Gourmet News

DJ Khaled’s Another Wing Drops Plant-Based LikeWings

Published April 19, 2022

DJ Khaled’s Another Wing unveiled LikeWings, plant-based additions to its U.S. menu in partnership with LikeMeat, a LIVEKINDLY Collective brand. The collaboration marks LikeMeat’s first ghost kitchen partnership. LikeWings are available for order through the Another Wing storefront on UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub and Postmates in the United States.

LikeWings come smothered in Another Wing’s signature flavors including: You Loyal! Lemon Pepper, Honey! Honey! Hot Honey Sriracha and They Don’t Want You To Win TRUFFALO. To celebrate the launch, Another Wing will co-host a pop-up wing dispensary, aptly named Another Wing Dispensary, in partnership with the Flowery in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood on April 20between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

“This LikeWings collaboration is an incredible opportunity for people who don’t eat meat to enjoy the incredible flavors of Another Wing. This collab combines the flavors of Another Wing with the plant power of LikeMeat,” said DJ Khaled. “Let’s win more with LikeWings.”

“We’re flying high with this new partnership and are beyond excited for Another Wings’ fans to try these awesome LikeWings the next time the munchies strike,” says Michelle Collette, head of foodservice for LikeMeat. “This is LikeMeat’s first flight into the ghost kitchen world, and we’re in it to wing it.”

Described as “the world’s most ambitious restaurant launch,” Another Wing debuted in November across over 150 locations and three continents at the same time on the REEF Kitchens platform. The concept has since expanded to Asia.

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Wegmans to End Plastic Bag Use by End of 2022

Published April 15, 2022

Wegmans will eliminate plastic bag use companywide by the end of 2022, with a goal to shift customers to reusable bags, the best option to solve the environmental challenge of single-use grocery bags.

“We understand shoppers are accustomed to receiving plastic bags at checkout and losing that option requires a significant change. We are here to help our customers with this transition as we focus on doing what’s right for the environment,” said Jason Wadsworth, Wegmans category merchant for packaging, energy, and sustainability. “As we’ve encountered plastic bag legislation in numerous markets, we’ve learned there’s more we can do, and a bigger impact we can make, together with our customers.”

Wegmans will incentivize the use of reusable bags by charging five cents per paper bag, an approach that has proven successful in New York and other markets. In stores where the company has already eliminated plastic bags, on average, paper bags are used for 20-25 percent of transactions, while the remaining 75-80 percent use reusable bags, or no bag at all. By eliminating plastic bags from the rest of our stores and focusing on transitioning our customers to reusable bags, we’re preventing approximately 345,000,000 single-use bags from going into circulation in a year’s time.

The amount collected from the paper-bag charge will be donated to each store’s local food bank and United Way. In 2021, the more than $1.7 million Wegmans collected and donated from the bag charge was used to increase access to wholesome food and address the most critical needs of our communities.

Wegmans’ elimination of single-use bags is coupled with its commitment to reduce single-use plastics. Wegmans has committed to reducing its in-store plastic packaging made from fossil fuels, along with other single-use plastics, by 10 million pounds by 2024.

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San Diego Co. Wine Sales Up 19%, Exceed $44M

Published April 14, 2022

The San Diego County Vintners Association, a trade organization dedicated to supporting the winemaking community in San Diego County, released the 2022 San Diego County Economic Impact of Wineries report that shows county wineries realized about $44.1 million in gross sales last year, a 19 percent increase from 2020 but not yet reaching the local winery industry’s all-time-high of sales in 2019 ($46.2 million). The number of active wineries in San Diego County also rose to 160 in 2021.

About 1,370 acres of vines were harvested in the region last year, producing 3,073 tons of wine grapes with a production value of $5.2 million. These figures are down from pre-pandemic 2019 when San Diego County vineyards harvested 3,596 tons of wine grapes, generating a $5.58 million production value, with a sales price of $1,552 per ton, a record amount achieved in the region. About 81% of growers surveyed reported excellent to good harvest quality, the strongest seen since 2016.

The top three varietals produced in the county last year retain their rankings from prior years – Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese, respectively, with Grenache and Merlot tied for fourth, and Chardonnay and Petite Syrah tied for fifth. This is the first time that a white wine varietal has appeared in the top five for regional varietals.

“Our wine industry continues to make great strides, especially in North County. I was a big supporter of keeping wineries open during the pandemic to keep these small businesses afloat. Local wineries are thriving despite the last few years of uncertainty, creating jobs, attracting tourism, and providing an important cultural industry in the county. It’s impressive,” said San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond.

Written by Vince Vasquez, independent economic analyst and executive director of the Policycraft Institute, the report relies on winery survey data, economic modeling software, California ABC licenses, and County records to calculate the economic health of the San Diego County wine industry.

“San Diego County is blessed to have outstanding wineries and dedicated vintners making a positive impact on our local economy. I am proud to represent many fantastic wineries in my district, whose exquisite grapes and exceptional service continue to put San Diego County on the map in the wine-making industry. By offering beautiful vineyards and delicious wines for all to enjoy, San Diego County’s wineries not only strengthen our economy, they build community,” said San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson.

The 160 active wineries in San Diego County today represent a 6 percent year-over-year increase. This figure is nearly twice the total number of wineries in neighboring Riverside County (87).

“San Diego County’s wine industry continues to make important contributions to our economy, history and culture. Our 200-year history of harvesting local grapes has promoted new job creation, amazing food, and entertainment venues as well as cultural amenities. As a member of the Assembly Select Committee on Wine, I am excited to advocate on behalf of our vibrant grape growing industry!” said California Assembly Member Marie Waldron.

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