Gourmet News

Whipnotic Expands Into Hundreds More Kroger Stores

Published February 12, 2024

Whipnotic, the innovative whipped cream brand putting a sweet spin on a classic indulgence, celebrates Valentines Day, proudly announcing expanded distribution into more than 300 Kroger stores. On its way to creaming the competition, this major retail expansion marks a significant scale-up across 28 states for the sister-owned brand, continuing to transform a timeless category. Whipnotic’s four whipped cream flavors are already available in stores nationwide and online at Whipnotic.com.

“Kroger shoppers are food trend setters, who love quality, superior ingredients and heightened flavor; we can’t wait to see what they whip up with Whipnotic!” said Whipnotic co-founder and President Tracy Luckow, who holds a PhD in Sensory Science and Nutrition. “A swirl of colorful whipped cream pairs perfectly with so many Kroger fan favorites throughout the store, from ice cream and cake to coffee, hot cocoa and bowls brimming with berries.”

Whipnotic, which recently won a SATA Innovation award, is the only whipped cream brand to put a colorful swirl of flavor at your fingertips, thanks to patented technology. A simple press of the Whipnotic nozzle releases a dazzling blend of all-natural, fruit-infused color and flavor into a delicious, decadent cream for an aesthetic at-home delight right from the fridge. This mouth-watering treat is deliciously KETO-friendly, gluten-free, artificial flavor-free and has only 15 calories and 1 gram of sugar per decadent serving.

“Consumers are reimagining the role of whipped cream in their lives with Whipnotic,” said Whipnotic co-founder and CEO Lori Gitomer. “Unlike traditional whipped cream, typically reserved for special occasions, Whipnotic has proven to be incremental to the category, embraced as a daily delight, which is why our brand is selling twice as many units, per store, per week than the category average. We’re thrilled Kroger sees the potential too. We know the sky is the limit.”

Whipnotic launched last summer and has seen exponential growth, rapidly outpacing competitors, both traditional and newcomers. This expansion more than doubles Whipnotic’s retail reach, adding availability of Whipnotic Vanilla Salted Caramel and Strawberry Swirl flavors at Kroger stores throughout Atlanta, Cincinnati, Columbus, Michigan, Louisville, Mississippi, Nashville and the MidAtlantic region. Whipnotic’s bright and colorful packaging stands out on shelf and its four mouth-watering flavors (including Brownie Batter and Peach Mango) have become fast favorites with fans who keep coming back for more.

Whipnotic adds a creamy layer to the already frothy whipped cream category, which is estimated at $1.3 billion in retail and another $1 billion in food service growing double digits in the past year according to Nielsen. Flavored whipped cream is leading that growth as consumers turn to the KETO-friendly, low carb, low sugar, sweet treats for daily delight.

Whipnotic’s mouth-watering magic comes courtesy of a patented nozzle designed by the two sisters and co-founders Luckow and Gitomer, determined to add more flavor and fun to a beloved indulgence that has seen little innovation in nearly 100 years. The company holds a global patent with more than 30 claims for the breakthrough packaging innovation which enables a user to control the combination of two different flavors, colors, textures, or ingredients for an elevated, on-demand experience.

Whipnotic is flipping the industry on its can, taking the dessert and beverage world by storm with its revolutionary approach to whipped cream. A simple press of Whipnotic’s innovative patented nozzle technology unfurls a swirl of all-natural fruit juices and flavor essences infused into rich whipped cream.

Whipnotic whipped creams are Keto-friendly, gluten-free, made with real cream and all natural color and flavor and are available at more than 1,000 stores including retailers like Central Market, The Fresh Market, Citarella, Harmons, Kroger, Fairway, Market District and Balducci’s, and now online at Whipnotic.com. Whipnotic is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise.

Follow Whipnotic on Instagram and TikTok.

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General Mills’ Shawn O’Grady to Retire This Summer

Published February 12, 2024

General Mills announced the retirement of Shawn O’Grady, group president, North America foodservice. To facilitate a smooth transition, O’Grady will move into a senior advisor role until his retirement early this summer. Effective Feb. 16, Jon Nudi, group president, pet and international, will add NAF to his oversight. Pankaj Sharma, president, U.S. meals & baking solutions operating unit, will be promoted to segment president, NAF. Sharma will report to Nudi and join the General Mills Senior Leadership Team.

“Shawn has been a tremendous asset to General Mills over the past 35 years, most recently leading our North America foodservice business through the pandemic to significant growth for the enterprise,” said Jeff Harmening, chairman and CEO, General Mills. “Shawn’s enthusiasm for his team and General Mills consumers is truly unmatched, and he and his leadership will be missed.”

Sharma joined the company in 2014 and is president, U.S. meals & baking solutions , which serves 85 percent of families in the United States and is comprised of iconic brands, including Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Betty Crocker, Annie’s and Progresso. Previously, Sharma served as president, U.S. Yogurt operating unit, and vice president, marketing, Europe & Australia segment, based in Nyon, Switzerland.

“Jon overseeing NAF, as well as pet and international, will drive further operational agility for our business,” Harmening said. “And I’m thrilled to have Pankaj, who has a history of delivering strong business results in a variety of operating environments, join our Senior Leadership Team.”

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Daul to Retire From Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Published February 12, 2024

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits announced the retirement of Patrick Daul, president, West Region, effective July.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Patrick for many years, whose journey at Southern Glazer’s reflects not only his deep industry expertise, but also his unwavering dedication,” said John Wittig, chief commercial officer, Southern Glazer’s. “His strategic leadership has left an indelible mark and his mentorship has been instrumental in the career development of numerous leaders. As Patrick embarks on a well-deserved retirement, we celebrate his legacy of excellence and thank him for his outstanding contributions to the company.”

Commencing his career journey at Southern Glazer’s in 1992 as the director of wine sales in Northern California, Daul has navigated through several pivotal roles at the company. He assumed the role of vice president, general sales manager for the American Wines & Spirits division in 1997 and was promoted to Northern California general sales manager for the newly created Pacific Wine & Spirits division in 2002.

From 2005 to 2011, Daul served as vice president, general manager for the California division of PWS, focusing on Diageo and Moët Hennessy USA portfolios. Daul’s trajectory continued with leadership positions of increasing responsibility, including senior vice president of sales & marketing and senior vice president of commercial strategy for the state of California. Currently, Daul serves as president, West Region, marking the latest milestone in his accomplished career at Southern Glazer’s.

“Patrick’s retirement is a significant occasion, and we express our deepest gratitude for his exemplary leadership at Southern Glazer’s,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, chief executive officer, Southern Glazer’s. “His strategic foresight has been significant, and his legacy will continue to resonate throughout our organization.”

An announcement for Daul’s replacement will be forthcoming.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned Company has operations in 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its WEBB Banks division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. The company urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sgwinespirits.

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