Author: Ess Seshat

Lightspeed Commerce Reveals Data about Solo Dining


Photo Credit: iStockPhoto.com/portfolio/GaudiLab

MONTREAL — In response to the growing trend of solo dining, Lightspeed Commerce Inc. has released new data on the topic. According to a recent survey by the company, nearly half (43 per cent) of Canadians are dining alone in sit-down restaurants, with Torontonians leading this trend in Canada (50 per cent). The top reasons driving this trend include self-care (31 per cent), the desire to try out new places (25 per cent) and work lunches (28 per cent).

Traditionally, solo diners would opt for a spot at the bar. However, preferences are evolving. In Toronto, solo diners are increasingly choosing regular tables (38 per cent) over the bar (20 per cent). During these meals, popular activities include people watching (39 per cent) and catching up on texts or emails (40 per cent), but a significant number (39 per cent) simply relish in the peace and quiet of dining alone.

“The rise in solo dining reflects a broader trend towards investing in personal well-being and the importance of having a bit of ‘me time,’” says Dax Dasilva, founder and CEO of Lightspeed. “At a time where restaurants are competing for hard-earned dollars, the solo diner is an untapped market with plenty of opportunity.”

In New York City, a Lightspeed customer, Avant Garden, recently introduced the exclusive Table for One on the main floor of the restaurant. This specially designed table offers a comfortable and memorable setting, complete with a curated four-course menu priced at USD$65.

In addition to the solo dining trend, Lightspeed’s data reveals broader insights into Canadian dining habits. More than two-thirds (69 per cent) have noticed higher food prices, and almost half (42 per cent) report smaller portions. Meanwhile, many Torontonians are using money-saving strategies such as grabbing a doggy bag (36 per cent), opting for value meals (34 per cent), taking advantage of happy hour deals (26 per cent), and skipping dessert (40 per cent).



Source link

Charting Pitney Bowes Global Ecommerce’s path to bankruptcy


https://res.cloudinary.com/dmgi9movl/video/upload/q_1/v1724081800/news/text_to_speech/pitney-bowes-global-ecommerce-bankruptcy-chapter-11_cqlrcy.wav
This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback.

The struggles of Pitney Bowes’ former e-commerce logistics unit have been laid bare in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy process as operations wind down.

Court filings detail the years-long struggle of Global Ecommerce, or GEC, to become profitable and subsequent efforts by Pitney Bowes to offload the business. Despite handling millions of packages every month, servicing hundreds of brands and utilizing a network of 12 U.S. parcel sortation centers, the shipping provider never provided the necessary return for its parent company.

“Simply put, the GEC business is no longer profitable and has not been for some time,” said Eric Kaup, chief restructuring officer of DRF Logistics – GEC’s new name as it heads toward closing – in an Aug. 9 court filing.

That fundamental issue led Pitney Bowes to sell its majority interest in GEC to Hilco Global. The financial services firm will liquidate and close the business through the Chapter 11 process, which is slated to wrap up in early 2025. Several vendors, including UPS and Ambi Robotics, are seeking repayment through the process.

Here’s what led to GEC’s closing, according to Kaup’s account.

Profitability woes never faded

Pitney Bowes originally saw the GEC business as a way to jump into the growing e-commerce package delivery space while hedging against long-term mail volume declines, a threat to its mail processing business.

To build up the GEC segment, Pitney Bowes acquired cross-border services provider Borderfree in 2015 for $395 million. Two years later, it purchased delivery, returns and fulfillment provider Newgistics for about $471 million to expand into the domestic parcel delivery market.

But the potential upside of those acquisitions never materialized, Kaup said, despite Pitney Bowes’ heavy investments to build out GEC’s network infrastructure through the years. GEC reported consistent annual drops in earnings before income and taxes since the Newgistics acquisition in 2017.

Pitney Bowes Global Ecommerce losses mounted for years

Earnings before interest and taxes since 2017

Recent market trends further challenged GEC. The parcel delivery space has grappled with excess capacity, or a supply-demand imbalance, since the pandemic-fueled e-commerce boom cooled off and slowed volume growth.

Carriers have offered up shipping discounts in an attempt to cover fixed costs and fuel volume growth in a softer market. However, this lowered the amount of revenue GEC received per package and further strained profitability.

“These forces (among others) placed significant financial pressure on the GEC business,” Kaup said.

GEC sale explored for months

Amid continued losses, last year Pitney Bowes launched a strategic review of the segment. As part of the review, the company sought out potential buyers.

On Pitney Bowes’ behalf, J.P. Morgan contacted 30 potential purchasers starting in November 2023. Pitney Bowes executed non-disclosure agreements and shared confidential materials with 17 of those potential purchasers.

“This robust and comprehensive marketing process was undertaken over a period of more than eight months,” according to an Aug. 15 disclosure statement.

The company ultimately didn’t receive any binding bids for the GEC unit at a price it found acceptable, Kaup said. Pitney Bowes did manage to make some GEC-related sales beforehand, however. It sold the fulfillment portion of its business to Stord in July for $1.25 million. GEC also sold $500,000 worth of robotics equipment and chargers to healthcare company Medline the same month.

But without a buyer in place for the entire GEC unit, Pitney Bowes determined that a liquidation and wind-down of the business was the best path forward to maximize creditor recoveries, Kaup said.

GEC’s top 30 unsecured creditors, the majority of which are transportation vendors such as UPS, are seeking more than $24.7 million in payment, according to an Aug. 8 court filing.

Vendors seek payment from Pitney Bowes Global Ecommerce

Creditors with the 10 largest unsecured claims against the company

UPS and several other creditors listed did not respond to requests for comment.



Source link

Graphic Packaging’s new technology set to reduce paperboard coatings


Since it announced the project in early 2023, Graphic Packaging International has proclaimed that the coated recycled paperboard mill it is building in Waco, Texas, will be more efficient and bear a lower environmental footprint than many legacy facilities. In its recently released 2023 ESG report, the company describes another potential sustainability gain at Waco: using fewer coating materials in finished paperboard.

The advanced paper pulping technologies being installed at Waco — which is slated to become operational in 2026 — are capable of recycling bleached polycoated paperboard, according to the report. GPI previously had said that the facility would use fiber from up to 15 million paper cups a day as feedstock. All of the clippings and other production waste generated at GPI’s cup and food service packaging plants also can be recycled at Waco, according to the ESG report. 

This material is high-quality fiber that will be used to create the topcoat layer for recycled paperboard, the report states. That could enable GPI to use fewer coating materials in finished paperboard, which would result in waste and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, the report says.

Reprocessing the scrap material generated during production reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill, a GPI spokesperson said via email. In addition, using fewer coating materials overall reduces production waste as well as unused coating waste.

“The technology we are installing in Waco is new to Graphic Packaging. It will allow us to effectively reclaim bleached fiber that is higher in brightness, and the brighter base stock should allow us to reduce the total coating required to achieve our quality specs,” the spokesperson said.

Latex, minerals and pigments are some of the materials used in GPI’s paperboard coatings, the report says; it also points to low-density polyethylene and other fossil-based materials as commonly used in coatings and barriers. The company expects it will see a reduction in all of its three main coating components — clay, titanium dioxide and latex — the spokesperson said.

Altered goals

Along with the release of the ESG report, GPI announced a new goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The company had submitted near-term science-based targets to the Science Based Targets initiative, which the organization validated in 2023. Establishing a strategy to reach these science-based targets puts GPI on a path to reach net zero by 2050, the company said in a news release.

In February this year, Graphic Packaging introduced Vision 2030, its strategic plan to replace its legacy Vision 2025 plan. Around the same time, the company announced new ESG commitments that align with Vision 2030. The newly released 2023 ESG report highlights how the company reexamined its sustainability strategy last year to develop these reworked goals.

The process of launching new goals involved replacing some previous ones — even though not all of them had been achieved. For example, GPI moved on from its prior goal to reduce LDPE use by 40% by 2025 and to generate 100% of sales from recyclable products by 2025. In 2023, it achieved 95% for the latter goal, and it reached about a 20% reduction in virgin LDPE use in the last five years, the report says.

“Our sustainability goals were modernized to focus on achieving near-term, absolute greenhouse gas reduction targets, aligned to the Science-Based Targets initiative,” the spokesperson said. “We are taking a holistic approach to meeting those targets, which involves prioritizing initiatives that will make the greatest impact toward limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees C,” which is in line with the Paris Agreement and UN sustainability goals.

Innovating for sustainability

The ESG report underscores the importance of innovation to advance sustainability. GPI describes multiple innovation efforts launched in 2023.

GPI’s FiberLite is a fiber-based barrier material for trays that can be used as an alternative to plastic on standard thermoforming lines.

Permission granted by Graphic Packaging International

 

Some include the insulated, double-walled fiber cup that GPI developed for Chick-fil-A and PaperLite fiber-based flexible barrier materials for trays that can be used on standard thermoforming lines. Projects still in development include paperboard yogurt containers and cookie trays.

Some cups have had a 25% reduction in PE coating thickness, and work is underway to identify plastic alternative coatings, such as with polylactic acid. In 2023, the company saw a 16% year-over-year increase in sales for PLA cups.

Other innovation efforts centered on better barrier materials, such as modifying equipment for biopolymer use and applying thinner coating layers. Cellulose is a material tested in some packaging lids, windows and other films. In addition, GPI is working to create cups and trays that are compostable at home.



Source link

Who’s News in Catering for April 13, 2024


                                                                                                                                                

Celebrating the best biscuit creations on menus nationwide, General Mills Foodservice announces the four finalists in its 2nd Annual Biskies™ Recipe Contest, who will each receive at least a $5,000 cash prize and qualify for the $20,000 Grand Prize. The Grand-Prize Recipe Winner will be named following a public voting phase taking place today through April 30, 2024, on the General Mills Foodservice website. 

Furthering its commitment to the Denver market, Oak View Group (OVG) today announced a collaboration with noted culinary expert Christian Navarro,  Edgewood Real Estate Investment Trust, and entrepreneurs Lee Ann and Mark Van Loucks, to create Golden Oak, a state-of-the-art restaurant and culinary academy, in Penterra Plaza located in the Denver Tech Center. Oak View Group, the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of public assembly facilities around the world, relocated its global headquarters to Denver last summer. Offering a unique blend of culinary excellence, innovative design, and community spirit, Golden Oak is set to become a lifestyle destination for culinary, wine and spirits enthusiasts. The approximately 9,600-square foot restaurant, slated to open in early 2025, will be led by a renowned group of food and wine experts dedicated to crafting a memorable dining experience. 

Hot Off the Presses

Holland America Line is elevating its award-winning dining experience by becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications. The two organizations serve as the most credible standards worldwide for certified seafood. The distinguished certifications take Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Program to the next level, underscoring the brand’s commitment to serving guests the highest quality seafood that is sourced sustainably when wild-caught and raised responsibly when farmed according to the strictest global standards. Marine Stewardship Council’s focus is on sustainable wild-caught seafood, while Aquaculture Stewardship Council works with responsibly farmed seafood, with both organizations seeking to minimize environmental impacts. Aligning with both ecolabels signifies Holland America Line’s commitment to programs that recognize and reward sustainable fishing practices, protect the ocean environment, and transform the seafood market toward greater sustainability. 

Products on the Market

Waring, a trusted source for high-performance kitchen appliances for more than 85 years, today announces the launch of the XPress™ Multipurpose Cooktop, a revolutionary dual-surface cooktop that quickly and easily prepares sweet or savory crêpes, quesadillas, tortillas, omelets, cheese crisps and more. Recently named a featured recipient of the National Restaurant Association Show’s 2024 Kitchen Innovations Awards, which celebrate cutting-edge equipment that’s making a significant impact on the foodservice industry, the XPress™ maximizes output and efficiency for today’s busy foodservice operations by evenly spreading crêpe batter and cooking both sides simultaneously, cutting cook time and eliminating the need to flip foods. With an aluminum cooking surface and embedded heating elements, the XPress™ heats up quickly and can flawlessly produce over 60 crêpes per hour.

                                                                                                                                                

Marking a significant food packaging industry milestone, Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) has launched the first food packaging trays comprising 100% recycled PET (rPET) deriving exclusively from trays. Until now, food packaging trays have been manufactured using ever increasing proportions of recovered PET material; however, the newly launched kp tray is the first to be composed entirely of recycled tray material. This milestone is the direct result of the kp’s Tray2Tray® initiative, which aims to rewrite the PET recycling rules. Thanks to this breakthrough, kp customers can access a fully circular tray solution for food packaging. The kp supply chain is RecyClass certified, ensuring the safety, quality and traceability of its PCR packaging solutions. The new 100% kp Tray2Tray® packaging is ideal for businesses looking to control costs pertaining to eco taxes and plastic tax legislation, as well as those looking to advance their ESG strategies.  



Source link

We Asked 11 Drinks Pros: What’s the Best Macro Light Beer? (2024)


While the light beer wars may be a thing of the past, the numbers suggest that light beer continues to win battles. In 2023, light beer hit a global market valuation of $312.9 billion, and the market’s projected to reach $401.3 billion in 2033. There’s nothing odd or remarkable about the style compared to what exists in the craft beer space, and that’s likely why they’re so popular. While IPAs, sours, and stouts have their dedicated followers, light beer’s mild flavor profile is made for the masses.

It’s also a style that brewers, bartenders, and other folks in the drinks industry can appreciate for various reasons, from feelings of nostalgia to the ease of reaching for something unfussy. But which macro light beer do they tend to reach for after a day of being surrounded by hops and fermentation tanks? We asked 10 professionals to find out. Here’s what they had to say.

The best macro light beer, according to drinks pros:

  • Pabst Blue Ribbon Easy
  • Michelob Ultra
  • Coors Light
  • Miller Lite
  • Suntory All Free
  • Iron City Lite
  • Corona Light
  • Bud Light Lime
  • Yuengling Light Lager


Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox.

“My favorite macro light beer has to be Pabst Blue Ribbon Easy. Pabst separates itself from other macro light lagers in that it’s a bit sweeter, but remains super drinkable while still having some flavor behind it. There’s also just something about their timeless can design that makes it stand out when you’re running into the grocery store for beer.” —Michael Bracco, brewer, FlyteCo. Brewing, Denver

“For macro light beers, Michelob Ultra is hard to beat. It only has 2.5 carbs per can, so it’s very drinkable without making you feel bloated.” —Alex Barbatsis, cocktail consultant, Bees & Bats Beverage, Chicago

“I think the proximity of a brewery to where you grew up, nostalgia, and marketing play a huge role in most people’s choice of macro light beer. Coors Light is an all-of-the-above choice for me. Coors Light has always been the unofficial macro lager of the West Coast, because prior to 1981, you could only get Coors beer west of the Mississippi. I also grew up stealing Coors Light out of my dad’s refrigerator when I was in high school, and it’s still my go-to when I plan on putting back more than six beers in a sitting. And there’s something about that frontier, Western-style marketing with the flowing rivers and scenes of the Rockies that’s just so wholesomely American.” —Trevor Walls, chief brewing officer, Brewery X, Anaheim, Calif.

“My go-to has always been and will always be Miller Lite. I grew up seeing that iconic white can with its navy blue writing, and no fishing trip was complete without a cooler full of them nice and ice-cold. I drink it now because it’s nostalgic. Let’s be honest, light beers don’t bring much to the table flavor-wise, so [that preference] is usually inherited, not chosen.” —Dalton Cousar, bartender, White Limozeen, Nashville

“While not saying light on the can, Suntory All Free takes the idea of an NA light to its absolute pinnacle. It has all the flavor you want in a crisp light beer, but it has no carbs, alcohol, or calories. Drinking culture is super strong in Japan, and that means they have also gone to lengths to make sure people who don’t drink can be included. All Free is an amazing example of this. While many great light-style NA beers are on the market, All Free is my go-to for those times when I would have reached for a cold one [before going sober]. For those who want a beer that isn’t a beer, try it; you won’t be disappointed.” —Karl Goranowski, beverage director, BATA, Tucson, Ariz.

“My personal favorite is Michelob Ultra for meeting this single criteria: It tastes the most like water. Or, in other words, it’s crisp and has the least flavor. Regardless of one’s choice, the most crucial element to enjoying any light beer is the temperature; it’s best served ice-cold.” —Aiyana Knauer, operations and distribution coordinator, Grimm Artisanal Ales, Brooklyn

“I have to shout out IC Lite, a legendary Pittsburgh staple. Pittsburgh Brewing Company has a lot of history, and the beer they crank out is unpretentious. IC Lite keeps things balanced; it’s not just thin sugar flavors, which is what puts me off from many light brews. Much love. Can somebody bring me a case?” —Nic Anselmo, head bartender, Bar Meridian, Brooklyn

“I’d go with a very cold Corona Light with lime. I grew up in Brazil, and I’m very used to the adjunct light lagers that we have there. The American beers don’t appeal to me as much as a light, refreshing, and fizzy Corona light.” —Maria Shirts, head brewer, Tin Roof Brewing Co., Baton Rouge, La.

“Truth is, I’m not much of a light beer guy when it comes to the macros. But you know what? I can really get down on some ice-cold Bud Light Lime — in a glass bottle, of course. (Don’t ask, it just hits different!) That bit of acidity really lifts the beer up, and makes it fun to drink. And fun is what I’m after when drinking light beer.” —Jake Guidry, brand director, Hopewell Brewing Co., Chicago

“Yuengling Light Lager is my go-to. Like Yuengling, I was born in Pennsylvania, where my mother’s family has been in the hospitality and hotel business for generations. While hardline regional beer, cocktail, and spirit loyalties may have softened, the loyalty to this beer remains strong in my family. Traveling to a state that didn’t carry it for a gathering? We’d bring it. Back East and catching up with friends and loved ones? We’re drinking Yuengling. It has become as much a symbol of East Coast-ness as it is a subtle but poignant way to remember those who might no longer be physically present, but are always there in spirit when we offer up a toast.” —Paul Masterson, Southern California bar operations spirits specialists, Samson & Surrey, Miami

“If I’m reaching for a light lager, my choice is always Miller Lite. It’s dry and crisp. It has lower residual sugar than most of the other macro light beers. It also tastes neutral and clean to me, while its competitors taste unpleasant in a way that I associate with cheap beer as a whole. It also doesn’t hurt that it is quite similar to the Champagne of beers, Miller High Life, which is my all-time favorite macro lager!” —Daniel Galada-Maria, head brewer, Finback Brewery, Glendale, NY





Source link

Posted on Author Categories Alcohol

Hooters launching frozen appetizers and snack items



ATLANTA — Golden West Food Group, the licensed food partner of Hooters of America, LLC, is launching several new frozen appetizer and snack products under the Hooters brand.

The line features a variety of chicken wings and boneless chicken offerings in a convenient format to prepare in home ovens and air fryers. Product flavors at launch include BBQ Smoked Wings, Dry Rub Smoked Wings, Buffalo Style Boneless Wingz and Buffalo Style Popcorn Chicken.

“Whether it’s an easy meal at home, or planning food on the go, consumers now have another way to enjoy the world-famous taste of Hooters with these new frozen appetizers and snacks,” said Bruce Skala, chief marketing officer for Hooters of America.

The product line is available in Publix Super Markets locations across the United States, with more retail distribution expected later this year. Golden West also plans to add four additional Hooters licensed products in 2024.



Source link

TekniPlex Consumer Products Receives Compostable Certification for Foam Protein Tray from Biodegradable Products Institute


Part of company’s “GeoPack” product line, protein trays  are compostable in industrial compost settings.

TekniPlex Consumer Products (TPCP), a globally integrated provider of innovative solutions through materials science and manufacturing technologies, has received certification from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) for a compostable foam protein tray. Part of the company’s GeoPack range of sustainability-minded products, the protein tray has been officially designated as biodegradable in industrial compost settings.

The protein tray recognized by BPI is composed of cellulose-based direct food-contact material, and is manufactured in the United States. Conveniently for meat, poultry and seafood brand owners, the GeoPack foamed tray represents a “drop-in” replacement for traditional polystyrene foam trays, as it is compatible with existing overwrap equipment commonly found within case ready packing environments. Additionally, these trays are suitable for use in less automated environments, such as in-store or “back of house” packing.

TekniPlex Consumer Products’ GeoPack solutions meet defined sustainability criteria comprising varying combinations of materials science sustainability’s “4 Rs” – reduce, recycle, reuse and renew. Elements include biodegradable or compostable materials, post-consumer recycled content, recyclability, renewable substrates, and legislation compliance. The goal is to deliver solutions tailored toward customers’ sustainability metrics, including providing information on specific products’ environmental impact. Among other items, GeoPack solutions include molded fiber egg cartons and trays, molded fiber agricultural trays for produce, and recycled polyester (rPET) egg cartons comprised of 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

“When we look at the current market segments within TekniPlex’s Consumer Products division, sustainability means different things to various stakeholders,” said Chuck Gallagher, Vice President of New Product Development for TekniPlex. “For protein packaging, alternatives to polystyrene foam are limited compared to other segments. Packing protein at scale using fiber-based packages can be a challenge due to the wet packaging environment. Without necessitating substantial equipment investments, the GeoPack compostable tray introduces sustainability elements without sacrificing durability – a crucial factor for the case ready landscape



Source link

TS Lines in renewed drive towards long-haul routes


Taiwanese intra-Asia carrier TS Lines has ambitions of expanding further into long-haul
routes.

On 13 August, TS Lines launched a standalone Asia-US West Coast express service, AWC2,
just over a month after returning to the transpacific lane through a joint AWC service with
Dubai-based SeaLead Shipping.

AWC2, connecting Guangzhou, Xiamen, Busan and Long Beach, was launched with the 1,800 TEU TS Bangkok, carrying toys, construction materials, apparel, shoes and hats, setting out from China’s Guangzhou port. The ship will arrive in Long Beach on 5 September, offering a 23-day turnaround time.

According to TS Lines’ website, two other ships, TS Melbourne and TS Tokyo, have also been assigned to AWC2.

Despite the ongoing correction in freight rates, particularly on the Asia-US West Coast
routes, TS Lines’ management is optimistic about filling the ships.

TS Lines’ Xiamen representative, Wu Chengyan, said: “Shipping demand is very strong,
especially in the apparel, footwear, manufacturing, bulk commodities and cross-border e-
commerce sectors. We designed the route to use Xiamen as the last port of call (in China),
and after leaving the port, the ship goes directly to the US West Coast, so customers will no longer have to worry about transit.”

Wu indicated that if demand is good, TS Lines could deploy up to five vessels to AWC2.

On 30 May, TS Lines renewed its listing application on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The
company’s prospectus disclosed its intention to resume long-haul services.

The company made its long-haul entry in 2021, during the COVID-19-fuelled boom, but
withdrew from this trade in 2023 as the market corrected. This year, TS Lines made a
comeback to long-haul services as the Red Sea crisis sent rates skyrocketing again.

To bolster its competitiveness on long-haul routes, TS Lines ordered two 14,000 TEU and
two 8,000 TEU ships from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding in May, for delivery in 2027.

Wu said TS Lines is also keen to start a Far East-Mexico service, as rates between the Far
East and Central/South America are at two-year highs.

Martina Li

Asia Correspodent




Source link

Six snack industry collabs revolutionizing new product development


By partnering with other brands, companies can leverage each other’s strengths, whether it’s expertise in product development, distribution networks or brand loyalty. Moreover, collaborations enable snack producers to tap into new customer segments, share resources and reduce costs, fostering a more resilient and competitive industry landscape.

Here are a few that are currently shaking up the snack sector.

Pop-Tarts and Nothing Bundt Cakes

The pair have joined forces to release a ‘crazy good’ flavor – Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts – only available until September 1 at the Northing Bundt Cakes’ 600-plus bakeries across the US.

The dinky Bundtlet is a strawberry cake infused with Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts pieces, crowned with signature cream cheese frosting and then topped with confetti sprinkles and a Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts Pastry Bite.

“Our collaboration with Pop-Tarts brings a classic, nostalgic taste to our Bundtlets to create a one-of-a-kind snack,” said Claire Jessen, Nothing Bundt Cakes VP of Culinary.

“Our crazy good Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts flavor is reminiscent of coming home from school hungry and grabbing a satisfying, sweet little treat from the pantry to keep you happy ‘til dinner.”

Nothing Bundt Cakes is becoming increasingly recognized for its growing rotation of limited-time pop-up flavors, designed to capitalize on the ‘little treat culture’ among Gen Zs. The brand has released more new or re-imagined flavors in 2024 than ever before in its 27-year history – with more to follow.

“We are excited to partner with Nothing Bundt Cakes to showcase how Pop-Tarts doesn’t just belong in the toaster – it can be used to transform menus and provide inspiration for unique concepts,” said Michelle Barnes, director of commercial strategy, Kellanova Away From Home.

“This unexpected, limited-time offering from Nothing Bundt Cakes is sure to delight fans of both brands while still delivering the great taste consumers know and love.”

Dallas-headquartered Nothing Bundt Cakes also offers handcrafted Bundt Cakes for pickup or delivery in a variety of flavors, such as bite-sized Bundtinis, cupcake-sized Bundt Cakes, personal-sized Bundtlets and 8- and 10-inch Bundt Cakes, in additional to a growing gluten-free range.

Klimon and Universal

As ‘Despicable Me 4’ dominates the box office, fast-growing dairy-free brand Klimon has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Universal that includes the right to develop Minion-branded nondairy products.

Klimon (‘no milk’ backwards) offers 100% plant-based, dairy- and gluten-free frozen desserts, which are sold across the US in grocers like Harris Teeter, Stop & Shop and Stater Brothers. The creamy texture comes from a proprietary process that blends pea protein, coconut oil and tapioca. A recent packaging redesign placed emphasis on the play on words with a new logo that  features a backwards N and a crossed out ‘O’ and specific color gradients to designate  each of its seven flavors.

The US company is riding high, with YOY revenue growth of 126%.

“The plant-based food revolution is here to stay and new iconic brands will emerge,” said Klimon founder and CEO Alex Cotraviwat.

“By delivering superior taste and experience, understanding and meeting consumer desires and integrating with cultural touchstones, we believe Klimon can be the market leader in dairy free products.”

Driven by consumer dietary restrictions, concerns about the environment and animal welfare and a general desire for more plant-based options, the North American dairy alternatives market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12.25% through 2030, according to Mintel data. In fact, The Good Food Institute reported that one in 10 US households purchased plant-based ice cream and frozen novelties in 2023.

Oreo and Coca-Cola

Besties often become a combination of their best traits, making each other even better together. In this spirit, for the first time ever, Oreo and Coca-Cola have teamed up to create two limited-edition products inspired by each other.

“We strive to identify fresh ways to excite consumers and with this collaboration, we have truly upped the ante,” said Eugenia Zalis, global head of Marketing and Brand for Oreo, Mondelez International.

“The bestie bond forged between Oreo and Coca‑Cola is a playful way to unite our fanbases and celebrate the power of connection and togetherness. We cannot wait to see the reaction to the campaign and hope fans are excited to experience the latest twists on two classics.”

  • The Oreo Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie boasts a distinctive red and black color-blocked design featuring two unique basecakes, a classic chocolate (that contains Coca-Cola syrup) and a red-colored golden embossed with Coca-Cola designs, stuffed with a smooth white-colored crème. The basecakes also feature popping candies that bring a ‘fizz’ sensation to every bite.
  • The Coca-Cola Oreo Zero Sugar Limited Edition features a captivating design with its sleek packaging, adorned with the signature Oreo cookie embossment and stacked Coca-Cola bottles. Each sip imparts the refreshing Coca-Cola taste with hints of Oreo cookies.

Marking the occasion is also the ‘Bestie Mode Digital Experience’, an exclusive platform and musical experience designed by Spotify, along with a ‘Bestie Mode’ merchandise line with fashion retailer Forever21. Fans can activate ‘Bestie Mode’ by scanning on-pack QR codes to merge their music tastes and create custom Spotify playlists to commemorate their friendship The collection includes an apparel top, jacket, socks, tote bags, cosmetics bag, drinkware and notebooks, and will be available from mid-September online and at select stores.

“We took careful steps to ensure we delivered the Oreo experience in a Coca‑Cola and vice versa,” said Oana Vlad, Global VP, Brand Strategy at The Coca‑Cola Company.

“Both products went through several iterations and we look forward to following the public conversation of what each tastes like. At the end of day, our mutual commitment to product quality and technical excellence – and our willingness to have fun and work together as one team – made this possible.”

The Limited-Edition treats will begin rolling out at retailers in the US, Canada, China, Mexico and Brazil from September 9 for a limited time. Both products are also available for pre-order in early September from Oreo and Walmart online.

Rice Krispies Treats and Red Jacket Beach Resort

Inspired by the magic of sleepovers, Rice Krispies Treats has conspired with the newly renovated Cape Cod-based Beach Resort to make fans feel like a kid again.

The brand is challenging families to ditch the fall dread and get away for one more sweet summer vacation at this one-of-a-kind destination: the Re-Treat Suite by Rice Krispies Treats.

Guests will experience their favorite snack like never before and wake up to ocean views from a giant Rice Krispies Treats bed. They can ride down the slide from the top bunk of the double-stacked Treat bunkbeds; build a massive marshmallow-y pillow fort; and host a throwback movie marathon on a giant projector and marshmallow beanbags. That’s not all as the Treat Yourself bar is super-stocked with fan-favorites treats: Original, Chocolate, Strawberry, Chocolatey Chip Cookie Dough, Rainbow and Chocolatey Peanut Butter.

The best part? This dream-like stay can be reserved for no cost!

“At a time when families are packing their bags for back-to-school and early bedtime, we’re packing our bags for the Re-Treat Suite and this family-loved beach destination,” said Danielle Rappoport, brand director for Rice Krispies Treats.

“We know that our iconic snack has the power to give our fans that wonderful sense of carefree fun. We hope the Re-Treat Suite gives guests an excuse to enjoy one more magical vacation with their loved ones before the sun sets on summer.”

Part of a multi-property resort group set upon a nearly one-mile stretch of beach along the Atlantic, the recently reimagined Red Jacket Beach Resort features multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, kid-centric activities, bike rentals and more. Families and fans can request to book a two-night stay – August 30-September 1) at the Re-Treat Suite by Rice Krispies Treats for up to six guests.

Booking is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests will be responsible for their own travel to and from the Resort.

Cheetos and J Balvin

The iconic snack has partnered with the international superstar and entrepreneur for this year’s Deja tu Huella campaign.

Deja tu Huella – which translates as ‘Leave your mark’ – was created by Cheetos in 2020 to celebrate those who are leaving a mark on their communities through art, education, music, technology, fashion and more. For years, the brand has supported these individuals with funding and resources to continue pursuing their passions.

Now the brand is welcoming J Balvin into the Deja tu Huella family in a way only it can: by sponsoring his iconic, orange-dusted fingertips. J Balvin has undoubtedly left a long-lasting impact by uniting people across the world through his music and helping the community through his Vibra en Alta Foundation. By giving back and uplifting the community, he aims to support the next generation by creating opportunities, fostering growth and ensuring a brighter future.

“Cheetos is committed to uplifting the Latino community to provide them with the tangible support needed to unleash their full potential and continue impacting their communities in big ways,” said Tina Mahal, senior VP of Marketing at PepsiCo Foods North America.

“The impact J Balvin’s made through his music and work with his Vibra en Alta foundation will help shine light on a community that truly embodies Deja tu Huella’s spirit.”

The raggaeton superstar – one of the best-selling Latin music artists with sales of more than 35 million records worldwide – is also helping the brand to find the next Deja tu Huella Ambassador.

The Deja tu Huella Ambassador network includes 20 inspiring individuals who have leveraged their talents to make a positive impact in the Latino community.

The new ambassador will hit the road with Cheetos in October on a three-stop community college tour to bring more visibility to their platform and help provide valuable resources to support career growth. The Cheetos Community College Tour will feature events and opportunities – including Culinary Creator competitions and workshops, along with networking and mentorship sessions. The PepsiCo Foundation will award scholarships along the way. Throughout the tour, Cheetos will reach and support thousands of students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) in Miami, Dallas and Los Angeles.

To apply, fans can head to the Cheetos website or scan the on-pack QR code found on limited-time Cheetos Salsa con Queso bags, now available nationwide. Applications remain open until August 26.

“As a longtime fan of the Deja tu Huella campaign, it means a lot to me to team up with Cheetos to give back to the community that has given me so much throughout my career,” said J Balvin.

“There are so many incredible people out here inspiring change and showcasing the beauty of our Latino culture. It’s about breaking barriers and pushing boundaries for the next generation.”

To spread the news, Cheetos has created a TV commercial that features J Balvin showing off his Cheetle-covered fingertips everywhere he goes – from the red carpet to going out for dinner.

Bear and Urban Fruit

The partnership combines the best of both brands and is set to continue disrupting the snacking category by offering healthier fruit snacks made from real fruit.

The Urban Fruit line up, comprising gently baked dried fruit such as mango, strawberries and pineapple, will join the Bear brand, known for its popular Yoyos and Fruit Splits, made with real fruit and no added nasties.

The combined portfolio – owned by Urban Fresh Foods, under Lotus Bakeries – will benefit from the high penetration, strong visual identity and category-leading customer share of Bear to upscale exposure, drive brand growth and fuel incrementality.

“Bear’s mission is to make healthier fruit snacking easier and tastier for all, and that’s exactly what this move accelerates, embracing the crossover in the category and amplifying Bear as a brand for all ages, from little cubs to their adults, and shoppers seeking healthier snacks,” said Derren Plows, MD of Urban Fresh Foods.

“We know that four in five children are missing out on their full 5-a-day – along with around 70% of adults – so there’s a job to do to encourage more fruit and veg occasions, across all ages. As kids and adults fruit snacking is often merchandized together, there’s a huge opportunity to bridge the gap and encourage shoppers to cross shop fruit snacks for themselves at the same time as their little ones.”

Added Jo Agnew, Urban Fresh Foods’ marketing director, “The new Bear Fruit products haven’t changed at all – they still don’t contain preservatives; they still contain one of your 5-a-day and they still have the same great taste our shoppers know and love.

“As a brand, Bear continues to add value into the category, for both retailers and our shoppers, whether that’s through our innovation and flavor development, such as our new Tropical Yoyos; our recent on-pack partnerships with the Natural History Museum and Water Babies; or our collectable cards, which little ones just love to collect.”



Source link

It’s Too Soon for Pumpkin Spice. Or Is It?


Today, we’re doing a crossover post with Boss Barista. The newsletter, run by our editor, Ashley Rodriguez, Boss Barista tackles critical issues in the coffee world. 

The beginning of fall used to be signaled by a new crispness in the air—by earlier nights, colorful leaves, and farmers markets full of apples and gourds. But for many of us, those seasonal signifiers have since been replaced by a specific corporate promotion. Now, the start of fall is marked by the arrival of the pumpkin spice latte.

Starbucks introduced the PSL in 2003, and since then it has grown into a global phenomenon. The drink—which is made with baking spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg, and, since 2015, actual pumpkin purée—was later adopted by numerous other coffee companies and retailers. (The spices used in the beverage all come from the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, and were historically traded at the same ports as coffee—but despite that historic link, the drink’s creation is down to R&D work at Starbucks rather than any long-standing lineage.)

Today, the PSL feels like an inescapable part of the season—but what happens when it shows up well before fall begins?

I found myself asking this question because this week, I got my first promotional email of the year about pumpkin spice lattes. Apparently, for 7-Eleven, PSL season has already started. On August 1, the global convenience store chain announced a new addition to its Slurpee menu: the Pumpkin Spice Slurpee (my fellow media colleague, Zac Cadwalader, bravely tried the drink and reviewed it for Sprudge). 

The company seems willing to skip the weeks of summer that still remain and dive straight into fall, debuting not just the new Slurpee flavor but a line of pumpkin-inspired coffee drinks as well. Meanwhile, various outlets are reporting that Starbucks is bringing back the PSL this year “earlier than ever.” 

All this hubbub begs the question: When is the right time to say goodbye to summer and welcome the pumpkin spice latte? We decided to ask the internet—and were surprised by the variety of answers:

Most respondents seemed to agree that right now—in August—is too soon for PSL season, but they had varying thoughts about when fall begins. (Those who follow the meteorological calendar say September 1, while those who follow the astronomical calendar go with the equinox.) Another group urged coffee businesses to think about the seasonality of pumpkins in their areas before considering slapping a PSL on the menu. But others wanted the party to rage all year, and called for the PSL’s seasonal confines to be removed. Let the people have pumpkin spice whenever they want!

Those who were irked about the PSL’s encroachment on summer do have a point—its arrival really is moving up sooner each year. Data from Google Trends shows that internet interest in pumpkin spice lattes is now peaking in August, and that the timeframe has shifted over the last few years.

Before 2019, interest generally peaked in September—but that year, the high-water mark was on August 25. In 2023, interest peaked on August 20. And in 2024, we’re already seeing search history data indicate that we’re in for an even earlier peak. (Search history trends don’t necessarily correlate with brands’ PSL releases, but they do indicate that the drink is creeping into people’s brains earlier and earlier each year.)  

So, when is the right time to begin talking about PSLs and other fall drinks? Will the timeframe keep moving up every year, or will brands eventually face a backlash for this seasonal creep? Presumably, there is an outer limit to PSL season, but we’re clearly not there yet. In the meantime, the premature takeover of fall drinks, cozy sweaters, and autumnal colors has arrived, even if it is still 90 degrees outside. 





Source link

Exit mobile version