Seattle Chocolates Celebrates 2015 with Delicious New Bar Flavors

Published January 9, 2015

Seattle Chocolate Company is adding two truffle bar flavors to its premium line of carefully curated chocolate for 2015. The new flavors, alongside current Seattle Chocolates offerings, will be available for pre-sale and sampling in Booth 989 at the Winter Fancy Food Show January 11-13, 2015. Both bars continue the company’s signature combination of fresh, approachable ingredient pairings with creamy, responsibly-sourced chocolate.

Rounding out Seattle Chocolates’ spring seasonal bars, Spring Surprise joins Fluffy Toffee and Fresh Mint in a trio of bars that celebrate longer days, sunny afternoons and the first flowery blooms of the year. Spring Surprise pairs roasted almonds and coconut with dark chocolate, and is packaged in a pastel lavender wrap adorned with cherry blossoms, rain puddles and ducklings all in a row. With an MSRP of $3.50, the entire spring seasonal collection is available now.

Inspired by owner Jean Thompson’s favorite childhood snack, the new PB&J bar combines crunchy peanut butter with strawberry fruit jellies in delicious dark chocolate. Available at retail Summer 2015, the all-natural PB&J bar is high in protein and tastes like a real peanut butter and jelly sandwich – just the way mom made it, only better! The PB&J truffle bar has an MSRP of $3.50.

“At Seattle Chocolate Company we have always had an unparalleled commitment to fresh new flavors and the finest ingredients,” stated Owner and CEO, Jean Thompson. “We source only the best tasting, ethically sourced chocolate and create recipes inspired by the traditions, cultures, memories and personal celebrations of our friends, family and staff.”

Both new Seattle Chocolates truffle bars are made from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ cocoa which is thoughtfully prepared in small batches, without preservatives, additives or extenders. Both the Spring Surprise and PB&J wrappers proudly display the official Rainforest Alliance Certified seal.

In addition to sourcing cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, all Seattle Chocolate Company products are 100% natural and certified Kosher. Seattle Chocolate Company has also made the switch away from palm kernel oil, the harvesting of which is a major contributor to global deforestation, and now uses only sustainable coconut oil for its signature smooth meltaway texture. To learn more about Seattle Chocolate Company and the new bars, visit www.seattlechocolates.com, or stop by Booth 989 at the 2015 Winter Fancy Food Show January 11-13.

Back By Popular Demand: Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Brittle

Published January 5, 2015

Brownie Brittle, LLC kicks off the Winter Fancy Food Show this January with a blast from its past! Brownie Brittle is bringing back one of its most popular flavors: Peanut Butter Chip. Each rich, chocolaty piece of Brownie Brittle is studded with creamy peanut butter chips and will be available to sample at Booth 1748 at Moscone Center, January 11-13.

Initially, Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Brittle will launch on the west coast only, with a nationwide rollout to commence later in the year.

“Peanut butter has always been the most requested flavor when our social media fans are asked to weigh in,” said Brownie Brittle founder Sheila G. Mains (known in the food industry as Sheila G). “We agree wholeheartedly—peanut butter and chocolate are simply meant to be together.”

Brownie Brittle originally launched peanut butter chip as a core flavor. However rapid expansion in 2012 caused the company to move its manufacturing to a peanut-free facility.

“Our peanut butter fans will be happy to know that our continued growth has allowed us to expand our production to a second facility-one that processes nut based products. And that means we’re able to produce this highly coveted flavor once again,” said Sheila G.

Peanut Butter Chip Brownie Brittle rejoins the award-winning Brownie Brittle family in a five-ounce resealable package with a suggested retail price of $3.99.

Brownie Brittle will also debut a resealable 14-ounce package at the Winter Fancy Food Show, available now in Chocolate Chip and Salted Caramel flavors at Safeway and Von’s stores with other retailers soon to follow.

Additionally, Brownie Brittle will be showcasing its other popular flavors: Chocolate Chip, Mint Chocolate Chip, Salted Caramel and Toffee Crunch, at the Winter Fancy Food Show. These incredibly delicious snacks are sold in 16 ounce-, 14 ounce-, five ounce-, two ounce- and one ounce-size packages, depending upon the flavor.

Another new product to join the Brownie Brittle lineup is the multipack: six one-ounce single-serving bags, good for lunchtime, snacks or anytime.

Brownie Brittle is available in tens of thousands of stores across the globe and has been honored with numerous awards. In 2014, Brownie Brittle was named “Best Sweet Snack” by Convenience Store News. In 2013, Brownie Brittle was named “Editor’s Pick” by The Gourmet Retailer Magazine, won a Self Magazine Healthy Food Award, was one of “7 Fabulous Finds” at Oprah.com, was “Editors’ Pick” for Progressive Grocer Magazine, was selected as one of Fitness Magazine’s Healthy Food Award Sweet Treats, and was named a Finalist in “Best New Snack Product” at NCSA. Additionally, Weightwatchers.com has called Brownie Brittle, “…the health-conscious chocoholic’s dream come true.”

Pasta Chips Now Non-GMO Project Verified

Published January 5, 2015

Vintage Italia Pasta Chips will debut new packaging with the Non-GMO (non genetically modified organisms) Project Verified Seal of Approval at the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco held Jan. 11-13, 2015. The bold and bright new packaging designs will be a shelf-standout in five flavors. Additionally, Pasta Chips are now lower in sodium by 40 percent.

“2014 was a banner year for Pasta Chips. We expanded our distribution, product line and gathered a lot of market research from our customer base,” said Vintage Italia Pasta Chips’ Founder and CEO Jerry Bello. “We felt it was important to respond to our consumers desire for a non-GMO product and lower sodium. We’re pleased with the strides we have made and look forward to a very prosperous 2015.”

The Non-GMO Project offers North America’s only independent verification for products made according to rigorous best practices for GMO avoidance. “Our Verified products are produced in compliance with the Non-GMO Project Standard, including ongoing testing of risk ingredients,” said Bello.

Vintage Italia is the very first company to recreate the traditional baked pasta appetizer from Italy into a snack food. Its signature product, Pasta Chips, is made with the same semolina flour, ancient grains, and Italian herbs that have been celebrated for hundreds of years. The Tuscan-inspired chips are married with different seasonings based on regional Italian favorites and are available in five delectable flavors including Marinara, Alfredo, Spicy Tomato Basil, Garlic Olive Oil, and Mediterranean Sea Salt.

Pasta Chips are certified kosher, have 3g of protein, are cholesterol-free, and contain 60 percent less fat than potato chips and 20 percent less fat than pita chips. Pasta Chips are available in a 20-ounce club size bag, 5-ounce size or a single serving 2-ounce size. The 20-ounce and 5-ounce packages are resealable and can be hung or displayed on a shelf.

This incredibly popular snack was launched in late 2014 and has had incredible success with major grocery chains and retailers across the United States. 2015 holds new Italian-inspired flavor combinations, new pasta shapes and varying package sizing.

Pasta Chips are available at retailers nationwide including: Walmart, ShopRite, Safeway and online at www.pastachips.com.

#WFFS15 A Preview of the 2015 Winter Fancy Food Show

Published December 31, 2014

The Spice Lab Introduces Olive Oil Dipping Herbs & Himalayan Salt Shooters

Published December 30, 2014

Showcasing its extensive line of sea salts, peppercorns, spices, seasonings, and gourmet gifts, The Spice Lab is introducing Himalayan Salt Shooters with patent pending inserts and a line of Olive Oil Dipping Herbs at the Winter Fancy Food Show. The company’s free standing Himalayan Salt and Bacon Rub displays also will be featured in booth #220.

Tequila Salt Shooters

Colorful new packaging and the addition of a patent pending insert into each glass transforms The Spice Lab’s 100% Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses into Tequila Salt Shooters, targeting young adults and retail liquor stores as well as the hospitality industry.

“The addition of the insert keeps the tequila from getting too salty,” says Brett Cramer, co-founder of The Spice Lab. “Now bars and restaurants can use our unique glasses which still naturally add the perfect touch of salt without overpowering the tequila.”

Carved from the finest quality, food grade Himalayan pink salt, each three inch shot glass holds 1.5 ounces. They are packaged in two- and four-glass sets in clear boxes with suggested retail price ranging from $14.95 to $29.95. A four-pack in traditional packaging also is available. Sold in bulk, glasses can be customized with UV-coated full color imprint.

Olive Oil Dipping Herbs

This selection of six premium spice blends was created for seasoning olive oil to use as dipping oil with artisan breads. From Mediterranean Citrus Herb to Italian Parmesan Romano, each herb mix imparts added flavor and extra taste.

Other choices include Rosemary Garlic Blend, Italian Spicy Sun Dried Tomato, Spicy Roasted Garlic and Sun Dried Tomato Parmesan. These herb blends can be used to season meats and vegetables or mixed with oil and vinegar to make a vinaigrette salad dressing or marinade. Each two-ounce stand-up pouch has a suggested retail price of $3.95.

Ticket Chocolate to Debut at 2015 Winter Fancy Food Show

Published December 29, 2014

Confectionery tasting experiences from Ticket Chocolate are just as convenient as they are indulgent. Ticket Sticks offer one and all a mess-free way to unwind after a long day. A block of fine chocolate sits atop the ideal stirring stick just waiting to swoop, swizzle, and melt into the perfect cup of hot chocolate. Currently Ticket Chocolate offers a selection of decadent flavors including Salted Caramel, Belgian Milk Chocolate, French Dark Truffle, and 3-Chili.

The classic chocolate bar is one sweet treat that will never go out of style, especially with Ticket Chocolate’s Beloved Bars. Each one of these gorgeously packaged bars is crafted by hand, in small batches, with the finest chocolate, fresh inclusions, natural flavoring. Connoisseurs of the chocolate world won’t be disappointed when they sink their teeth into the many eclectic flavors, such as Grasshopper Pie, Waffle Pecan, and Hazelnut Cherry.

For a soul-warming trip down memory lane, all one has to do is turn up the fire and try Ticket Chocolate’s Artisan S’mores Kit. All the ingredients have been assembled for that classic campfire or fireplace treat, including crispy honey graham crackers, vanilla bean mallows, and a rich chocolate bar.

The Fresh Market “Design Our Bag” Challenge in Support of No Kid Hungry

Published December 29, 2014

Specialty grocer The Fresh Market is on a nationwide search for a fresh and fun design for its 2015 reusable bag, which will benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign. The annual “Design Our Bag Challenge” raised over $86,000 for No Kid Hungry, which works to end childhood hunger in America. Returning again this year, The Fresh Market will showcase more children’s artwork on its limited edition reusable shopping bags. The Fresh Market will donate 50 percent of the retail price of each bag sold to No Kid Hungry, with a minimum donation of $150,000 in 2015.

Children ages 15 and under who have a love for both food and art can submit a drawing that answers the question, “What is the best thing about The Fresh Market?” Local communities are invited to take part in the fun, and The Fresh Market welcomes schools, children’s museums and art groups to participate. The top two artists, voted on by The Fresh Market employees, will have their designs printed on reusable shopping bag, which will be sold in The Fresh Market stores nationwide in 2015.

In addition to having their drawings featured on the company’s reusable shopping bag, the winners of the Design Our Bag Challenge will each receive a $200 gift card for The Fresh Market, a kid-friendly goodie bag filled with an artist kit and other edible treats and accolades via The Fresh Market’s social media channels. In addition, each of The Fresh Market’s stores nationwide will award their stores’ top two finalists a $50 gift card.

Forensics Firm Warns of Counterfeit Food Products Sold Online

Published December 29, 2014

Kessler International, announced today the need for consumers to be cautious when buying food products from online retailers. An eight-month investigation by Kessler of counterfeit food products disclosed that some online retailers, including Amazon, were selling counterfeit food products. These products included dairy and fish products, condiments, alcoholic spirits, and spices.

The investigation is noteworthy not just because these counterfeit products are sold in the US, but additional investigation by Kessler disclosed the packaging facilities of these counterfeit products were contaminated and filthy. Additionally, independent lab testing disclosed that in many cases the counterfeit products did not contain the ingredients disclosed on the label, subjecting individuals to adverse health reactions.

“While most consumers are aware that the $5000.00 luxury brand watch they buy for $25.00 is probably counterfeit, most would never expect the brand food item they buy not to contain the ingredients on the label,” said Susan Peterson, COO of Kessler International.

Counterfeit product is not subject to the manufacturer standards and regulations mandated upon a genuine product, leaving the consumer vulnerable to adulterated food products and health issues. See Kessler’s website for additional information on how Al Qaeda or ISIS has used counterfeit product in the past according to Interpol and other law enforcement offices.

Nature’s Best’s Texas Distribution Center Rebrands as KeHE

Published December 29, 2014

Nature’s Best’s Flower Mound, Texas, facility will undergo a rebranding within the next several weeks. Nature’s Best was acquired by KeHE Distributors, LLC, in August 2014. The KeHE Distributors logo will replace the Nature’s Best logo at this facility, as well as on trucks, uniforms and corporate letterhead that operate out of this facility.

“While the decision to replace the Nature’s Best logo with KeHE’s was driven in part by requirements from the Department of Transportation, rebranding [at the Flower Mound Distribution Center] aligns with our long term vision and strategy for this region. KeHE has a very strong reputation and brand recognition east of the Rocky Mountains,” said Gene Carter, Chief Operations Officer, KeHE.

“This is an exciting time in our organization. We believe a unified brand strategy in this region is the best way to communicate to our customers that we are a seamless organization with unmatched product offerings and reach,” said Mike Leone, Chief Commercial Office, KeHE. “By marketing under one powerful brand with a long history of success in this region, we will have even greater marketplace impact and become a much stronger company.”

With respect to other facilities formerly owned by Nature’s Best, KeHE will maintain the Nature’s Best name west of the Rocky Mountains and add “Powered by KeHE” as a tagline beneath the logo.

“The rebranding process is about more than just the KeHE logo itself… The KeHE brand is a promise to our customers that flows from our values and our culture,” continued Leone.

Marsatta Chocolate Raises Funds to Reopen Retail Store

Published December 22, 2014

Marsatta Chocolate is in the closing hours of a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to reopen its retail store in a new location after being evicted from its previous premises because the company was hosting pick-up youth hockey games in its parking lot, according to founder and chocolatier Jeffray D. Gardner. The company’s troubles have been complicated by the early birth of a son to Gardner and his wife Naomi.

This project will only be funded if at least $40,000 is pledged by Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 9:09 p.m. MST. If the needed funds are raised in time, Marsatta plans to develop online sales of the premium chocolates, buy larger chocolate conching machinery and hire staff to keep a retail operation open throughout the day.

The project has the support of the Los Angeles Kings professional hockey team, which has posted an appeal on the team’s website.

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