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GOURMET NEWS www.gourmetnews.com n JUNE 2018 n GOURMET NEWS 7 8 New Caramels by Atkinson Most people know Atkinson Candy for its iconic candy brands, like Chick-O-Stick, Peanut Butter Bar, Slo-Poke, Black Cow and Sophie Mae Peanut Brittle. What many don't know, however, is that the company has been hand making these and other products at its Texas-based facilities using simple ingredi- ents and heritage recipes since its founding 85 years ago. "Today, we're applying this expertise in craft confections to Caramels by Atkinson, our new line of handcrafted caramels made from simple ingredients," says Eric Atkin- son, President. Available for the fall and holiday seasons, Caramels by Atkinson can be enjoyed in five perennially popular varieties: Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla, Gingerbread and Chocolate Peppermint – the perfect fla- vor companions for falling leaves and chill- ing winds. "Our new caramels are a byproduct of many impassioned work sessions. Each recipe was carefully worked and re-worked to achieve an unbeatable balance of flavor, chewiness and a smooth caramely good- ness," says Atkinson. The Caramel Apple (a staff favorite) cap- tures the tart crispness of a green apple freshly dipped in hot caramel. Pumpkin Spice is warm and cozy, just like your fa- vorite latte. Vanilla is a classic for all seasons. Gingerbread is remi- niscent of holiday cookies, and Chocolate Peppermint has a rich chocolate flavor with actual crushed Mint Twist Peppermint pieces for a minty bite! As a family-owned company focused on the highest quality confections, Atkinson Candy believes that the best candy is still candy that's made with real ingredients by real people for all people. Caramels by Atkinson are a testament to that belief. Atkinson Candy Company has an 85-year history of handcrafting some of the most classic candies still on the market. According to Atkinson, "That's the unique thing about our business; we're a true hybrid of tradition and innovation. While we stay true to our traditional roots, we're still looking for ways to make sensible updates to our brands and recipes that entice younger consumers to come along on the journey with us." "With a new 40,000 square foot factory expansion completed, there are a lot of new things happening at Atkinson Candy. We're leaning in to our future and preparing for the next 85 years," says Atkinson. Ceres Introduces Five New Premium Fruit Juices From farm to table, the new Ceres organic juices are 100 percent pure fruit. The juices start with the careful selection of the finest quality organic fruits from growers around the world, and are available in mango, guava, peach, pear and passion fruit flavors. The company is proud to say that its pro- ducers meet the highest organic farming standards to bring you perfect juice found in nature. From its humble beginnings in South Africa's Ceres Valley, it now distributes its premium range of organic juices to countries all over the globe. "We have really put our ear to the ground to find out exactly what people want when they're seeking organic juices to quench their thirst. A growing number of beverage lovers are on a mission to find premium juices that combine superior flavor and nourishing, wholesome ingredients. To meet that demand, we've created all natu- ral, pure fruit juices with uncompromising nutrition and refreshing, exotic taste that`s not easily forgotten," said Martin Pamen- sky, Chief Executive Officer, Ceres Juices North America. The company's success is rooted in the truth that Mother Earth lies at the heart of everything it promises to its customers. It believes that by taking care of the planet, all the goodness of earth will be absorbed into its juices. Unlike most organic juices which un- dergo a hot fill process that affects the juice's taste and nutrients, Ceres organic juices are packed in a state-of-the-art facil- ity in North America that flash pasteurizes the juice into clear PET bottles. This process ensures that all Ceres juices have a ripe, mouth-watering taste of fresh fruit and retain all essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The result is a superior drink that gives you a boost of pure natural goodness in every drop. Ceres organic juices are all natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and kosher with no added sugar or preservatives. Ceres Fruit Juices is a bever- age company based in Paarl, South Africa. The company exports juices to more than 80 countries across North America, Europe and Asia. The U.S. is one of its largest markets where it's widely recognized for its healthy ingredients and delicious taste. For more information, go to www.ceresjuices.com. Taste Nirvana Expands with HPP and Probiotic Coconut Waters Using premium Nam Hom "fragrant water" Thai coconuts bottled within hours of har- vest, the third generation Thai family busi- ness expands its award-winning line of natural coconut waters with the launch of new chilled products using innovative HPP, flash pasteurization and fermentation tech- nologies. Taste Nirvana adds to its current shelf-stable lineup with chilled HPP Cold Pressed Premium Coconut Water, Roasted Coconut Water and Coco K-Fir Probiotic Coconut Water. Designed to meet consumer demand for HPP and chilled beverages, this move increases Taste Nirvana's sales posi- tion and reputation for best tasting coconut waters within the rapidly growing plant- based water category. Taste Nirvana HPP Cold Pressed Coconut Water is created to share with consumers nat- ural coconut water in its freshest, most re- freshing form. High Pressure Processing (HPP) – an innovative industry method used to eliminate the bacteria while preserving vi- tamins and nutrients without the use of heat – prolongs the shelf-life of Taste Nirvana's premium Nam Hom coconuts, and enhances the naturally delicious taste. This method marries Taste Nirvana's quality with conven- ience and proves second only to consumers actually cracking one open themselves. Taste Nirvana Roasted Coconut Water is the brand's showcase of Thailand's tradition where Thai farmers and roadside vendors roast whole young coconuts in their shells to create a more naturally sweet coconut water, with meat that is nuttier and rich in flavor. Taste Nirvana hand selects the most pre- mium Thai Nam Hom ("fragrant water") coconuts, roasts to perfec- tion and bottles within hours of har- vest for consumers to enjoy this long-enjoyed Thai secret. Taste Nirvana Coco K-Fir is where coconut water dynamically meets probiotics. With award-winning real coconut water, fermented hand-crafted live cultures and a touch of fresh coconut nectar, Taste Nirvana deliciously combines the hy- drating benefits of coconut water with a dose of billions of active live cultures to support a healthy immune system, promote digestion and nutrient absorption. "We are always motivated by unique in- gredients and dedicated to making the finest quality beverages sharing Thailand's agricul- tural wealth," said Jack Wattanaporn, Taste Nirvana Founder. "With our expansion into chilled HPP, pasteurization and probiotics, we are proud to showcase that Taste Nirvana coconut waters are not only rich in flavor, but also provide nutri- tional healthy benefits derived from nature." About Taste Nirvana Award-winning taste sets Taste Nirvana apart from other brands. The desire to share the best of Thai- land's flavors does too. The latest all-natural incarnation of a multi-generational Thai fam- ily business, Taste Nirvana was founded in 2003 with the mission to provide the best tasting beverages using Thailand's finest re- sources and produces authentic ready-to- drink Thai coffee, Thai teas, coconut water and functional health drinks. Taste Nirvana's all-natural coconut waters are the closest thing to drinking directly out of an actual co- conut and second-best only to Mother Nature. For more information, visit www.taste nirvana.com or call 951.371.7100. Bellucci Sicilia PGI Organic EVOO Wins Silver Award at NYIOOC Bellucci introduces the newest addition to its Legendary Series: award-winning Sicilia PGI Organic extra virgin olive oil. Fresh from the 2017-2018 harvest season, this Si- cilia PGI Organic is the recipient of a Silver Award at the prestigious 2018 New York In- ternational Olive Oil Competition. Why is PGI (Protected Geographic Indi- cation) certification so important? Simply put, it means Sicily is the authentic source of origin for this prized EVOO. In 2016, the European Commission approved the Pro- tected Geographical Indication PGI 'Sicilia' (Sicily) for extra virgin olive oil produced on the island. Such certifications promote the development of specific rural regions and populations, which are related to agricultural products with special quality characteristics and protect the interests of both growers and consumers. It is transparency at its best in the greater fight against food fraud. Bellucci Si- cilia PGI Organic ensures the olives were grown, the oil pressed and bottled all in Sicily. Sicilian EVOO is among the world's most fragrant and appe- tizing. The fertile volcanic soil and hot sunny climate yield an abun- dance of cultivars, each with a depth and range of unique fruity, peppery and bitter flavor notes. Consumers seeking greater on- label visibility into the origins of the food in their shopping basket are on the rise. Shoppers are seek- ing new depths of information, in- cluding organic growing methods, sustainable sourcing and making a real connection to the people who grow and produce their food. With the Bellucci traceability app, every bottle of Bellucci extra virgin olive oil is fully traceable to its source in rural Italy. Visit www.bellucci premium.com to meet some of the multi-generational families that are the heart of the cooperative of growers and majority owners of Bellucci and hear their stories of tending the land that nourishes and nurtures so many. For more information, visit booth #3150 or go to www.bellucci premium.com.

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