Oser Communications Group

NATURALLY HEALTHY www.gourmetnews.com n MARCH 2017 n GOURMET NEWS N H 4 Publisher Kimberly Oser Seinor Associate Publisher Jules Denton Associate Publisher Carlos Velasquez Editorial Director Lorrie Baumann Associate Editors Jeanie Catron • JoEllen Lowry • Karrie Welborn Graphic Designers Yasmine Brown • Jonathan Schieffer Customer Service Managers Sarah Glenn • Caitlyn McGrath Senior Account Manager Marcos Morhaim Account Managers Adrian Chacon • James Gennette • Drew Heniser Cami Jimenez • Anthony Socci • Riley Ussery Director of Operations Tara Neal Show Logistics & Distribution Stacy Davis • Jay Watson • Hannah Stefanovich European Sales Enrico Cecchi Naturally Healthy is published by Oser Communications Group ©2017 All rights reserved. Publishing office: 1877 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85715 520.721.1300/Fax: 520.721.6300 Subscriber services: Gourmet News P.O. Box 30520 Tucson, AZ 85751 www.gourmetnews.com Founder Lee M. Oser A SPECIAL SHOW ISSUE OF GOURMET NEWS Not Your Average Chocolate Chocolate isn't just chocolate anymore. The standard chocolate bar is slowly becoming a thing of the past. At only 5 percent annual growth, it may eventually become a relic, only to be seen in Willy Wonka films and trick-or-treat bags. Modern consumers crave something more: a tanginess, a spice, a crunch. That's why the chocolate category is exploding, but not in the aisles you might ex- pect. Shoppers are searching for more than just cocoa in their daily sweet indulgence. From peanut butter to pretzels, brands have reimagined what a chocolate experience can be. Element, the nation's top coated rice cake brand, has also entered the fray, introducing a crispy crunch to the chocolate lovers' palate. The New York-based company has al- ready revolutionized the rice cake section by launching bold, exciting flavors such as Sweet Mint, Vanilla Orange and Straw- berry'n'Cream. Its chocolate dipped rice cakes not only lead the coated rice cake category, but also stand among the top 10 natural chocolate products at one of the nation's largest re- tailers. Element and two other brands own 22.6 percent of the total revenue from these top 10 brands at this chain. That is an incredible statistic, and suggests that nearly a quarter of last year's natural chocolate dollars were spent on new, ex- citing chocolate creations. It makes sense. American consumers are flocking to healthier alternatives, which includes sensible snacking, but where do you turn to satisfy that naughty sweet tooth? Lower calorie, lower sugar, all-nat- ural options bring the best of all worlds, and shoppers agree. In addition to less guilt, these snacks represent the future of chocolate fla- vors. Sweetness is made all the sweeter when paired with salts, nuts or a crunchy texture that leaves you begging for another bite. Brands like Element offer diverse ingredients and unique flavors un- seen in the world of natural chocolate. Some call this trend "sweets for grown- ups." Others call it "adult candy bars." One thing is for certain – you can't call it "your average chocolate." For more information, visit booth #5553. Hatch Chile's Enchilada Sauces Driving Category Growth Retail sales of HATCH branded enchilada sauces increased more than 10 percent in 2016, and as a result, HATCH brand has been a category leader in sales growth. HATCH sales growth has been driven by new item placements in major supermarket and specialty grocery retailers across the country. Hatch Chile Company's premium-quality enchilada sauces are full of fresh, authentic flavor – never watered-down, and no unnat- ural ingredients. All the HATCH enchilada sauces are vegetarian and certified gluten- free. Hatch's green enchilada sauces are pro- duced with fire-roasted New Mexican green chile peppers, and are also Non-GMO Proj- ect Verified. In addition to enchilada sauces, Hatch Chile Company also markets premium qual- ity green chile and jalapeno peppers, salsas, taco sauce and other tomato-based products. HATCH products are available in supermar- kets and natural and specialty grocery retail- ers across the United States. Visit Hatch Chile Company at booth #5549. For more information, go to www.hatchchileco.com.

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