Milling & Baking News - August 30, 2016 - 44

Merchandising X

Deep Fried Twinkies introduced
at Wal-Mart stores nationwide
BENTONVILLE, ARK. - Hostess
Deep
Fried
Twinkies
were
introduced in 4,000 Wal-Mart stores
nationwide in late August. Available
in original golden and chocolate,
the frozen, ready-to-heat treats were
developed in collaboration with
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., said John
Pearson, senior buyer for frozen
foods at Wal-Mart U.S.
"When I started as a buyer for
frozen snacks at Wal-Mart a few
years back, I knew there was a
desire to push the envelope on the
products we offer," Mr. Pearson
wrote on a corporate blog. "Part of
the way we do that is by working
with
our
suppliers,
helping
them further refine items they're
testing so we can bring them to
market.
"So when I heard rumblings
that Hostess was considering a
deep-fried Twinkie, I was
intrigued. Not only was
it something different for
the frozen aisle - it filled
a need, too, as we were
looking to add more dessert
choices to our mostly savory
assortment."
A state-fair inspired dessert
Wal-Mart
met
with
Hostess Brands to discuss
the potential of the state fairinspired dessert, which aligns
with Wal-Mart's philosophy
of making shopping fun and
exciting, Mr. Pearson said.
"I talked about the way this
product appeals to everyone:
from the boomers who have fond
memories of Twinkies as children, to

millennials craving a cool midnight
snack," he added.
Wal-Mart worked with Hostess
to improve the taste, appearance,
packaging and naming based on
tests and consumer insights, he said.
"Eventually, we got to the
delicious final version now arriving

'This product appeals
to everyone: from the
boomers who have fond
memories of Twinkies as
children, to millennials
craving a cool midnight
snack.'
- John Pearson, Wal-Mart U.S.

in our stores," Mr. Pearson said.
"And thanks to Wal-Mart, Hostess
is growing by entering the frozen
food aisle for the first time ever."
The Deep Fried Twinkies, which
are covered in a funnel cake-like

McKee initiative supports outdoor
spaces in Chicago metropolitan area
COLLEGEDALE, TENN. - Snack
cake baker McKee Foods Corp. has
partnered with The Trust for Public Land in support of The 606 - a
park and trail system featuring a
trail set above city streets known as
the Bloomingdale Trail and several
neighborhood-based access parks in
Chicago. At 2.7-miles long, The 606
is the longest elevated rails-trails
conversion in the United States.
"Our goal is to create new green
44 / August 30, 2016 XMilling & Baking News

spaces and refurbish smaller community spaces that can significantly
contribute to the overall happiness
of residents in cities and towns nationwide," said Chris McKee, executive vice-president of marketing
and sales at McKee Foods. "The 606
is a perfect example of our commitment to the city of Chicago."
The 606 connects four Northwest
side Chicago communities, providing green space, places for children

batter and feature a creamy filling,
may be prepared in an oven, toaster
or deep fryer. The products will
be available for a limited time
exclusively at Wal-Mart.
This isn't the first time WalMart has collaborated with a
supplier to develop exclusive
products. Last year the retailer
introduced Peeps Mystery Chicks
flavored marshmallows as part of a
partnership with Just Born Quality
Confections. Melody Phan Rich,
senior buyer for seasonal candy
at Wal-Mart, said her team tasted
a lot of interesting flavors, even
considering a maple bacon variety,
as part of the development process.
"Collaboration is a key ingredient
in not only candy, but the buying
process in categories across our
stores," she said. "The best part is
discussing those with our suppliers
and combining our shared
expertise toward the best
solution for customers."
A new frontier
As for Hostess, the Deep
Fried Twinkies represent a
new frontier in the midst
of
expansion
through
innovation and strategic
acquisitions, said William
D. Toler, president and chief
executive officer of Hostess
Brands L.L.C., during a July
5 conference call. He said
the treats will be available
in a broader grocery format later
this year.
"We've also got plans to expand
into food service starting later
this quarter, and we're continuing
to expand in our international
business, again because of our
model, our code and our brands,"
Mr. Toler said. MBN
to play and a transportation corridor for runners, cyclists, walkers
and others. Benches along the path
allow for resting and enjoying the
views, McKee Foods said.
McKee Foods has committed to
donate more than $1 million over
the next five years in an initiative
called OH! - the Outdoor Happiness movement. The OH! movement
represents a long-standing tradition
in the McKee family in that since
2009, it has given more than $2.8
million to support the creation and
preservation of parks, greenways
and other outdoor spaces. MBN
bakingbusiness.com / world-grain.com

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Milling & Baking News - August 30, 2016

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