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Leftovers: Ferrero unwraps new chocolate bar | Tabasco takes on Tex-Mex heat

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Leftovers is our look at a few of the product ideas popping up everywhere. Some are intriguing, some sound amazing and some are the kinds of ideas we would never dream of. We can’t write about everything that we get pitched, so here are some leftovers pulled from our inboxes.

Ferrero Rocher unwraps a new chocolate bar

Ferrero Rocher, the popular globe-shaped sweet, is taking a bigger bite of the confectionery space.

The brand is launching Ferrero Rocher Dark Hazelnut and Crunchy Salted Caramel bars. The new products feature crunchy hazelnut pieces, caramel with a touch of salt and a dark chocolate shell with 55% cocoa. Inspired by the original Ferrero Rocher pralines, they are wrapped in the brand’s signature gold foil. 

The bars are available this month online and at retailers nationwide.  

The new product is part of an effort by Ferrero to turn Ferrero Rocher into a $1 billion brand in the U.S.

“Innovation within our portfolio of products is a consideration as we drive towards that goal,” Ferrero said in an email to Food Dive. “Our primary focus is on establishing a larger share of everyday consumption.”

The Ferrero Rocher Dark Hazelnut and Crunchy Salted Caramel bar is being launched as part of a promotion to encourage people to take part in a four-week “Reading is a Treat” challenge. 

Once readers complete the challenge – which features curated, fall-inspired reading prompts that pair with Ferrero Rocher chocolate – they’ll receive a complimentary bar. 

Ferrero has been aggressively expanding its U.S. presence during the past seven years through a series of deals that pushed it deeper into candy and new categories, such as ice cream and cookies. 

But it hasn’t lost sight of its core brands like Ferrro Rocher or Tic Tac. In May, Ferrero launched Tic Tac Chewy, a fruit candy with a crunchy exterior and chewy inside. It’s the first product for the giant outside of the chocolate or mints section.

— Christopher Doering

 

Optional Caption

Courtesy of Tabasco

 

Tabasco takes on Tex-Mex

The popular hot sauce is leaning in to Mexican cuisine.

McIlhenney Company’s Tabasco brand has launched Salsa Picante hot sauce, a rich and thick sauce designed to add heat to tacos, guacamole and burritos. The star ingredient of the sauce is red-jalapeño peppers.

“Innovation has always been a priority for us, and we’ve been experimenting with this style of sauce for a while now,” Lee Susen, the chief sales and marketing officer at McIlhenney, said in a statement.

As a thicker sauce, the bottle was designed for easier drizzling and dipping, according to the company.

The product is now available on shelves, joining the array of unique hot sauces Tabasco has launched in recent years, including Sriracha, Buffalo and Sweet & Spicy.

Founded in 1868, Tabasco hails from Avery Island, Louisiana. Its signature sauce is consistently ranked in the top five of the most popular hot sauces in the U.S.

Mexican flavors continue to dominate new food and beverage product launches, as Gen Z marks the first generation to prefer the cuisine to Italian food as their favorite, according to Datassential research sent to Food Dive. Sales in the Mexican food segment are projected to increasing by $113.8 billion through 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.65%, according to Technavio. 

Popular hot sauce brands have expanded their product lineups in recent years to meet the demand, including McCormick & Co.’s Cholula expanding into salsa and frozen meals.

— Chris Casey

 

Optional Caption

Permission granted by Good Culture

 

Good Culture falls into pumpkin 

Snacking brand Good Culture is the latest company to hop on the pumpkin spice bandwagon. 

The company is launching its first-ever seasonal flavor, Organic Pumpkin & Spice Cottage Cheese, which is a limited-edition offering only available at Whole Foods Market nationwide. 

The new offering combines the “the rich, creamy texture that fans love with fall’s warm, comforting taste,” the company said in a press release. 

“Our unique take on a fall classic features the wholesome, simple ingredients we’re known for, alongside the classic taste of pumpkin and spice,” said Jesse Merrill, CEO and Co-Founder of Good Culture.

The offering uses ingredients like real pumpkin and live and active cultures sourced from pasture-raised cows, it said. 

Pumpkin spice online searches have been up 444,000 per month, according to the company, and other food and beverage manufacturers have been responding to the craze earlier and earlier. 

Last week, Bimbo Bakeries brand Thomas’ English Muffins relaunched its Pumpkin Spice English Muffins and Bagels and earlier in August, Hostess got in on the celebration with its limited-edition Autumn and Halloween Snacks.

Cottage cheese is a trending product category. 

Fueled by an increased consumer interest in protein intake and virality on social media, cottage cheese has gone through somewhat of a renaissance in recent years. 

Over the last year the hashtag #cottagecheese has had half a billion views on TikTok, with videos like cottage cheese being turned into pizza crusts taking the forefront.

Good Culture has touted itself as the brand that revolutionized cottage cheese for the modern age. 

Besides its new season limited edition offering, the company also offers Strawberry Chia and Pineapple cottage cheeses.

— Elizabeth Flood



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Hershey names new leader for US Confection

HERSHEY, PA. — The Hershey Co. has named Michael Del Pozzo as president, United States Confection, effective Sept. 16. He succeeds Charles Raup, who is retiring after 15 years at Hershey to pursue other executive opportunities, according to the company.

Del Pozzo will oversee the company’s brands, including Hershey’s, Reese’s and Jolly Rancher. He will join Hershey’s executive committee and work closely with two other business unit leaders, including Kristen Riggs, president of Salty Snacks, and Rohit Grover, president of International, according to the company.

Del Pozzo joins Hershey from PepsiCo, Inc., where he most recently was president and general manager of Gatorade. Earlier, Del Pozzo was chief customer officer for PepsiCo’s Frito Lay North America unit.

Del Pozzo was with PepsiCo for 23 years before transitioning to Hershey. He joined the company in December 2001 as an account executive and worked his way to several manager and leadership roles. He oversaw such brands as Propel, Muscle Milk and Evolve.

“Mike’s deep consumer insights, his customer relationships, and his track record of delivering results and driving strategic change position him as the ideal leader to guide our US Confection business through its next chapter,” said Michele Buck, chairman and chief executive officer of The Hershey Co. “He will be instrumental in building on our strengths and advancing our Leading Snacking Powerhouse vision. I want to thank Chuck for his many valuable contributions during his long tenure at Hershey. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

Raup has been president of US Confection since December 2019. Previously, he was general manager of US Confection and Grocery. Raup joined Hershey in September 2009 as vice president, general manager of US Sweets and Refreshment. He held several leadership roles during his tenure with Hershey.

Prior to Hershey, Raup was senior director of marketing at Kraft Foods. 



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Ag publisher 5m Books rides to support African farmers

Consider supporting Jeremy and Johnny and the Farm Africa team as they raise money to support African farmers grow more, sell more and sell for more


6 September 2024


3 minute read

5m Books, the publisher of the recently released book, Six Inches of Soil, which supports the massively successful film is taking part in Farm Africa’s current fundraising challenge by entering two of its own into a 500 km London to Paris cycling challenge. 

Jeremy Toynbee and Jonny Badley will be part of a larger Farm Africa team consisting of Gillian, Millie and CharloIe from vegetable grower Barfoots, Michelinstarred chef Paul Foster, and longstanding Farm Africa supporter, farmer Tim Jury.

Riding between 25 and 28 September, they will complete 500 km riding from the outskirts of London to the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the iconic finishing point of the Tour de France.

Both Jeremy and Jonny used to cycle a reasonable amount but are definitely rather rusty now. Following them as they try to get in shape in time should be quite amusing.

The team is supporting Farm Africa, a charity that reduces poverty in eastern Africa by helping farmers grow more, sell more and sell for more.

Today, over half of the world’s extreme poor live in sub-Saharan Africa. The vast majority work in agriculture.

Working in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Farm Africa is growing agriculture, protecting the environment and developing businesses in rural areas.

Here’s how a donation could help:

  • £5 could help to buy 10kg of forage seeds, so that farmers can grow food for their livestock. 
  • £11 could provide training to one woman in high-quality coffee production in Uganda.
  • £16 could help to pay for a farmer to hire help to bring in his harvest.
  • £22 could help to establish a forest products enterprise.
  • £60 is enough to buy two local female goats for pastoralist women in Ethiopia.
  • £100 could help to provide two farmers with the means to start a beekeeping business, including a hive, beekeeping equipment and a bee colony.

To support Jeremy and Jonny’s London to Paris cycle challenge and donate to Farm Africa please visit: hIps://www.givengain.com/project/jeremy-raising-funds-for-farm-africa-81422

Publishing Manager Alessandro Pasini said, “As a publisher of agriculture books we were delighted to throw Jonny and Jeremy under the bus to support this great cause when the idea came up in a meeting with the Farm Africa guys. 5m’s mission is to improve the health and happiness of the animals we farm and live with and to regenerate the world we farm and live in. SupporEng Farm Africa’s wonderful work with smallholder farmers unlocking the transformaEve potenEal of sustainable agriculture.”

Partnership Development Manager at Farm Africa, Louise Spearman, said: “We are incredibly grateful to 5m Books for taking on the London to Paris cycle ride in support of Farm Africa. Their dedication to our cause will make a significant impact, helping us provide farmers in eastern Africa with the tools and knowledge they need to build sustainable livelihoods. 100% of funds raised by 5m Books will go a long way in supporting communities to overcome challenges and secure a better future. We can’t thank them enough for their commitment and generosity!”





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Posted on Author Categories Poultry

Smalls Sliders adding 6 units in Fort Worth

Smalls Sliders, which has more than 300 units — dubbed “cans” by the company — under development, has inked its latest multi-unit deal with entrepreneur Brett Stewart. Stewart, who is based in St. Louis, plans to add six cans throughout Fort Worth, according to a press release.

Stewart has more than 14 years working with other QSR brands.

“Smalls Sliders is truly unlike any other concept in the QSR industry,” Stewart said in the press release. “Having worked alongside other QSR brands, I knew Smalls Sliders was special and wanted to be a part of its extensive growth. I couldn’t be more thrilled to join Smalls as it continues to achieve record-breaking growth and can’t wait to bring its craveable cheeseburger sliders to even more communities across Fort Worth.”

Don Crocker, CDO of Smalls Sliders, said the brand is excited for Stewart to join the company as a franchisee.

“We’ve already seen great traction across Texas and are confident that Brett will uphold our standards for excellence as we continue our growth across the region,” Crocker said in the press release. “Operators with so much relevant industry experience, like Brett, help establish our solid foundation as we continue growing in new and existing markets, and ultimately explode nationwide.”



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USDA Appoints Members to National Dairy Promotion and Research Board


The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 12 members to serve on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms, effective Nov. 1, 2024, through Oct. 31, 2027.

Newly appointed members are: 

  • Adrienne Allen, Oregon (Region 1)
  • Paul M. Danbom, California (Region 2)
  • Arlene J. Vander Eyk, California (Region 2)
  • Lauren Collier, Texas (Region 4)
  • Tasha K. Schleis, Wisconsin (Region 6)
  • Mark A. Fellwock, Missouri (Region 7)
  • Ashley N. Stockwell, Indiana (Region 9)
  • Sheila Marshman, New York (Region 12)

Reappointed members are:

  • Suzanne N. Vold, Minnesota (Region 5)
  • Sara S. Bahgat-Eggert, Wisconsin (Region 6)
  • Paxton Robinson, Idaho (Region 8)
  • Caleb E. Crothers, Maryland (Region 11)

The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board is composed of 36 dairy farmer members who represent 12 geographic regions within the United States and one importer member who represents dairy importers. The board was established by the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 to develop and administer a coordinated program of advertising and promotion to increase the demand for dairy products and ingredients.

More information about the board is available on the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service National Dairy Promotion and Research Board webpage.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight to 22 boards. The oversight ensures fiscal accountability and program integrity and is paid for by industry assessments.

AMS policy is that diversity of the boards, councils and committees it oversees should reflect the diversity of their industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities, that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. Throughout the full nomination process, the industry must conduct extensive outreach, paying particular attention to reaching underserved communities, and consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.



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Samyang Corporation Constructs Allulose Plant



Samyang Corporation has completed construction of Korea’s largest allulose plant and is accelerating its expansion of market share for alternative sweeteners both domestically and internationally.

The company held a groundbreaking ceremony at the specialty plant. The ceremony was attended by Ulsan City Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs Seung-dae Ahn, Ulsan City Council Member In-seop Bang, Samyang Corporation Vice Chairman Ryang Kim, Vice Chairman Won Kim, Samyang Packaging Vice Chairman Jeong Kim, and Samyang Corporation CEO Nag-hyun Choi, which proceeded with an opening declaration, a progress report, congratulatory addresses and a commemorative performance.

Located in Nam-gu, Ulsan, the specialty plant consists of two buildings: one for allulose production and the other for prebiotics. This facility, constructed with an investment of approximately KRW 140 billion ($105 million), spans a total floor area of 22,150 sq. mt. and has an annual production capacity of 25,000 tons.

Notably, the allulose plant has an annual production capacity of 13,000 tons, more than four times larger than the previous capacity, making it the largest in the country. The plant is equipped to produce both liquid and crystalline allulose, the latter being particularly advantageous for export.

With the completion of this facility, Samyang has solidified its position as the No. 1 company in the domestic allulose market. Given that there are only two companies in South Korea capable of manufacturing allulose, Samyang aims to strengthen its market dominance through swift market penetration.

Allulose, a rare sugar found in the natural world, is an alternative sweetener that is about 70% as sweet as sugar but contains zero calories. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) excluded allulose from the total and added sugars labeling on processed foods in 2019, as it has virtually no calories. It offers a sweetness comparable to fructose and has the added benefit of creating a flavor similar to sugar through a caramelization reaction when heated. As a result, it is considered a next-generation alternative sweetener.

Development of liquid allulose was accomplished with Samyang Corp’s proprietary enzyme technology in 2016, followed by the launch of mass production in 2020. In that same year, the company obtained the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Samyang Corporation plans to leverage the specialty plant as a strategic base to propose differentiated solutions by linking allulose and prebiotics, thereby expanding its market reach into North America, Japan, Southeast Asia and beyond. The company is already on the verge of securing Novel Food approval in Australia and New Zealand, signaling a tangible path toward market expansion. Through these efforts, Samyang aims to more than double the revenue share and overseas sales ratio of its specialty business by 2030.

“We have successfully completed the phased construction plan of the comprehensive specialty plant to strengthen our specialty business strategy,” Choi says. “With the establishment of the largest allulose plant in Korea, we are committed to enhancing our competitiveness in the domestic and international alternative sugar markets. This specialty plant will serve as a growth engine for the next 100 years of Samyang Group’s food business and will become a core base for providing health and wellness value to our customers both domestically and globally.”

Meanwhile, the prebiotics plant produces resistant dextrin and fructo-oligosaccharide powder. Resistant dextrin is a soluble dietary fiber and a health functional food ingredient known for its benefits in promoting normal bowel movements, controlling post-meal blood sugar spikes and improving blood lipid levels. Fructo-oligosaccharide, another type of health functional food ingredient, supports the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and aids in bowel regularity.



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SPX Flow Introduces APV Aseptic Pulsation Dampener

APV, a brand of SPX FLOW, has unveiled the Aseptic Pulsation Dampener, engineered to maximize operational efficiency, quality and food safety in ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing for producers with rigorous hygiene standards.

Pulsation dampeners are critical in ensuring smooth homogenizer operation in dairy and plant-based UHT processing. Vibrations can lead to pipe and system damage, which, along with rigorous cleaning schedules, can increase downtime. SPX FLOW’s pulsation dampeners mitigate these vibrations, preventing pipe breakage and reducing unexpected downtime.

The APV Aseptic Pulsation Dampener minimizes maintenance and boosts productivity while maintaining an aseptic system and product integrity. Its innovative provides:

  • Superior Product Safety: Ensures sanitary design, which is crucial for extended shelf life (ESL) products. Unlike the traditional rubber insert, the aseptic pulsation dampener has a seamless construction, which minimizes the need for inspection and the risk of contamination.
  • Extended Run Times: The sterility-tested aseptic pulsation dampener operates up to 170 hours before requiring cleaning-in-place (CIP), reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
  • Minimal Maintenance: The stainless-steel design eliminates the need to remove inserts, making cleaning and maintenance easier.
  • Seamless Integration: Integrates easily into new or existing UHT systems, ensuring a hassle-free installation.
  • Sustainability: Reduces water, detergent and energy consumption during cleaning and production start-up due to the longer run times, supporting sustainability goals.

As pioneers in UHT technology, we are excited to introduce the APV Aseptic Pulsation Dampener,” says Con O’Driscoll, SPX Flow global product manager. “This innovative design and technology reduces current sanitation risks, minimizes maintenance and helps producers meet sustainability goals by providing longer runtimes. We’re excited to help empower our customers as they elevate UHT processes to meet greater sanitation and sustainability standards.”



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Solomon starts rebuilding Haslingden factory

Haslingden, UK: Solomon Commercials has begun work on a new factory replacing the preparation and fabrication factory destroyed by fire fire on the Carrs Industrial Estate in Haslingden.

The fire occurred in June 2023, but following recent demolition, construction has begun on a new 20,000sq ft factory that will be operational later this year.

Anthony Clegg, managing director, Solomon Commercials said: “Without doubt, the fire caused upheaval within the business and reduced our manufacturing capacity and capability, but more importantly, we’re relieved that nobody was harmed.

“It’s a testament to our people that we were able to respond quickly and reorganise our manufacturing estate to ensure we could still engineer and produce the quality refrigerated vehicles we’ve become known for.

“While the fire presented a challenge to our business, we also saw it as an opportunity to review our manufacturing processes. Consequently, we have been able to invest in new machinery and implement new working practices that will make us more productive.

“Once the work is complete, we’ll return to our optimum output.”



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Drip Capital secures new investors in latest funding round

SME-focused trade finance provider Drip Capital has raised US$113mn in a new funding round, including from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and SMBC.

The funding includes US$23mn in equity investments from SMBC’s Asia Rising Fund, launched last year, and Japanese payments company GMO Payment Gateway.

Drip Capital, which operates mainly in India and the US, also closed US$90mn in debt which the company said was led by the IFC and Californian lender East West Bank, an existing partner.

Pushkar Mukewar, Drip Capital’s co-founder and chief executive, says while SMEs in many countries have struggled to access capital over the last two years, “we’ve achieved cash profitability and expanded our business during this period”.

“We are excited to welcome our new investors, and alongside our existing investors and debt partners, are ready to drive our next phase of growth.”

The company, which says it has so far provided US$6bn in trade financing in India and US$1bn in the US, has previously secured investments from venture capital firms Accel and Sequioa.

In 2021 it raised US$175mn in fresh funding, predominantly through a US$100mn warehouse facility provided by Barclays and debt extended by East West Bank.

General manager of SMBC’s digital strategy department Keiji Matsunaga says: “We are excited to contribute to the growth of society and market, by encouraging Japan–India corridor activities via this collaboration.”

“We look forward to combining the expertise of SMBC Group with Drip Capital’s technologies, to optimise global trade and enable opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses,” he adds.

The post Drip Capital secures new investors in latest funding round appeared first on Global Trade Review (GTR).



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ILA rolls out strike mobilization plan

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The International Longshoremen’s Association laid out a strike mobilization plan during its wage scale meeting this week, the union said in a Sept. 5 statement.

As the contract expiration date approaches, a little over three weeks from now, the ILA will “most definitely” strike if it doesn’t get the contract it desires, ILA President Harold Daggett said in a video shared on Wednesday.

“We must be prepared if we have to hit the streets at 12:01 am on Tuesday, October 1, 2024,” Daggett said in the statement.

The strike plan would be enacted if an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance, known as USMX, is not reached by the Sept. 30 expiration of the current six-year agreement. The union did not respond for a request to comment on the plan at the time of publication.

“ILA members are elected Wage Scale delegates from their home locals (Ports from Maine to Texas) and participate in ILA Contract meetings to formulate demands the ILA will make to USMX,” an ILA spokesperson told Supply Chain Dive in an August email.

In response, the USMX said it’s prepared to resume negotiations and hopes the union will share its current contract demands to avoid a strike. Labor talks have been stalled over wage and port automation concerns.

The looming threat of a strike on the East Coast and Gulf Coast is driving shippers to move cargo ahead of potential disruption. Ports in Long Beach, California, and Los Angeles have seen an uptick in cargo volumes processed, with the ports citing those strike concerns as a driver of early cargo movements, along with tariff concerns and peak season activity.

As retailers look to mitigate disruption, the National Retail Federation urged both the ILA and USMX to resume negotiations in order to reach a new deal before the current contract expires.

“The threat of a strike during the peak shipping season has many retailers already implementing costly mitigation strategies,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said.

Several other organizations, including the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, Cotton Growers Warehouse Association and International Dairy Foods Association, jointly sent a letter in June to President Joe Biden to “immediately work with both parties to resume contract negotiations and ensure there is no disruption to port operations and cargo fluidity.”



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