Convenience Retailer

Product of the day—Goody Good Stuff Gummy Candy

Goody Good Stuff offers the highest quality blend of ingredients including natural fruit juices and extracts. Their gummy candies are vegetarian, fat-free, meat-free, dairy-free, nut-free and Halal and Kosher certified. And now, for the first time, Goody Good Stuff all-natural gummy candy is available for purchase in the United States, available at 7-Eleven® stores nationwide. Goody Good Stuff is available in a variety of delicious flavors, including Strawberry Cream, Cheery Cherries, Tropical Fruit, Koala Gummy Bears, Cola Breeze, Summer Peaches, Sour Mix & Match and Sour Fruit Salad. Not just for those with a sweet tooth, Goody Good Stuff gummies are a great high-energy food for long distance endurance events. “We’re excited for this partnership with 7-Eleven, which not only gives us the opportunity to create more awareness of our line, but introduces a delicious vegetarian and vegan candy to fellow Americans,” said Melissa Burton, Managing Director for Goody Good Stuff. Vegetarians, vegans and those with a sweet tooth who would like more information on Goody Good Stuff should visit the company’s website.

Goody Good Stuff
www.goodygoodstuff.com

New product of the day—Fratello Hazelnut Liqueur

A. Hardy USA, Ltd. recently announced the release of the latest item in their line of premium nut-based liqueurs, Fratello Hazelnut Liqueur. Manufactured in Italy, Fratello is created from toasted Piemonte hazelnuts infused with cocoa, vanilla berries and elderflowers. In addition, pure acacia honey is blended in to help create the liqueur’s rich amber color. Fratello may be enjoyed by itself as an after dinner drink, or it can be mixed in cocktails. “Fratello is a contemporary hazelnut liqueur that is ideal for people who are unfamiliar with nut-based liqueurs. Many consumers, especially the younger generation, have never been introduced to these types of liqueurs and don’t know how wonderful they truly are,” said A. Hardy USA President Mark Levinson. “I personally enjoy Fratello mixed with Rum Chata. The flavors really complement each other. It’s the perfect ending to a delicious meal.” Fratello Hazelnut Liqueur is available nationwide in 750 ml bottles, sold at an average retail price of $23.99.

A. Hardy USA
847.298.2358
www.ahardyusa.com

Product of the day—Perky Jerky

Perky Jerky is a line of unique all-natural, ultra-premium jerky that is designed to power you through your day. Perky Jerky’s seven-ingredient marinade includes guarana, an Amazonian berry commonly found in energy drinks. The marinade helps make Perky Jerky The Action Packed Snack™. The product is great for a quick pre-workout boost, a pick-me-up for busy moms on-the-go or a snack to chow down on while enjoying a mountain hike. Perky Jerky is currently available in both Beef and Turkey varieties, and is sold in 1-oz., 2.2-oz. and big, resealable 5-oz. packages. Functional, satisfying and portable, Perky Jerky is the perfect fuel to help you do whatever it is that you do. “Our mission is to make Perky Jerky available anywhere and everywhere snacks and energy drinks are sold,” said Brian Levin, developer of Perky Jerky. “We won’t rest until we’ve achieved it, and given that we are rabid Perky Jerky fans ourselves, I don’t see us resting any time soon.”

Perky Jerky
www.perkyjerky.com

New product of the day—Hersheys Rainforest Alliance Certified Bliss Chocolates

The Hershey Company is making the candy aisle a little sweeter with the launch of Hershey’s Bliss® chocolates made with 100 percent Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa. The rollout of certified Hershey’s Bliss chocolates builds on The Hershey Company’s programs in West Africa to increase the income and livelihoods of the region’s two million cocoa farmers.

Last January, Hershey first announced it would make all of its popular Hershey’s Bliss milk, dark and white chocolates from Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa. Certified cocoa is sourced from farms that have met comprehensive sustainability standards that strive to protect the environment and the safety and well being of workers, their families and communities.

Coordinating with ongoing industry and government sustainability initiatives, the Rainforest Alliance certification process utilizes independent inspectors to monitor and audit the labor and farming practices on farms supplying certified beans used to make Hershey products. Hershey and the Rainforest Alliance also collaborate to provide cocoa farmers with training to help them improve farming practices, increase farmer income, Improve labor practices, increase school attendance and address global climate change.

“Hershey’s Bliss chocolates have always been about using distinct, high-quality ingredients to craft rich chocolate with an exceptional creaminess. Now consumers can enjoy the smooth taste of Hershey’s Bliss chocolates and know that they are helping to protect the environment and supporting safe and healthy conditions for family cocoa farmers,” said Kristin Harper, Director for Hershey’s Kisses® and Bliss Brands. “We listened to consumers and responded by giving them an easy and delicious way to enjoy 100 percent certified chocolate.”

Hershey’s Bliss chocolates are available at more than 35,000 retail outlets across the United States. The certified products began rolling out last fall and are continuing to arrive at retailers across the country. Consumers can identify certified Hershey’s Bliss products by the distinctive Rainforest Alliance green frog seal on the exterior bag packaging. Bliss brand chocolates are available in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate meltaway, dark chocolate with caramel and crème de menthe meltaway varieties.

In October, Hershey announced its 2020 cocoa certification commitment, a substantial commitment to addressing long-term cocoa sustainability issues in the cocoa supply chain. Hershey will source 100 percent certified cocoa for all of its chocolate product lines around the world by 2020 and accelerate its sustainability programs in Ghana and the Ivory Coast.
Hershey regularly updates its progress on these programs through its Corporate Social Responsibility reporting. More information about Hershey’s cocoa sustainability efforts is available at www.hersheycocoasustainability.com.

The Hershey Company is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. With revenues of more than $6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including iconic brands Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. For more information on the company and its brands, visit www.hersheys.com.

New product of the day—Popcorn, Indiana Fit

Popcorn, Indiana®, innovator of all-natural popcorn snacks, recently announced the debut of Popcorn, Indiana Fit™, a new line of better-for-you popcorn now available nationwide. Boasting amazing taste and crispy crunch, but less than 40 calories per serving and with just 2 g of fat per cup, Fit is ideal for those who are looking to snack smarter but who do not want to sacrifice on flavor. Popcorn, Indiana’s chefs, masters in the art of creating delicious high-quality snacks, crafted Fit in four mouthwatering flavors: sea salt, parmesan & herb, extra virgin olive oil and onion dijon. Two of the flavors, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt, will carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. As with all Popcorn, Indiana products, Fit contains whole grains, is certified gluten free by the GFCO and is free of artificial flavoring and preservatives. “With this new line, snackers can have it all,” said Hitesh Hajarnavis, President and CEO of Popcorn, Indiana. “With every delectable bite, Fit features a fresh and savory taste that puts the fun back into guilt-free snacking. There is no need to make any compromises.”

Popcorn, Indiana
800.707.4444
www.popcornindiana.com

Product of the day—Energy-X Gum

Energy-X Gum is an increasingly popular new product that offers consumers an alternative to energy drinks. The problem with energy drinks is that they are extremely high in sugar and calories. Energy-X Gum is sugar-free and packed with 55 mg of caffeine as well as B vitamins. The product is designed to help perk a person up while providing a burst of freshness in each piece. Both the spearmint and peppermint flavors have a much fresher and milder taste than strong tasting energy drinks and shots. A much safer and more flavorful alternative for people who need a pick me up at some point during the day, consumers of Energy-X Gum get the immediate burst of energy that they need. And they get it from one piece of gum rather than an entire energy drink. Plus, those who chew Energy-X Gum do not experience the crash that so often goes hand in hand with energy drinks.

Energy-X
818.998.0996
www.goenergy-x.com

New product of the day—Minute Maid Reduced-Calorie Juice Drinks

Minute Maid® has once again proven it knows how to deliver great-tasting, reduced-calorie refreshment, releasing four new light juice drinks earlier this year. Minute Maid Pure Squeezed Light No Pulp Orange Juice Beverage is never from concentrate and features just 50 calories per 8-oz. serving—50 percent less sugar and calories than regular orange juice. Minute Maid Light Raspberry Fruit Drink with Tea and Light Peach Fruit Drink with Tea are fun, new ways for people to enjoy the goodness of Minute Maid with a tasty splash of tea, each boasting just 15 calories per 8-oz. glass. And new Chilled Light Mango Passion Fruit Drink is packed with the exotic and delicious taste of mango and passionfruit so people can enjoy the flavors of the tropics. It also has just 15 calories per serving. All of the new Minute Maid reduced-calorie products are packaged in clear, recyclable 59-oz. bottles, allowing people to see the goodness inside. The four new products can be found in the chilled sections of grocery and convenience stores across the United States.

The Coca Cola Company
800.438.2653
www.minutemaid.com

New product of the day—Land O’Lakes Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt

Iconic butter brand Land O’Lakes recently announced that its Land O’Lakes Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt was awarded a 2013 Better Homes and Gardens Best New Product Award in the butter category. Many consumers use olive oil and sea salt in their everyday cooking, often combining the ingredients with the rich flavor of butter. Land O’Lakes Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt conveniently works in place of other oils or cooking agents, while enriching the flavor of your favorite recipes. Land O’Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt is part of the Land O’Lakes exclusive “Half Stick” line. It is one of three products available in premeasured, easy-to-use half sticks, individually-wrapped to keep the butter tasting fresher, longer. “Land O’Lakes Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt is a great way to enhance the flavor of many dishes,” said Heather Anfang, Director of Marketing at Land O’Lakes. “We’re pleased that consumers enjoy the flavor of the new butter, and that they find the Half Sticks convenient for everyday cooking.”

Land O’Lakes
800.328.9680
www.landolakesinc.com

New product of the day—KWV African Passion Wines

A new South African wine sold in the United States will raise funds to support human rights and social justice in Africa. African Passion wines, made in the KWV Cellar of Paarl in the heart of the Cape wineland, are fruit-forward and balanced by soft maturation characteristics. The seven varietals include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, moscato, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and chenin blanc, as well as a cabernet merlot blend. KWV, a pioneer in the South African wine industry, is contributing 10 percent of all sales to the TransAfrica Forum. Based in Washington, D.C., TransAfrica promotes diversity and equity in foreign policy and justice for the African world. “Our involvement with African Passion wine has been a blessing for our organization,” said Nicole Lee, President of TransAfrica Forum. “In addition to the ongoing support from the brand, the partnership allows us to spread awareness towards our overall mission of promoting diversity, equity and justice for the African world.”

KWV
www.africanpassionwines.com

New product of the day—Sutter Home Family Vineyards Pink Pinot Grigio and Red Moscato

The new Sutter Home Pink Pinot Grigio, very similar to an off-dry rosè, is made from grapes carefully selected from California’s premium pinot grigio producing vineyards. On the palate, strawberries and white peach balance well with the pink pinot grigio’s crisp acidity, creating a refreshing, off-dry finish. Sutter Home Red Moscato is the perfect harmony of California Moscato and Merlot. The Red Moscato is rich with strawberry and cherry aromas and lingering sweet berry fruit and rose notes on the palate. Both Sutter Home Red Moscato and Pink Pinot Grigio can be found nationally at a number of select retail chains. Sutter Home Family Vineyards is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa Valley vintners since 1948. The company produces more than 28 brands including Sutter Home, Trinchero Napa Valley, Main Street, Napa Cellars, Terra d’Oro, Montevina, Trinity Oaks, Folie à Deux, Ménage à Trois, and the number one alcohol-removed wine, Fre.

Sutter Home Family Vineyards
800.967.4663
www.sutterhomes.com