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NATURALLY HEALTHY www.gourmetnews.com n MARCH 2019 n GOURMET NEWS N H 3 2 Insight into WooBamboo, the Natural Toothbrush Brand By Christopher Fous, co-Founder, WooBam- boo Although our natural oral care products are now in over 30 countries, and closing in on 20,000 stores, I know one thing for certain: WooBamboo isn't an oral hygiene company. I know we're not because it's not teeth I'm passionate about. It isn't toothpaste that keeps me awake at night. I'm obsessed, however, with this idea of inspiring the world. That makes WooBam- boo an inspiration company. Oral care is just how we do it. We create simple, beautiful and universal products that are eco-friendly alternatives to the ones everyone uses, no matter what nationality, age, sex, religion or lifestyle. We all brush our teeth. Almost everyone in the world, however, uses plastic toothbrushes and floss and toothpaste that's full of chemicals – all ending up incinerated or cluttering some landfill or polluting our precious oceans. Billions of people are doing it. It adds up something fierce. We design our products, however, to be more. They're reminders – symbols. They'll remind you with every use that you've made a planet-friendly decision. You'll feel good, and you'll want to do more. Just think – if millions of people start and end their day feeling good about themselves, wanting to make more eco-friendly choices, then imag- ine how the world could change. You can make a difference with the decisions you make and the products you choose to endorse – and that's a powerful, beau- tiful thing. Ask either of my sons, Ryker (7) or Torren (5), "What's the most im- portant thing in the world?" Either one will look up and proudly say "Be nice to people." Cheesy or not, at WooBam- boo we believe in the power of kindness. We're nice to people. Other than my being the creative and conceptual arm of WooBamboo, I'm not particularly an expert in anything industry-relevant. I'm not a dentist. I'm not a retail pro. I'm just a nice guy with a vision – and so are my partners Steve and Tom. So are all of our team-mem- bers here at Woo. I truly believe that that's why WooBamboo is where it is today (in CVS, Kroger, Albertsons and TJMaxx to name a few), because we believe in what we're doing. We believe in positivity. You'll hear that business is cutthroat. It's not. Peo- ple can be. But business is about working together. It's about sharing. It's about mutual benefit, making connections and leaving positive impressions on people. Deals are made more with the heart than they are with the head. We believe this – and follow it relentlessly. Now that millions of WooBamboo tooth- brushes have been purchased, replacing plas- tic brushes on the market, sustainable oral care has gone mainstream, and it's crazy ex- citing. I'm incredibly honored to play a part in this industry, and I am so thankful for the companies out there that inspire us to do what we do, and the stores willing to make the switch. Together, we are strong – every one of us can make a difference. That's a beautiful thing. If we innovate, if we inspire, we can change the world. Visit WooBamboo at booth #3212. All Natural Seasonings, Health & Wellness Products from The Spice Lab With a new look and more seasonings, The Spice Lab's award-winning line of premium spice blends are all natural, OU Kosher and most are gluten-free. The selection includes Chorizo Seasoning, the winner of the 2018 silver sofi™ Award and 2019 Scovie Award winners Fiery Southern Charm, Spicy Turmeric, Southwest Chili and Spicy Brown. Other favorites in the line of 50 unique sea- soning blends include Everything and More, Seattle Seafood, Chicago Chop, Hawaiian Hula, All Natural Taco, Spicy Citrus Mojo, Adobo Seasoning and Slow Burn. In 2018, The Spice Lab reformulated its entire seasoning line to offer only all natural blends, with proprietary recipes processed and packaged in its HAACP-certified facility in Pompano Beach, Florida. The company also earned USDA NOP Organic certifica- tion. Adding to its health and wellness focus, The Spice Lab now is developing a line of cannabidiol (CBD) infused products and a line of spices blended with probiotics. The Curated Beneficial Delights line will include a selection of drinking vinegars, olive oils and other products. Legal in most states and Canada, CBD contains less than .03 percent THC, offering relief from anxiety and other health is- sues without the cannabis high. The Specialty Food Asso- ciation's Trendspotter panel named cannabis as one of its 2019 food trends. Spices Plus™ is a new line of spices blended with probiotics by The Spice Lab. The company is utilizing the B.Coagulans Unique IS-2™ probiotic, a shelf stable strain noted for its food applications, mixed with premium spices to offer a convenient and de- licious way for consumers to add this bene- ficial bacteria into their daily diet. The Spices Plus line includes Pink Salt, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic and Paprika. The Spice Lab is a woman-owned and family-run busi- ness with an exten- sive product line of salts, award-win- ning seasonings and rubs, premium spices, pepper- corns, natural sugars, loose teas, Himalayan salt shot glasses and plates, gourmet gifts, re- gional brands, custom blends and private label. The company's high quality line of products can be found in grocery, gourmet, specialty gift shops, foodservice, club, major retailers and online through Amazon.com as well as www.spices.com. For more information, go to www.spices.com, call 954.275.4478 ext.108 or email sales@thespicelab.com. Toockies: Quality and Craftsmanship By Anna Marie Stauss, Chief Executive Of- ficer, Sinko Corp. In our disposable world, the need for house- hold products that are hand crafted with quality materials is satisfied by Toockies ® , with three lines of essential products. Toock- ies brand products check all the boxes with regard to value, quality, durability and con- venience, as well as socially and environ- mentally responsible. Toockies have been registered Fair Trade Federation Members since 2010. Our prod- ucts are 100 percent handcrafted, using 100 percent GOTS certified organic cotton, or natural locally grown jute fibers. Toockies products are category disruptors that reach into the past for time tested household solu- tions and make them available to today's shoppers at a low price. Our cleaning line of hand knit Scrub Cloths boasts several designs, including the traditional knit dish cloth pattern, which we offer in both 100 percent GOTS organic cot- ton, and in 100 percent natural jute for extra scrub power. We also have the Wave Cloth, beautifully crocheted in an Art Deco pattern with deep ribbing for added scrub traction and abrasion. Our Scrub-z pads are ideal for customers transitioning from sponges be- cause they, like our other scrub cloths, are ef- fective scrub tools for dishes, countertops, stainless steel, glass cooktops and much more, but are smaller and have a hanging loop. What makes these tools truly won- derful is that they are machine wash- able and can last for years. Gone are the days of reusing dirty sponges, or piles of landfill from discarded plastic clean- ing tools. Toockies also recycle as potting mesh. Our bath line of exfoliators is also ma- chine washable. We offer His and Hers Wash Cloths, Circulation Gloves and Soap Socks. All are exfoliators that can be used both wet and dry. These products scrub without scratching the skin and are made out of 100 percent GOTS certified organic cotton. Our kitchen essential line of products con- sists of trivets, pot holders and coasters. Our trivets are made out of hand braided jute which is a natural fire retardant and not chemically treated. These products can support hot pans that have been baked at high temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. They are dishwasher safe and have air pock- ets in the design that improve grip and re- duce condensation. Our potholders are double walled thick knit tools that protect your hands from contact with heat even if wet. Our coasters are absorbent and elegant in three patterns and can be dyed to match your décor. Both our pot holders and coasters are machine washable and can be bleached if needed. For more information, email order@ toockies.com. What's New from Wild Garden After a successful launch of the "Taste of the Mediterranean" line in 2016, consumers and retailers alike are demanding even more in- spired ethnic flavors. Wild Garden ® obliged and crafted two all new marinades and a sim- mering sauce that satisfies today's and to- morrow's dining trends. Moroccan Chermoula is bursting with the flavors of cilantro, parsley, garlic and herbs – perfect for seafood and poultry. Chicken Shawarma is a warm and exotic blend of flavorful herbs and spices, and ri- vals the most famous shawarma stands in the Middle East. Tunisian Shakshouka is a brand-new simmering sauce, featuring a savory blend of ripe tomatoes, onions, chunky red peppers, garlic and spices – an exceptional base for poaching eggs, fish or shrimp. Two all new pilafs also join the authentic line of "Heat and Serve" products. In Dill & Fava, fragrant wisps of fresh dill weed and tender young fava beans are folded with basmati rice for a delicate side dish. Rice & Potato pilaf is reminiscent of the comfort food of rural Lebanon; tender chunks of potatoes and fragrant herbs and spices make this a hearty and delicious side dish. Beautiful packaging will ef- fortlessly catch eyes on retail shelves, create trial and repeat purchases and can be cross merchandised in the meat de- partment. Packed conveniently in a 6 pack, the box top is re- moved to reveal a tray that fits perfectly on the shelf. Attractive, attention-grabbing shippers are available for both marinades and pilafs. Wild Garden strives to develop products with a clean label and uses only all-natural wholesome ingredients and no preservatives. The Wild Garden team cre- ates fully supported social media and marketing cam- paigns with the novice con- sumer in mind. Quick cooking videos and recipes demon- strate just how easy the prod- ucts are to use and highlight the many ways to prepare #WildGardenEats. For more information, visit booth #2113, go to www.wildgarden.com or contact Vice Pres- ident of Sales, Mark D. Smith at 708.298.3819 or marksmith@wildgarden.com.

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