Oser Communications Group

1 2 SNACKING NEWS December 2018 SNACKING NEWS SNACKING NEWS Old Croc Introduces Extensions to Its Flavored Cheese Line With the growing popularity of Old Croc's award-winning flavored cheddars, which were launched last year, Trugman-Nash, the makers of Old Croc Australian ched- dar, is now offering new ways for cheese lovers to enjoy them. The bold flavored cheeses -Bacon & Jalapeno, Horseradish, Roasted Garlic & Herb, and Chipotle & Onion – made their debut in 2017 in a grand fashion, winning top honors at the US Cheese Championships and later in the 2018 World Cheese Championships. The flavored cheddars were "a natural ad- dition to the line," said Ken Meyers, Presi- dent and Chief Executive Officer of Trugman Nash. Old Croc embraced the con- versation with its enthusiastic fans as devel- opment of the new products began. Meyers added, "The interest being shown by con- sumers in our products inspired us to open the conversation on social media. We ran an informal survey and gave them the chance to tell us what flavors they wanted to enjoy." The fans asked, and Old Croc answered. Previously available only in 6-ounce chunks, Old Croc flavored cheddars are now available in a wide assortment of products, including pre-packaged slices, snack trays, Croc Bites single por- tion snacks and spreads. "We are very excited about our new line ex- tensions because they allow Old Croc cheese lovers the oppor- tunity to enjoy our flavored cheddars in different ways, and for different occasions, whether you're en- tertaining, making a sandwich or grabbing a quick snack," Meyers said. Old Croc's cheddar is crafted with pure Australian milk that's RBST-free, and non- GMO, drawing on a rich tradition of Aus- tralian dairy farming, which delivers the bold flavor profile that Old Croc cheeses have become known for. "Old Croc ched- dar is made with an old-world recipe that maximizes texture, body, richness and aging capabilities of the cheese to deliver a tasteful experience," said Meyers. "Com- pared to many cheddars that are designed for shredding and cooking, Old Croc is designed to be a snacking cheese." Old Croc grass- fed cheddar undergoes a thorough aging process, with the signature Sharp Cheddar being aged for a minimum of nine months. "We use the same cheddar for our recipe when we make our flavored cheeses and spreads," added Meyers, "and we designed our new products to maintain the signature 'bite' that Old Croc cheeses have become known for. All of our ingredients have to be of the very highest quality in order to maintain our overall brand proposition." Old Croc's distribution and product de- velopment continue to grow to meet con- sumer demand for bold tasting cheeses. The new flavored slices, spreads, snack trays and Croc Bites join Old Croc's initial offerings: Sharp, Extra Sharp and Smoked Sharp Cheddar. Old Croc's flavored cheddars are dis- tributed by Trugman-Nash, LLC, an affil- iate of MCT Dairies, and are available in 6-ounce chunks, 12-ounce pre-sliced shin- gle packs and 1.5-pound Variety Trays, eight-count and 18-count Croc Bites and 8-ounce and 16-ounce spreads. For more information about Old Croc fine cheese products, email info@ trugman-nash.com or visit www.oldcroc cheese.com. n Pistachio Chewy Bites: Taste, Quality, Nutritional Value Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella has been growing and processing pistachios in the Central Valley of California since 1986. Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin valley, Setton attends to each de- tail of growing, harvesting, processing, manufacturing and packaging pistachios. Setton is the second-largest pistachio processor in the United States and exports to more than 50 foreign markets. The company's commitment to sustain- ability is a top priority: solar energy pow- ers its daily operations while all bio-mass are reduced, reused and recycled, ensuring none of it goes to waste. Its facility incor- porates the latest technologies in each stage of production and its ability to focus on every step of the process ensures the top quality and value of its products for customers. Nuts have always been viewed as a healthy snacking option, and as one of the best choices pistachio sales have been ris- ing over the past decade. Health-minded consumers are actively searching for alter- native sources of plant-based protein and nutritious snacks that are also delicious; pistachios perfectly fit the bill. It is with this in mind the Pistachio Chewy Bites were created. "The Setton team worked tirelessly on creating the Pistachio Chewy Bites, ensuring the taste, quality and nutri- tional value is at its best," said Setton Farms Chief Operating Officer Mia Cohen. Pistachio Chewy Bites products are an all-natural snack packed with over 50 per- cent heart healthy pistachios and simple ingredients. Each bite has 3 grams of pro- tein, zero trans fat and no cholesterol. They are filled with protein, potassium and fiber, making them a convenient on-the- go-sized snack that is both delicious and nutrient dense. These wholesome treats are vegan, certified gluten free, Non-GMO Project verified and kosher. The company's original variety, Pista- chios + Cranberry, combines pistachios with antioxidant rich cranberries for a unique snack unlike anything on the mar- ket. The new Pistachio + Blueberry In- fused Cranberry and Coconut variety is a blend of pistachios, blueberry infused cranberries, coconut and a touch of maple brown rice syrup. A third variety, Pistachios + Plum, will launch this sum- mer and combines pistachios, dried plums and date nectar with a touch of lemon for a distinctive and fresh tasting snack. Individually wrapped to maintain their light and chewy texture, the Pistachio Chewy Bites are available in several pack- aging options. Attractive shippers include a six-pack bag floor display as well as a one-bite gravity feed display. For check- out there is a 32-bite counter caddy, and bulk cases are available as well. n Three New Varieties, Two New Pack Sizes of Skinny Salamis In the year since its introduction of the Skinny Salamis™ line, MeatCrafters Inc., a U.S. Department of Agricul- ture-certified maker of artisanal salamis, sausages and duck breast prosciutto, had to double its production facility to handle the extraordinary growth. MeatCrafters, Inc. has intro- duced three new varieties of Skinny Salamis this year, bringing to six the total vari- eties now available. Skinny Salamis are a savory meat snack with a healthy profile, the only traditionally cured salami in the fast-growing grab-and-go meat snack category. Skinny Salamis have been recognized by the media and industry professionals for being a meat snack category dis- rupter, in that they are a cured, not cooked or processed, meat snack. Manufactured in the fa- miliar stick format, each salami is 16.25 grams of cured and seasoned beef, lamb or pork – no sugar and no carbohydrates, gluten and dairy free, made in a nut-free facility under USDA supervision with top quality, heritage antibiotic-free meat with no hor- mones added. The four-packs are available in six vari- eties: Black Angus Beef, Street Cart Shawarma (lamb), Lamb Merguez (new), Casbah (Pork-Mediterranean flavor pro- file, new), Spicy Chorizo (new) and Truf- fle Pork. Each stick has 5 or 6 grams of protein, and 40 or 45 calories per stick. The product has a nine-month shelf life and meets the criteria of multiple need- state consumers – clean label, keto, dia- betic-friendly, gluten free, paleo, grain and soy free and more. "Skinny Salamis are an authentic, healthy alternative to grain-based, cooked and processed meat snacks and offer a distinctly different texture that we believe makes for a more flavorful eating experience," says Founder Mitch Berliner. "The growth in the 'good-for-you' pro- tein snack category and the increased de- mand for single portions prompted us to introduce a two-stick pack and a one-stick pack for sampling, giveaways or office snack kitchens," Berliner explains. Skinny Salamis are now available for gift baskets and at specialty retailers and gourmet and natural food shops, wineries, breweries and some airports throughout the United States. For more information, go to www .meatcrafters.com. n

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