Snac World - May 2017 - 50

Driven by
Relationships, Innovation
BY KERRY LYNCH

n 1978, Bill Mann and Bill Huggins started making pretzels in Bluffton, IN, with just one 50-ft
oven and a few employees. Over time, that business grew by remaining focused on their customer's
needs, innovation and family values. Today, Pretzels,
Inc., is the largest independently owned pretzel
manufacturer in North America.
The company remains dedicated to top-notch
customer service. Pretzels, Inc., often conducts research and development for new products based on
input from their consumers. Known for the great relationships it builds with its suppliers, Pretzels, Inc.,
has flexibility with deadlines, packaging changes
and design.
"The customer is always first, and it's important not
to ignore the trends like portion packs and varieties
of packaging," said Scott Green, vice-president of sales
and marketing. "It is important to think outside of the
box. Snacks are not just salty anymore but also can
include meat, cheese and vegetable components."
As the name suggests, the company prides itself
on offering quality pretzels in 50 shapes and 20
sizes. However, the product line has expanded to
include cheese balls, corn puffs and now filled items
including popular peanut butter-filled pretzels. The
company uses quality ingredients such as real honey
and cheese for its products. It delivers more than 900
varieties of products with flavors such as butter and
honey mustard, as well as savory mixes and custom
orders for any occasion.

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"Anything that you think of we can make a pretzel
out of it, from twists to snowflakes," Mr. Green said.
"There is a growing demand for peanut butter-filled
pretzels and other specialty pretzel items, and we are
pleased to satisfy those consumer desires."
Innovation has always been a cornerstone value
for the Pretzels, Inc. Its original plant uses high-speed
mixers that can handle 550-lb dough batches in 60
seconds, and the delivery system can load, mix and
discharge in four minutes. All products undergo
multiple checks and are constantly monitored by lab
analysis that tests color, moisture, salt and pH levels.
Pretzels, Inc., outgrew its original location and in
1980 moved to a larger facility where they are located
today. This operation hosts a 206,000-sq-ft facility with
nine pretzel ovens and two extruder lines. The company opened a new 45,000-sq-ft bakery in March 2017
in neighboring Plymouth, IN. The new facility currently
has one baking line with the ability to add more.
"We are extremely excited to see the latest technology in the industry being used in Plymouth and we
are confident the product quality will be outstanding," said Steve Huggins, co-owner.
Pretzels, Inc., offers its customers a variety of
products for both private label and retail under
the Harvest Road brand. The private label line has
seen a recent boost as studies show four out of five
consumers are actively seeking value to address the
economic squeeze experienced in today's economy.
Pretzels, Inc., fulfills this need by manufacturing a

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snac World - May 2017