Snack World - May 2013 - (Page 33)

commuter stations and farmers’ markets as well as demo programs at retail store locations. MEETING ALL NUTRITIONAL NEEDS MAX with TriBuild Protein Blend crafted with 30 g protein to support muscle growing following tough workouts. Ms. Ferguson predicted bar category growth will continue to escalate at an even faster rate. “Opportunities are strong for bars and snacks that deliver a combination of nutrition, convenience and great taste,” she explained. “Consumer interest is only increasing around health and fitness, organic ingredients and essential nutrients such as whole grain, fiber and protein. Products that meet the needs of today’s consumers will continue to drive growth in their categories.” Meanwhile, Ronkonkoma, NY-based Balance Bar’s product portfolio includes five lines — Original, Gold, Dark, Bare and Mini. All 21 flavors are based on the company’s 40/30/30 nutrition model, a formula developed by scientists to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Specifically, the model represents the caloric ratio the body needs to enjoy lasting balanced energy and satisfy hunger for longer; 40% of total calories from carbs, 30% from quality protein and 30% from dietary fat, according to Erin Lifeso, director of marketing, Balance Bar. A TRIPLE THREAT According to Ms. Lifeso, Balance Bar Dark is the first energy nutrition bar line on the market to bear the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal, letting consumers know that the cocoa beans are grown on sustainable managed farms. The gluten-free line comes in three dark chocolate coatings. “In this line alone, you’re seeing our response to three big trends — sophisticated tastes (dark chocolate), gluten-free and eco-friendly,” she said. With so many offerings, shelf space in supermarkets and drug stores can get quite crowded. “There are a lot of competing products in the nutrition and energy space,” Ms, Lifeso explained, “so you want your products to stand out and grab the consumers’ attention as they shop the shelf. But consumers prioritize taste above all, so we always challenge ourselves to create the best-tasting bar that delivers lasting energy.” To reach consumers directly, Balance Bar developed a robust sampling schedule at ski resorts, bike and road races, Denver-based Atkins Nutritionals draws on seasonal flavors and dessert inspirations when developing new flavors for its bars. “We are meeting the trends by creating products that meet our consumers’ nutritional needs and wants — high in protein and fiber, no added sugar and low in net carbohydrates, supplemented with key vitamins and minerals,” a company spokesperson said. “Our bar products are also conveniently packaged as single-serve items. From a flavor standpoint, we spend a lot of R&D efforts on taste while considering top flavor trends and the use of whole ingredients such as nuts and fruit.” And major player PowerBar, owned by Nestle, Glendale, CA, also stays on track by providing fuel for athletes. The company’s website says the products were created for athletes, by athletes, and that its products are backed by decades of leading-edge sports nutrition science. The company is the originator of the first energy bar used by endurance athletes. DEBUT IN THE DAIRY AISLE Also cutting edge in bars are Kraft Milkbite & Granola Bars, which hit the daisy aisles in stores in February. According to Mondelēz International, Deerfield, IL, the bars taste like oatmeal and contain the calcium equivalent to an 8-oz glass of milk. “With Milkbite, we saw an opportunity to change the status quo and introduce milk into snacking in a whole new way,” said Michelle Lorge, senior brand manager, Kraft Milkbite. “By combining real milk and other wholesome ingredients, we designed Milkbite to help satisfy the demand for snack options that are better for you and also taste great.” In other new product news, General Mills, Minneapolis, in a March conference call reported solid results for its recently launched Fiber One Protein Bars. Moreover, Information Resources Inc. named the company’s Nature Valley Protein Bars among its Top 10 New Product Pacesetters for 2012 with $95.7 million in annual sales. Odwalla, Half Moon Bay, CA, launched whole grain bars for children that come in chocolate chip, strawberry and banana flavors and contain 3 g fiber. In a competitive environment, there are always new players to challenge the leaders. However, the toughest competitors in this market realize that the race is more of a marathon based on long-term trends than a sprint founded on fads. — Susan Malovany www.sfa.org May 2013 Snack World 33 http://www.sfa.org

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Snack World - May 2013