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©2019 Rhodes International, Inc. of those boxes.” Next up for the brand: a line of bite- Although better-for-you plant-based off erings are size, mini cocktail pies/rolls ideal for entertaining. less common in the snacks and appetizers subcategory, manufacturers are starting to make inroads. For ex- NEW PLANT-BASED SNACKS FILL GAPS ample, Dallas-based MorningStar Farms (morningstar As Fennell suggested, there’s also been a lot of activity farms.com), a subsidiary of the Kellogg Co., recently on the plant-based protein side of the segment, particu- launched vegan Mini Corn Dogs featuring bite-size larly on the handheld entrée side. For example, Chica- veggie dogs dipped in sweet batter. Meanwhile, Cona- go-based Conagra is reportedly gra has added Gochujang Style building on the success of its Chick’n Wings, Chipotle Georgia Healthy Choice (healthychoice. Style Chick’n Wings, Nashville Hot com) Power Bowls with a line of Chick’n Tenders and Crispy Golden plant-based, grain-free Power Chick’n Nuggets — all made with a Wraps high in protein. It’s also proprietary blend of pea and wheat expected to roll out high-pro- protein — to its meat-free Gardein tein, low-carb handhelds under (gardein.com) lineup. its EVOL brand (evolfoods. However, “h e biggest segments com). Meanwhile, Petaluma, in the category are rolls, moz- Calif.-based Amy’s (amys.com) zarella sticks and skins, and recently added a line of Interna- not one brand is non-GMO, gluten- tional Wraps (Vietnamese Banh free/allergen-friendly, plant-based Mi, Indian Curry Korma, Mo- or clean label,” says David Peters, roccan Tagine, Italian Supreme CEO of Wellesley, Mass.-based Pizza and Greek Spanakopita) Farmwise (farmwisefoods.com). To to its vegetarian handhelds col- Expected to hit supermarket freezers fi ll that gap, the company is launch- lection, highlighting continued this month, Swiss Rösti of ers con- ing better-for-you alternatives to demand for ethnic (and organic) sumers a convenient, clean label way two of the most popular conven- off erings as well. to enjoy their favorite vegetable. tional frozen snacks. Its new Veggie SPOTLIGHT: SNACKS & APPS

Skins feature crispy potato skins filled & Cheddar, Spinach with a blend of cheddar cheese and & Feta and Veggie finely chopped broccoli or cauliflower & Mozzarella) in a while its Mozzarella & Broccoli Bites baked crust made with combine mozzarella cheese, finely cauliflower. “We’re chopped broccoli and white beans the only brand in the and a crunchy gluten-free breading. frozen snack space All three are non-GMO, gluten-free that can list vegetables and vegetarian — and contain less as the first ingredi- than half the sodium of the leading ent,” claims CEO Greg brands, says Peters, citing the fact that Longstreet. Each five- 90% of U.S. kids consume more than bite serving contains 9 twice the recommended daily amount grams of protein and a of sodium. Value-size 72-count packages of Bylada’s private full serving of vegeta- Another company known for label pizza are gaining steam among con- bles, he adds. sneaking vegetables into foods kids sumers already sold on store brand snack quality. While not every love, New York-based Kidfresh (kid frozen snack is get- fresh.com) also rolled out better-for-you versions of tradi- ting the veggie treatment, even “conventional” products tional snacks recently. Made with real mozzarella, whole are cleaning up their ingredient panels. For example, wheat flour and “hidden” chickpea flour, the brand’s new St. Simons Island, Ga.-based Farm Rich (farmrich.com) Mozzarella Sticks are an excellent source of calcium and just rolled out Toy Story 4 Breaded Mozzarella Shapes deliver 8 grams of whole grains and 9 grams of protein (Woody’s hat, space aliens and new toy character Bunny) per serving. Its new Cheese Burritos, on the other hand, made with 100% real mozzarella cheese and a whole grain feature mozzarella and cheddar cheeses combined with coating that offers 14 grams of protein and 25% the daily nutrient-rich butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Also a recommended value of calcium. great source of calcium, they contain 10 grams of protein While most better-for-you frozen snack manufactur- per serving. Both products are free of artificial colors and ers are focusing their efforts on healthy alternatives to flavors and preservatives. tried-and-true products like mozzarella sticks, a handful of suppliers are rolling out truly unique new items. One BETTER-FOR-YOU PIZZA ROLLS DEBUT we haven’t seen before: crispy, hand-held filled potatoes Other better-for-you manufacturers are going after the inspired by traditional Swiss rösti — also the name of granddaddy of kid-friendly frozen snacks: pizza rolls. New both the Portland, Ore.-based start-up that brought the York-based Feel concept to the states and the brand itself (swissrosti.com). Good Foods “Swiss Rösti is a true category creator,” says president and (feelgf.com) debuted a line ‘Consider bringing on large value of “culinary-for- ward” pizza roll- sizes of core private label items like inspired snack pizza bagels that consumers will use bites featuring a unique cauli- throughout the season.’ flower crust this past spring (Un- co-founder Steve Caldwell, who calls the first-to-market cured , product “the best thing you’ve never eaten.” hree Cheese Launching this month at retailers nationwide, Swiss Pomodoro, and Rösti comes in three all-natural, vegetarian flavors made Chicken Sausage with a few simple ingredients: Melty Swiss (with with Broc- imported Swiss Raclette cheese), Zesty Chili Cheese (with coli and Asiago garbanzo beans, sharp cheddar, red peppers, poblano Farm Rich introduces Toy Story Cheese). But cat- peppers and spices) and Stuffed (with sour 4-inspired Breaded Mozzarella egory newcomer cream, and chives), all with 100 calories Shapes made with real cheese and Del Monte Foods or less. Later this fall, the company plans to add a vegan whole grains. (delmonte.com), Creamy Lentil flavor, followed by a Sausage, Egg & Cheese San Francisco, breakfast variety. Also in the pipeline: an All-American takes the concept a step further with its new Veggieful Bacon Cheeseburger rösti. Veggie Bites, which combine veggies and cheese (Broccoli “Potatoes are the second most-consumed food in the

32 www.frbuyer.com AUGUST 2019 world and everyone loves them” says about expanding their Caldwell. “But they get stuck on how to assortments. enjoy them beyond . Rösti Private label frozen off ers a delicious, clean label alternative snack dollar sales shot that’s gluten-free, non-GMO, portable, up 12.4% during the ethnic and versatile.” most recent 12 weeks, suggesting consumers READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? are very comfortable Although it’s 90 degrees outside and with store brand of- the fi rst scrimmage has yet to be ferings in the category played, manufacturers say retailers (private label is the No. should start thinking about the Super 2 “brand”). “Private Bowl now. Because frozen snack sales label pizza bagels, pizza peak during the two months between Farmwise debuts better-for-you versions of two rolls, potato skins and h anksgiving and the end of football of consumers’ favorite frozen snacks. mozzarella sticks have season, says Meade Bradshaw, na- been around for more tional sales manager at Moonachie, N.J.-based Bylada than a decade,” says Bradshaw. “So shoppers know they’re Foods (byladafoods.com), retailers need to plan ahead to high quality.” Retailers that don’t have them in their mix ensure they have adequate stock. “Book your ads now,” could be leaving money on the table — and missing an he suggests. And for retailers with smaller sections, opportunity to off er customers a great value. “Consider bringing on large value sizes of core items Beyond assortment, manufacturers say retailers like pizza bagels that consumers will use throughout the should look for ways to help consumers fi nd all of the season.” He adds that chains that don’t already have an new better-for-you options in the category. “A lot of adequate selection of store brand snacks should think chains are combining better-for-you and conventional frozen snacks, apps

SNACKS, APPS & HANDHELDS and handhelds in the Q QQ same door, which Sales in supermarkets, drugstores, mass merchants, military commissaries and select club and dollar is great because stores combined for the 12 weeks ended June 16, according to IRI (iriworldwide.com), the Chicago- based market research fi rm. Percent change is versus the same period a year ago. consumers can fi nd all of their options in CATEGORY $ SALES % CHG UNIT SALES % CHG VOLUME % CHG one place,” says Fen- FZ HNDLD ENTRS (NON-BRKFST) $592,937,319 1.5 158,028,528 (1.6) 177,400,670 (0.7) nell. “We’re really Hot Pockets $155,241,508 3.4 39,444,215 3.1 46,496,984 3.7 excited about the Smucker’s Uncrustables $71,066,444 12.3 12,830,246 6.1 13,256,893 10.1 increased visibility.” El Monterey $67,106,148 (1.2) 20,602,034 (7.0) 34,948,887 (3.9) However, he adds, White Castle $44,950,595 4.7 7,354,797 4.4 9,940,292 4.5 color-coded shelf State Fair $40,875,903 1.2 6,422,811 1.1 15,157,585 1.5 tags, door decals or Private Label $25,170,694 1.0 7,507,320 (2.8) 7,817,777 (0.5) aisle signs that call Foster Farms $20,126,665 (11.7) 2,913,412 (25.2) 7,958,079 (20.6) out better-for-you José Olé $17,898,874 7.3 11,220,757 (8.3) 5,354,432 0.8 items would make Amy’s $14,508,131 (4.5) 5,040,183 (3.8) 1,856,226 (4.1) shopping easier for Lean Pockets $11,692,376 (15.8) 5,190,927 (13.7) 3,162,829 (15.3) consumers — and FZ APPS/SNACK ROLLS $433,109,773 1.7 94,092,426 (0.9) 127,982,718 1.0 help explain slightly APPS/SNACK ROLLS $412,229,627 2.1 87,549,289 (0.2) 119,138,632 1.6 higher price tags. Totino’s Pizza Rolls $127,995,217 1.6 27,062,450 (1.8) 49,844,841 1.7 Another option Private Label $41,659,726 12.4 9,271,928 19.8 11,298,605 15.1 would be to place Bites $34,817,585 0.1 7,770,090 (3.8) 7,638,222 (1.2) better-for-you items Delimex $31,305,016 (0.2) 4,962,702 1.9 9,303,233 (0.4) in every category Farm Rich $31,287,951 18.2 5,010,398 18.3 8,440,340 18.7 on the same shelf or José Olé $14,120,371 (3.8) 2,605,639 (6.0) 3,775,050 (4.6) shelves so consumers T.G.I. Friday’s $13,938,904 17.2 3,062,471 22.3 2,762,449 18.6 always know where El Monterey $13,788,055 (1.0) 2,073,768 (6.9) 3,105,001 (4.7) to look, says Peters of Tai Pei $11,391,569 6.2 2,088,397 4.3 3,494,143 2.9 Farmwise. Q Foster Farms $8,830,250 (5.5) 1,350,841 (14.8) 2,370,029 (15.2) PRETZELS $14,799,837 (5.5) 4,279,916 (14.8) 5,440,041 (8.3) BREADED VEGETABLES $6,080,309 (2.9) 2,263,220 2.0 3,404,045 (2.7)

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