Snack World - May 2016 - (Page 25)

Delivering on Innovation T he other salted snacks category tends to be a place where innovation reigns and better-foryou is the order of the day. Snack manufacturers are giving consumers what they want, and the category enjoyed 6.2% growth with $3 billion in dollar sales, according to IRI data for the 52 weeks ending February 21, 2016. Consumers continue to push for more protein, even in their snack foods, but they are looking for alternative sources and more plant-based ingredients, which are perceived as healthier. As a result, trends in using alternative "pulse" proteins such as lentils, chickpeas and green peas are growing, especially with the United Nations proclaiming 2016 as "International Year of Pulses" to help raise awareness of health benefits when used as a food ingredient. Jumping on this emerging trend, Snak King, City of Industry, CA, added an extruded green pea-based snack, Veggibles Baked Lentil and Green Pea Sticks, to The Whole Earth line that has been well-received in retail stores. "We are seeing a solid growth in healthier items," said Joe Papiri, vice-president, sales and marketing. "We introduced varieties of extruded snacks made from pulses to capitalize on this expanding segment." Likewise, Inventure Foods, Phoenix, offers Boulder Canyon Protein Crisps, which are non-GMO snacks packing 10 g lentil- and pea-based protein per serving. They are available in savory and sweet flavors, Asiago Cheese and Chocolate, and the company is looking to add new flavors later this year. Clean-label products continue to be significant drivers as consumers try to steer clear of overly processed foods and demand transparency, according to Innova Market Insights' Top Ten Trends for 2016. Manufacturers are now including ingredients that are natural, organic, non-GMO verified and minimally processed. Snak King also continues to expand organic and clean-label offerings like its tri-colored organic veggie tortilla chips. "We see the organic trend continuing to expand," Mr. Papiri said. "There are growth opportunities for products that have great taste and also have some healthy attributes." Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Hyde Park, NY, is one of the largest US natural and organic snack food companies. Its Sensible Portions snacks offer a blend of non-GMO ingredients derived from potatoes and other vegetables without artificial flavors and preservatives. Most Sensible Portions snack products are gluten-free. New products for the brand include Sensible Portions stackable Garden Veggie Chips Potato Crisps. "Snacking has expanded significantly, and increasingly consumers are looking for natural, organic and wholesome, better-for-you options," said Brett Hartmann, category manager snacks & grains, Hain Celestial Group. "Our Sensible Portions brand is a snack that parents can feel good about sharing with their family and friends." The company's Garden Veggie Straws grew 48.7% with dollar sales totaling $70 million, according to IRI's report. Brands from Inventure Foods meet consumer preference for both healthier options and indulgence. The company also added baked and extruded Sweet Potato Fries to its Boulder Canyon line. They are made with real sweet potatoes and topped off with just a hint of salt. "Boulder Canyon is positioned for the better-for-you, clean ingredient, gluten-free, non-GMO consumer," said Steven Sklar, senior vice-president, general manager, snack division, Inventure Foods. "However, within our indulgent brands, many of our products are baked, and all are gluten-free, Kosher and made with no trans fat." Inventure Foods' brands like TGI Friday's, Nathan's and Vidalia are more indulgent and come in many flavors. Last year, the company added Zesty Ranch to its Vidalia Onion Petals line and will introduce Sour Cream & Onion this year. It also expanded its popular TGI Friday's licensed snack line with the introduction of Sweet Potato Skins, which join the existing Friday's line of Potato Skins Snacks that includes Cheddar & Bacon, Cheddar & Sour Cream, Jalapeño & Cheddar, Sour Cream & Onion, Chili Cheese and Bacon Ranch varieties. Snak King is launching a peanut butter coated corn puff, Nut Butter Puffs, as part of The Whole Earth brand. The snack also has peanut butter baked into the product, making its weight 50% peanut butter. "This item capitalizes on the growth in the nut category coupled with the rage for products with higher protein totals," Mr. Papiri said. Alternative snacks have been around for some time, and about 10 years ago, Snak King brought early innovation to the game by introducing its Guacachip, which layered guacamole into a sheeted tortilla chip. It became a precursor to processing techniques like exwww.sfa.org May 2016 Snack World 25 http://www.sfa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snack World - May 2016

Snack World - May 2016
Table of Contents
LETTER FROM SNAC INTERNATIONAL - SNAC International is Indispensable
NEWS - New SNAC International name recognizes evolving industry
SUPPLIER INSIGHT - Networking Is Key
2016 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT - At Front and Center Stage
Kudos to the Cast
Indulge and Excite
Maximizing Health, Innovating Style
Delivering on Innovation
Healthy Halo, Devilishly Delicous
Healthy Versatility
Flavor Innovation Going Nuts
The Cheese Alternative
Gone Gourmet
Flaming Hot, Protein-Packed
The Skinny on Popcorn
Keep it Fresh
BUSINESS MEMBER PROFILE - Innovation, New Ventures Continue
ASSOCIATE MEMBER PROFILE - Flexible to the Core
CHAIRMAN PROFILE - New Logo, New Leadership
SNAXPO - Staying Ahead of the Game
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
AD INDEX

Snack World - May 2016