Supply side wrap-up
February 1, 2010
Market retail firm Mintel, London, has named The Greek Gods as one of the top-performing small brands driving growth in the yogurt market, the Seattle-based food producer reported. For the more than 1,200 yogurt category launches since 2005, Mintel identified the hottest trends impacting market as organic and natural; functional products made with probiotics, high protein and fiber; Greek-style yogurt; indulgent dessert-style yogurts and kid-targeted products.
With many time- and cash-conscious shoppers turning to frozen food aisles, Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods, Austin, Texas, is assuring consumers that they are getting top-quality ingredients through its new From Field to Table video series. Running on the familytable.michaelangelos.com web site, the videos take viewers on a journey to farms, fields, facilities and markets to watch Michael Angelo’s founders hand-select the fresh ingredients that go into the company’s Italian meals.
Two years ahead of schedule, Kraft Foods, Northfield, Ill, has removed 150 million pounds from its supply chain, meeting and exceeding a packaging reduction goal set in 2005, the company announced. Among other initiatives, the company reduced Oscar Mayer Deli Creations packaging by eliminating 30% of paperboard used for the product line, which will keep 1.2 million pounds of waste out of landfills each year.
Maintaining the highest standards for natural products, Farmland Foods, Kansas City, has become the very first pork company to receive the United States Department of Agriculture designation Never Ever 3 for its Simply Natural line, food producer stated. Farmland pointed out that the designation assures consumers that the pork used in the product line is free of antibiotics, growth promoting drugs and animal by-products as a consequence of feeding.
Ukiah, Calif.-based Pamela's Products is supporting Pancake Tuesday, Feb. 16, with donations to the church and community centers promoting the event, it reported. Pamela’s contribution ensures that gluten-intolerant participants can enjoy the experience on equal terms with others attending the event.
Bar-S Foods, Phoenix, has initiated a social media campaign using Twitter, Facebook, Digg, Flickr and YouTube that offers coupons this week leading up the Super Bowl, the company announced. An essential part of campaign continuity — as part of a larger company Internet effort that includes the launch of an online community website, TheMeatLife.com — will involve reporting on Bar-S Super Bowl Sunday events at selected military bases to rally support for the nation’s troops.
The Red Baron frozen pizza brand from The Schwan Food Co., Marshall, Minn., is sponsoring a Hockey Moms contest that awards each of 10 winners a $50 Cub Foods gift card – and a $500 donation to their children’s youth hockey associations -- as well as a kitchen appliance makeover grand prize designated for a randomly chosen winner from among the finalists. The contest asks youth players in Minnesota and Wisconsin to thank their moms by writing an essay and telling why, in 150 words or fewer, they should be selected as a Red Baron Hockey Mom, Schwan stated.
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