 100% Italian, culti-

Watcharee’s sauces are available in both multi-use jars and easy pour pouches.

All Watcharee’s products are non-GMO verified, plant based, gluten free and vegan with no artificial preservatives or other additives.

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

all new food ingredients entering the European markets since May 1997. The EFSA panel’s scientific opinion was published in the EFSA Journal.

Eat Just collaborated with analyze & realize GmbH, a leading regulatory consulting agency specialized in natural health products, on the novel food dossier compilation and EFSA submission. The company is also actively engaging with the United King-

dom’s Food Standards Agency on a regulatory path to market.

Recent launches in South Africa and South Korea have added to the brand’s growing international presence, which also includes Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore and China.

Studies have shown European consumers are increasingly hungry for plant-based products and the egg category is one of the biggest areas of opportunity. According to Nielsen data, European retail sales of plantbased foods reached €3.6 billion in 2020 – 28 percent higher than 2019 and 49 percent higher than 2018. A 2020 report by ProVeg International said stand-alone egg alterna-

tives such as JUST Egg represent a major market opportunity due to versatility, breadth of function and frequency of consumption.

Government programs such as the European Commission’s Farm to Fork strategy, first published in May 2020, have also advocated for a healthier and more environmentally sustainable food system. Industry groups including the European Alliance for Plant-Based Foods have called upon the Commission, European Parliament and member states in the Council of the EU to enable the plant-based food sector to grow and contribute to tackling climate change, public health and other issues.

vated to respect the environment. Packaging takes place within 24 hours from the harvest, and thanks to experience in aseptic production, Pomi is able to offer consumers maximum freshness.

Pomi is not simply a brand or the image of a company. Pomi is a container of stories told by those who work diligently every day to grow tomatoes of the highest quality and to deliver the most delicious products.

“We want to expand our leadership in the imported tomatoes category, guaranteeing the highest quality, safety, and au-

thenticity. Our wishes are to satisfy every palate, enabling consumers in all communities to make their own culinary creations with a simple, healthy, and versatile product," declares Cristiano Villani, Pomi USA CEO. Pomi will continue introducing new products and line extensions that will keep the innovation sector of its business expanding.

The new tomato products with a hint of flavor are products for a new category, in a convenient size (13.8oz), in recyclable pack-

aging, easy to open and resealable. They are ideal to use as ingredient in recipes or single use. They are BFA free, Non-GMO Verified, and sustainable, both raw materials and packaging.

Pomi is also going out of the box. The company went beyond the iconic brick packaging to offer organic and conventional tomatoes, paste and juice in cans, jars and tubes.

with what is believed to be the world’s largest sampling – asking everyone on Earth to try its range of premium licorice for free.

Lakrids By Bülow’s collection includes gourmet pure licorice in a range of flavors, including sweet, salty and spicy as well as

Country Archer Provisions Death Reaper Jerky Made in small batches with Carolina reaper chiles (said to be the world’s hottest pepper at 2 million Scoville heat units) and grassfed meat, Country Archer Provisions has launched a limited-edition Death Reaper jerky. Each 1-ounce bag comes with a warning label and glove. Death Reaper Beef Jerky

three times the fiber of traditional whole grain flours.

“Flavor and texture are everything to me, and I just love the nutty, toasted flavor that SuperGrain+ adds without compromising toothiness,” says Leah Ferrazzani, founder and chief pastaia at Semolina Artisanal Pasta. “I’m excited to offer this new pasta in my product range.”

The new pasta became available for wholesale (retail, foodservice) customers and direct-to-consumer purchase in October.

With only one licorice machine and plenty of passion, the brand is determined to make the impossible possible.

To get yours, add your email address (or someone else’s, since the company wants people to #ShareItWithAHater) to www .wemaketheworldloveliquorice.com and wait (patiently!) for your sample to arrive – after all, the company has only one licorice machine.

The sampling campaign began in October.

JUST Egg’s Key Ingredient Gets European Safety Approval U.S.-based Eat Just, Inc., announced that the European Food Safety Authority’s expert panel on nutrition approved the key ingredient in its popular plant-based JUST Egg products, paving the way for the launch of JUST Egg in Europe in mid-2022 after the European Commission concludes its review.

Eat Just’s mung bean protein has become the first novel legume protein to be deemed safe under the organization that has governed

curry, which are relative newcomers to the line.

The red curry sauce, which is a mainstay in southern Thailand, is bursting with turmeric, while the coconut curry sauce, known as khao soi, is a rich and comforting noodle soup from northern Thailand.

FEBRUARY 2022

the best-selling chocolate-coated licorice.

The record-breaking attempt to sample everyone worldwide is Lakrids By Bülow’s mission to make the world love licorice, one piece at a time. Encouraging people to share licorice with a hater, Lakrids By Bülow wants to get the handcrafted sweets into the hands of every consumer across the globe.

According to calculations, it will take 412 years and 292 days to complete this ambitious endeavor.

Danish Confectioner Wants to Share Licorice Worldwide – Literally What specialty food brand doesn’t want everyone in the world to sample its product?

One Danish company has taken that ambition literally.

Lakrids By Bülow announced it wants to change consumers’ opinions about licorice

made across Italy using various flours available in a given region, even potatoes or stale bread. The scroll-like pasta is a contemporary twist on this tradition by blending the company’s signature durum semolina pasta with ReGrained SuperGrain+, a nutritious flour made from brewer’s spent grain from California breweries.

The upcycled strozzapreti boasts Semolina Artisanal Pasta’s toothy texture and malty flavor from SuperGrain+ while offering

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Green Mustache Plant-Based Snacks

is made with grass-fed and finished beef and has no soy, preservatives, MSG or nitrates/nitrites. Get ’em while they last on Country Archer’s website – if you dare.

For more information, .countryarcher.com.

For more information, go to www.pomi.us.com, call 732.541.4115, or email pomi@pomi.us.com.

go

to

www

Brooklyn-based Green Mustache is focused on creating innovative, delicious plant-based snacks. Inspired by a childhood classic, Mustache Munchies are baked “cheese” crackers updated to appeal to a broader demographic as they are also organic, gluten free, vegan and made with clean, healthy ingredients. In keeping with

the company’s belief that healthy foods can be delicious and fun, the crackers are also formed in a whimsical handlebar mustache shape – making it hard not to play with your food!

For more information, go to www.get greenmustache.com.

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GOURMET NEWS

Swamp Dragon (Cont’d. from p. 1)

sauces. Other shelf-stable hot sauces rely on acetic acid (vinegar) as a preservative. But vinegar’s sour overpowering flavor and aroma put Beeson off.

After two years of market research, Beeson Vegky (Cont’d. from p. 1)

college days. He had a hard time finding a meat substitute with the tenderness and umami of real meat. He found a type of jerky made from shiitake mushrooms to eat in place of meat on his dinner plate and a snack Lioni Latticini (Cont’d. from p. 1)

award-winning burrata. This ever-popular fresh cheese is artfully crafted out of delicate shreds of pasta filata mozzarella and the finest authentic Italian cream.

More than a spread, this luxurious cheese is traditionally used atop pizzas, folded into Las Olas (Cont’d. from p. 1)

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 customers 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 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™ Chukar Cherries (Cont’d. from p. 1)

PM: In the mid-’80s, our young family moved from Seattle to a large cherry orchard in the fruit lands of south-central Washington. Morning walks around the 100-acre orchard with my three young daughters in tow were peaceful. After June’s cherry harvest, the walks became sweeter as we gobbled up the leftover fruits slowly drying on the branch. Tree-ripening enhanced the flavor and acted as a natural preservative, causing us to wonder if cherries could be dried without commercial preservatives. After much research, we found out that the sun’s natural process of preservation was enough.

In 1988, we launched Chukar Cherries with these core values at the forefront: Chukar’s fruitful snacks, confections, and food gifts would be known for premium ingredients sourced regionally or domestically, minimal sugar, no preservatives, and environmental stewardship.

Chukar’s branding is a Northwest version of an English botanical garden. Serendipitously, I met Washington illustrator Jim Hays, now a dear friend, who penned the Chukar bird in our logo as well as a library of fruit, nut, blossom, and wildlife illustrations.

GN: Why become a product manufacturer instead of using a co-packer?

PM: We committed to in-house manufacturing to ensure product quality and control every step of the process, from new product

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found that no other sauces are based in liquor.

Many are infused or flavored with liquor, but none of these sauces contain alcohol, which is a critical preservative without vinegar. So Beeson fundamentally reimagined hot sauce – and Swamp Dragon was born.

Swamp Dragon’s Bourbon Hot Sauce

in between meals to curb his hunger.

It hit the spot and he was able to give up meat completely. Unlike other mushroom jerkies (made from the cap) that are rubbery and chewy, these are made from the stem of shiitake mushrooms and are meaty.

The texture even has meat jerky lovers

seasonal salads and added to a favorite pasta dish. Lioni Stracciatella elevates the simplest dishes into sophisticated and elegant culinary presentations.

The sleek retail packaging reflects the product’s Italian authenticity and distinct taste.

Lioni looks forward to seeing this new addition to their premium line on all of its retail

works great in gumbo and red beans and rice.

The Tequila Hot Sauce is a perfect compliment to Latin cuisine. Beeson has drizzled Rum Dragon over gingersnap cookies and vanilla ice cream, and the anise-tinged Ouzo Dragon works well on everything from pho to sushi rice to baklava.

fooled. They’re bursting with umami and tenderness of meat, but without the cholesterol and contains 12 grams of fiber per 70 gram bag.

Hong brought Vegky, a delicious vegan snack with five flavors (Original, Spicy, Pepper, Curry and Wasabi) from his homeland

partners’ shelves.

According to Salvatore Salzarulo, founder and head of production at Lioni, “Stracciatella is the ideal extension to our retail product line. It is a tremendous opportunity to bring Lioni’s adored specialty cheese currently found in restaurants and foodservice direct to consumer.”

Product of Year and 2017 MINPA awardwinning 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 products across our brands.

for over 30 years and it has developed a cultlike 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 coconut) and Money on Honey Dark Chocolate French Sea Salt (a unique clean caramel made with wildflower honey, instead of corn syrup).

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

GP: Our largest category of co-manufacturing/private label is currently salt-water taffy;

GN: What are some of your most popular products?

innovation to production, fulfillment, inventory, and supply chain management. The cherry on top? Community building and creating good jobs in our rural community is gratifying.

To start, we built a prototype fruit dehydrator featuring swirling warm air in a rotating carousel. It worked well and dehydrating local cherries, berries, and apple slices under the Chukar® brand followed.

GN: How did Chukar brand products evolve?

PM: First, we perfected our three foundational fruits—no sugar added dried Bing, Rainier, and Montmorency Tart cherries.

Consumers and resellers searching for no sugar added fruits and snacks found Chukar and requested more. We responded by developing no sugar added energy snacks—dried cherries matched with roasted nuts sourced from CA family farms.

In the mid-’90s we reached out to Guittard Chocolate in Burlingame, CA. CEO Gary Guittard was leading a major automation upgrade and their old-world panning kettles were available. I flew to California and purchased the kettles. The Chukar team developed signature blends of premium Guittard pastry chocolate to layer over our cherry varietals: naturally sweet Bing and Rainiers and sour cherry varietals. Authentic Northwest chocolate-covered cherries were born.

To this day, Guittard is an inspiration, valued supplier, and source of support to Chukar.

GN: You mentioned you co-manufacture for national brands and private label as well.

Can you tell our readers about that side of the business?

GN: Can you describe Chukar’s sales channels?

PM: Chukar is a vertically integrated, multichannel manufacturer with revenues primarily from direct-to-consumer sales channels.

In 2021, consumer-direct channels contributed more than 70% of overall sales revenue.

The company’s primary focus is building the Chukar brand and fostering customer loyalty in direct channels: www.chukar.com, mail-order catalogs, and the two company retail stores in Seattle’s Pike Place Market and Washington wine country adjacent to Chukar’s factory headquarters.

Historically Chukar has operated a wholesale division sans distribution and limited to specialty retailers and tourist locales. That said, Chukar is positioning for wholesale market growth utilizing targeted product development.

GN: When did Chukar join the Specialty Food Association?

PM: Initially named Chukar Fruit Inc., Chukar joined the Specialty Food Association in the early ‘90s with one product, no sugar added dried Bing cherries. Chukar’s industry awards include Outstanding Product Line, Outstanding Specialty Condiment and a 2021 Good Food Award Finalist honor.

Chukar Cherries is #13 on the trade show space draw!

The Chukar brand is highly regarded for

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Founded in 2017, Swamp Dragon won eight various hot sauce awards that year, and many subsequent awards.

For more information, email matt@swamp dragonhotsauce.com or go to www.swamp dragonhotsauce.com.

of Taiwan, and it has steadily grown in the U.S. market and abroad.

Vegky is redesigning its package and releasing a new flavor, Smoky BBQ, which will hit the market in January.

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

Stracciatella Panna di latte has a shelf life of 21 days from date of manufacture and is available in six 1-pound cups for retail and two 5-pound tubs for foodservice.

For more information, email lori@lioni mozzarella.com, call 908.686.6061 or go to www.lionimozzarella.com.

this is also the category with the most room for growth. Our salt-water taffy production had more than doubled 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 #4101, go to www.lasolasbrands.com or call 800.329.7100.

its unique cherry specialties, energy snacks, chocolates, and extraordinary food gifts crafted with premium ingredients.

GN: What does sustainability mean to Chukar?

PM: Sustainability is a response to our world. A responsibility. Chukar’s founders have committed to prioritizing sustainable manufacturing, reducing waste, recycling, buying locally, and using ecological packaging materials whenever possible. Our enduring commitment translates to carbon neutral shipping along with use of FSC paper, Ocean Poly® retail bags, Biotre® packaging film, and biodegradable cavity trays inside chocolate boxes. It is ongoing and never enough.

GN: How did COVID affect Chukar Cherries?

PM: From the start, we did not know how COVID would impact production or if we would make it through the holidays. The company’s two retail stores shuttered and wholesale revenues dropped 40%. Fortunately, Chukar was able to secure and payoff PPP loans, and record revenue from www.chukar.com pulled us through. 2021 year-end reports all sales channels are now back on track.

For more information, visit booth #1417, go to www.chukar.com, call 800.624.9544 or email sales@chukar.com.

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GOURMET NEWS

Jake’s Nut Roasters (Cont’d. from p. 1)

Specialty Foods products into the hands of health-conscious almond lovers around the world.

Jake’s Nut Roasters is a creative line of specialty almond snacks with distinctively bold and unique flavors, which include Bleu Cheese Cracked Pepper, Bloody Mary, Mesquite Smoked, Hatch Chile, Maple, Barbecue and Buffalo. These almonds are in fact “Straight from Jake’s Orchard,” showcasing the company’s vertical integration and commitment to sustainable growing practices.

Jake’s almonds provide an unparalleled snacking experience and make eating this healthy snack both fun and satisfying!

Silano (Cont’d. from p. 1)

customers. The company takes great pride in the products they carry.

Savello strives to pursue products that best represent the country and region of origin.

Many items carry the prestigious certification of “Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)” and “Protected Geographical Indication (PGI),” as well as being harvested and manufactured in traditional methods.

At this year’s Fancy Food Show, the San-J (Cont’d. from p. 1)

seasoning for simmered dishes, marinades, stir-frying, and pickling.

San-J crafted Tamari Soy Sauce to be a great flavor enhancer for all types of ingredients – poultry, meat, fish, tofu and vegetables. Add a few splashes of Tamari to your sauces, soups, dressings, gravies, and casseroles. Tamari gives a rich, full flavor to Bella Sun Luci (Cont’d. from p. 1)

added convenience for today’s busy consumer! The new Sauce Starters will let you be the chef, add a little or a lot. Don’t stop there - stir into rice, potatoes, soups, or roasts. The Italian cooking base can add flavor that pulls dinner together quickly. With meals so good, they will only think you spent all day cooking! Available in three delicious flavors; Tuscan Garden, Tomato & Pepper, Vertullo Imports (Cont’d. from p. 1)

concentration of its items are sourced from Italy. To ensure attention to craftsmanship, quality, authenticity and taste, Vertullo Imports even has overseas staff headquartered in Italy to help source and interface directly with Italian suppliers.

It’s no secret that Vertullo Imports loves Italy and its fantastic cuisine. Every region has its own distinctive style of cuisine and the company’s goal is to bring a myriad of authentic Italian flavors to your dishes.

Stonewall Kitchen (Cont’d. from p. 1)

First on the list is a dynamic duo that’s got a little bit of everything—literally! Stonewall Kitchen’s Everything Dressing and Everything Blend join their best-selling Everything Aioli, which debuted last January to rave reviews and a gold sofi™ award. Boasting a crunchy mix of black sesame seeds, dried onions, dried garlic and more, these two new additions are wonderful for accentuating sal-

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Jake’s Nut Roasters 7 oz. cans have a cool, classic appearance that looks great on store shelves, kitchen counters, or table centerpieces! Produced in a dedicated peanutfree facility, these premium California almonds are dry roasted and seasoned in small batches to deliver exceptional quality.

Almonds are an essential plant-based snacking alternative providing numerous health benefits with key protein, vitamins, and minerals, which should always be part of a healthy diet. Be sure to try some of Jake’s bold and unique seasoned almond products and keep on the lookout for a new Jake’s flavor coming soon!

For more information and a tasty sample of some of Jake’s distinctive flavors,

company is highlighting the Silano brand.

Silano is a contemporary supplier of imported Italian foods. The brand prides itself on providing superior quality and unmatched customer satisfaction. All Silano products are sourced directly from Italy and best reflect the traditions and culture of their respective regions. Cured meat, cheeses, gnocchi, olives, extra-virgin olive oil, Calabrian hot cherry and chili peppers, hot vegetable spread, oregano, and grilled artichokes are some of the current products any food without taking over their taste. That is the technique called kakushi-aji, or hidden flavor, used by culinary professionals and skilled home chefs.

Whether you want to cook authentic Asian dishes or try to take your recipes to the next level, San-J Tamari can help you prepare the perfect meal.

Discover your favorite taste by trying San-J Asian Cooking Sauces, each made

email info@jasperspecialtyfoods.com, call 800.255.1641, or visit online at www.jasperspecialtyfoods.com or www.jakesnutroasters.com. Jake’s Nut Roasters can also be found on Amazon!

Jasper Specialty Foods is a multi-generational, family-run operation headquartered in Newman, California, specializing in the production of unique almond related food snacks, confections, and other treats for the specialty food market. “From Farm to Market” is a slogan often used to epitomize the philosophy of the company in that, first and foremost, Jasper Specialty Foods are farmers seeking to grow and produce the finest almonds in the world by controlling every aspect of the process including planting,

in the Silano catalog. The company visits Italy yearly to ensure that the quality of the product continues to meet Silano’s standards. The Silano brand is pleased to offer its customers the finest selection of Italian products to satisfy the needs of chefs in any kitchen. Silano is destined to become a household name for reputable Italian ingredients that are distinguished for high quality and ease of preparation.

The company is attending the Fancy Food Show in order to increase brand recognition. with a touch of Tamari Soy Sauce. Offering tangy, sweet, spicy and just about every flavor in between, each of the Cooking Sauces will give you a delicious blend of ingredients while saving you prep time. Enjoy healthy convenience by using San-J certified gluten-free, non-GMO sauces to enhance your meals.

San-J’s desire to reinvigorate kitchens everywhere extends to meet special diet

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FEBRUARY 2022

farming, harvesting, processing, packaging, sales, and distribution. Some of its popular brands include Nunes Farms, Jake’s Nut Roasters and Jasper Ranch, to name a few. The company is actively involved in developing new flavors, custom mixes, and smart packaging with an emphasis on small batch process and exceptional quality. California almonds from Jake’s Nut Roasters are the perfect pairing of bold new flavors and traditional, handcrafted production.

For more information, email info@jasper specialtyfoods.com, call 800.255.1641, or go to www.jasperspecialtyfoods.com or www.jakesnutroasters.com.

They are especially proud of their strong supplier and customer relationships.

Quality food at competitive prices is the hallmark of the company. Purchasing Silano products allows companies to utilize product excellence as a marketing tool.

For more information, visit booth #1246, go to www.savellousa.com, email info@ savellousa.com, or call 570.822.9743. Check out the Digital Showroom available 24/7 on the Specialty Food website.

needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based diet. San-J wants to provide the fullest of flavors to as many people as possible. San-J loves to bring people together around the table and make them smile with the company’s products.

For more information, visit booth #1527, go to www.san-j.com or email sales@san-j.com.

and Tomato Basil. Each flavor is gluten free, vegan, and made with real vegetables.

Now with Bella Sun Luci Sauce Starters, it makes it easy for everyone to enjoy bigger flavors and better cooking with only a few steps to get a robust simmered all day flavorful meal to the table in minutes.

“Today’s consumer is navigating their meal ideals toward better for you foods without sacrificing taste and our Italian Kitchen Sauce Starters allow for just that in a quarter

of the time! This is innovation you can taste, this innovation drives sales,” said Mary Mooney, Mooney Farms Owner.

With the goal in mind to live life more tastefully, the new line of Bella Sun Luci Sauce Starters appeals to the health conscious and ethical consumer without having to sacrifice flavor. The new line pushes the innovation of chef quality meals made right in your own home using “better for you” ingredients.

Bella Sun Luci is a brand of Mooney Farms, a third generation family business located 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.

Italy is synonymous with pasta, however Northern Italy is actually known for its rice and polenta. Vertullo Imports offers Arborio and Carnaroli Rice, Pearled Italian Farro, Quick Cooking Polenta and more.

Southern Italy is all about olive oil.

Mediterranean Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a buttery flavor and fruity aroma.

Enjoy it as an ingredient in dressings, soups and sauces or drizzle over pasta, fish and grilled vegetables. In addition to Olive Oil, Vertullo Imports also has a line of Truffle Oils.

Vertullo Imports can’t talk about its Italian ingredients without mentioning its Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Add an extra layer of depth, acidity and brightness to dressings, sauces, marinades, stews and more with a flavorful line of vinegars.

Head south to Sicily and enjoy Arancini rice balls. Each is blended with local mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and rolled in Italian breadcrumbs.

Last, but certainly not least, is Vertullo Imports’ new line of Calabrian Chili Peppers.

Calabrian Chili paste is a delicious, spicy

paste made from Calabrian red peppers.

Grown and produced in Calabria, Italy, this region is famous for their hot chili peppers.

Add heat, depth and savory flavors to sauces, vegetables, meats and more. This ingredient is a real pantry staple!

If you’re looking for authentic Italian ingredients to elevate your next dish, look no further. Vertullo Imports is your source for the finest ingredients across the different regions throughout Italy.

ads and avocado toast alike.

Also here to spice things up are Urban Accent’s Hot Cha Cha, Herbalicious and Really Cheezy Pizza Seasonings. This trio includes premium ingredients like Parmesan, paprika and garlic that are perfect for adding some pizzaz to a homemade pie or doctoring up a takeout slice. Customers can even mix these with melted butter to create unique dips for dunking crusts.

The Italian theme continues with Monte-

bello’s authentically crafted Lasagne. Made in northern Italy by skilled artisans using old-world techniques, these organic semolina pasta sheets bake up to the ideal texture without any need to parboil. Customers are sure to love the al dente bite they bring to meat and vegetarian versions of this comfort food classic.

Want more? From a tropical drink mixer to a line of Mediterranean-inspired feta spreads to a creamy mustard-infused seafood

For more information, visit booth #3435,

For more information, visit booth #1315.

sauce, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes. And the kitchen isn’t the only place where fun can be had: Stonewall Home and Village Candle now offer items like candle trivets, match cloches, room sprays and reed diffusers that are sure to make any space cozy and bright. All in all, it’s a launch that delivers lots of new ways for customers to elevate their everyday lives.

For more information, visit booth #1920.